With Memorial Day just around the corner and the camping season set to take off, we thought we would give you a quick list of our 10 favorite campgrounds in Washington. With the variety of choices not only in number of campgrounds but settings, amenities, costs, etc. this list is in no particular order but each destination is sure to provide a wonderful experience.

1. Kalaloch – Olympic National Park – Coast – Forks area
   • This state operated campground located just up Hwy 101 is set on a bluff overlooking the majestic Pacific Ocean with several staircases leading down to the beach. Some sites have an ocean view and most enjoy the sound of crashing waves.
2. Moran State Park – Orcas Island – San Juan Islands
   • Nestled at the base of Mt. Constitution, this campground is divided up throughout the forest into 5 areas with 4 of them surrounding fresh water lakes. Easily accessible from your camp is the 2,400ft Mt. Constitution which provides spectacular views of the Puget Sound.
3. Alder Lake Campground – Eatonville area
   • The 161 acre campground is a drive from the major metro areas and is nestled in the shadow of Mt. Rainier. The campground is adjacent to Alder Lake which has a large sandy beach and a dedicated swim area and public boat launch. The campground offers a variety of site options from dry camp to full hook-up.
4. Nason Creek – Wenatchee National Forest – Lake Wenatchee area
   • A beautiful and lesser known alternative to the busy Lake Wenatchee State Park, Nason Creek is only a short walk from the lake but still provides amenities like flush toilets and potable water. The campground provides a lot of privacy between sites while canoe rentals, horseback riding, and ice cream are only a short hike away.
5. Grayland Beach State Park – Coast, Westport area
   • This is set right on the beach with 58 full hookup sites, 42 water/electric sites, 16 yurts, and 4 primitive sites along with restrooms and showers. Campers can enjoy clam digging, beach combing, surfing, boogie boarding or trip into nearby Westport.
6. White River – Mt. Rainier National park – Crystal Mountain area
   • At 4,400ft you will want to save your trip until late July but once the wildflowers that carpet the basin floor come into bloom you will be glad you did. Limited small RV sites are available but it is perfect for tent campers. The Wonderland and Glacier Basin trails run through camp making it a day hiker’s paradise.
7. Millersylvania State Park – Olympia area
   • With 3,330ft of shorline this 842-acre campground attracts boaters, fisherman and swimmers and also has an abundance of hiking trails that are guaranteed to provide some excellent day hikes through the old growth Cedar and Fir trees. There are 120 tent sites and 48 sites with hook-ups along with several showers and restrooms in the campground.
8. Cape Disappointment State Park – Long Beach area
   • This is the only campground on the list that doesn’t boast of great sites but the setting and view they have in spades. There are miles and miles of sandy coastline to hike, go clamming, go fishing or take a tour of a lighthouse. If tent camping isn’t your thing, try out one of their Yurts.
9. Takhlakh Lake – Gifford Pinchot National Forest – Centralia/Longview area
   • Before you come you need to learn how to say it, TOCK-lock. When you arrive you will quickly discover that Mt. Adams will provide a stunning backdrop to every campsite. The tranquil lake does not permit any motors so the serenity of canoes, kayaks and fishing are all that you will hear, if that’s even possible. Bring mosquito repellent, especially in the summer, but even a few bites and a few miles of washboard driving are worth the trip.
10. Ike Kinswa State Park – Mayfield Lake – Chehalis/Mossyrock area
    • If you like your camping filled with trees and water sports then this will be your paradise. This 454-acre park sits on the 14-mile long Mayfield Lake and with 103 sites and 5 cabins there is room for many, but given its popularity you will want to make your reservations early.