Camp Every County, Washington

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Campworthy Campgrounds by Category

campgrounds with ADIRONDACK SHELTERS

These are wooden 3-sided shelters with bunkbeds, most of which are located in Group Camps. Sleeping in these can seem like summer camp when you were a kid.

(below, Scenic Beach S.P., Kanasket-Palmer S.P. Group Camp)

 

 

  1. Battle Ground Lake S.P. Group Camp G-1 - Clark Co.
  2. Beacon Rock S.P. Group Camp - Skamania Co.
  3. Bedal CG - Snohomish Co.
  4. Cranberry Lake C.G. at Deception Pass S.P. - Island Co.
  5. Kanasket-Palmer S.P. Group Camp - King Co.
  6. Moran S.P. (in primitive campground) - San Juan Co.

  7. Scenic Beach S.P. Group Camp - Kitsap Co.

  8. Seaquest S.P. Group Camp - Cowlitz Co.

  9. Rasar S.P.  (in walk-in sites) - Skagit Co.

  10. Spencer Spit S.P Group Camp and Walk-In Site - San Juan Co.

best campgrounds for BERRY PICKING (top 10)

Berries were such a staple of the native peoples that it seems only fitting that is be part of the camping experience. We will gladly eat a blackberry pie in the outdoors to show respect to those who went before us. It's the least we can do.

(below: Aldrich Lake CG, Tucquala Meadows CG)


  1. Aldrich Lake CG ( blackberries) - Mason Co.
  2. Bird Creek CG (huckleberries) - Yakima Co.
  3. Bald Knob CG at Mt. Spokane S.P. (huckleberries) - Spokane Co.
  4. Big Meadow Lake CG (huckleberries) - Pend Oreille Co.
  5. Cold Creek Camp (huckleberries) - Clark Co.
  6. Fields Spring S.P. (huckleberries) - Asotin Co.
  7. Forlorn Lakes CG (huckleberries) - Skamania Co.
  8. Iron Creek CG (huckleberries) - Lewis Co.
  9. Manchester S.P. (blackberries) - Kitsap Co.
  10. Tucquala Meadows/Fish Lake CG (huckleberries) - Kittitas Co.

best campgrounds for BIRD WATCHING (Top 10)

Birds are often the first sound you hear in the morning, and the last sound you hear before dropping off to sleep. They are the heart of the wildlife in your camping area, and deserve a look see.

(below: Riverbend CG, Lyle Lake CG)


  1. Belfair S.P. - Mason Co.
  2. Conconully S.P. - Okanogan Co.
  3. Lyle Lake/Seep Lakes - Adams Co.
  4. Jarrell Cove S.P. - Mason Co.
  5. Kalaloch CG, ONP - Jefferson Co.
  6. Potholes S.P. - Grant Co.
  7. Rasar S.P. - Skagit Co.
  8. Riverbend CG (Nisqually Wildlife Refuge) - Thurston Co.
  9. Steamboat Rock S.P. (Northrup Canyon) - Grant Co.
  10. Wenatchee Confluence S.P. - Chelan Co. 

campgrounds with CABINS (top 10)

Can't wait until summer to go camping? This may be your best winter option (for yurts and teepees, see below)

(below, Silver Lake Co. Park, Lincoln Rock S.P.)


  1. Battle Ground Lake S.P. - Clark Co.
  2. Boyer Marina - Whitman Co.
  3. Fields Spring S.P. (Tamarack Cabin) - Asotin Co.
  4. Ike Kinswa S.P. - Lewis Co.
  5. Kayak Point Regional park (Kayak Kottage) - Snohomish Co.
  6. Lincoln Rock S.P. - Douglas Co.
  7. Ponderosa Falls Park - Spokane Co.
  8. Potholes S.P. - Grant Co.
  9. Rasar S.P. - Skagit Co.
  10. Silver Lake County Park - Whatcom Co.

campgrounds built with the CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS (Top 10)

These campgrounds, built with the assistance of the CCC in the 1930s and early 1940s, have a vintage style marked by permanence, sturdiness, and hand hewn determination. Well of course they do -- they're still here and lookin' good!

(below: Lost Lake Group CG, CCC Statue at Bowman Bay CG)


 

  1. Bowl and Pitcher CG at Riverside S.P. - Spokane Co.
  2. Bowman Bay CG at Deception Pass S.P. - Skagit Co.
  3. Cranberry Lake CG at Deception Pass S.P. - Island Co.
  4. Lewis and Clark S.P. - Lewis Co.
  5. Lewis and Clark Trail S.P. - Columbia Co.
  6. Lost Lake Group CG - Okanogan Co.
  7. Millersylvania S.P. - Thurston Co.
  8. Cascade Lake CGs at Moran S.P. - San Juan Co.
  9. Rainbow Falls S.P. - Lewis Co.
  10. Wanapam Rec. Area/Ginkgo Petrified Forest S.P. - Kittitas Co.

campgrounds with CLAM/OYSTER HARVESTING

How about a little clam chower for your campfire supper? And in case you're doing the cooking, I prefer the Manhattan style to the New England. Thanks for asking.

(below: Fort Townsend S.P., Grayland Beach S.P.)


  1. Belfair S.P. - Mason Co.

  2. Birch Bay S.P. - Whatcom Co.

  3. Cape Disappointment S.P. - Pacific Co.

  4. Fort Townsend S.P. - Jefferson Co.
  5. Grayland Beach S.P. - Pacific Co.
  6. Kalaloch CG ONP - Jefferson Co.
  7. Ocean City S.P. - Grays Harbor Co.
  8. Penrose Point S.P. - Pierce Co.
  9. Seal Rock CG - Jefferson Co.
  10. Twin Harbors S.P. - Grays Harbor Co. 

campworthy campgrounds at COUNTY FAIRS

The old County Fairgrounds have long been the closest non-campers have come to camping, so it makes perfect sense that these make great environments to re-connect with nature. Except when the fairs are in operation, of course.

(below: Kuehne CG at Ferry County Fairgrounds, Garfield Co. Fairgrounds)


  1. Garfield Co. Fairgrounds - Garfield Co.
  2. Kuehne CG at Ferry Co. Fairgrounds - Ferry Co.
  3. San Juan Co. Fairgrounds - San Juan Co.

perfect forested campgrounds on perfect CREEKS
(Top 10)

(below: Panther Creek CG,  Tucannon CG)


We had to include this category, because these are the unsung campground heroes of Washington. They don't include snow-capped peaks, pounding ocean surf, or volcanic activity. All they offer is... perfection.
  1. Brown Creek CG - Mason Co.
  2. Cold Creek CG - Clark Co.
  3. Campbell Tree Grove CG (Humptulips River) - Grays Harbor Co.
  4.  Dow Creek RV Campground - Mason Co.
  5. Johnny Creek CG - Chelan Co.
  6. Panther Creek CG - Skamania Co.
  7. Pataha CG (Pataha Creek) - Garfield Co.
  8. Sheep Creek CG - Stevens Co.
  9. Silver Falls CG (Entiat River/Silver Creek) - Chelan Co.
  10. Tucannon CG - (Tucannon River) - Columbia Co.

campworthy campgrounds with great FISHING (top 10)

Fishing and camping have always been the perfect partner. Fishing doesn't have to overshadow camping, and good camping doesn't have to mean poor fishing. Here are 10 of the best combos.

(below: Ike Kinswa S.P., Swan Lake CG)


  1. Coppermine Bottom CG - Jefferson Co.
  2. Four Seasons RV Resort and CG - Adams Co.
  3. Ike Kinswa S.P. - Lewis Co.
  4. Panorama Point CG - Whatcom Co.
  5. Pearrygin Lake S.P. - Okanogan Co.
  6. Potholes S.P. - Grant Co.
  7. Rasar S.P. - Skagit Co.
  8. Swan Lake/Long Lake/Ferry Lake CGs - Ferry Co.
  9. Tucannon CG - Columbia Co.
  10. Walupt Lake CG - Lewis Co.

Top 10 best campgrounds near GHOST TOWNING

Visiting these ghost towns allows you to see Washington at its oldest, wildest, but also its most volatile. The ghosts have moved on, but left behind physical reminders of our past.

(below: Molson near Osoyoos Lake CG., Monte Cristo Hike-In)


  1. Conconully S.P. (Ruby) - Okanogan Co.
  2. Kanasket-Palmer S.P. (Selleck) - King Co.
  3. Kettle Falls (original town site) - Stevens Co.
  4. Lake Bonaparte (Chesaw) - Okanogan Co.
  5. Margaret McKinney (Bordeaux, Gate City) - Thurston Co.
  6. Nooksack/Boyds Creek Campsites (Excelsior Mine) - Whatcom Co.
  7. Monte Cristo Hike-In - Snohomish Co.
  8. Osoyoos Lake Veterans Memorial Park - (Old Molson, Nighthawk) Okanogan Co.
  9. Rose Creek Retreat (Altoona)- Wahkiakum Co.
  10. Swauk CG (Blewett, Liberty) - Kittitas Co.

best campgrounds for GLAMPING

We are including only glamping facilities in campgrounds already deemed campworthy by our panel of experts (meaning us). There are plenty of glamping/loding facilities out there, but these are beyond the scope of this manual).

(below: Pampered Wilderness at Millersylvania S.P., frame tents at Columbia Hills S.P.)


  1. Columbia Hills S.P. - Klickitat Co.
  2. Kayak Regional Park (yurt village) - Snohomish Co.
  3. Lakedale Resort - on San Juan Island in San Juan Co.
  4. Millersylvania S.P. - Thurston Co.
  5. Moran S.P. - on Orcas Island in San Juan Co.
  6. Rose Creek Retreat  - Wahkiakum Co.

best campgrounds near GOLD PANNING (Top 10)

You won't likely strike it rich, but gold mining in Washington fourished at one time, over-shadowed by both the California 49-Niners and the Yukon Gold Rush.There are still plenty of opportunies to get out there and share this pioneer experience.

(below: Money Creek CG, Conconully S.P.)


  1. Beckler River CG - Snohomish Co.
  2. Conconully S.P. - on the Similkameen River in Okanogan Co.
  3. Douglas Fir CG - on the Nooksack River in Whatcom Co.
  4. East Sullivan CG - on Sullivan Creek in Pend Oreille Co.
  5. Johnny Creek CG - on Icicle Creek in Chelan Co.
  6. Kanasket-Palmer S.P. - on the Green River in King Co.
  7. Money Creek CG - on the Skykomish River in King Co.
  8. Osoyoos Lake Veterans Park - Similkameen River in Okanogan Co.
  9. Silver Falls CG - on the Entiat River in Chelan Co.
  10. Sunset Falls CG - on Copper Creek and the Lewis River in Clark Co. 

campgrounds with or near HANG GLIDING

Yes, we invite people to experience Washington from the ground up. Think of this as the flip side of that.

  1. Fort Ebey S.P. - Island Co.
  2. Lake Chelan S.P. - on Chelan Butte in Chelan Co.
  3. Kamiak Butte County Park - at nearby Steptoe Butte in Whitman Co.
  4. Kanasket-Palmer S.P. - on Tiger Mountain in King Co.
  5. Larrabee S.P. - on Blanchard Mountain in Whatcom Co.
  6. Leildl South CG - Klickitat Co.
  7. Mount Spokane S.P. - Spokane Co. (verify)
  8. Taidnapam Park - on Dog Mountain in Lewis Co.

best campgrounds for HIKING

Most of the time hiking is just hiking. But whether you want to see the magnificent peaks of the North Cascades, the ghost town of Monte Cristo, or the amazing Kamiak Butte, it adds a big fat juicy cherry to your camping experience.

(see also the Hike-In Campgrounds for each County)

(below: Walupt Lake CG in the Goat Rocks,  Kamiak Butte on the Palouse)


  1. Bird Creek CG - Mt. Adams Area in Yakima Co.
  2. Colonial Creek CG, ONP - Whatcom Co.
  3. Kamiak Butte County Park - Whitman Co.
  4. Lone Fir CG - Okanogan Co.
  5. Lower Falls CG - Skamania Co.
  6. Monte Cristo Hike-In CG - Snohomish Co.
  7. Steamboat Rock S.P. - Northrup Canyon in Grant Co.
  8. Staircase CG, ONP - Mason Co.
  9. Tucquala Meadows CG - Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Kittitas Co.
  10. Walupt Lake CG - Goat Rocks Area in Lewis Co.

campgrounds steeped in HISTORY (top 10)

We all survived the boring high school history teacher, making you memorize all those names and dates without knowing what they meant. But learning history by living it, experiencing it, being entranced by it, helps you finally understand what all the fuss was about.


(below: Lewis & Clark Memorial at Cape Disappointment S.P., Corps of Discovery Memorial near Lewis & Clark Trail S.P.)


  1. Cape Disappointment S.P. - Pacific Co.
  2. Conconully S.P. - Okanogan Co.
  3. Douglas Falls Grange CG - Stevens Co.
  4. Fort Flagler S.P. - Jefferson Co.
  5. Fort Spokane CG - Lincoln Co.
  6. Kettle Falls CG - Stevens Co.
  7. Lewis and Clark Trail S.P. - Columbia Co.
  8. Salmon La Sac CG - Kittitas Co.
  9. Salt Creek Recreation Area - Clallam Co.
  10. San Juan County Park - San Juan Co.

campgrounds for HORSE OWNERS/EQUESTRIANS

There's no denying that horse people make the best camping neighbors. They are quiet, fastidious in taking care of their animals, and connected to nature. Sort of makes you want to saddle up and try it out.

(below: Margaret McKenny CG)


  1. Battle Ground Lake S.P. Group G-2 - Clark Co.
  2. Green Mountain Hike-In/Bike-In/Ride-In CG - Kitsap Co.
  3. Iron Horse S.P. Hike-In/Bike-In/Ride-In - King Co./Kittitas Co.
  4. Margaret McKenny CG - Thurston Co.
  5. Panther Creek CG - Skamania Co.
  6. Rainbow Falls S.P./Willapa Hills Trail S.P. - Lewis Co.
  7. Steamboat Rock S.P. (Northrup Canyon) - Grant Co.

campgrounds on desert ISLANDS (Top 10)

The desert island experience has always been part of the American psyche -- us against nature, isolated from society, and even from the long arm of the media. The San Juans contain over 172 named islands, while Puget Sound contains dozens more. Add the islands in Willapa Bay, the Snake and Columbia Rivers, and we have quite an assortment for all kinds of experiences (see also the Boat-In campgrounds above).

  1.  Blake Island Marine S.P. - Puget Sound in Kitsap Co.
  2.  Chief Timothy CG - Snake River in Asotin Co.
  3.  Crow Butte CG - Columbia River in Benton Co.
  4.  Crescent Bar Recreation Area - Columbia River in Grant Co.
  5.  Daroga S.P. (tent camping island) - Lake Entiat in Douglas Co.
  6.  Hope Island Marine S.P. - Puget Sound in Mason Co.
  7.  Kamloops Island - Kettle River in Ferry Co.
  8.  Long Island CGs - Willapa Bay in Pacific Co.
  9.  Jones Island Marine S.P. - on San Juan Channel in San Juan Co.
  10.  Saddlebag Island Marine S.P. - on Padilla Bay in Skagit Co.

best campgrounds for KITE FLYING

Illegal in Afghanistan, treasured by children, but long forgotten by most adults, kite flying can add a lightness to the camping experience that will make your cares disappear into thin air. 

(below: Cape Disappointment S.P., Cascade Park and CG at Moses Lake)


  1. Belfair S.P. - Mason Co.
  2. Cape Disappointment S.P. - Pacific Co.
  3. Cascade Park and CG - Grant Co.
  4. Crow Butte Park - Benton Co.
  5. Fay Bainbridge Park and CG - Kitsap Co.
  6. Garfield Co. Fairgrounds - Garfield Co.
  7. Grayland Beach S.P. - Pacific Co.
  8. Kalaloch CG, ONP - Jefferson Co.
  9. Ocean City S.P. - Grays Harbor Co.
  10. Taidnapam Park - Lewis Co.

campgrounds on (larger) natural LAKES (top 10)

(below: Lake Curlew S.P., Skokomish Park)


Camping on a large lake is quite different than small lakes and ponds. Larger lakes have an atmosphere of their own, including wakes from boats, fog, cloud formations, and much longer vistas. But these campworthy campgrounds rival the quality of their lakes, making for a great pairing.
  1. East Sullivan CG on Sullivan Lake - Pend Oreille Co.
  2. Fairholm Campground, ONP on Lake Crescent
  3. Lake Chelan S.P. - Chelan Co.
  4. Lake Curlew S.P. - Ferry Co.
  5. Lake Wenatchee S.P. - Chelan Co.
  6. Liberty Lake Regional Park - Spokane Co.
  7. Merrill Lake CG - Cowlitz Co.
  8. Mowich Lake CG, MRNP - Pierce Co.
  9. Skokomish Park on Lake Cushman - Mason Co.
  10. Walupt Lake CG - Lewis Co.  

campgrounds on (smaller) natural LAKES (top 10)

Smaller lakes may lack the impressive shorelines and vistas of the larger lakes, but what they offer is a cozy, safer, and quieter option where the boats are usually human powered, and the swimming far more inviting for children and adults alike.

(below:   Bonaparte Lake, Takhlakh Lake)


  1. Battle Ground Lake S.P. - Clark Co.
  2. Bird Lake CG - Yakima Co.
  3. Bonaparte Lake CG - Okanogan Co.
  4. Forlorn Lakes CG - Skamania Co.
  5. Lake Pearrygin S.P. - Okanogan Co.
  6. Millersylvania S.P. (Lost Lake) - Thurston Co.
  7. Moran S.P. (Cascade Lake) - San Juan Co.
  8. Owhi CG - Kittitas Co.
  9. Swan Lake CG - Ferry Co.
  10. Takhlakh Lake CG - Skamania Co.

campgrounds on (reservoirs/artificial) LAKES (top 10)

Reservoirs are popular, but they differ from natural lakes in that their lakeshores have not had time to "season." Often, the native vegetation was destroyed by the rising waters, leave the shore barren and often with a drop-off. Ecologists are scrambling to restore the natural flora. Natural lakes often take hundreds of years to properly "season." Hopefully, with the right interventions, we won't have to wait that long.

(below: Coho CG on Lake Wynoochee, Lake Easton S.P.)


  1. Coho CG (Wynoochee Lake/River) - Grays Harbor Co.
  2. Colonial Creek CG, NCNP (Lake Diablo/Skagit River) - Whatcom Co.
  3. Cresap Park (Lake Merwyn/Lewis River) - Cowlitz Co.
  4. Ike Kinswa S.P. (Mayfield Lake/Cowlitz & Tilton Rivers) - Lewis Co.
  5. Lake Easton S.P.(formed from the Yakima River) - Kittitas Co.
  6. Lincoln Rock S.P. (Lake Entiat/Columbia River) - Douglas Co.
  7. Potholes S.P. (formed from Crab Creek) - Grant Co.
  8. Spring Canyon CG (Lake Roosevelt/Columbia River) - Lincoln Co.
  9. Steamboat Rock S.P. (Banks Lake) - Grant Co.
  10. Taidnapam Park (Riffe Lake/Cowlitz River) - Lewis Co.

campgrounds with LIGHTHOUSES

Why are lighthouses so popular? Is it a sense of nostalgia, or because they offer a feeling of security, or simply that they are pleasing to the eye? Whatever the reason, a few are accessible to the public, and in or near a great campground.

(below, New Dungeness Lighthouse, Westport Lighthouse near Twin Harbors S.P., and Cape Disappointment Lighthouse)

 


  1. Cape Disappointment S.P. (2 lighthouoses) - Pacific Co.
  2. Dungeness Spit Recreational Area - Clallam Co.
  3. Fort Casey S.P. (under Fort Ebey S.P.) - Island Co.
  4. Lily/Lizard Lakes Hike-In (Oyster Dome) - Skagit Co.
  5. Twin Harbors S.P. - Grays Harbor Co.

best campgrounds near MUSHROOM GATHERING

Mushrooms give a great flavor of the earth that helps you taste Washington from the ground up. Umami!

  1. Aldrich Lake CG - Mason Co.
  2. Bedal CG (Boulder River Wilderness) - Snohomish Co.
  3. Hope Island Marine S.P. - Mason Co.
  4. Iron Creek CG - Lewis Co.
  5. Teal Spring CG - Garfield Co.

(below:      )

  1. Blue Lake CG in the Sun Lakes - Grant Co.
  2. Lake Wanapum/Ginkgo Petrified Forest S.P. - Kittitas Co.

QUIRKIEST of the campworthy campgrounds

Camping should not be taken too seriously, as this defeats its purpose - to achieve clarity of mind, to find balance, and to reconnect with nature. Sometimes the builders of these campgrounds got a little carried away... or were they just having a carefree good time?

(below:  Clear Lake Recreation Area spillway,  Taidnapam Park)


  1. Boundary Dam CG - Pend Oreille Co.
  2. Clear Lake Recreation Area - Yakima Co.
  3. Crescent Bar Recreational Area - Grant Co.
  4. Daroga S.P. - Douglas Co.
  5. Kamloops Island CG - Ferry Co.
  6. Liberty Lake Park - Spokane Co..
  7. Skamokawa Vista Park - Wahkiakum Co.
  8. Taidnapam Park - Lewis Co.
  9. Tolt-MacDonald County Park - King Co.
  10. Wawawai County Park - Whatman Co.

best campgrounds on mighty RIVERS

The word "mighty" means many things. It doesn't always mean large (e.g., Mighty Mouse), or number of Top 40 hits (e.g., the Mighty Mighty Bosstones), or even name recognition (e.g., Mighty Joe Young). But when it comes to mighty rivers, we simply think they remain mysteriously in our memories and give us a terrific sense of presence and permanence.

(below: Douglas Fir CG, Salmon La Sac CG)


  1. Beacon Rock S.P. (Columbia River) - Skamania Co.
  2. Douglas Fir CG (Nooksack River) - Whatcom Co.
  3. Fishhook Park (Snake River) - Walla Walla Co.
  4. Kanasket-Palmer S.P. (Green River) - King Co.
  5. Pioneer CG ( Pend Oreille River) - Pend Oreille Co.
  6. Rasar S.P. (Skagit River) - Skagit Co.
  7. Riverbend CG (Nisqually River) - Thurston Co.
  8. Riverside S.P. (Spokane River) - Spokane Co.
  9. Salmon La Sac CG (Cle Elum River) - Kittitas Co.
  10. Wenatchee Confluence S.P. (Columbia/Wenatchee Rivers) - Chelan Co.

best campgrounds for ROCK CLIMBING

(Columbia Hills S.P.)


  1. Beacon Rock S.P. - Skamania County
  2. Cape Disappointment S.P. - Pacific Co.
  3. Columbia Hills S.P. - Klickitat Co.
  4. Larabee S.P. - Whatcom Co.

best campgrounds for Rockhounding

Trivia Question: What is the official Washington State Gem? Answer: petrified wood. That's a gem? Yep. Turns out the organic material gets replaced with minerals over tens of thousands of years, turning it into a gem. The same with fossils. Add agates on the beaches, thunder eggs near volcanoes, and garnets around the old gold mining sites, and rockhounds can add a little "sparkle" to their camping.

  1. Beacon Rock S.P. - Skamania Co.
  2. Columbia Hills S.P. - Klickitat Co.
  3. Douglas Fir CG - Whatcom Co.
  4. Wanapum Rec. Area/Ginkgo Petrified Forest S.P. - Kittitas Co.

campgrounds on Salt Water (top 10)

(this list does not include those on islands or boat-in campgrounds, above)

(below: Manchester S.P., Ocean City S.P.)


  1. Birch Bay S.P.  on the Salish Sea - Whatcom Co.
  2. Cape Disappointment S.P. on the Pacific - Pacific Co.
  3. Deception Pass S.P. CGs on Puget Sound - Island and Skagit Co.s
  4. Fort Flagler S.P. on Puget Sound - Jefferson Co.
  5. Grayland Beach S.P. on the Pacific - Pacific Co.
  6. Kalaloch CG,  ONP on the Pacific - Jefferson Co.
  7. Kayak Point Regional Park on Puget Sound - Snohomish Co.
  8. Manchester S.P. on Puget Sound - Kitsap Co.
  9. Ocean City S.P. on the Pacific - Grays Harbor Co.
  10. Scenic Beach S.P. on Hood Canal - Kitsap Co.

 campgrounds near SPELUNKING/CAVE EXPLORATION

The truth is, Washington is not Cave Central -- that honor belongs to the State of Oregon. There are, however, a few isolated caving opportunities, and some of them are near campworthy campgrounds.

(below: Manressa Grotto near Panhandle CG)

  1. Boundary Dam CG (Garner Cave) - Pend Oreille Co.
  2. Cedar Springs CG (Boulder Cave)- Yakima Co.
  3. Panhandle CG (Manressa Grotto) - Pend Oreille Co.
  4. Steamboat Rock S.P. (Lenore Lake Caves) - Grant Co.

best campgrounds for Star Gazing (top 10)

Get away form the city lights, let the night sounds soothe you, and reach for the stars.

(below: Goldendale Observatory near Maryhill S.P.)

  1. Cougar Rock CG, MRNP (at Paradise) - Pierce Co.
  2. Douglas Fir CG (Huntoon Point) - Whatcom Co.
  3. Fairholm CG ONP (Spruce Bridge) - Clallam Co.
  4. Hart's Pass/Meadows Walk-Ins - Whatcom Co.
  5. Kalaloch CG ONP (Third Beach) - Jefferson Co.
  6. Larrabee S.P. (Oyster Dome) - Whatcom Co.
  7. Moran S.P. (Mt. Constitution) - San Juan Co.
  8. Maryhill S.P. (Goldendale Observatory) - Klickitat Co.
  9. Steamboat Rock S.P. - Grant Co.
  10. Windust Park - Franklin Co.

best campgrounds for outdoor SWIMMING

Outdoor swimming is popular for kids of all ages. Whether swimmers prefer designated swimming areas (Beebe Bridge, Daroga S.P., Cape Disappointment S.P., Lake Easton S.P.), perfect lakes (Lake Chelan, Battle Ground Lake, or Lake ), swimming can only add variety to your camping experience.

  1. Battle Ground Lake S.P. - Clark Co.
  2. Beebe Bridge Park - Douglas Co.
  3. Cape Disappointment S.P. (Waikakee Beach) - Pacific Co.
  4. Lake Chelan S.P. - Chelan Co.
  5. Lake Easton S.P. - Kittitas Co.
  6. Lake Pearrygin S.P. - Okanogan Co.
  7. Steamboat Rock S.P. - Grant Co.
  8. Wanapum Rec. Area/Ginkgo S.P. - Kittitas Co.
  9. Wenatchee Confluence S.P. - Chelan Co.
  10.  Willaby/Falls Creek CGs (Lake Quinault) - Grays Harbor Co.

campworthy campgrounds with SWIMMING POOLS

Whether created by rebar and concrete or created entirely by nature (Douglas Creek Recreation Area), swimming pools remain a favorite with swimmers


  1. American Heritage CG - Thurston Co. 
  2. Cedars Inn CG - Adams Co.
  3. Douglas Creek Recreation Area - Douglas Co.
  4. Four Seasons RV Resort and CG - Adams Co.
  5. Ponderosa Falls RV Resort and CG - Spokane Co.
  6. Sol Duc CG and Resort, ONP - Clallam Co.
  7. Tall Chief RV Resort and CG - King Co.

 campgrounds with TRIBAL influences

The first peoples of Washington, particularly the Colville, Kalispell, Klickitat, Samish, and Skokomish tribes, have had very positive influences on Washington campgrounds. Two of the best are on tribal lands (Skokomish Park and Keller CG), while others have interpretive programs or display petroglyphs and Indian artifacts within the campgrounds themselves. Three CGs (Columbia Hills S.P., Fields Spring S.P., and Skamokawa Vista Park) have rentable teepees so you can experience their influence from the ground up.

 

(below: Bowman Bay CG, Wanapam Rec. Area/Gingkgo Petrified Forest S.P.)


  1. Bird Lake CG - Yakima Co.
  2. Bowman Bay CG - Skagit Co.
  3. Columbia Hills S.P. (rentable teepees) - Klickitat Co.
  4. Fields Spring S.P. (rentable teepees) - Asotin Co.
  5. Keller CG - Ferry Co.
  6. Panhandle CG - Pend Oreille Co.
  7. Skamokawa Vista Park (rentable teepees) - Wahkiakum Co.
  8. Skokomish Park - Mason Co.
  9. Wanapum/Ginkgo Petrified Forest S.P. - Kittitas Co.

campgrounds with WATERFALLS (top 10)

Waterfalls are enchanting in all seasons, exploding in rain-filled fury in the spring, gifting us with a cool spray in the summer, shimmering against autumn colors, and finally providing the crystal columns in winter that set our imaginations free.

(below: Palouse Falls CG, Lower Falls CG)


 

  1. Boundary Dam CG (PeeWee Falls) - Pend Oreille Co.
  2. Collins CG (Murhut Falls) - Jefferson Co.
  3. Cougar Rock MRNP (Narada Falls) - Pierce Co.
  4. Douglas Falls Grange Park (Mill Creek Falls) - Stevens Co.
  5. Lower Falls CG (Lewis River Falls) - Skamania Co.
  6. Outlet Creek CG - Klickitat Co.
  7. Palouse Falls S.P. - Franklin Co
  8. Panther Creek CG - Skamania Co.
  9. Silver Falls CG - Chelan Co.
  10. Sunset Falls CG - Clark Co.

best campgrounds near WHITEWATER RAFTING

Our usual rule of thumb: the campground has to be good to be listed. Bad campgrounds near good rafting don't make our list. These campgrounds are certified campworthy.

  1. Bedal CG - Snohomish Co.
  2. Johnny Creek CG - Chelan Co.
  3. Hause Creek CG - Yakima Co.
  4. Kanaskat-Palmer S.P. - King Co.
  5. Leidl South CG - Klickitat Co.
  6. Salmon La Sac CG - Kittitas Co.

best campgrounds for WILDLIFE VIEWING
(also see the section on Bird Watching, above)

  1. Bedal CG (just about everything) – Snohomish Co.

  2. Big Meadow Lake (moose) – Pend Oreille Co.

  3. Birch Bay S.P. (deer, small animals) – Whatcom Co.

  4. East Sullivan CG (bears!) – Pend Oreille Co.

  5. Hoh CG, ONP (Roosevelt elk) – Jefferson Co.

  6. Lake Pearrygin S.P. (deer, small animals) - Okanogan Co.

  7. Moran S.P. (deer) – San Juan Co.

  8. Napeequa Crossing CG (deer, bear, raccoons) – Chelan Co.

  9. Skamokawa Vista Park (while-tailed deer) – Wahkiakum Co.

  10. Spring Canyon CG (just about everything) – Lincoln Co.

best campgrounds for WIND SURFING

(below: Beacon Rock S.P., Four Seasons RV Resort and CG)


 

  1. Belfair S.P. - Mason Co.
  2. Columbia Hills S.P. - Klickitat Co.
  3. Four Seasons RV Resort and CG - Adams Co.
  4. Maryhill S.P. - Klickitat Co.
  5. Timberlake RV Park and Campground - Skamania Co.

best campgrounds with WINTER SPORTS

Whether it be downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, ice-fishing, or simply enjoying the stormy weather at the ocean, winter sports afford us the opportunity to stay outdoors all year long. The problem with snow sports, despite the 51 sno-parks in Washington, is finding an adjoining campground that is open at the same time.

  1. Fields Spring S.P. - Asotin Co.
  2. Lake Easton S.P. - Kittitas Co.
  3. Lake Wenatchee S.P. - Chelan Co.
  4. Pearrygin Lake S.P. - Okanogan Co.
  5. Riverside S.P. - Spokane Co.
  6. Salmon La Sac CG - Kittitas Co.
  7. Swauk CG - Kittitas Co.

campgrounds with YURTS

(below, Coho CG, Grayland Beach S.P.)

 


  1. Bay Center KOA - Pacific Co.
  2. Cape Disappointment S.P. - Pacific Co.
  3. Coho CG - Grays Harbor Co.
  4. Grayland Beach S.P. (some allow pets) - Pacific Co.
  5. Kanasket-Palmer S.P. - King Co.
  6. Kayak Point Regional Park - Snohomish Co.
  7. Paradise Point S.P. - Clark Co.
  8. Seaquest S.P. (some allow pets) - Cowlitz Co.
  9. Skamokawa Vista Park - Wahkiakum Co.
  10. Twin Harbors S.P. - Grays Harbor Co.

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