Ultimate Guide to Camping in the Pacific Northwest
Summer means one thing for many families in the PNW: camping; so I’ve teamed up with a fellow PNW adventure momma to bring you the ultimate guide to camping in the Pacific Northwest. If you’re planning a road trip northwest this summer, camping needs to be on your itinerary! We are blessed with near perfect summers and easy access to ocean shoreline, lakes, rivers, rainforests, & mountains so it’s no wonder the Pacific Northwest is a camping mecca. Summer doesn’t last long here though, so we get our camp on as much as we can and hope this list helps you do this same!
Ultimate Guide to Camping in the Pacific Northwest:
Western Washington
Kachess Campground
Pure PNW with dense old growth conifers and high mountains surrounding crystal clear Kachess Lake, Kachess campground is located in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
The views from the beach are awe-inspiring and feel classic Pacific Northwest. The air is fresh and the summer skies are bright blue, making it a perfect place for fun beach days. Swimming and paddle boarding are popular here for good reason!
Remember to bring your hiking boots and bikes too. Trails are easily accessible from the campground and the nicely paved campground loops make for fun family bike rides. Kachess is full of family friendly activities!
Kalaloch Campground
Located in Olympic National Park, Kalaloch Campground is the perfect jumping off spot to explore the Olympic peninsula. It’s very popular because of its walkup access to expansive Second Beach.
While you could spend the entire camping trip splashing in the chilly waves, building driftwood forts, and beachcombing on Second Beach, there’s so many other easily accessible adventures to be had. Ruby Beach, famous for its reddish sand and sea stacks is a 10 minute drive and Hoh Rainforest is only a 45 minute drive.
Book early to snag a waterfront site for front row seats to a sunset over the Pacific, a waves-crashing lullaby, and jaw-dropping views from your sleeping bag when you unzip your tent in the morning!
Lakedale Resort
Not really into camping, but still want to explore the unique, natural beauty of the PNW? This is your spot because GLAMPING. Situated on San Juan Island, Lakedale Resort is like summer camp for families. Choose to stay in the lodge, a yurt, canvas cabin, log cabin, or bring your own tent. (Psst... this is our number one spot on this guide to Pacific Northwest camping, but don'y tell the other campgrounds!)
Lakedale Resort is known for activities galore! Head to the general store to rent a pedal boat, canoe, water tricycle, fishing gear, sign up for an arts and craft session, or snag a bike from the (free!) community bike rack. When you need to cool down, head to the beach and swim out to the floating dock.
The best part of the Lakedale Resort experience? When you book a stay at one of Lakedale’s Canvas Cottages, complete with king sized pillow top bed and flannel duvet, you are invited to Mess Tent every continental breakfast–including pancakes. Kid fave, Mom win!!
Deception Pass State Park
Deception Pass State Park is most the popular state park in Washington for good reason. Located on both Whidby and Fidalgo Islands and connected by the iconic Deception Pass Bridge, adventure is abundant here. Hiking, swimming, biking, boating, crabbing, kayaking, and beachcombing are all easily accessible with 38 miles of hiking trails, 3 miles of bike trails, 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline and 33,900 feet of freshwater shoreline on three lakes. Tide-pooling at Rosario beach is always a family favorite!
Choose from three campgrounds: Bowman Bay, Quarry Pond, Cranberry Lake. All have plenty of tent sites and utility sites and cabin camping is available at Quarry Pond year round.
This spectacular state park offers some of the most breathtaking views in western Washington where rugged cliffs drop to meet the turbulent waters of Deception Pass. It’s quite stunning and makes for a beautiful place to practice being present in nature.
Camano Island State Park
Only about an hour from Seattle, Camano Island State Park makes you feel a million miles away from the city buzz. Its tranquil shoreline setting offers a slow pace that invites you to relax by bird watching or staring off into the Saratoga Passage hoping to spy an orca.
Other popular activities include boating, fishing, crabbing, and interpretive opportunities held each Saturday in the summer at the amphitheater.
Head over to neighboring Cama Beach State Park to enjoy a warm cinnamon roll for breakfast at Cama Beach Cafe. Sit on the deck overlooking the Saratoga Passage and Whidbey Island, then set off for the Center for Wooden Boats. They offer a wide array of boat rentals, a wealth of knowledge about boating, fishing, and crabbing in the area, and events for the whole family each Saturday during the summer. Our kids loved the toy boat making workshop!
Colonial Creek Campground at North Cascades National Park
There are so many amazing campgrounds to choose from in North Cascades National Park, but Colonial Creek takes the cake for one reason: water access. It enjoys the convenience of a public pier and boat launch onto Diablo Lake.
While North Cascades National Park has so much to offer, if you only have a weekend to explore, this centrally located campground is perfect since it has easy access to both hiking and water activities. We focused on the water activities and braved the chilly waters to swim, fish, and kayak.
The Diablo Lake Overlook is a must while camping in North Cascades National Park. The view of the expansive lake is breathtaking and the lake’s milky green color is out of this world. Pack a picnic and enjoy the the view for a bit longer!
Ultimate Guide to Camping in the Pacific Northwest:
British Columbia
Fort Langley National Historic Site
The Fort Langley National Historic Site in British Columbia is a fun place to camp. One of the best ways to experience the history of the of the Fort is to camp in an oTENTik. The oTENTik is the perfect mix of tent and A-frame cabin. It features raised floors, cozy beds with furniture; making it an ideal place to spend your vacation time. oTENTik tents make for a unique camping experience. There is nothing like sleeping under the stars in an oTENTik tent, surrounded by the past.
During the day you can walk around the Fort Langley National Historic Site and learn the history of the area, and at night join the other campers around the community campfire. It is neat to be able to wander around the historic site after it has closed for the day. With only five oTENTik tents available in the Fort, the kids really enjoyed having it almost to themselves. There was a ton of space for them to run free.
They have a barbeque and picnic table available for use with each oTENTik. There are also flush toilets. You do need to bring sleeping bags and pillows.
Golden Ears Provincial Park
There is nothing quite like spending a few days camping with family at Alouette Lake in Golden Ears Provincial Park. The fresh air and stunning mountain views are the perfect way to recharge, and there is no better way to bond with loved ones than by sharing some quality time together in nature.
The main Alouette Lake campground provides the most privacy, but the Gold Creek campground is a great option as well. However, Gold Creek is more bare between the sites, so you can hear more going on around you.
Both campgrounds have flush toilets available, which is always helpful with kids. Also, both campgrounds have access to the stunning Alouette Lake.
From hiking and swimming in a gorgeous lake, to simply relaxing around the campfire, there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Plus, the memories made will last a lifetime. Do not miss taking the easy hike to see Gold Creek Falls.
Tofino
There is something special about camping in Tofino. Perhaps it is the fact that the town is surrounded by towering evergreens, pristine beaches, and rugged coastline. Or maybe it is the laid-back atmosphere and sense of community that pervades the town. Whatever the reason, camping in Tofino is an unforgettable experience. There are several campgrounds to choose from, each with its own unique setting and amenities. Whether you are looking for a rustic campsite with ocean views or a more developed site with full hookups, you will be able to find what you are looking for in Tofino. And with so much to do in the area, from surfing, beach combing, and kayaking to hiking and exploring, you will never find yourself bored.
One of the best campgrounds near Tofino is Surf Junction. It is family owned and operated, and you will find hot showers and flush toilets available. Also, you can sign up for surfing lessons through the campsite. When you are in Tofino, do not miss the Canso Plane Crash hike, just make sure to wear hiking boots, or shoes that you do not care about. It can be super muddy, even in the middle of summer!
Wells Gray Provincial Park
Wells Gray Provincial Park is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and camping there is an experience you will never forget. The park is home to an incredible array of waterfalls, and you will be able to see them all when you camp here. From the towering Helmcken Falls to the powerful waters of Moul Falls, you will be surrounded by the beauty of nature. Camping around so many waterfalls is an incredible feeling!
In addition, you can go for a swim or out on the water at the breathtaking Clearwater Lake, or hike to one of the most accessible alpine meadows in BC. Whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway or an adventure-filled vacation, camping at Wells Gray provincial park is sure to leave you with lifelong memories.
We hope our guide to camping in the Pacific Northwest has inspired you to start planning your visit! Camping is such a magical way to explore the natural beauty the PNW offers. New to camping and need more basic guidance? Check out this post about packing. Adventure on, Momma!
This blog was written in collaboration with Debbie Fettback of World Adventurists. Debbie and her husband Darcy are avid travelers and parents of four, based in Vancouver, BC. They post their travel stories as a testament to how powerful travel is and what an impact it can have on your life. Even if you are not an avid traveler, they hope you are able to find a story that inspires you!