Wondering where to go camping in Washington? There are many terrific answers. You can find unique places to camp along the Puget Sound, around Olympic National Park (especially in the Olympic National Forest), in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, and around Mount Rainier National Park. With so many wonderful choices for boondocking in Washington, it can be challenging to pick a favorite, so you will want to go often.
Here are our favorite Washington boondocking spots.
Boondocking Sites in Washington
Lake Wenatchee Campsites
Boondock in Washington at Lake Wenatchee Campsites in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. These sites are located a short distance off Highway 2 on White Pine Road near the town of Leavenworth. This spot can accommodate big rigs, but no amenities are available, so come in prepared.
Note: This wilderness area is only open from July 31 to April 1 because raptors use the spot for nesting during the rest of the year.
Big Hill Campsites
The road to Big Hill Campsites near Entiat in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest can be tough to negotiate, meaning it is best for smaller rigs with 4-wheel drive. That said, the reward of navigating this tough road is a beautiful place to stay.
There is a pit toilet in the camping area, but no water or other amenities are available.
Godman Campground
Godman Campground is located in the Wenaha Tucannon Wilderness within the Umatilla National Forest. This campground near Dayton offers room for three trailers and five tents. Due to the campground’s high elevation, it is only open from late April to late September.
Hunting, fishing, bicycling, and hiking are all available nearby, meaning plenty of opportunities for recreation and adventure.
Rocky Lake Campground
Camp on Rocky Lake’s shores at Rocky Lake Campground near Colville. Run by the Department of Natural Resources, this is a primitive campground, meaning you won’t find any services here. That said, the campground can accommodate RVs of all sizes and is open from the fourth Saturday of April through early October.
This is an excellent place to go trout fishing. The scenery from this high-elevation campground is stunning, and there are fabulous hiking trails nearby.
Big Meadow Lake Campground
Big Meadow Lake Campground is in Colville National Forest near Colville. Visitors can stay at this campground from the end of April through Halloween. Big rigs are welcome, but no amenities are available.
This site offers interpretative trails to hike along. Some of the trails are paved, so they are easily accessible to everyone. There is excellent fishing in the lake. This campground is near the Hess Homestead Cabin Day Use Area.
Where to Boondock in Washington
- Consider camping in one of Washington’s nine national forests. All have excellent boondocking available.
- The Washington Department of Natural Resources also has sites available at many of their wildlife management areas.
- The Army Corps of Engineers runs a few free dry campgrounds in Washington as well.
As you can see, the best way to explore Washington is in an RV. If you don’t have one of your own, rent one on RVshare.com.
