Lakeside camping in Washington
Kayak, paddleboard, or just soak in the views from a lakefront Washington campsite.
94% (7388 reviews)
- Washington
94% (7388 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Washington
Under $50
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top lakeside campgrounds in Washington
78%
(226)
SHADOW MOUNTAIN CAMPGROUND
38 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Port Angeles, WA
Whether you are looking to spend some quality time with your family or enjoy a weekend away with friends, you are going to find the perfect camping vacation at Shadow Mountain Campground!
With newly added Kayak Rentals.
We have a convenient General Store and Gas Station on site.
We have beautiful campsites, entertaining activities, and quality staff to ensure that your Olympic National Park camping vacation is all you need to relax and unwind! Come spend a weekend, a week, or a season with our Monthly RV Park Spaces and let us show you what we have to offer!
Did I mention HOT SHOWERS and LAUNDRY FACILITY!!!
The views are Amazing!
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$15
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93%
(761)
sol duc rainforest retreat
14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents9 acres · Port Angeles, WA
Stay at our private piece of rain forest paradise. Our 9 acres of forest is adjacent to the Olympic national park and the Olympic discovery trail.
Camp next to Lake Crescent and the Sol Duc river/ hot springs, immersed in the Olympic rain forest, next to a bubbling creek. There is hiking , biking and boating in all directions. Each camp is semi secluded, surrounded in ferns and old growth trees.
With many trails that loop around and covered outdoor kitchens, its a great spot to chill and cook or explore the forests
thousands of ferns and bubbling brooks .
Located a mile and a half from Lake Crescent, adjacent to the Olympic Discovery Trail and the Olympic National Park, our property is
a perfect gathering point to explore the possibilities of the peninsula.
You will think you're in the park.
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$37.40
/ night
99%
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The Landing at Index WA
8 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Index, WA
Welcome to The Landing at Index - located on the South Fork Skykomish River, in the western foothills of the Cascade Mountains, off of Highway 2. With 16 acres of beautiful, private woods and breathtaking views of Mt. Index, this is a wonderful getaway to kick back and relax after your day of adventures, or just to escape the city rush.
The campsites are at the bottom of a long logging road so an SUV or AWD vehicle are preferable , especially during the wetter seasons.
When the property was logged approximately 100 years ago they scooped out gravel from the river to make their roads in the area thus creating the back eddy pool along the beach.
A rather peaceful setting, including the rushing sound of the river and the occasional whistle of a train. You will feel refreshed and rejuvenated after you stay at The Landing.
Pets are welcome, there are outhouses at each campsite. Campfires are allowed (when burn bans are not in place).
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$121.50
/ night
94%
(62)
Skokomish Park At Lake Cushman
60 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Hoodsport, WA
2024 Reservations are Open
2024 Season runs from March 29 - November 3
KING5 Evening Magazine's "The Best of the Northwest Escapes" competition voted us 2nd Best Campground. Come on out and check out the natural beauty Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman has to offer.
Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman, formerly known as Camp Cushman or Lake Cushman State Park, covers over 500 acres with three boat-launch ramps on the 41,500 feet of freshwater shoreline on Lake Cushman.
Park facilities include campsites, RV pull-thru and back-in sites, walk-in campsites, and two group camping areas. Plus, two fantastic day-use areas with picnic sites, a picnic shelter, and comfort stations located throughout the park.
The natural beauty of the area can be explored on any of our trails. The eastern part of the Olympic Peninsula has loads of great trails around us in the Olympic National Park. Trailheads nearby include Big Creek, Mount Rose, Mount Ellinor, Dry Creek, Copper Creek, Wagonwheel Lake, Staircase Rapids, Big Log Camp, and Flapjack Lakes. Mount Ellinor Trail is rated 5 stars by many.
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$48
/ night
95%
(144)
Mountain Lavender Escape
5 sites · RVs, Tents47 acres · Randle, WA
Cowlitz Falls Lavender Co. is quietly nestled in the heart of Randle, Washington, surrounded by the beauty of the Cascade Mountain Range and just a stone's throw away from the majestic Mount St. Helens. The fertile ground, courtesy of the active stratovolcano once known as Mount Lawetlat'la, provides the perfect foundation for our lavender fields. With pomace-enriched soil that aids in drainage, our farm boasts lush lavender plants thriving beneath a foot of rich topsoil. A hub for nature enthusiasts, our farm is a gateway to a plethora of outdoor adventures, from nearby campgrounds to the serene Lake Skanewa and the meandering Cowlitz River. The spirit of our farm traces back to 2014 when we embarked on a journey of turning neglected land into a flourishing lavender sanctuary. Despite facing setbacks like the loss of Debbie in 2018, we remain steadfast in carrying forward her vision. Our recent milestone was the grand celebration of Debbie's dream at our largest festival, where thousands flocked to revel in the lavender harvest, painting classes, and community spirit. As we navigate the challenges of farming and entrepreneurship, we are grateful for your support in shaping our lavender legacy.
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$40
/ night
99%
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Valhalla Tree Farm
6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents100 acres · Arlington, WA
When Earl and Laurine Ingebright found an ad in a local paper for sixty acres near Arlington, in 1958, they knew it would be a place for family fun, relaxation, and their own private forest.
What they could not have anticipated was the sheer diversity of projects, parties, and fun that the family would pursue on the property over the coming generations. From forest stewardship and timber harvesting, to campsites and trail construction, to rock concerts and wine making.
While they have since passed, these founders began something truly amazing; A tree farm that showcases the successful accomplishment of almost every objective a forest landowner could have.
Timber production, wildlife, aesthetics, recreation, and forest resiliency.
Valhalla embodies all these things with so little conflict as to look effortless.
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$42.30
/ night
88%
(89)
Lil Bit O' Heaven Camping
8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Marblemount, WA
Welcome to Lil Bit O' Heaven Camping! Here you will find beautiful and unique places to camp right on the Cascade River, approximately 3 minutes outside of Marblemount, WA. We are right next to the Marblemount Boat Launch and within an easy walk into town if you want to visit the local restaurants or need camping gear. Our property has five tent campsites on the river as well as a 26' glamping dome (previously used for artic research) completely painted with a galaxy of the night sky. A converted antique hay trailer turned tiny house with an 8' ceiling loft with 3-way views of the forest and river, deck, and private "magic spot" on the Cascade River.
The Lil Bit O Heaven Campground is the perfect base camp for your summer adventure! Firewood is available onsite most of the summer. Fresh, clean drinking water, permanent bathrooms and a private shower are available for all campers. An outdoor (completely private) shower is available for those who book the tiny house.
Please note that you must follow any local fire bans. Please check the fire conditions PRIOR to making a campfire.
Please note that there are areas where you can get directly to the side of the Cascade River, and the river is swift and dangerous! It is not safe for swimming and no safe for unattended children and/or pets.
You are free to purchase additional firewood through cashapp $Vende41 or venmo @zkotlerman
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$51
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97%
(252)
Chuckanut Hills Farm & Camp
11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Sedro Woolley, WA
Retreat to relax at Chuckanut Hills Farm and Campground, a 20-acre energy-regenerative, off-grid family farm nestled at the foot of Anderson Mountain and surrounded by thousands of acres of forest. 30 minutes south of Bellingham in the Chuckanut Mountains, the only finger of the Cascade Mountain Range that reaches all the way
to the Salish Sea.
This wooded forest is part of the Puget Lowland Forest Eco-Region. These hills were the native home of the Saquantch people, a Salish coast tribe that fished and hunted the mountains surrounding Lake Whatcom. They lived in long lodge homes and were later pushed out by the invading Lummi Tribe. The Lummi Tribe was later pushed out by Western logging companies, and the entire mountainous region was heavily logged for a number of years.
Where our farm now rests was once the second of many logging camps built by Ed English, and he cut our gravel farm road in 1900; a railroad ran through the lower part of our property, taking logs from Lake Whatcom down to the little boom town of Seattle.
Our intention while being caretakers of this ancestral land is to restore native plants, raise heirloom produce and heritage animals, and provide a restful nature paradise for people looking to spend time in the outdoors.
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$48.80
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93%
(54)
The Landing At Lake Ploenta
11 sites · Lodging, RVs60 acres · Arlington, WA
For your Glamping and RV'ing Pleasure; The Landing at Lake Ploenta, a private, gated, resort-style destination, is offering lake-side safari tents and short-term RV spots. Each Tent rental includes a queen-sized bed, extra pop-up tent for the kids, fire pit, picnic table, and 2 adirondack deck chairs! Each RV site includes hookups, picnic tables, and drive through lot setup.
Adjacent to the site is a lake with ducks, geese, bass, frogs, cattails, lily pads, and lots of ducklings and goslings in the springtime. The property is set in a beautiful forest-setting filled with ferns, vine maples, deer, & mossy green colors.
Bring your fishing gear, and binoculars. Enjoy!
Property Rules
* Respect the land and tent as you would your own.
* Don’t leave out food that could attract wildlife
* Be mindful of any local fire bans and quiet hours
* Keep valuables on you or secured in your vehicle
Respect & Safety
Don't carve your name into anything, or cut down trees. In general, treat the property and all the animals with respect.
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$60
/ night
97%
(184)
Cowboy Camp Camping and Horses
20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents11 acres · Port Townsend, WA
WHAT WE OFFER
SATURDAY NIGHT DINNER and SUNDAY BREAKFAST
MEALS HAVE ENDED FOR THE 2024 SEASON
SEE US IN 2025
We will be back in Spring of 2025 to offer our full Chuckwagon dinner served around the campfire at Cowboy Camp on Saturday night ( $30 per person) , see full menu below, and have also added Cowboy breakfast on Sunday mornings when campers are present, consisting of scrambled eggs with/or without spinach and cheese served with grilled whole wheat toast, large fluffy pancake, choice of bacon or sausage patty, glass of orange juice and bottomless cup of coffee, ($15 per person). Allowances are made for food allergies, preferences and requests.
Breakfast can be ordered the night before.
Why cook and wash dishes when you don't have to? Just relax and enjoy the camping experience.
CAMPSITES
Here on our property, you can choose from simple walk in campsites with no special amenities, to a full campsite with picnic table, fire ring, and space for tent or trailer, up to a full size camper trailer parking area.
We also have the lovely Cowboy wall tent with electricity and extra plugs for charging devices, a small electric heater, larger dorm style refrigerator, Queen size bed and all the bedding, additional oversized twin bed with bedding, 2 lamps, love seat reclining sofa and side table, Bistro style table and two chairs, 2 burner hotplate with coffee and tea, plates, cups and silverware, We provide 5 gallon containers of natural snowfall derived city water at your site.
The wall tent has a separate porta potty with handwashing station.
A larger portapotty is located in the center of the field for easy access from all
other campsites.
Coming soon we are hoping to get our propane shower and shower room up and running.
ACTIVITIES
Other activities include local trails for hiking and biking, close proximity to Port Townsend, town beach and waterfront and a short drive to the Olympic National forest.
FOOD
This year, due to positive feedback, we are increasing our offering of a full course Chuckwagon dinner, two person minimum, paid for when you book your campsite. You can select from smoked pulled pork, BBQ chicken, Smoked ribs or the vegetarian selection, baked spaghetti squash stuffed with a blend of marinara, roasted zucchini, yellow squash and bell peppers, topped with parmesan cheese. Sides served with the dinner include roasted corn on the cob ( in season), potato salad, homemade Horseshoe beans, corn bread and either blackberry cobbler or pineapple upside down cake. You provide the beverage. Guests meander over to the cook tent at about 6 pm and enjoy dinner seated around tables and chairs complete with plates, cups and silverware. Dinner is served by reservation only on Saturday nights. Dinner is $30.00 per person. 24 hour advance notice required so your food is always fresh.
Breakfast ( described in intro above, is $15 per person)
THE PROPERTY
Just what is Cowboy Camp, you might ask. The traditional definition refers to sleeping outside under the stars with only a bedroll, a fire and the night sky for companions. But if you are a fan of the western genre and lifestyle, you might also know it as a place to go to hang out with like minded folks and experience the Cowboy lifestyle. This includes all people, men and women alike, as the term "Cowboy" is largely generic and not gender oriented. A taste of that lifestyle is what we are offering here at our Cowboy Camp.
HORSES
It wouldn't be Cowboy Camp without horses and they are definitely present. They can be heard whinnying at mealtimes and throughout the day as they keep in touch with each other. They are generally quiet at night. Horses are not allowed in camping areas when campers are present. No farm would be complete without chickens and ours is no exception. A few hens can generally be seen wandering around the barn searching for bugs, We do not have a rooster, so guests can sleep peacefully.
We are offering camping sites ranging from simple tent sites with fire ring, picnic table and soft sandy tent sites to small cabin type tents with beds and electricity.
As part of your cowboy camp experience you can sign up for a horsemanship lesson involving handling and grooming horses and time spent working with the horse in the round pen. (There is no actual riding such as a trail ride offered at this time, we are working on that). You can also sign up for a roping lesson. Learn to throw a loop and catch "Little blue", our roping dummy steer head.
HIKES AND BIKES
We also have games of horseshoes ( with real horseshoes) and corn hole boards. You can take a hike around the property on our trail through mature Douglas fir and majestic Western cedar forest.
A 1/4 mile walk down our quiet country gravel road will take you to the 80 acre Jefferson County Land trust forest with several beautiful trails meandering through mature uncut forest. These trails are suitable for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. That forest further connects to the Cappy's trail system, a network of several miles of trails that will wind around and eventually lead into Port Townsend itself if you choose to venture into town.
Or you can choose to travel via mountain bike or foot approximately one mile down the road to the DNR forest property that will lead you through more gorgeous wooded and open areas to access the Larry Scott trail, a 7.3 mile out and back firm surface multi-use trail that leads either out of town through the woods or to the north directly into Port Townsend along the scenic waterfront.
Our beautiful piece of property is comprised of almost 11 acres situated on the northeast tip of the Olympic Peninsula just outside the quaint Victorian seaport town of Port Townsend. It lies approximately 4 miles from downtown with its many art galleries, restaurants, shops, boat harbor, farmer's market and the historic Rose theater.
The farm itself is located within a section of old growth forest comprised of 100 year old Doug Firs, cedar trees and alder groves. There is an open pasture area in the center of the property, which is ringed completely by thick stands of forest, so it feels completely private. You have to look closely to see the neighboring two houses through the forest.
The horses are excluded from camping areas during your visit, and will most likely be housed on neighboring property while guests are present. No need to worry about curious horses coming into your campsite to say hello.
It is a wildlife paradise with frequent visits from local deer, bald eagles, ducks on the pond, owls nesting in the trees, and coyotes travelling through.
The frog pond is alive all night with singing. If you are a light sleeper you might consider earplugs.
We have created a walking trail through the forest around the land that is full of the sounds of life and birds. A pileated woodpecker makes its home in the back corner and two pairs of barred owls also inhabit the nearby Douglas firs. They can be heard at night calling out as they settle in for the evening.
An important note for the walking explorer, please be aware that many areas of the farm are in their natural state. This means you might encounter prickly plants such as star thistle, nettles and tansy ragwort. We are happy to identify these for you if you are unfamiliar with them. Please be aware and dress in long pants and long sleeves while hiking. There are no poisonous snakes present in this region.
We train horses here so there is a full size riding arena and training round pen. On any given day, you might see horses being trained and ridden.
MORE ABOUT THE FOOD
At the end of your day of adventures, you can opt to sign up ( when your site is booked) for a delicious feast at Cowboy Camp. Using old time traditional Dutch oven cooking techniques and slow smoking methods, meals are comprised of such items as slow cooked smoked pork shoulder or ribs, Dutch oven baked "Horseshoe Beans" ( a crowd favorite), fire roasted corn on the cob (in season) , homemade potato salad, green spinach salad, and of course dessert such as homemade blackberry cobbler or pineapple upside down cake. Vegetarian selections are also available upon request.
ADVENTURES CLOSE BY
Venturing out from the farm you can sign up to go on a whale watching excursion with Puget Sound Express out of Port Townsend. Seeing a whale is guaranteed or you get a free return trip.
Also, the Olympic National Park is only a short one hour drive to the west and the view from Hurricane Ridge is not to be missed.
Your Hosts:
Property owners Karma and Rick come with a long extensive history of experience in the horse industry and western culture. Together they share over 100 years of experience with horses, both having ridden since young children.
Karma loves sharing her knowledge of horses and horsemanship with others and has been a certified riding instructor for many years.
Rick grew up with a horse and cattle background from a young age. As a young man he competed in the rodeo sports of bareback broncs, calf roping, bull riding and team roping. He then worked as a professional farrier, horse trainer and ranch employee in Texas. He learned the art of Texas BBQ cooking while living and working on Texas ranches.
He loves to cook for others and enjoys sharing tales of the ranch life.
You can choose to be as involved as you like during your visit. You can sit quietly in the forest and just enjoy peace and quiet if you so desire. We will not bother you. Our goal is simply to provide you with a beautiful place to relax, play, and enjoy during your visit.
So come on out, set a spell, and enjoy a wonderful day, weekend, or week here at Cowboy Camp.
Side note : Due to the presence of horses, chickens and various wildlife on the property, in addition to outdoor cooking activities, we do not allow outside dogs at this time. Thank you for your understanding.
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$45
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North Wind House: Historic Cascadia
8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents30 acres · Everson, WA
Step back in time to 1890 on this rustic and authentic organic homestead property. We have worked to ensure that you feel the rich cultural and natural heritage of this rugged wilderness in the North Cascade foothills. Within an hour or two of Seattle, Vancouver BC, Mt Baker, The Salish Sea and so much more. We have lava tube swimming holes on the property, and glacier fed spring water, and The property is adjacent to the easily accessible and incredile Nooksack Valley Gold mine Trail.Come experience life as it once was in the Cascadia bio-region.Learn more about this land:Nestled on the first foothills of the Cascades, this 30 acre historic farm property established in 1890 has an array of beautiful and private tenting sights from grassy fields to lush rainforest. The land is rustic and charming with many species of trees and wildlife.
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$55.80
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87%
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Magic Mountain Camp Experience
3 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Maple Falls, WA
This location is 30 minutes from Mt Baker Ski Resort and artist point! We have a few "walk-to" sites, to pitch a tent and have a blast! Each site is very secluded and fit for 6-12 people, depending on site . Take a breath of fresh air and relax! Enjoy the lake, it's great for dipping your feet in and enjoying the wildlife. Also, we hope you enjoy the forest full of trees and the songbirds that live in them! Watch eagles and other wildlife in their natural habitat and enjoy your stay!! (Experiences may vary.) Also, if you're berry inclined, there's huckleberries, wild blueberries, salmon berries, wild black berries and more🤗 Amenities on-site include drinking water, a super clean porta-potty and picnic tables!
*There can be some neighborhood noise, generally it's during the day and quiet after 5pm.
**Although there may be noise, the campsites are completely secluded and way better than
campgrounds and crowded state park camping, you hardly know anyone else is here.
***The woodsy setting, birds chirping and fresh berries make up for it all!
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$12.50
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Available this weekend
Star Hosts in Washington
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Lakeside camping in Washington guide
Overview
There's no shortage of lakeside camping areas across Washington's state parks and recreation areas, from the old-growth forests of the San Juan Islands to the alpine lakes of eastern Washington and Spokane. Mount Rainier National Park offers lakefront tent sites, and many Washington state parks and national forests—including Pearrygin Lake State Park, Moran State Park, and Lake Wenatchee State Park near Leavenworth—offer both tent camping and full hookup RV campsites. Many campgrounds, both public and private, are well equipped, complete with fire pits, picnic tables, restrooms, dump stations, swimming areas, boat launches, and miles of hiking trails. Summer is always the busiest time to visit, even among day-use visitors, and public sites fill up quickly. Fortunately, you’ll find some of Washington’s best lake camping options on privately owned land, away from the crowds.
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