If you’re dreaming about roasting marshmallows, waking up to birds instead of alarms, and sleeping under the stars, you’re in the right place.
Washington is packed with incredible state parks offering some of the best camping experiences, whether that’s beach, forest, desert, or mountain.
We’re talking lakes you can swim in, trails that lead to wild views, secret bunkers, waterfalls, and maybe even an elk or two.
I’m sure there’s one you’ve not heard of in this list.
All of the campgrounds mentioned in this post can be reserved at the Washington State Parks website linked below:
1. Deception Pass State Park
Deception Pass State Park rests at the top of Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands, where the gorgeous Deception Pass Bridge stretches across the water.
You can camp year-round at Quarry Pond Campgrounds, with tent sites, full hook-up RV spots, and even cozy cabins if you’re not into roughing it.
The park has bathrooms with showers, around 38 miles of hiking trails, a sandy beach, boat launches, and spots for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife watching.
Book your site through the Washington State Parks website—it’s open in winter too, though availability of amenities may be limited in colder months.
2. Fort Ebey State Park
If you’re into cliffside views and Cold War history, Fort Ebey State Park on the west side of Whidbey Island is your jam.
Tucked in the forest, this smaller, peaceful campground offers standard tent sites, a few RV spots (with partial hook-ups), and easy access to stunning sunsets.
You’ll find 25 miles of hiking and biking trails all over (don’t miss the Bluff Trail!), plus beach access and paragliding launch points.
There’s even a WWII bunker to explore with a flashlight.
Reservations are easy on the Washington State Parks website, and while the park stays open year-round, the bluff views are extra dreamy in the warmer season.
3. Moran State Park
Head to Moran State Park on Orcas Island, where you’ll find over 5,000 acres of forest, multiple freshwater lakes, and the highest point in the San Juan Islands, Mount Constitution.
The park has five separate campgrounds around Cascade and Mountain Lakes, with tent sites, RV spaces (no hookups), and a handful of rustic shelters.
You can swim, kayak, or rent paddleboats on the lakes, hike Mount Constitution for pretty views, and spot deer and otters in the mossy woods.
Reach the park by ferry, reserve through the state parks site, and remember—camping runs seasonally from spring to fall, so plan accordingly.
4. Lake Wenatchee State Park
Switching gears to central Washington, Lake Wenatchee State Park offers scenic views of the glacier-fed Lake Wenatchee and surrounding mountains, with a fresh dose of pine-scented air.
The park has two campground areas—South and North Park—with spots for tents, RVs (some with hookups), and even heated shelters for winter camping.
In summer, you can swim, paddleboard, ride horses, and hike through wildflower-covered trails.
Come winter, the place turns into a hotspot for cross-country skiing, sledding, and snowshoeing.
Reservations are a must through the Washington State Parks site, and while it’s open year-round, check ahead—some loops may close in heavy snow.
5. Cape Disappointment State Park
For moody coastal vibes with major history, Cape Disappointment State Park on the Long Beach Peninsula is a total standout.
The campground has sites for tents, RVs (with full hookups), yurts, and deluxe cabins—plus it’s just steps from driftwood-covered beaches.
You can explore two lighthouses (Cape Disappointment Lighthouse and North Head Lighthouse), visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, and hike forested bluffs with ocean views.
Reservations are on the state parks website, and while it’s open year-round, you’ll want to be ready for wild weather.
(Cape Disappointment will close its campgrounds and some day-use areas for major construction from September 2025 to April 2026, pausing all reservations.)
6. Riverside State Park
Over in the Spokane area, Riverside State Park brings together forest trails, rocky canyons, and dramatic river views.
The Bowl and Pitcher campground is the main hub, with shady tent sites, RV hookups, and a suspension bridge worthy of a movie scene.
You can mountain bike, horseback ride, hike along the Spokane River, or kayak through calm waters with towering basalt cliffs.
Book online at the Washington State Parks website.
The park stays open all year, though winter snow can mean that some facilities or areas have seasonal closures.
7. Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
Now for something different.
Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park offers camping around desert cliffs and ancient flood-carved canyons.
The campground by Park Lake has tent and RV sites (some with hookups), comfy cabins, a swim beach, and mini golf in the park.
You can rent kayaks, hike through the sagebrush, or visit Dry Falls overlook, where a waterfall taller than Niagara once roared.
💡 Dry Falls was once a waterfall approximately 400 feet high and 3.5 miles wide, significantly larger than Niagara Falls.
Reserve on the state parks website, and since it’s in central Washington, it’s usually open mid-spring through fall.
8. Dosewallips State Park
Located between the Olympics and Hood Canal, Dosewallips State Park is your go-to for forest camping with beach access.
Choose from riverfront tent sites along the Dosewallips River, RV spots with full hookups, walk-in campsites under the trees, or platform tents and cute little cabins for extra comfort.
You can spot elk wandering the fields, dig for clams when tides are right, or hike through fairytale-like mossy forests.
You can reserve through the Washington State Parks website, and the park is open all year, but come prepared—it knows how to rain out here.
9. Birch Bay State Park
Up near the Canadian border, Birch Bay State Park is all about tidepool treasure hunts and epic sunset views over the bay.
The campground is just steps from the shoreline, with tent and RV sites (some with hookups), plus easy access to picnic tables, bathrooms, and showers.
Kids will love hunting for crabs and sea stars at low tide, and there’s a flat waterfront trail perfect for bikes, scooters, or lazy strolls.
Snag your spot on the state parks website—camping runs from spring through early fall.
10. Millersylvania State Park
Last but definitely not least, Millersylvania State Park, near Olympia, is a foresty hidden gem with summer camp energy on the shores of Deep Lake.
The campground has tons of shady tent sites, RV spots with partial hookups, and even cute vintage-style cabins if you feel nostalgic.
You can swim, fish, or paddle around Deep Lake, hike easy trails along giant trees, and roast marshmallows under the stars.
You can book through the state parks website, and while the park’s open all year, lake life draws most campers from spring to early fall.
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