Best Campgrounds in Seattle
Seattle is a city famous for many things, like Jimi Hendrix, the Space Needle, and the popular chick flick “Sleepless in Seattle.” But more than its cultural references, Seattle is known for its abundant evergreen forests and trees. It’s one of the main reasons why it’s dubbed the Emerald City, after all.
While many associate the beautiful city of Seattle with gloomy, rainy, and overcast days, it still gets more than 150 days of bright sunshine every year. Whether you live in this glorious city or are planning to visit it sometime soon, leave some space for fun camping adventures with the whole family.
The city is sprouting with national parks and national forests that you need to go and see at least once in your life. A few short days and a quick glimpse of the lush nature scene in Seattle are all you need to refresh your senses.
Camping Near Seattle: 5 Campsites To Visit
Camping in Seattle allows you to bask in the gorgeous peaks, blue beaches, green forests, and high deserts that surround the city. Wherever you decide to go, you’re bound to land in a place full of excitement and exploration. The views will never disappoint and you’ll have an unforgettable time making beautiful memories.
Check out some of the top campsites in and around the area that you can visit.
Deception Pass State Park
Distance: 90 miles from Seattle
Cost: $10
Location: 41229 State Rte 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Phone: (360) 675-3767
For almost a century, Deception Pass has been considered one of the most visited state parks in Washington. It encompasses both Fidalgo and Whidbey Island, as well as the iconic Deception Pass Bridge, making it a must-visit tourist attraction in the area.
Located just 90 miles north of Seattle, this park features over 300 campsites scattered around three locations. What’s great about this destination is that the campsites offer versatility for all campers. Whether you prefer traditional tent camping or the more modern RV camping style, the park accommodates your personal preference for your utmost comfort and convenience.
However, if you’re worried about the location of the site, don’t be. Many of the campsites are stationed at the Cranberry Lake Campground, which is a hotspot for numerous outdoor activities, including hiking across scenic trails, boating, tide-pooling, and biking. After finishing your day full of activities, you can freshen up at the available restrooms and shower houses in the area.
Just keep in mind, Deception Pass is a favorite destination among tourists and residents alike. On average, the park welcomes more than two million visitors every year. Because of this, it is highly recommended to reserve your spot. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore the scenic views of Deception Pass and immerse yourself in the rich history of the space.
Cougar Rock Campground
Distance: 94 miles away from Seattle
Cost: $20
Location: Ashford, WA 98304
Phone: (360) 569-2211
If you’re a mountain lover, the Cougar Rock Campground is the perfect place to visit. As one of the largest attractions in the whole Pacific Northwest, Mount Rainier is a must-see natural wonder. To this day, it’s still considered an active stratovolcano that’s surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery. One day of hiking is not enough to capture the beauty and splendor of this destination. Instead, you will need at least an overnight stay to truly appreciate the gorgeous views from up high.
Luckily, there are four campgrounds accessible in the area, all of which are operated by the National Park Service. Each site has more than enough space for RVs and tents alike. Moreover, there are potable water and functioning flushing toilets nearby to offer every camper the basic camping essentials.
Much like Deception Pass State Park, the Cougar Rock Campground is quite popular, especially during peak season (between May and September), so it’s advisable to make early reservations. Once you’ve locked in your spot, you can start planning your itinerary for however long you decide to stay. The campground is near the Paradise area and the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center. In addition, it’s less than a 10-mile drive to the dramatic scenic views of Paradise and the Skyline Trail, which is one of Washington’s best hiking routes.
While it’s two hours away from Seattle, the drive to Cougar Rock Campground is worth it all.
Colonial Creek Campground
Distance: 126 miles from Seattle
Cost: $24 to $75
Location: State Rte 20, Rockport, WA 98283
Phone: (877) 444-6777
Looking for a quick weekend getaway from the busy city? Head to the North Cascades and visit Colonial Creek Campground. This is located in the heart of the city’s national park and is close to one of the most symbolic bodies of water called Diablo Lake. You can access the park through the seasonal State Route 20, also known as the North Cascades Highway. In a little over two hours, you should get to your destination and find a panoramic view of the lavish mountains and clear blue waters.
Then, you can settle down in one of 140 campsites in the area, catering to both tent or RV camping. Like the other sites on this list, Colonial Creek Campground features potable water and flushing toilets, so you don’t have to worry about taking care of your business alongside nature.
Although you can choose to set up a sitting area around your tent or RV and admire the landscapes all day long with a glass of something cold, you can also choose to participate in some outdoor activities. One of the most popular activities is the boat access to Diablo Lake. If you want to get up close and personal with the aquamarine waters of the lake, this attraction is a must-do. Besides this, you can also go hiking at the Thunder Knob, Thunder Creek, and Fourth of July Pass.
Larrabee State Park
Distance: 79 miles from Seattle
Cost: $12 to $45
Location: 245 Chuckanut Dr. Bellingham, WA 98229
Phone: (888) 226-7688
Just an hour and 40 minutes away from Seattle is Larrabee State Park. It’s located just south of Bellingham, Washington, and is considered one of the oldest and finest state parks in the state.
There are several camping spots in the park that offer incredible sea views from Chuckanut Mountain. Not only that, but by staying here, you’ll be just a stone’s throw away from the San Juan Islands. Isn’t that exciting? You’ll feel like you’re at the edge of the world with the whole archipelago just beyond your reach. While it might not be a once-in-a-lifetime event, it will no doubt be one of the highlights of your adventure.
To take it up a notch, you can even partake in one or more of the activities nearby. You can take your whole group shellfish harvesting, paddling, or diving in Samish Bay, which the park overlooks. If you plan on staying in the area, don’t worry. There are plenty of fun things you can still enjoy. For example, you can go hiking or mountain biking through the Douglas fir woods. If that’s not your cup of tea, you can also go freshwater fishing at Fragrance lake and Lost Lake. Whatever your preference may be, this destination can help you gain an experience you will never forget.
Lake Sammamish State Park
Distance: 14 miles from Seattle
Cost: Starts at $50 a night
Location: 3560 West Lake Sammamish Parkway Southeast, Bellevue, WA, 98008
Phone: (425) 746-3260
Want something closer to Seattle? Try Lake Sammamish State Park. This is only 20 minutes away from Seattle with little to no traffic (if you’re lucky). But even when there’s a slight traffic jam, it won’t take you more than 30 minutes to get here. At Lake Sammamish State Park, the main attraction is of course the gorgeous lake. But more than that, you can also enjoy over 500 acres of land, which opens plenty of space for unlimited outdoor fun.
It also features two beachfronts where you can lounge around, sunbathe, or enjoy the refreshing waters. You can even rent paddle boards and kayaks if you want to float around the water the whole day.
Alternatively, you can head to the thick forests and wetlands where you can hike or bike around. While you’re at it, keep your eyes peeled for majestic birds. Who knows, you might spot the elusive bald eagles or great blue herons, both of which are residents of the park. From all the land and water activities you can enjoy, your day will no doubt be filled. But if one day is not enough to complete everything that you want to do, you can head over to the Vasa Park Resort, just a few minutes away from the park, where you can camp overnight.
This is one of the best options for families because the resort features Wi-Fi, playgrounds, waterslides, diving boards, fire pits, and sports activities. Because of this, you’ll be sure to keep your kids preoccupied for a long time.
Map of Campgrounds in Seattle
Seattle Campgrounds Listed in Map
Alder Lake Park
AYH Ranch Campground & Lodging
Cape Disappointment State Park
Cascadia Marine Trail
Cedar Glen RV Park
Colonial Creek Campground
Cougar Rock Campground
Deception Pass State Park
Fay Bainbridge Park
Harbor Point RV Park
Kalaloch Campground
Lake Pleasant RV Park
Lake Sammamish State Park
Lake Wenatchee State Park
Larrabee State Park
Manchester State Park
Maple Grove RV Resort
North Sound RV Park
Saltwater State Park
Sequim Bay State Park
Trailer Inns RV Park
Vasa Park Resort
Top Tips When Camping in Seattle
As much as camping is a recreational activity, it’s also considered a state sport in Washington. The residents take camping seriously, and you need to do the same to make the most of the experience. But don’t worry. If you’ve never camped in or around Seattle before, this guide will help you prepare for it by sharing some essential tips you need to know.
Select the Perfect Season
It may not seem obvious at first, but the season can make or break your camping experience. While camping is available all year round in Washington due to the state’s beautiful climate, summer is the camping season peak. This means that during this time, you can expect to see crowded campsites and busy parks.
Although some people may find this no trouble at all, others may want to have the place more to themselves. If that’s you, it’s best to schedule your camping trip when there are fewer people around.
Fall is an ideal season for the East because the temperatures are mellow. At the same time, there are not a lot of people in the parks. Spring may be incredible to see the flowers bloom, but the terrain may be slippery or muddy due to the aftermath of the rainy season. Be sure to consider these factors when you plan out your itinerary.
Claim the Best Campsite
As you can imagine, campsites can be well-packed with tourists and residents who want to escape for a little while. If you want to secure your spot, you need to book ahead of time. In case your first choice is fully-booked, make sure to have a few backup options.
For your convenience, try to choose destinations that offer basic amenities like toilets, clean water, and power sources. But even if you like to rough it, try to make sure your campsite choice is safe and secure from external factors like strong winds and wild animals.
Gather Your Gear
If this is your first time camping, you may not have the complete gear at home, and that’s okay. Lucky for you Seattle is the home for outdoor equipment, so you’re bound to find anything you can ever need in the city.
That’s not all. Camping gear is undoubtedly quite pricey. If you don’t intend on using them for the long term, you have the option to rent them out or buy from second-hand stores. At the very least, you should obtain the basics, which are a sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, and stove. Other essentials include raincoats, hiking boots, sun hats, and safety kits.
Plan Your Itinerary
Once you arrive at your destination, you can settle down first and allow a few hours to plan out your trip. There are a lot of things you can do once you reach your campsite. It’s only a matter of planning them correctly to ensure that you maximize your time there.
Take note: sometimes it’s not possible to do everything the park has to offer. In such cases, try to focus on activities that you genuinely want to do and focus your time, energy, and resources there. That’s one of the best ways to make the most of your trip.
When in Seattle, Go Camping
Camping in Seattle is an experience unto itself. It’s like entering a whole new world of adventure and nature exploration. You can enjoy majestic mountain views, epic hiking trails, hot springs to soak in, and vibrant aquamarine waters. All you have to do is find the perfect destination for you.
This guide can serve as your jumping-off point to find the best spot that everyone in the family can enjoy. Once you identify the campsite you want to visit, make a reservation, and start packing. This is your chance to immerse in nature and get out of the comfort of the city. That being said, when in Seattle, try to go camping. It’ll definitely be one for the books.
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