Dreaming about Camping This Summer? Why (and How) to Start Planning Right Now

Camping is one of the great joys of a Washington summer — and because of that, it’s also popular. Finding a campsite to reserve can be challenging. You may want to start planning your summer (or spring or fall) now. Here are some tips to get you started. And if your schedule or personality calls for a last-minute approach, we have some ideas for that, too.

WASHINGTON STATE PARKS

Most Washington State Parks campgrounds take reservations 9 months in advance, on a rolling basis. That means many sites are already booked up for this summer, but sites do remain.  

Online booking: To start your search, go to washington.goingtocamp.com. You can enter the date you are interested in and see availability. Filter results with a map, list or calendar view. The website includes pictures of the sites and structures. Group facilities and vacation houses cannot be booked through the website (call 888-226-7688 to book) but other structures such as yurts can be booked online.

Tip: If you're not set on going to a specific state park, trying searching "All Parks" for the dates you'd like to camp, and then click on the green dots for parks with availability. 

If you will not be able to use a reservation, call 888-226-7688 or the Washington Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 or 800-833-6384 to cancel so another camper can use the site.

Camping, cards and canines. Photo by Heather Haugstad.

NATIONAL PARKS

Washington’s three national parks have varying reservation policies. Make reservations (or cancellations if needed) at recreation.gov.

Mount Rainier National Park has two campgrounds on the reservation system. Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh accept reservations up to 6 months in advance on a rolling basis. Reservations can be made for camping on May 26-Oct. 8. White River is first-come, first-served.

Olympic National Park makes sites available in staggered waves. Sites are available either 6 months in advance, 2 weeks in advance or 4 days in advance at Kalaloch, Mora, Hoh Rainforest and Fairholme campgrounds. Reservations can be made for camping on May 25-Sept. 20. Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground makes reservations available 6 months in advance. Reservations can be made for camping on March 28-Oct. 28.

North Cascades National Park campgrounds open reservations up to 6 months in advance on a rolling basis. Reservations can be made for camping on May 22-Sept. 10.

Morning at Cougar Rock Campground. Photo by Jillian Silva.

NATIONAL FORESTS

Washington’s six national forests make most reservations available on a 6-month rolling basis. Most group sites are available on a 12-month rolling basis. Check recreation.gov for details on campsites, including when they are open, and for exceptions to this general reservation rule.

• Colville National Forest
• Gifford Pinchot National Forest
• Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
• Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
• Olympic National Forest 
• Umatilla National Forest

Time for s'mores. Photo by Michelle Hobson.

OTHER OPTIONS

County parks: Each park has their own rules for camping reservations. Check your county’s website for information on local options for camping. 

Fire lookouts: Some fire lookouts in the Northwest are reservable. Get details at wta.org/firelookouts

Private options: Hipcamp, Airbnb and VRBO offer options for reserving private campsites for rental properties. Get details at wta.org/campideas.

Good morning, campsite. Photo by Shyloe Neizman.

LAST-MINUTE IDEAS

If you haven’t made a reservation, then first-come, first-served campgrounds and dispersed camping areas are for you. Here are some tips for finding a great spot:

If you have the flexibility, the best course of action is to arrive mid-week for campgrounds that do not accept reservations.

Go farther away from cities and try out an area with lighter usage.

Try a Department of Natural Resources campsite. With the exception of the Elbe Hills ORV Campground, all DNR campgrounds are first-come, first-served; dnr.wa.gov/Campsites.

Try dispersed camping. Dispersed camping means there are no toilets, no picnic tables, no trash cans, no treated water and no fire grates. Typically, dispersed camping is not allowed in the vicinity of developed recreation areas such as campgrounds, boat ramps, picnic areas or trailheads. Get details at wta.org/dispersedcamping or call the local ranger district, wta.org/rangerstations.

Go backpacking. Depending upon where you go, you might need a permit. But if you’re up for packing lighter and carrying a pack, you can enjoy some spectacular areas in our state. Get ideas at wta.org/backpacking.