Thanks to an abundance of trees and greenery, Washington state is fondly known as The Evergreen State. True to its name, camping in Washington state means there are scenic options for your camping adventures at every turn.
It’s no wonder that Washington is one of the most popular camping destinations in the pacific northwest! However, the abundance of Washington state campgrounds means that the options can be a bit overwhelming. When considering choosing a Washington state park, here are some of the questions you might need to ask yourself to narrow it down:
Can you camp anywhere in Washington state?
Dispersed camping is a draw to those who want the truly rugged Washington state parks camping experience. As an added bonus, this is an easy way to take advantage of free camping in Washington state.
Dispersed camping is allowed in certain public lands and some Washington National Forests throughout the state. It’s not allowed in any developed recreation areas, including picnic sites and trailheads.
How many national parks in Washington State?
In addition to numerous state parks, there are three Washington national parks campers can choose from:
- North Cascades National Park - Spanning more than 500,000 acres, this breathtaking Washington national park is filled with forests, lakes, and its scenic mountain range namesake for campers to explore.
- Mount Rainier National Park - This is the spot most people think of when imagining camping in Washington state. Campers can take advantage of hiking dozens of scenic trails, multiple campgrounds, and wilderness camping.
- Olympic National Park - Located on the Olympic Peninsula, this national park has three campsites here that accept reservations. One of those is the popular Kalaloch campground. Additional campsites are available without a reservation.
The Evergreen State also offers dozens of state parks for camping as well as five national forests.
What are some of the best Washington State Parks?
If you are bringing an RV on your Washington state camping trip, you’ll want to ensure the campgrounds are fully equipped for it. Some of the top Washington state parks for RV camping include:
- Millersylvania State Park
- Camano Island State Park
- Lake Chelan State Park
- Wenatchee Confluence State Park
How far in advance can you book Washington State Parks?
Not every state park campground campsite accepts reservations. In addition, each campsite may set its own rules. In general, it’s highly recommended to take advantage of a Washington state parks reservation when you can. The campsites throughout the state are popular and can book months in advance.
Where can you snow camp in Washington?
If you are looking for fewer crowds and more scenic views, try snow camping. You’ll have several options to choose from in the state including both national and state parks.
As the most glaciated point in the continental United States, Mount Rainier is a popular snow camp destination. Additionally, the North Cascade area is nicknamed the “North American Alps”, offering plenty of snow camp experiences.
Bridgeport and Cape Disappointment are two Washington state parks that also offer year-round camping with plenty of opportunities to trek into the snow.
Wherever you go when camping in Washington state, you’ll be sure to enjoy the scenic outdoors in the Evergreen State.
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