9 Spectacular Spots In Washington Where You Can Camp Right On The Beach
Don’t you just love camping in Washington? Whether you like to camp in the summer when it’s crowded or wait until fall when it’s a bit more mellow, you can find plenty of places where you can camp on the beach in Washington.
If you prefer camping in the fall, October and early November tend to be pretty mellow on the coast, though you might have to dress in extra layers and pack your poncho and rain boots! But when the peak season for camping ends, our most beautiful beachside campsites become quieter and more easily accessible. These spots are some of the best places to camp on the water in Washington in both the summer and fall months.
1. Pacific Beach State Park, Pacific Beach in Grays Harbor County
Pacific Beach State Park, 49 2nd St S, Pacific Beach, WA 98571, USA
Pacific Beach State Park is a 10-acre camping park with 2,300 feet of beautiful ocean shoreline, making this one of the best campgrounds in Washington. It has 20 standard sites, 41 utility sites, and two yurts. Best of all, 26 of the campsites are right on the waterfront. For more information, check out out previous coverage.
2. Scenic Beach State Park, Seabeck
Scenic Beach State Park, 9565 Scenic Beach Rd NW, Seabeck, WA 98380, USA
This 121-acre camping park has a 1,500-foot stretch of saltwater beach that sits on the beautiful Hood Canal. Known for its stunning views of the Olympic Mountains, there are 50 campsites, half of which are open year-round, and even a group campsite available here. Check out our previous coverage for more information.
3. Birch Bay State Park, Blaine
Birch Bay State Park, 5105 Helweg Rd, Blaine, WA 98230, USA
Located in a quiet community north of Bellingham with panoramic views of the Cascades, this is one of the best campgrounds in Washington. Birch Bay State Park has 8,255 feet of saltwater shoreline as well as 14,923 feet of freshwater shore along Terrell Creek. There are 147 campsites and a primitive group camping site available. Camping spots can be reserved between May 15 - September 15. Learn more about Birch Bay State Park in our previous coverage.
If you want to get away from it all, go camping on Blake Island. It’s only reachable by private boat or tour boat, and although the water is turned off during winter months, you can camp there all year. With a 1,127-acre camping park and five miles of shoreline, this is arguably one of the most beautiful campsites in Washington. There are 44 standard campsites available. For more information about Blake Island Marine Park, check out our previous coverage.
The beaches of La Push (First, Second, and Third) are all magical. Second Beach is the most popular place to camp due to its accessibility, especially in the summer months. You may want to wait until fall when the crowds thin out to come here and camp on the beach in Washington. Learn more about Second Beach in our previous coverage.
6. Matia Island State Park, Friday Harbor
Matia Island Marine State Park, Eastsound, WA 98245, USA
Located on the shoreline of the Strait of Georgia, the island of Friday Harbor is part of the San Juan National Wildlife Refuge. There are six primitive, quiet, and beautiful campsites in the park and these sites are first come, first served. Since this is one of the most incredible places to camp on the beach in Washington, you may have to wait until the off-season to snag one of the coveted camping spots. Head to our previous coverage about Matia Island State Park to learn more.
7. Joemma Beach State Park, Longbranch
Joemma Beach State Park, 20001 Bay Rd Kp S, Longbranch, WA 98351, USA
This quiet state park has some amazing views, and on its 106-acre camping park, it only has 19 primitive campsites for enjoying those views to the fullest. With 3,000 feet of shoreline, you'll find it to be one of the most beautiful campsites in Washington. Check out our previous coverage for more information.
Camano Island State Park is a 244-acre camping park with 6,700 feet of rocky shoreline and beach. You’ll enjoy the sweeping views of Puget Sound from your choice of 77 waterfront campsites. Five cabins are also available at this park. For more information, check out our previous coverage.
9. Ocean City State Park, Hoquiam
Ocean City State Park, 148 WA-115, Hoquiam, WA 98550, USA
Want to sleep near the waves on your next beach getaway? Ocean City State Park is a waterfront park near Aberdeen and Ocean Shores with over 149 campsites to choose from, including two group campsites and 29 utility sites. This is one of the best places to camp on the beach in Washington. Check out our previous coverage for more information about some of Washington's best islands.
With so many beautiful waterfront sites to choose from, it’s no wonder camping is so popular in Washington. Do you know of any other incredible places to camp on the beach in Washington? Let us know in the comment section!
If you’re looking for more campgrounds in Washington, check out these additional great places to set up camp.
Address: Pacific Beach State Park, 49 2nd St S, Pacific Beach, WA 98571, USA
Address: Scenic Beach State Park, 9565 Scenic Beach Rd NW, Seabeck, WA 98380, USA
Address: Birch Bay State Park, 5105 Helweg Rd, Blaine, WA 98230, USA
Address: Blake Island, Washington 98366, USA
Address: Second Beach, Washington, USA
Address: Matia Island Marine State Park, Eastsound, WA 98245, USA
Address: Joemma Beach State Park, 20001 Bay Rd Kp S, Longbranch, WA 98351, USA
Address: Camano Island State Park, Camano, WA 98282, USA
Address: Ocean City State Park, 148 WA-115, Hoquiam, WA 98550, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Camp On The Beach In Washington
June 28, 2021
Melissa M.
Where can I go glamping in Washington?
Camping certainly isn’t for everyone and for those of us who prefer not to rough it, glamping is a great option. One incredible place to consider is staying at one of the tiny homes on Destiny Ridge Vineyard which belongs to Alexandria Nicole Cellars. What can be more unique than glamping on a vineyard? Glamping in a yurt on an alpaca farm might actually be as unique as staying on a vineyard. Paca Pride Guest Ranch in Granite Falls is a charming farm where you can rent its comfortable Roadhouse Yurt for an experience like no other.
What are some of the best campgrounds in Washington?
Escape to nature with a stay at one of the best campgrounds in the state! From Fort Flagler Park to Deception Pass Park, Lena Lake, and Ohanapecosh Campground, you can read about some of the best campgrounds in Washington State in this article.
What are the most beautiful lakes in Washington?
As one of the most underrated lakes in the state, Lake Campbell, located south of Anacortes, has a boat launch and offers year-round fishing. It’s a picturesque spot and you can camp at nearby Deception Pass State Park for easy access to this lake. Another lesser-known lake, American Lake, is in Lakewood. With two public parks and views of Mount Rainier, you’ll want to plan to spend at least a day here. Bring your boat, kayak, or canoe, or go fishing or swimming. It’s the perfect place to bring the whole family.
Address: Pacific Beach State Park, 49 2nd St S, Pacific Beach, WA 98571, USA
Address: Scenic Beach State Park, 9565 Scenic Beach Rd NW, Seabeck, WA 98380, USA
Address: Birch Bay State Park, 5105 Helweg Rd, Blaine, WA 98230, USA
Address: Blake Island, Washington 98366, USA
Address: Second Beach, Washington, USA
Address: Matia Island Marine State Park, Eastsound, WA 98245, USA
Address: Joemma Beach State Park, 20001 Bay Rd Kp S, Longbranch, WA 98351, USA
Address: Camano Island State Park, Camano, WA 98282, USA
Address: Ocean City State Park, 148 WA-115, Hoquiam, WA 98550, USA
Jessica Wick is a writer and travel enthusiast who loves exploring new places, meeting new people and, of course, beautiful Big Sky Country and every part of Washington State.
