Where to Go Camping in Washington Before the Summer Rush Hits

By the time summer officially kicks off, Washington’s most popular campsites are packed—and good luck finding a last-minute spot at places like Mount Rainier or Olympic National Park.

But if you want stunning nature, peaceful campsites, and no reservation stress, head to these less crowded camping spots before the summer rush begins.

1. Steamboat Rock State Park – Camp Next to a Jaw-Dropping Mesa

• Location: Central Washington, near Grand Coulee
• Why It’s Amazing: A massive rock mesa rising from Banks Lake makes this one of the most unique camping spots in the state.
• Best Time to Go: Late April – Early June (before it gets too hot)
• What You’ll Get:
  • Lakeside camping with water access for kayaking & fishing.
  • Incredible sunrise & sunset views over the basalt cliffs.
  • Great hiking—climb to the top of Steamboat Rock for a 360-degree view.

💡 Pro Tip: The desert gets scorching hot in mid-summer—go in spring for perfect weather.

2. Ohanapecosh Campground – Rainier’s Hidden Gem

• Location: Mount Rainier National Park (southeast side)
• Why It’s Amazing: This rainforest-like paradise sits along a river, surrounded by towering old-growth trees.
• Best Time to Go: May – Mid-June (before summer reservations fill up)
• What You’ll Get:
  • No crowds compared to Paradise & Sunrise areas of Rainier.
  • The Ohanapecosh Hot Springs Trail—a short, peaceful hike to bubbling thermal springs.
  • Easy access to Silver Falls, one of the prettiest waterfalls in the park.

💡 Pro Tip: Unlike other Rainier campgrounds, Ohanapecosh doesn’t have direct mountain views—but it makes up for it with lush, quiet forest vibes.

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3. Kalaloch Campground – Oceanfront Camping in Olympic National Park

• Location: Olympic National Park, Washington Coast
• Why It’s Amazing: This is one of the few places in Washington where you can camp on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
• Best Time to Go: May – Early June (before peak summer crowds)
• What You’ll Get:
  • Epic sunset views from your tent.
  • Access to the iconic “Tree of Life”, a tree suspended over an eroding cliff.
  • Wild, remote beach walks without the crowds.

💡 Pro Tip: Book early—this is one of the few reservable campgrounds on the Washington coast.

4. Cougar Rock Campground – The Best Early-Season Spot for Mount Rainier Views

• Location: Mount Rainier National Park (near Paradise)
• Why It’s Amazing: One of the best places to camp with direct views of Mount Rainier—without the summer madness.
• Best Time to Go: Mid to Late June (before July/August peak)
• What You’ll Get:
  • Quick access to Paradise, Reflection Lakes & Skyline Trail.
  • A quiet, forested setting with mountain views.
  • An early start on wildflower season—alpine meadows start blooming here before other parts of the park.

💡 Pro Tip: Bugs get bad later in summer—camp in June before mosquito season hits.

5. Lake Wenatchee State Park – A Peaceful Alternative to Leavenworth Camping

• Location: Central Washington, near Leavenworth
• Why It’s Amazing: A stunning glacier-fed lake surrounded by mountains, but without the chaos of nearby Icicle Creek campgrounds.
• Best Time to Go: May – Early June (before summer tourism explodes)
• What You’ll Get:
  • Crystal-clear water perfect for kayaking & paddleboarding.
  • Beautiful forested campsites with easy lake access.
  • Great hiking nearby, including trails into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

💡 Pro Tip: Leavenworth’s campgrounds fill up months in advance, but you can often find last-minute spots here.

6. Curlew Lake State Park – One of Washington’s Least Crowded Lakeside Campgrounds

• Location: Northeastern Washington, near the Canadian border
• Why It’s Amazing: This hidden gem is peaceful, scenic, and perfect for a laid-back camping trip.
• Best Time to Go: May – June (before summer heat & crowds)
• What You’ll Get:
  • Lakeside camping with great fishing & wildlife spotting.
  • Secluded, quiet setting—far from major tourist areas.
  • A great road trip stop if you’re exploring Washington’s hidden northeast.

💡 Pro Tip: This is one of Washington’s most underrated state parks—locals love it, but most people have never heard of it.

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