There’s something pretty magical about falling asleep to the sound of waves and waking up with sand between your toes.
If you dream of waking up by the sea, roasting marshmallows under the stars, or enjoying coffee with an ocean view, Washington has it all.
From wild, driftwood-strewn coastlines to chill, family-friendly beaches with mountain views, this state has some seriously awesome spots for beach camping.
Get ready because we’ve rounded up the absolute best places that’ll have you packing your cooler, grabbing your tent, and heading straight for the shore.
1. Spencer Spit State Park
Set on northeast Lopez Island, Spencer Spit State Park is one of the few places in Washington where you can pitch your tent near the beach.
This park features a sandy spit that extends like a little arm into the water, creating calm bays ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, or splashing around.
You’ll find 37 standard campsites (plus two sweet kayak-in spots) with fire pits, picnic tables, and clean restrooms (no showers here though).
Just don’t forget—a Discover Pass is required for vehicle access, and summer reservations are a must if you want to guarantee a spot.
While you’re here, hike the short forest trails or bike into nearby Lopez Village for ice cream and local eats.
2. Bay View State Park
For mountain views with your beachside campfire, Bay View State Park in Skagit County is the perfect escape.
Hugging the shore of Padilla Bay, this cozy little park gives you a front-row seat to the Cascade Mountains on a clear day—sunset included.
There are 76 campsites (including RV spots with partial hookups), easy beach access for clamming and beachcombing, and yes, you’ll need that Discover Pass here too.
It’s super family-friendly with big grassy areas, a playground, picnic shelters, and quick drives to cute towns like La Conner and Anacortes.
(At the time of writing, the cabin and group camp restroom are temporarily closed for renovations, so check online before planning your visit.)
3. Camano Island State Park
Camano Island State Park delivers if you’re after a mix of forest and beach.
Located on the southwest side of Camano Island, this 134-acre park has pebbly beaches, driftwood-strewn shores, and killer views of the Olympic Mountains.
You’ll find 88 campsites—some by the beach, others hidden in evergreens—plus restrooms, fire pits, and easy access to trails, so bring your Discover Pass.
It’s where you might spot bald eagles over breakfast, then walk five minutes to watch tiny crabs slip under rocks on the beach.
4. Kayak Point Regional County Park
When it comes to camping with serious saltwater action, Kayak Point Regional County Park in Snohomish County is hard to beat.
This place is all about the beach, with a super long pier that’s great for crabbing, fishing, or just watching seals pop up in the water.
The campground sits quietly in the woods with 40 sites, a few yurts for extra comfort, and amenities like restrooms, showers, and easy trails to the beach.
You won’t need a Discover Pass, but a separate Snohomish County fee applies—so come prepared, and book early for those Puget Sound sunsets.
5. Fay Bainbridge Park
Next up is Fay Bainbridge Park, a beachfront gem on Bainbridge Island’s northeast tip where you can camp with views of Mount Rainier and the Seattle skyline.
It’s a small but stunning spot with just 14 tent sites and 26 RV sites, so you’re never too far from the driftwood-covered beach.
Campers love its laid-back vibe, beach bonfires, and quick access to island goodies like coffee shops, bakeries, and even a ferry ride to Seattle.
No Discover Pass required at this city-run park, but campsites fill fast, so reserve early and get ready to fill your camera roll.
6. Second Beach
If you’re craving adventure, Second Beach near La Push on the Olympic Peninsula offers one of the state’s most epic beach camping experiences.
With no drive-in access, you’ll trek just under a mile through mossy woods to a wild stretch of coast dotted with sea stacks, tide pools, and pretty sunsets.
Camping is primitive here, with the only amenity being a pit toilet where the trail meets the beach.
So come prepared, get a permit from the Olympic National Park website, and leave no trace.
It’s as raw and rugged as it gets—fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves and wake up with sand on your feet and eagles overhead if you’re lucky.
7. South Beach Campground
For nonstop ocean views and the sound of crashing surf 24/7, South Beach Campground in Olympic National Park is coastal camping at its finest.
This first-come, first-served campground has 55 sites perched on a bluff above the Pacific, so you can watch waves without leaving your camp chair.
There are no hookups or showers, but there are flushable toilets.
Even though there aren’t a lot of amenities here, you’re still sure to have unforgettable nights under the stars.
It’s perfect for low-key campers who don’t mind a bit of wind and love waking up to salty air and dramatic skies.
8. Pacific Beach State Park
If easy access and miles of sand are your thing, Pacific Beach State Park is beach camping done right.
This compact park in Grays Harbor County features 61 campsites (some just steps from the beach), so you can start your day building sandcastles.
It’s super flat and open, with restrooms, showers, and quick access to the little town of Pacific Beach for snacks or a break from the breeze.
Bring your Discover Pass and a windbreaker—this beach is windy but great for flying big, colorful kites.
9. Ocean City State Park
Just down the coast, Ocean City State Park is a bigger, woodsy option with easy beach access and a classic campground feel.
It’s got over 170 campsites (with 29 offering full hookups) tucked into dune-side forests, offering a little bit more protection from the breeze.
You’ll find full restrooms, hot showers, and a short path that leads to a drive-on beach where you can stroll for miles and watch for sand dollars.
Just don’t forget that Discover Pass before you roll in with your vehicle.
It’s close to Ocean Shores, too, so grabbing fish and chips or hitting the arcade is a breeze.
10. Grayland Beach State Park
If you’re after a quieter beach scene with a little more space to spread out, Grayland Beach State Park is the under-the-radar spot you’ve been looking for.
There are over 100 roomy campsites here, including a mix of full hookup, partial hookup, standard campsites, primitive sites, and even yurts.
You’re only a few minutes from the beach, regardless of which site you’re at.
It’s peaceful, super clean, and comfy—like modern restrooms, hot showers, and a sandy beach made for walks, driftwood hunts, or watching shorebirds.
You’ll need a Discover Pass here too, and it’s a solid base for checking out Grays Harbor Lighthouse, enjoying seafood, or sampling local cranberry wine.
11. Cape Disappointment State Park
Cape Disappointment State Park might sound like a letdown, but trust us—it’s anything but.
This massive coastal park lies where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean in southwest Washington.
It’s home to dramatic cliffs, two historic lighthouses, and miles of beach to explore.
There are over 200 campsites (including yurts and cabins), plus full amenities like restrooms, showers, and even a visitor center with Lewis & Clark history.
You’ll find everything from full hookups, partial hookups, standard sites, and primitive sites.
The weather can be moody, and a Discover Pass is required, but the wild views and great trails make it all worth it.
12. Steamboat Rock State Park
If you’re ready to trade the ocean breeze for sunny skies and sandstone cliffs, Steamboat Rock State Park in Eastern Washington is a total change of scenery.
Here you can enjoy the beaches of Banks Lake, known for a massive basalt rock that rises 800 feet, and yep, you can hike it for panoramic views.
There are nearly 270 campsites, including some with hookups and a few cozy cabins.
You’ll also find swim beaches, boat launches, and warm summer temps ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, or just floating all day.
It may skip the sea breeze, but your Discover Pass and sunscreen are still necessary.
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