A new list of outstanding outdoor recreation spots just hit the internet courtesy of The Dyrt, a campground listing service, and Washington is well represented.

In Dyrt’s “Best of 2024” listing for the Pacific Region, Elkamp, just south Mount Rainier National Park, Lyre River Campground and Salt Creek Recreation Area on the Olympic Peninsula, all make the greatest hits list.

This got us thinking about some of our favorite camping spots around the Evergreen State. Some of them might be on your radar already, and others might be completely new to you. Here’s a quick tour.

Central Washington

Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park, near Coulee City, offers a rare opportunity to camp at the bottom of what was once a massive waterfall during the Ice Age floods. Hiking, swimming, boating and golf are available in a park with full hookups and nice amenities.

Near Leavenworth, we have two go-two places: Icicle River RV Resort, with many sites overlooking the wild, tumbling waters, is a commercial park offering easy access to the Bavarian-themed tourist town. Lots of recreation opportunities are nearby, so it’s very busy during peak summer months.

Several U.S. Forest Service campgrounds near Leavenworth offer primitive sites along the Icicle River as it climbs into the Cascades. Our favorite is Bridge Creek Campground, available on a first-come basis. Try to get site No. 6.

North Cascades

North Cascades National Park is a wonderful destination for RVing adventures, offering opportunities for hiking, fishing and boating.

On the east side just outside the park, try Klipchuck Campground, a first-come, primitive campground on the shores of Early Winters Creek, with beautiful forested sites. It’s only 10 miles from the funky mountain town of Mazama. Inside the park, our two favorite campgrounds are at Newhalem and Colonial Creek.

Mount Rainier

We just wrote about Cougar Rock Campground, the closest campground to Paradise in  Mount Rainier National Park. It’s very popular, so get a reservation before heading up in the summer months.

White River Campground, at 4,440 feet elevation near Sunrise on the mountain’s Northeast side, offers first-come sites and primitive facilities.

Remember that you’ll need a timed-entry reservation if you’re planning to visit Mount Rainier this summer -- unless you already have a camping reservation.

Salish Sea

The “Triangle of Fire,” named for the three 1900s-era military forts guarding the entrance to Puget Sound, now offers access to one of the most beautiful coastal recreation areas in the United States. Camping is equally good at these three state parks: Fort Casey, Fort Worden and Fort Flagler.

At the northern tip of Whidbey Island, Deception Pass State Park is Washington’s most-visited state park for a reason. It’s gorgeous, offering fishing, hiking and kayaking amid the swirling waters of the pass.

Olympic Peninsula

We agree with The Dyrt -- Salt Creek Recreation Area, a Clallam County park 25 miles west of Port Angeles, is a true gem. Beach activities abound and the sunset views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca are amazing.

Hobuck Beach Resort, a native-owned facility near Neah Bay, offers full hookups and access to coastal hikes in nearby Olympic National Park. Near La Push, Quileute Oceanside Resort is another native-owed facility offering full hookups and access to one of the state’s best surfing beaches.

Inside Olympic National Park, the popular Kalaloch Campground delivers reservable, unserviced sites on a gorgeous, remote beach. Try to get a spot on the bluff.

Southwest Washington

For a classic beach holiday, check out Grayland Beach State Park southwest of Aberdeen. It’s big, with 60 full hookups and 38 partial hookups, and offers access to a long, wide strand that seems to stretch on forever.

And then there’s Cape Disappointment State Park at the mouth of the Columbia River. It has a lot going for it, with two lighthouses to explore, hiking, biking and fishing.

 

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