Camping in Washington is an amazing experience, even for those who would rather sleep indoors. It’s an incredible way to experience nature, something our state is well known for. But if you haven’t already reserved a spot at some of our more popular campsites, you may be out of luck — they fill up fast. That being said, there are still some wonderful campgrounds in Washington where reservations aren’t required. Bring spontaneity back by heading to one of these spots that offer first come first serve camping in Washington.

1. Camano Island State Park
2269 Lowell Point Rd, Camano, WA 98282, USA
rusty_fwg / TripAdvisor
Camano Island State Park features 88 standard campsites and five cabins with restrooms, dump sites and showers. Reservations are required during the peak-season from mid-May to mid-September. They are first-come, first-served during the off-season.
2. Colonial Creek Campground
State Route 20, State Rte 20, Rockport, WA, USA
sandiegogirl79 / TripAdvisor
Located in the North Cascades National Park near Diablo, Colonial Creek Campground is one of the most beautiful campgrounds in the state. Stunning lake views and spacious campsites make it a must-see for all serious campers. And if they're completely full, you can head to the nearby George Lake Campground, which has six primitive campsites and no fee.
3. Owhi Campground
Owhi Campground, Cle Elum, WA 98922, USA
George Wesley & Bonita D / Flickr
Located near Roslyn along Cooper Lake, Owhi Campground has 22 campsites and pit toilets for your convenience. While this place once remained hidden, the secret is definitely out - but if you arrive early, you can still get a spot without a reservation.
4. White River Campground, Mount Rainier National Park
White River Campground, Washington 98304, USA
everwindingroad / TripAdvisor
Mount Rainier National Park is a beautiful place to camp, but it can be tricky to snag a last-minute spot. White River Campground opens when the snow melts, which is later than most other campgrounds in the area, meaning it sometimes gets overlooked. There are 112 campsites here, and the views are incredible.

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5. Beacon Rock State Park
34841 WA-14, Stevenson, WA 98648, USA
Pui S / Yelp
The Columbia Gorge's most beautiful park has 26 tent sites and five full-hookup sites for RVs with restrooms and showers. Reservations aren't required, but if you want a last-minute spot during the summer, you should go during the week.
6. South Beach Campground, Olympic National Park
South Beach Campground, Forks, WA 98331, USA
Maggie Tacheny / Flickr
This campground is entirely first-come, first-serve. It has 55 sites and there are flush toilets, but no potable water. The campsites are set on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, so while there isn't much privacy, there are some seriously stunning views.
7. Rock Island Campground
Rock Island Campground, NF-7609, Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA
Shannon Bernard / alltrails.com
You'll find Rock Island Campground in the Wenatchee National Forest near Leavenworth, bordering the Icicle Gorge Trail. It has 20 campsites, potable water, and vault toilets.
8. Spencer Spit State Park
521 Bakerview Rd, Lopez Island, WA 98261, USA
Chelsea Nesvig / flickr
Lopez Island is a super laid back place, and this gorgeous state park is no exception. Admittedly, reservations are both accepted and recommended here, but they're not required. In fact, some campsites are first-come, first-serve... and if you're lucky, you'll end up camping right on the beach.
9. Cape Disappointment State Park
Cape Disappointment State Park, 244 Robert Gray Dr, Ilwaco, WA 98624, USA
Lee LeFever / Flickr
It probably goes without saying that there is nothing disappointing about this place. Located on the mouth of the Columbia River, Cape Disappointment features both standard campsites and yurt rentals. Everything is reservable, but last-minute campers are welcome.

Did these sites for no-reservation camping in Washington inspire you to pack up your tent and hit the road? We hope you’ll be enjoying some camping in Washington this year. For more excellent options for camping in Washington, be sure to check out this list!

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More to Explore

Campgrounds in Washington

Jessica Wick | June 07, 2019

What are some of the best campgrounds in Washington?

Since everyone's preferences are different, the best campgrounds are subjective. However, there are a few that are especially beloved by the general population.

  • The Kalaloch Campground on the Olympic Peninsula is surrounded by both forest and beach
  • At Pacific Beach State Park, you can camp right on the beach (there's no shortage of oceanfront camping in Washington)
  • Jones Island offers a peaceful and secluded experience on the San Juan Islands
  • The White River Campground at Mt. Rainier National Park sits right on the river

These are just a few of the hundreds of beloved campgrounds here in the Evergreen State, so do some exploring and find the right one for you.

Are you allowed to camp in Washington State Parks?

It depends. Some state parks welcome and encourage camping, while others are set up for day use only. The best way to find out if your favorite state park has campsites is to visit the Washington State Parks website and do a search.

What are some of the things I need to take on a camping trip?

This will obviously depend on your style of camping -- RV camping is very different than sleeping in a tent! Aside from the obvious (a tent or camper, sleeping bags, and flashlights), you'll want to pack:

  • Extra batteries
  • Layers of clothing
  • Bug repellant
  • Sunscreen
  • Everything you'll need to keep yourself comfortable, such as camping chairs or hammocks
  • If you're tent camping, take extra stakes and a tarp
  • Pack plenty of food for meals and snacks and lots of extra water
  • Find out if the campground or campsite you're visiting has flush toilets, showers, firewood, and other basic amenities, and plan accordingly
  • Also, pack a lantern or two for any late-night lighting needs

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