Experience the best of the Pacific Northwest. In no particular order, here are my top 8 recommendations for Washington campgrounds with a spectacular view!
San Juan: Stewart Island State Park
Catch a Lovers’ Leap sunset that rivals some of the best around. Experience a rad and beautiful bay camping vista. Check-out wildlife, the old school house, and a graveyard that includes a list of how everyone died. If you're once in a lifetime lucky, listen to the magical exhalation of orcas swimming past the shoreline.
Stehekin: High Bridge Campground
Dare to enter only through boat, plane, or hiking. Does the idea of no cars in town float your boat? Never fear. Stehekin is in North Cascades National Recreation Area. High Bridge Campground is fabulously located along the Pacific Crest Trail. Stop into beautiful Lake Chelan and grab the Lady of the Lake (ferry) headed for Stehekin. Ask around about the creepy Stehekin Strangler for proper campfire stories. This is an off the beaten path destination for horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, and more.
Olympic National Park: Second Beach Camping
If falling asleep to the sound of the ocean and watching waves crash under thousands of stars appeals to you I suggest running over to Second Beach. Located within Olympic National Park boundaries this campsite makes for a perfectly epic getaway with your friends. Appeal: sea stacks, beach bonfires, bald eagles, sweeping coastline, driftwood forts, sand in your toes, & out-of-this-world sunrise and sunset opportunities. Remember to pack your bear can and grab your permit beforehand!
Mount Rainier: Camp Muir
Push yourself to new limits quite literally. A high altitude experience mixed with strenuous hiking and the chance to meet climbers. Camp Muir is base camp for those making a bid to the summit of Mount Rainier. Camping itself isn’t glamorous- you’re on a pile of rocks-BUT the views will take your breath away. Because of the lack of oxygen you may ask? Maybe. Maybe. This is not a casual weekend location. Head out prepared.
Gifford Pinchot National Forest: Beaver Bay Campground
Nearby Mount Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument is the opportunity to sleep in a world famous blast zone. Don’t worry she’s mostly asleep, we think. Make a stop at Ape Caves and explore a lava tube 2.5 miles long. Crawl down tunnels and climb over sharp lava rock. Headlamps not included. Slime, puddles, drips, and darkness provided. Nestle yourself next to the river and between the trees.
Columbia River: The Gorge Amphitheatre Campground
For an extremely unique experience throw a concert or festival onto your camping weekend. Sure there’ll be a few thousand people to socialize with, but you have several camping tiers to choose from. Have the convenience of food trucks, excitement, and stunning views of the Columbia River. Although, I can’t guarantee this is a serenely quiet location. Help yourself to one of the most scenic concert locations in the world.
San Juan: Jones Island Marine State Park
Oh, deer! Friendly deer, untamed beaches, gorgeous hikes, amazing plants, & spectacular sunsets. Welcome to Jones Island Marine State Park. Camp cliffside and gaze longingly at Spieden Island while wondering exactly how or why there’s a private island with 24-hour security and a helicopter pad . Perhaps the coolest part of this island is its access by boat. Complete your once-in-a-lifetime explorer status by doing a multi-day kayak tour.
Port Townsend: Fort Warden State Park Campground
Best place EVER for flashlight tag and scaring your friends to death. Put on your adventure clothes and explore giant empty bunkers. Great for adventures, apocalyptic movie sets, and grunge photoshoots. Away from the fort you'll find gorgeous water and mountain views surrounded by giant rolling fields.