Go Coast Camping in Washington at these 10 Destinations
From the sunny and warm beaches of southern California, up to the craggy cliffs of the Oregon Coast, and ending in the dense forests of the Emerald Edge in Washington, the Pacific Coast offers visitors a variety of natural wonders to camp, hike, and explore. Coast camping in Washington, though, offers a different experience throughout the state’s 157 miles of shoreline. Visitors leave visions of palm trees and sandy beaches in California and Oregon, respectively, in favor of towering cliffs over pebble beaches, heaps of driftwood, and forested islands holding scenic views galore.
Not only will campers get to camp among tall pine just minutes from the beach, but they’ll also get the lush green of the rainforest and respite of coast camping–read: waves lapping the shore as they fall asleep under a sea of stars.
Image from The Dyrt camper Anne C.
Cape Disappointment is an easy option for anyone in the Seattle or Portland metro areas looking for a quick getaway with beach access, lighthouses, and plenty of trails to keep you occupied. Each site is equipped with a fire ring and picnic table and there are enough bathrooms spread throughout the grounds that you’ll likely be within quick walking distance. If you can, try and reserve sites 22-25–each has beachfront views.
“This park is definitely one of the most popular on the beach! With the vast amount of trails, lighthouses, views, stories, and amenities it offers it is clear why!” — The Dyrt camper Griffin C.
Tucked between two coastal towns, Grayland doesn’t see near the number of visitors as other state-run campgrounds along the Washington coast, but it’s hard to understand why. Access to a huge beach, plenty of trails, and large and private sites (including spacious RV sites) are a huge draw to Grayland Beach State Park. Plus, the sites are well protected with trees to prevent fierce Pacific winds from getting to your tent.
“Hidden gem on the coast! … Great tent and yurt sites, lots of water access, and trails in the area.” — The Dyrt camper Mary C.
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Image from The Dyrt camper Craig H.
With over 150 sites, Ocean City State Park offers campers a higher chance of snagging a spot during the high-season. Trees line most of the sites, offering shade on hot days and better protection from rain on traditional Pacific Coast days. Loop one borders a large field, making it a great option for groups or families traveling together. While there aren’t as many hiking trails available here, there is easy beach access to play around in the surf.
“Lots of things to do in nearby Ocean Shores. There is shopping, dining, go-carts and other beaches within about a 10-15 minute drive.” — The Dyrt camper Allisha M.
As one of the more popular campgrounds on The Dyrt, Kalaloch Campground fills up quickly during high-season, and for good reason. In Quinault, Kalaloch means “a good place to land.” Here, campers can access the beach in five minutes or less while their campsites are surrounded by dense forest. Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained and each of the sites is incredibly spacious. On the inner part of the loop, campers can stay near friends and family for combined campsites.
“Really loved camping here and being right on the coast. We had a fairly large site that had a decent amount of privacy, which was tucked back in the woods, but we could still hear the ocean.” — The Dyrt camper Christopher D.
Image from The Dyrt camper Lucy L.
Though Mora is a smaller campground, it still offers the amenities you need during a coast camping trip like immediate beach access, local hikes, and spacious sites for all types of campers. You can visit popular Rialto Beach nearby and visit Hole-In-The-Wall for five-star tide-pooling. Then head to Hoh Rainforest from lush, green hikes.
“We choose Mora because it’s proximity to Rialto Beach. The campground is lovely and they host some evening events at the amphitheater.” — The Dyrt camper Bobbi L.
Hip-hip hooray for showers! Many of the campgrounds on this list offer basic amenities like clean bathrooms but no showers. At Hobuck Resort and Beach Area, campers have options to stay from tent pads to cabins, but all sites, aside from cabins, are first-come-first-serve, so you’ll either want to get there early or have a back-up plan. Hiking and tidepooling are popular at Hobuck, but surfing tops both, bringing in surfers from around the world.
“It is beautiful spot on the ocean on Makah tribal land, with bald eagles flying overhead. The campground is nice and clean and the staff is always lovely.” — The Dyrt camper Kaila R.
Image from The Dyrt camper Tom K.
Like Kalaloch, you’ll want to make reservations at Deception Pass State Park well in advance. Even though there are nearly 300 sites at Deception Pass, they all fill during the summer–especially on weekends. If you can get a spot, though it’ll be well worth it. This park offers everything from kayaking and snorkeling to tide-pooling and hiking. Despite the high volume of sites, they’re all evenly spaced so you can get that nature reprieve you’re looking for.
“The diversity and scenery gives it all an A Plus and the designation as one of the best parks in the area. I will definitely be back.” — The Dyrt camper Tom K.
Tucked away in Sequim Bay, Washington coast camping at Sequim Bay State Park offers respite from the gale winds that often batter the Pacific coastline while still giving campers the sound of saltwater lapping the shore, tidepools, and local sea life. The sites are also large enough for big rigs to pull through, and the token showers are only .50 per 3 minutes. If you’re interested in boat camping — this is the place! Moorage spots are available nearby in Sequim Bay.
“We stopped for lunch and decided to stay the night because it was so nice.” — The Dyrt camper Angela A.
Fort Flagler State Park is likely best known for its wildlife viewing—everything from elk to bald eagles can be spied here with relative ease. Within easy driving distance from Seattle and Everett, Fort Flagler offers stunning views of nearby Mount Baker, hiking options for every level of hiker, and some of the best Washington coast camping in the state. Downtown Port Townsend is fun to walk around with cute, kitschy shops to check out. You can also access the bunkers and fort, which the kids will have a blast exploring.
“I absolutely love it here. You can walk the beach or walk the beautiful forest. Well maintained, great camp hosts and a cool snack shack.” — The Dyrt camper Linda M.
At Dungeness Recreation Area, visitors have access to the longest spit in the world–5.5 miles, which also sits on a national wildlife refuge. From the end of the spit, you can access a lighthouse and nab stunning views of Mount Baker in the distance. The campground itself is large and accessible for fifth-wheels and motorhomes, with clean bathrooms, hiking trails, and spacious, private sites.
“Campground was located a short walk away from bluffs overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca and British Columbia. Beautiful sunset views!” — The Dyrt camper Rachel G.
Related Campgrounds:
- South Beach Campground, Forks, WA
- Olympia Campground, Olympia, WA
- Mossyrock Campground
- Birch Bay Camping, Birch Bay, WA
- Camano Island Camping, Camano, WA
- Sunset State Beach Camping, Watsonville, CA
- Ruby Beach Camping at Kalaloch, Olympic National Park, WA
- Beach Camping Washington at Third Beach
- Farmstead Inn, Lynden, WA
- Bed and Breakfast Cheney, WA
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Source: https://thedyrt.com/magazine/local/washington-coast-camping/
