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Alright, you workhorses, its nearly the weekend, and you have no plans. You just finished the latest season of your favorite show on Netflix and have gone to a handful of Mariners games already this summer. You want to switch things up. Why not your hands a little dirty and do some camping? Washington is a big and beautiful state full of parks, campgrounds, and lakes. You might be saying to yourself, “There are too many places to choose from.” Luckily, we compiled a list of our favorite campsites within two hours of Seattle. Many of the areas best campgrounds are in state parks, which means you’re always going to have that natural and protected beauty that you are yearning for.
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NORTH CENTRAL
Lake Wenatchee State Park: Leavenworth, WA
Glacier-fed lakes are some of the most beautiful natural bodies of water you will ever see! Although not your typical bright blue in color, Lake Wenatchee is as clear as day and very clean. Fishing is common and there have even been rumors that you can catch a few salmon. Although campsites aren’t very private, the 155 sites are very spacious. Its known to be very busy in the summer with families and larger groups, but there’s loud partying after 10 P.M. Mosquitos can be a problem for some campers at this park, so make sure you bring at the minimum, bug spray, and mosquito net if you have it.
Recent campers say: “Great spot, lovely views on the lake.” “Park is absolutely gorgeous.” “Breathtaking.”
Verlot likes in between Mt. Rainer National Park and the Canadian border, just off Mountain Loop Highway within Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This area has been showcased as one of the most stupendous in the country with its glacier-covered peaks and old-growth forests. On a clear day, visitors are able to see Mt. Baker, an active volcano that’s perpetually snow-capped and has not erupted since 1880. The Mt. Dickerman Trail is the closest trail to the campground; however, this three-mile trail is just a snippet of the 1,500 miles throughout the national forest. This relatively quiet campground has 25 single tent sites and one double site and is much sunnier than its camping neighbor Turlo because of the more open tree canopy.
Recent campers say: “The [camp] spots near the river are killer!” “Very well managed campground.” “The campsites are close together.”
Verlot Campground
Mountain Loop Highway
Granite Falls, WA 98252
$38+ per night
Denny Creek Campground: Snoqualmie, WA
CLOSED FOR THE 2023 SEASON FOR REPAIRS
Also located in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Denny Creek is known for its large and private campsites. The river that the campground lies on is wadeable and many hiking trails are close by all the sites. The friendly staff will always make sure you are enjoying yourself and are always stocked with firewood. One drawback of this site, however, is being so close to I-90, which has the potential to be noisy. A mixture of 24 electric and nonelectric standard sites, insiders recommend site 22 as well as other river adjacent sites, as the flowing water blocks out any highway noise.
Recent campers say: “Beautiful campground, well maintained, clean restrooms.” “Water and electricity at campsite.” “Felt safe.”
First and foremost, if you do not like the sound of airplanes, this is not the campsite for you. SEATAC is a short drive away, so you will see and hear Boeings coming in for a landing. Stuck with a long layover? This makes for a good spot to relax and enjoy the beauty before hopping back on the plane. If you’re able to get past the fact that it is near an airport, you’ll realize that there’s so much beauty in this place. The beach is fantastic with countless areas to swim, tidal pools to traverse as well as a submerged artificial reef that is famous with the scuba diving community. This is a relatively small park with just 47 standard campsites and most everything you see here was built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the 1930s.
Recent campers say: “Beautiful park to take your dogs.” “Not overcrowded.” “Great beach to bring kids.”
Turlo is the first campground along the Mountain Loop Road from Granite Falls. It drops down from the highway and lies along the South Fork Stillaguamish River. Enjoy miles and miles of hiking and biking trails in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest ranging in difficulty and ascents. There are 18 sites, some of which have piped water available. The South Fork Stillaguamish offers great fishing and was the first river in Washington designated to be fly fishing-only for a portion of the year. Early summer casts can yield great rainbow trout catches. Sites 15, 17 and 18 offer the best view of the river, and the flowing waters can be heard best at sites 14 to 19.
Recent campers say:“Quiet, clean, by the river.” “Very nice, quiet campground.” “Bathrooms in campsite.”
Turlo Campground
Mountain Loop Highway
Granite Falls, WA 98252
Prices Vary
Tinkam Campground: North Bend, WA
This campground is also located along the South Fork Snoqualmie River in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This area is forested with towering old-growth Douglas fir and cedar that offers relieving shade at all times during those hot summer days. With some of the most scenic views in all of the North Cascades, Tinkham is great for both families and campers of all background and experience. The half-mile Tinkham Discovery Trail is an easy, family-friendly nature path that weaves through fallen, moss-covered trees to a small pond. At times, there are herds of goats that can be seen roaming the area. Pick from any of the 46 available sites and escape to this forest paradise.
Recent campers say: “Campground is great with its dense forest.” “No camp host means no firewood.” “Great place to vacation.”
Located in the Central Cascades about an hour and 15 minutes from Seattle is Lake Serene. Typically known as a day hike for some, camping is available as long as you are no closer than a quarter of a mile away from the lake (any closer and you’re breaking the law). The hike up to Lake Serene will take about 2 hours but the views are worth it! If you are willing to make the additional rocky and steep half-mile hike up further, you can check out the breathtaking Bridal Veil Falls. There are no marked or “official” campsites, but previous campers’ sites can be found in this popular spot.
Recent campers say: “Usually super crowded.” “Absolutely beautiful.” “Fantastic and beautiful place.”
Lake Serene Mt Index River Rd.
Gold Bar, WA 98251
Prices Vary
Wallace Falls State Park: Gold Bar, WA
Make sure to pack your hiking shoes because the long hike to the Wallace Falls is well worth it. There are two points where you can view the falls: the lower and middle. The lower falls are a leisurely one-hour hike, while the middle is a longer 4.5 miles. Both views are beautiful, so don’t feel like you are missing out of you can’t make it to the middle. As far as camping goes, there are only two primitive sites and five cabins for rental. This is more of a day trip than anything, but can still be an overnight or weekend trip for the more experienced camper.
Recent campers say:“Loved it!” “Loved this park… great bathrooms.”
Fifteen miles outside of the town of Darrington in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie lies the remote 22-site campground of Bedal. More of a pristine setting than other campgrounds in Mount Baker National Forest, Bedal offers privacy and a couple of surprises, including a giant Adirondack shelter built with old-growth timber and views of mountain goats on White Chuck Mountain. Along with an abundance of hiking and biking trails, the campground is located along the Sauk River, which serves as a good fishing spot and the rushing water can be heard at every site. There is no drinking water available, so make sure to pack supplies accordingly!
Recent campers say:“A beautiful, remote campground.” “Clean bathrooms, huge cedar trees.” “Beware of bears.”
Less than an hour northeast of Seattle in the historic town of Snohomish lies Flowing Lake Park. Nestled in a forest setting in the middle of the Three Lakes chain, the park offers 37 easy-to-access campsites, or you may escape deeper into the woods to one of the four cozy cabins with full electric amenities and covered porch. All campsites are within walking distance of the lake and make for a great spot to fish, boat and swim. Called the antique capital of the Northwest, Snohomish is a booming city in the summer months with various events going on in town including Kla-Ha-Ya Days, as well as year-round hot air balloon rides. We love this campground because it serves as a perfect last-minute getaway spot for couples and families alike.
Recent campers say: “Beautiful lake, often crowded.” “Amazing place for kids.” “Beautiful park not far from town.”
Flowing Lake Park 17900 48th St. SE
Snohomish, WA 98290
For reservations, please visit the website
ISLANDS
Camano Island State Park: Camano Island, WA
With 6,700 feet of rocky shoreline and beaches, this 176-acre park offers a glimpse of the less developed Puget Sound area where eagles can be seen perched on tall firs. Camano Island is sought out for its winding hiking and bike trails where campers soak in the sea breezes and scenery. Reservations are needed for the campsites at Camano Island State Park during the peak-season from mid-May to mid-September. Each cabin is 12-by-20-feet and is furnished with one folding futon couch that sleeps two, one bunk bed that sleeps three, and a table with five chairs. Between the hiking the trails, swimming and boating, the nearby 18-hole golf course and taking in views of theOlympic Mountains and Mount Rainier, this spot will keep you busy all weekend.
Recent campers say:“They have something for everyone.” “Very scenic park.” “Great location to go camping.”
Known for its beautiful beaches and stunning views, this massive 4,134-acre state park has 6.4 miles of freshwater shoreline and more than 14 miles of saltwater shoreline. Perhaps the most prominent structure in the park is the Deception Pass Bridge, which connects Whidbey Island to Fidalgo Island. There are three camping areas in the park—Bowman Bay, Cranberry Lake and Quarry Pond—for a total of 167 tent sites and 20 bathrooms scattered throughout. With over 37 miles of hiking trails throughout the park, expect to spend at least one day exploring the trails.
Recent campers say:“Great place with a great view.” “A must-see if you are exploring the area.” “Breathtaking scenery.”
This 784-acre park is surrounded on three sides by over 3.5 miles of saltwater shoreline and is set atop a high bluff overlooking the Puget Sound. Olympic Mountain and Cascade Mountain can be seen in the distance from anywhere on the two miles of beach trails. This massive area has 112 campsites, 59 standard sites, 55 full hook-up spaces, two primitive sites and 47 standard tent sites. There are also two group campsites that can accommodate 40 and 100 people. Enjoy everything from strolls on the beach and swimming to paragliding over the Puget Sound.
Recent campers say:“Very lush and peaceful.” “Campgrounds are well kept.” “Great park to camp overnight”
If you are looking for a great family camping environment, look no further! The beach, unlike most in the Puget Sound area, is very sandy, not rocky. There are 114 standard sites available and a group camp of 12 individual sites that accommodates 96. Because Dash Point is in such a populated area, the beach can become quite crowded and resulting in limited parking. Along with the beach, there are 11 miles of easy-to-follow trails, the prettiest of which are between the campground and the beach. Dash Point is a perfect last-minute destination for you and your family.
Recent campers say: “Campsite privacy is great.” “Really nice park.” “Decent place to camp but the bathrooms are not that great.”
Just across the Puget Sound lies the 475-acre Blake Island with 5 miles of saltwater shoreline that can only be reached by tour boat or with a private boat. Historically, this is a very famous island and was an ancestral camping ground of the Suquamish Indian tribe. Chief Seattle was also rumored to have been born here. In the early 1920s, the island was owned by Seattle millionaire William Pitt Trimble and was formally known as Trimble Island. Trimble’s giant estate stood until the 1940’s when a mysterious fire brought it to the ground. There are 44 standard sites, two primitive sites, and three water trail sites that are non-reservable, and first-come-first-served. The three Cascadia Marine Trail sites are available to canoers and kayakers only and are located on the west end of the island. Four restrooms are scattered throughout the island and hot showers are available until the water is shut off during the winter months. Along with the eight miles of hiking trails, Blake Island offers great views and the Olympic Mountains and Seattle Skyline.
Recent campers say: “Love this place! With a view of the Seattle skyline.” “We come here often.” “Enjoyed the island very much.”
Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park/ Wanapum Recreation Area: Vantage, WA
Just over two hours’ drive from the city, 3 miles south of the quaint little town of Vantage (population 70) lies Wanapum. This 50-site park offers full hookups, which is great for RVs, but if you’re pitching a tent, unfortunately, you will have to pay the RV price anyway. Beware of strong winds—50 mph is not uncommon. However, the grand views of the Canyon River and huge campsites make up for any gusts of wind. A short walk brings you to a park with large trees for shade, unsheltered picnic tables and a sandy beach for swimming and games. As the area is popular place for concert-goers in the summer months, weekdays will be much calmer and you may even have the beach to yourself.
Recent campers say:“Requires a discovery pass.” “We like the state park here.” “It’s as windy as everyone says!”
Known for its huge Ponderosa pines and Western larches, this delightful campground offers 19 single-tent camps and two double sites that can fit smaller RVs. Sites 2 and 3 offer lush green camping areas with wildflowers everywhere. None of the sites offer hookups of any kind so prepare accordingly if you’re taking your RV. Enjoy hiking, biking and swimming at an elevation of 3,135 feet along with fly-fishing in the Swauk Creek.
Recent campers say: “Nice campground… Bathrooms could use regular attention.” “Amazing areas to explore.” “Good camping spaces.”
Swauk Campground
Cle Elum, WA 98922
Single: $20 per night
Double: $26 per night
Kachess Lake Campground: Easton, WA
This beautiful weekend getaway is set in dense old-growth evergreens and hedged by high mountains. The marquee trail proves that not all hikes have to be epic and challenging to be amusing. The trail is well maintained and hard-packed making it accessible for all campers, even those in wheelchairs. There are 122 tent sites (which do not have any hook-ups), one group site that accommodates 20 to 50 people, two boat launches and one picnic area. If you’re feeling adventurous, there is also a tall tree in the middle of the lake that people enjoy jumping off.
Recent campers say:“Spacious and mostly private campsites.” “Plan on coming back very soon.” “Amazing camp host.”
If you’re looking for some challenging camping and hiking the Backcountry of Mount Margaret, this will be your cup of tea. In order to camp in this area, you must have an MMBC camping permit, which is available by advance online reservations only. Camping is limited to designated campsites with the party limit at four campers. Campsites may still be covered in snow as late as June and campers should be prepared to camp on snow. There are eight camps located in the backcountry, each having a level, wooden framed, earth-filled tent pad as well solar composting toilets. The best site is Bear Camp, which is located on Coldwater Trail, as it is at an elevation of over 5,000 feet, hopefully free of snow, and offers pristine views of Spirit Lake and Mount St. Helens. Water is available from a spring a quarter-mile north of the camp and should be treated before drinking.
Recent campers say: “Isolated from the main trails.” “Camp was absolutely stunning.” “Stars were stunning.”
Located in the northeastern section of Mount Rainier National Park and right at the foot of Emmons Glacier, White River has 112 no hook-up sites and is RV-friendly under 27 feet. Although the river is not conducive to fishing or swimming, the sound of its wild, rushing water is musical. If you’re looking for great views, make sure to claim a site in loop D. Beautiful hiking trails leading to views of Mt. Rainier as well as Emmons Glacier. This is very much a classical campground with no showers, running water or cell service—a great place to get away from it all!
Recent campers say: “Very quiet, except the natural sounds of the river.” “First come, first serve.” “Beautiful in a good location.”
Located on the shores of Puget Sound just southwest of Seattle lies a beautiful 165-acre marine park that gives campers the best of both forests and water. All 82 campsites are nestled nicely in the woods and offer shade at all times of the day. The park has two miles of saltwater frontage on the Mayo and Carr inlet that offer a variety of water activities including boating, swimming, water skiing, fishing, diving, crabbing and clamming. If you want to stay out of the water, there are over two miles of biking and hiking trails. For the avid angler, Bay Lake, a popular trout fishing lake is just 1 mile from the park.
Recent campers say:“Nice little campground. Make sure you lock up your food and garbage at night.” “Absolutely beautiful views… clean bathrooms.”
This is pne of Washington’s most popular campgrounds that attracts families from all over the state. It’s not the kind of place you take the family for a last-minute trip because it fills up quickly, so you’ll want to make sure and book your reservations well ahead of time. Kinswa has commendable fishing, boating and sandy beaches that the kids can swim and play at. In the summer months, this is a fairly busy lake with lots of skiing and sailboarding. There are two boat launches and daily watercraft passes are available. This is boasted to be one of Washington’s most beautiful State Parks and is highly recommended.
Recent campers say: “Absolutely enjoyed my stay.” “Beautiful lakeside state park.” “The majority of spaces had reservation tags.”
Halfway between Olympia and the Pacific shore lies quiet Lake Sylvia State Park, an area rich with logging lore and history. Legend has it, a local logger carved a giant wooden ball from a log and after rolling it into the lake, would stand atop the floating ball and walk it from one end of the lake to the other. There are four utility spaces with electricity and water along with 31 tent spaces and two primitive sites for hikers and bikers. Swimming in the calm Lake Sylvia or hiking the five miles of trails make for a day or a whole weekend of fun.
Recent campers say: “Perfect for a calm getaway.” “Discover pass required.” “Wonderful place to bring the whole family.”
This is one of the few campsites in the coastal region that offers water supply to campers in the winter even after winterization is conducted. There are 70 tent spaces, 48 utility sites, three platform tents, twelve cabins and one bunkhouse. There are also two group sites: River (accommodates 80) and Meadow (accommodates 20). The Rustic Ranger Bunkhouse is a beautiful ranch style house nestled in the forest and has one queen size bed, four twin beds and a fold-out couch to sleep a total of eight. For a not-so-roughing-it camping experience, rent out the Bunkhouse or any of the 12 cabins.
Recent campers say:“Park is so spacious.” “Such a bright spot in the middle of winter.” “This is a wonderful campsite to take your family to.”
