Where to Camp for Free in Washington State (2023) | The Ultimate Guide

AvatarByDale Richard Camping

Free Camping in Washington State: A Guide to the Best Spots

Washington State is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the country, from the snow-capped mountains of the Cascades to the lush rainforests of the Olympic Peninsula. And while there are plenty of paid campgrounds to choose from, there are also a number of free camping options available for those who are looking to save a few bucks.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best free camping spots in Washington State. We’ll cover everything from secluded wilderness areas to family-friendly campgrounds, so you can find the perfect spot to pitch your tent.

So whether you’re looking for a peaceful weekend getaway or a longer adventure, read on for our guide to free camping in Washington State.

“`html

Campground Location Amenities
Olympic National Forest Olympic Peninsula Campsites, hiking trails, swimming
Mount Rainier National Park Cascade Mountains Campsites, hiking trails, climbing
North Cascades National Park North Cascades Campsites, hiking trails, fishing
Glacier National Park Northwest Montana Campsites, hiking trails, boating

“`

Washington State is home to a wide variety of beautiful camping destinations, from rugged mountain forests to secluded beachfront campsites. Whether you’re looking for a primitive backcountry experience or a more comfortable campground with amenities, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in Washington.

In this article, we’ll explore the different options for free camping in Washington State, including state parks, national forests, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. We’ll also provide information on how to reserve a campsite at a state park and how to find a campsite in a national forest or BLM land.

State Parks

Washington State has over 100 state parks, many of which offer free camping. Free campsites are typically located in less-developed areas of the park, away from the main roads and facilities. Amenities at free campsites vary, but may include picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets.

To reserve a campsite at a Washington State park, you can visit the Washington State Parks website. Reservations are required for all campsites at developed parks, but are not required for free campsites.

Here are some of the state parks in Washington that offer free camping:

  • Mount Rainier National Park: There are several free campsites located in the Ohanapecosh area of Mount Rainier National Park. These campsites are located in a forest setting and offer stunning views of Mount Rainier.
  • Olympic National Park: There are several free campsites located in the Quinault Rain Forest area of Olympic National Park. These campsites are located in a lush rainforest setting and offer access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and other natural wonders.
  • North Cascades National Park: There are several free campsites located in the Stehekin area of North Cascades National Park. These campsites are located in a mountain setting and offer stunning views of the Cascade Mountains.
  • Glacier National Park: There are several free campsites located in the Sun River area of Glacier National Park. These campsites are located in a subalpine setting and offer stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.

National Forests

In addition to state parks, there are also several national forests in Washington State that offer free camping. Free campsites in national forests are typically located in dispersed camping areas, away from roads and developed facilities. Amenities at free campsites in national forests vary, but may include picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets.

To find a free campsite in a national forest, you can visit the U.S. Forest Service website. The website provides maps of national forests and information on dispersed camping regulations.

Here are some of the national forests in Washington that offer free camping:

  • Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest: There are several free campsites located in the Snoqualmie Pass area of Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. These campsites are located in a mountain setting and offer stunning views of Mount Baker and the Cascade Mountains.
  • Olympic National Forest: There are several free campsites located in the Quinault Rain Forest area of Olympic National Forest. These campsites are located in a lush rainforest setting and offer access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and other natural wonders.
  • North Cascades National Forest: There are several free campsites located in the Stehekin area of North Cascades National Forest. These campsites are located in a mountain setting and offer stunning views of the Cascade Mountains.
  • Glacier National Park: There are several free campsites located in the Sun River area of Glacier National Park. These campsites are located in a subalpine setting and offer stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.

BLM Lands

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) also manages a number of public lands in Washington State that offer free camping. Free campsites on BLM lands are typically located in dispersed camping areas, away from roads and developed facilities. Amenities at free campsites on BLM lands vary, but may include picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets.

To find a free campsite on BLM lands, you can visit the BLM website. The website provides maps of BLM lands and information on dispersed camping regulations.

Here are some of the BLM lands in Washington that offer free camping:

  • Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest: There are several free campsites located in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. These campsites are located in a mountain setting and offer stunning views of the Cascade Mountains.
  • Colville National Forest: There are several free campsites located in the Colville National Forest. These campsites are located in a mountainous setting and offer stunning views of the Rocky Mountains.
  • Spokane Indian Reservation: There are several free campsites located on the Spokane Indian Reservation. These campsites are located in a river

Where Can You Camp For Free In Washington State?

Washington State is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes in the country, from the rugged mountains of the Cascades to the lush forests of the Olympic Peninsula. And with so much natural beauty to explore, it’s no wonder that camping is a popular activity for visitors and locals alike.

But not everyone can afford to pay for a campsite. If you’re looking for a free place to camp in Washington State, there are a few options available to you.

National Forests

The U.S. Forest Service manages over 10 million acres of land in Washington State, and many of these forests offer free camping. Most national forest campgrounds have a first-come, first-served policy, so it’s important to arrive early if you want to get a good spot.

Which national forests offer free camping?

The following national forests in Washington State offer free camping:

  • Gifford Pinchot National Forest
  • Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
  • Olympic National Forest
  • Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
  • Colville National Forest
  • North Cascades National Park Complex

What are the amenities available at these campgrounds?

Campgrounds in national forests vary in size and amenities, but most offer at least the following:

  • A fire ring or grill
  • A picnic table
  • A vault toilet
  • A water source

Some campgrounds also have additional amenities, such as showers, flush toilets, and laundry facilities.

How do I find a campsite in a national forest?

The best way to find a campsite in a national forest is to visit the Forest Service website. The website has a map of all the campgrounds in each forest, as well as information on the amenities available at each campground.

You can also call the ranger station for the forest you’re interested in camping in. The ranger station can provide you with more information on the campgrounds and can help you reserve a spot.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages over 2.1 million acres of land in Washington State, and many of these lands offer free camping. BLM campgrounds are typically located in remote areas, so they’re a great option for people who want to get away from it all.

Which BLM lands offer free camping?

The following BLM lands in Washington State offer free camping:

  • Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
  • Colville National Forest
  • Umatilla National Forest
  • Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
  • John Day Fossil Beds National Monument

What are the amenities available at these lands?

Campgrounds on BLM land vary in size and amenities, but most offer at least the following:

  • A fire ring or grill
  • A picnic table
  • A vault toilet
  • A water source

Some campgrounds also have additional amenities, such as showers, flush toilets, and laundry facilities.

How do I find a campsite on BLM land?

The best way to find a campsite on BLM land is to visit the BLM website. The website has a map of all the campgrounds in each state, as well as information on the amenities available at each campground.

You can also call the BLM office for the state you’re interested in camping in. The BLM office can provide you with more information on the campgrounds and can help you reserve a spot.

Other Options

In addition to national forests and BLM lands, there are a few other places where you can camp for free in Washington State.

National parks

Most national parks in Washington State charge a fee for camping, but there are a few exceptions. The following national parks in Washington State offer free camping:

  • North Cascades National Park
  • Olympic National Park
  • Mount Rainier National Park

State parks

Some state parks in Washington State offer free camping. The following state parks in Washington State offer free camping:

  • Deception Pass State Park
  • Fort Steilacoom State Park
  • Lake Sammamish State Park
  • Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Forest service roads

You can also camp for free on forest service roads in Washington State. Forest service roads are typically located in remote areas, so they’re a great option for people who want to get away from it all.

Tips for camping for free in Washington State

Here are a few tips for camping for free in Washington State:

  • Arrive early. Campgrounds in popular areas fill up quickly, so it’s important to arrive

    Where can I camp for free in Washington State?

  • National Forests. You can camp for free in designated areas in all 11 national forests in Washington State. Campsites are typically located in dispersed areas, away from roads and trails. There are no facilities at these campsites, so you must bring your own water, food, and gear.
  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Lands. You can also camp for free on BLM lands in Washington State. BLM lands are located throughout the state, and offer a variety of camping opportunities. Campsites are typically located in remote areas, and there are no facilities available.
  • Washington State Parks. Some Washington State parks offer free camping. These parks are typically located in more remote areas, and have fewer facilities than other state parks.
  • National Recreation Areas. Some national recreation areas in Washington State offer free camping. These areas are typically located near water, and offer a variety of recreational activities.
  • Other Public Lands. There are a number of other public lands in Washington State where you can camp for free. These lands include wildlife refuges, state trust lands, and tribal lands.

What are the rules for dispersed camping in Washington State?

  • You must camp in designated areas. Dispersed camping is allowed in designated areas on national forests, BLM lands, and Washington State parks. Campsites are typically located in dispersed areas, away from roads and trails.
  • You must stay at least 100 feet from roads, trails, and water sources. This helps to protect the environment and ensure that other campers have a place to enjoy the outdoors.
  • You must pack out all of your trash. This helps to keep the environment clean and safe for other campers.
  • You must follow all other applicable rules and regulations. This includes rules about fire safety, hunting, and fishing.

What are the best places to camp for free in Washington State?

There are many great places to camp for free in Washington State. Here are a few of our favorites:

  • Mount Rainier National Park. There are a number of free camping areas in Mount Rainier National Park, including Ohanapecosh Campground and White River Campground. These campgrounds are located in the park’s lower elevations, and offer stunning views of Mount Rainier.
  • Olympic National Park. You can camp for free in designated areas in Olympic National Park. These areas are located in the park’s backcountry, and offer a variety of camping opportunities.
  • North Cascades National Park. There are a number of free camping areas in North Cascades National Park, including Ross Lake Campground and Lake Chelan Campground. These campgrounds are located in the park’s lower elevations, and offer stunning views of the mountains.
  • Glacier National Park. You can camp for free in designated areas in Glacier National Park. These areas are located in the park’s backcountry, and offer a variety of camping opportunities.
  • Grand Teton National Park. You can camp for free in designated areas in Grand Teton National Park. These areas are located in the park’s backcountry, and offer a variety of camping opportunities.

    there are many great places to camp for free in Washington State. Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot in the wilderness or a convenient location near amenities, you’re sure to find something to your liking. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring!

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.