Campgrounds in Washington

Washington state is where I learned that rain doesn't actually stop you from having a good time. I spent my first Pacific Northwest van trip in November — everyone told me I was crazy, and they were partially right — but the moody fog rolling through the Hoh Rain Forest, the empty trails, the hot springs I had almost to myself, it convinced me that Washington van life rewards people who don't mind a little water. That said, June through September is the golden window here. The North Cascades Highway opens (usually late June), the alpine lakes warm up enough to swim in, and the state parks are buzzing. This guide covers our favorite campgrounds from the coast to the eastern mountains.

Washington Van Life Overview

Washington is divided by the Cascade Mountains into two very different worlds. Western Washington is green, wet, and dominated by evergreen forests, ocean coastline, and volcanic peaks (Rainier, St. Helens, Baker). Eastern Washington is drier, flatter, and gets genuinely hot in summer — more like Idaho than like Seattle.

Best seasons: July through September is peak season. October is underrated — the fall colors in the North Cascades rival anything in New England. November through March is wet (like, constant-rain wet) in the west, but the eastern side stays relatively dry.

Key regulations: Washington requires a Discover Pass ($30/year or $10/day) for all state park parking lots and many state-managed recreation areas. This is non-negotiable and rangers do check. National Forests do not require the Discover Pass. Olympic and North Cascades National Parks charge their own entrance fees.

Rain preparation: If you're van camping in Washington any time outside of July-August, invest in good rain gear and a way to dry wet clothes inside the van. We use a small portable drying rack and a 12V fan. Waterproof shoes matter more than you'd think.

Campgrounds by Region

Western Washington (Seattle, Olympic, Rainier)

Western Washington is the postcard version of the Pacific Northwest — misty forests, dramatic coastline, and volcanic mountains. Seattle is a great base city for van lifers (good coffee everywhere, REI flagship, ferry access to the islands), but the real magic starts once you leave the city.

Rattlesnake Lake

Location: North Bend, WA (near Seattle)
Type: Public Camping Area
Cost: $30/night
Highlights: Our favorite close-to-Seattle option. The lake is gorgeous, the Rattlesnake Ledge trail is a great warm-up hike, and you're 35 minutes from the city if you need supplies. The campground has clean bathrooms and is well-maintained.

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Diablo Lake (North Cascades)

Location: Diabolo, WA
Type: National Forest / USFS
Cost: Free (dispersed) / $25/night (developed)
Highlights: That impossible turquoise water. Diablo Lake is one of the most photographed spots in Washington, and for good reason. The North Cascades Highway (Hwy 20) is closed in winter — usually opens late May or June. When it does, camping along the lake is a must.

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Olympic National Park (Kalaloch)

Location: Forks, WA
Type: National Park
Cost: $24/night (plus $30 park entry)
Highlights: Camping right on the Pacific Ocean with old-growth forest behind you. The beach at Kalaloch has those famous sea stacks and driftwood logs. Storm watching here in fall is genuinely unforgettable. Book early — this is one of the most popular campgrounds in the park.

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Mount Rainier National Park (Ohanapecosh)

Location: Packwood, WA
Type: National Park
Cost: $24/night (plus $30 park entry)
Highlights: Hot springs nearby, old-growth groves with massive cedars, and the mountain itself visible from many sites. Ohanapecosh is on the southeast corner — less crowded than the Paradise meadows area, and open summer through early fall.

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Central Washington (Cascade Loop, Wenatchee)

The Cascade Loop is one of the great American road trips — a 400-mile scenic byway that connects North Cascades, Stevens, and Snoqualmie passes through a series of mountain towns, alpine lakes, and forest roads. Central Washington is where the Cascade Loop really shines.

Lake Wenatchee State Park

Location: Leavenworth, WA
Type: State Park
Cost: $30/night (requires Discover Pass)
Highlights: Crystal-clear lake with a sandy beach, surrounded by pine forest. Leavenworth (the Bavarian-themed town) is five minutes away for resupply. We come here in September for perfect weather and fewer crowds.

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Blewett Pass Campground

Location: Blewett Pass, WA
Type: State Park
Cost: $30/night (requires Discover Pass)
Highlights: High mountain pass camping with access to the Pacific Crest Trail. The aspens turn gold here in late September — one of the best fall camping experiences in the state. Keep an eye on weather; the pass can get cold fast in autumn.

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Wenatchee Confluence State Park

Location: Wenatchee, WA
Type: State Park
Cost: $30/night (requires Discover Pass)
Highlights: Where the Wenatchee River meets the Columbia. Good flat camping, river access, and close to town. This is our logistics stop — laundry, groceries, maybe a brewery — between backcountry stretches in the Cascades.

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Eastern Washington (Spokane, Palouse, Blue Mountains)

Eastern Washington surprises people who expect the whole state to be forested. It's dry, wide open, and has its own quiet appeal. The Palouse rolling hills are gorgeous in late spring, and the Blue Mountains in the southeast corner hold some of the state's best dispersed camping.

Riverside State Park

Location: Spokane, WA
Type: State Park
Cost: $30/night (requires Discover Pass)
Highlights: Where the Spokane and Little Spokane rivers converge. The park has miles of trails for biking and hiking. We use this as a base for exploring Spokane (great farmers market on Saturday mornings).

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Umatilla National Forest

Location: Southeast WA / Northeast OR
Type: National Forest
Cost: Free (dispersed)
Highlights: Blue Mountains forest with scattered meadows and ridgeline camping. Dispersed camping is available throughout the forest. This is genuinely remote — we went a full weekend without seeing another vehicle.

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Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park

Location: Vantage, WA
Type: State Park
Cost: $30/night (requires Discover Pass)
Highlights: Petrified wood from 15 million years ago, right on the Columbia River. The interpretive trails are surprisingly engaging. This is a good overnight stop on I-90 between Seattle and Spokane, and the Columbia River Gorge views are dramatic.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I really need a Discover Pass for Washington camping?

Yes, if you're using state parks, state-managed recreation areas, or many trailheads west of the Cascades. The pass is $30/year or $10/day. National Forests and National Parks do not require it. Many van lifers buy the annual pass if they plan to visit more than three state parks in a year.

When does the North Cascades Highway (Hwy 20) open?

Typically late May or early June, depending on snowpack. The exact date varies yearly — check WSDOT before planning your trip. The highway stays open through October or November unless early snow closes it. Diablo Lake and Ross Lake campgrounds are only accessible when the highway is open.

Is western Washington too rainy for van camping?

It depends on your threshold for rain. July through September are genuinely dry and warm — comparable to any other region. October through June sees regular rain, but it's rarely all-day downpours. With proper gear, fall and spring camping in western Washington is rewarding and far less crowded. The moss-covered forests are most photogenic when damp.

Can I boondock in Washington?

Yes, primarily in the National Forests east of the Cascade crest. The Okanogan-Wenatchee, Colville, and Umatilla National Forests all offer free dispersed camping. West of the Cascades, boondocking is more limited — most forest land is in designated campgrounds or requires permits.