5 great WA campgrounds for this spring and summer

Rising temperatures, longer days, later sunsets: The Northwest is once again inviting us to come outside! 

Need help planning your next camping trip? We have you covered. Whether you’re seeking fields of wildflowers, a coastal getaway, a backpacking adventure or a trip for camping-skeptics, we have five recommendations for Western Washington campgrounds as you dust off your tent and sleeping bag.

And, in case you missed it: Washington State Parks changed its policy on camping reservations in March, making spur-of-the-moment camping easier. Campers can now reserve a campsite as late as 2 p.m. any day at all state parks with reservable campsites, rather than booking by 11:59 p.m. the day prior. (First-come, first-served sites are still available until sites fill up. Three of these five campgrounds are in state parks.) 

Finally, a few ground rules: Make sure your chosen campground is open (many Washington State Park campgrounds don’t open until mid-May). Look for restrictions on early season camping; certain sites may be closed, as may be facilities like bathrooms. Check for weather, road and trail conditions — and always pack extra layers and waterproof gear (and the rest of the 10 Essentials). Sunshine can turn to rain quickly, come springtime in the PNW.

For spring wildflowers and ancient rock formations: Horsethief Lake

At Columbia Hills Historical State Park: 8514 Lewis and Clark Highway, Lyle

Wildflowers typically peak in spring in Southern Washington, blooming earlier than in the Central Cascades closest to Seattle. Head to Columbia Hills Historical State Park near the Columbia River Gorge for a mix of spring wildflowers and interesting geological formations. You can pitch your tent at Horsethief Lake, which includes standard campsites, walk-in sites, partial hookups and primitive sites.

At Horsethief Lake, you’ll be camping in high-desert terrain on rocky cliffs overlooking the Columbia River. Spend your camping adventure boating or windsurfing on the lake, wandering through fields dotted with white and yellow wildflowers, and searching for Native American petroglyphs on the rocks.

For a starter’s backpacking adventure: Dosewallips River

Start at Dosewallips River Road Trail at the terminus of Dosewallips Road, west of Brinnon  

For spring camping deeper in the backcountry, pack your gear for a backpacking trip along Dosewallips River at the edge of the eastern Olympic Mountains. There are two open backcountry campgrounds along the trail, which starts at the end of Dosewallips Road that stretches west from Brinnon: Dose Forks Camp and Deception Creek. 

Make Dose Forks your destination, hiking for about 7.5 miles along Dosewallips River Road Trail. The trek traces a meandering river in a deep canyon, traversing forests laden with mossy carpet, all with views of rocky peaks. (There are no reservations at this campsite; wilderness permits are required.) 

You’ll camp among old-growth forest on the edge of this turquoise river. The campground is a perfect base to explore additional hikes in the area or simply to spend a night beneath the stars.

For island camping: Camano Island State Park

Camano Island State Park: 2269 S. Lowell Point Road, Camano Island

Thanks to moderate temperatures, many campgrounds on Washington’s islands remain open year-round. Just over an hour north of Seattle, Camano Island is a world away from city life. Slow down to island time with a weekend of camping in Camano Island State Park. 

Known for its Cama Beach cabins (which closed last year and will not reopen), the state park also has 77 standard reservable campsites, as well as a few additional sites open on a first-come, first-served basis for hikers and bikers. The lower loop campsites are open year-round; upper loop sites are closed until May.

Camano Island State Park’s grassy campground boasts views of the Olympics, Puget Sound and Mount Rainier when the skies are clear. Hiking along several miles of forest trails, boating on the Sound and searching for wildlife like deer, orcas and harbor seals should keep you busy!

For lakeside camping: Battle Ground Lake 

Battle Ground Lake State Park: 18002 N.E. 249th St., Battle Ground

You can camp lakeside at Battle Ground Lake State Park in Southern Washington. Situated in the foothills of the Cascade Range, this is an excellent spring option for a lake excursion before the higher-altitude mountain lakes are accessible for the season.

Battle Ground Lake State Park sits in a forest of evergreens on the shore of the expansive lake of the same name. There are standard, partial hookup and primitive campsites, as well as equestrian sites. The campground is well equipped, with bathrooms, fire pits, picnic tables, drinking water and a shop on-site for snacks, fire and fishing supplies, as well as games, kayak and SUP rentals.

For the comfort-seeking camper: Snow Peak’s Campfield Long Beach

Campfield Long Beach: 5411 Sandridge Road, Long Beach; snowpeakcampfield.com

If you’re averse to roughing it, new to camping, or simply seeking some comfort in your nature escape, Snow Peak Campfield in Long Beach is the spot for you. The luxury camping concept, which offers a comfort-first form of camping, is the Japanese brand’s first site in North America. It debuted last summer. 

Here’s the pitch: the best of both worlds, with the peace and quiet of nature alongside creature comforts. Set up your own tent or pay a bit more to have a tent and all the equipment set up for you, including a sleeping mattress, cooking gear and a fire pit. You can choose between a campsite among the trees or along the pond. 

It might not appeal to old-school campers, but it might be perfect for families and first-timers. 

Partake in the campsite’s amenities, including a sauna, cold plunge and soaking pool, and events like live music. During the day, take a trip to the Long Beach Peninsula, where you can bike or hike along the Discovery Trail. You can also visit Cape Disappointment and explore the marshes, sand dunes and grasslands of the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge.