Tent Campgrounds in Washington

About This Region

Washington State offers tent campers an unparalleled diversity of landscapes, from ancient rainforests dripping with moss on the Olympic Peninsula to alpine meadows beneath jagged Cascade peaks. Whether you're pitching your tent alongside the turquoise waters of a glacial-fed river or nestled beneath centuries-old Douglas firs, Washington's campgrounds deliver authentic Pacific Northwest wilderness experiences that range from family-friendly developed sites to remote backcountry adventures. The state's premier tent camping destinations span three distinct ecosystems. In Olympic National Park, Mora Campground provides coastal forest camping minutes from wild Pacific beaches, while Coho Campground on the peninsula's inland side offers lakeside sites surrounded by temperate rainforest. The North Cascades beckon with campgrounds like Douglas Fir and Newhalem Creek, where towering conifers frame views of snow-capped summits and rushing rivers. Mount Rainier's gateway campgrounds, including Silver Springs and Ohanapecosh, place tent campers at the doorstep of iconic trails beneath Washington's tallest peak. From the Columbia River Gorge's riverside retreats at Paradise Creek to Eastern Washington's Riverside State Park along the Spokane River, tent camping in Washington rewards adventurers with clean facilities, well-maintained sites, and access to world-class hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Most developed campgrounds offer flush toilets and potable water, while walk-in sites provide extra privacy for those seeking solitude beneath the evergreen canopy.

Washington's tent campgrounds range from fully-developed sites with flush toilets, hot showers, and paved access to primitive walk-in sites requiring a short hike from your vehicle. Most campgrounds in national forests and national parks provide vault or flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings with grills. Expect level tent pads at many developed sites, though some campgrounds feature more rustic setups on natural forest floor. The terrain varies dramatically by region. Olympic Peninsula campgrounds nestle within temperate rainforest and coastal ecosystems, where morning fog and towering trees create an enchanted atmosphere. Cascade Range campgrounds sit at elevations from 2,000 to 5,000 feet, offering cooler temperatures and mountain views. River-adjacent sites along the Nooksack, White, and Wind Rivers provide soothing water sounds and fishing access. Sites typically accommodate one vehicle and up to six people, with group sites available at select locations. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most mountain and coastal campgrounds. Bear-proof food storage boxes are standard in many areas—particularly near national parks—and proper food storage is required. Reservations are essential for summer weekends at popular destinations, though some campgrounds offer first-come-first-served sites.