Our Favorite Summer Campgrounds in the PNW for Car Camping & Van Life

April 9, 2026

Summer in the Pacific Northwest is short, which is why it’s worth making the most of it. Summer doesn’t officially arrive until partway through June, and cold weather can start creeping in as early as September, so the window to enjoy those classic, long summer days is short. If you’re anything like us, you believe that summer should be spent camping. The best campsites aren’t always the most developed ones. They’re the places that give you access to stunning landscapes, open space, and the activities we love. These are some of the best areas to base a car-camping or van trip in Washington.

Olympic Peninsula

Deer Park (Olympic National Park)

Deer Park is one of the highest drive-up campgrounds in Olympic National Park, and that elevation makes a difference. You’re above a lot of the tree cover, which means cooler nights and wide-open views across the Olympic range. On a clear day, you can see all the way out to the Strait. The road in is long and rough, but passable in most vehicles if you take your time. Once you’re up there, it feels more like a backcountry experience than a standard campground.

This is one of the best spots in the state to escape summer heat without hiking in.

Know Before You Go

Reservations: Not available (first-come, first-served only)
Season: Typically opens July–October, depending on snow
Access: Narrow gravel road, not ideal for large rigs
Best For: High elevation camping, cooler temps, views
Tip: Show up before late morning on weekends, or you’ll likely miss

Mora Campground (Olympic National Park)

Mora sits just inland from Rialto Beach near La Push. It’s lower elevation and more forested than Deer Park. You’re camping in thick coastal rainforest with easy access to some of the best beaches in Washington. Days are spent at the coast, evenings back in the trees. It’s easy to set up and works well if you want a mix of camping and time near the water.

Know Before You Go

Reservations: Mix of reservable and first-come sites (through Recreation.gov)
Season: Open year-round, best in summer
Access: Easy paved access, suitable for most vehicles
Best For: Beach access, forest camping
Tip: Book ahead in peak summer if you want a guaranteed spot

North Cascades

Colonial Creek Campground

Set along the shimmering Diablo Lake, Colonial Creek is one of the best-access campgrounds in the North Cascades. You’re right on the water, with quick access to hiking trails and Highway 20. The views of electric blue alone make it worth the trip. It’s more developed than some of the other spots on this list, but the location is hard to beat if you want a basecamp with easy access to everything.

Know Before You Go

Reservations: Partial reservations via Recreation.gov, some first-come sites
Season: Typically May–September
Access: Direct off Highway 20, with easy access
Best For: Lake access, central basecamp
Tip: Weekends fill fast, midweek is noticeably quieter

Klipchuck Campground

Klipchuck sits further east near Mazama and feels quieter than the main Highway 20 campgrounds. It’s a good option if you want to avoid crowds while still staying close to trails and open terrain. The sites are simple, but they have everything you need. From here, you can access everything from short hikes to longer backcountry routes without dealing with the traffic closer to the park entrances.

Know Before You Go

Reservations: First-come, first-served
Season: Late spring through fall
Access: Easy access, standard forest service road
Best For: Quiet camping, fewer crowds
Tip: Have a backup plan on busy weekends

Mount Rainier Area

White River Campground

White River sits on the northeast side of Mount Rainier and feels a little more rugged than the more popular areas like Paradise. You’re closer to higher elevation terrain, with quick access to trails that lead into alpine zones. The campground itself is more exposed, but that also means better views. It’s a solid option if you want to stay closer to the mountain without dealing with the busiest parts of the park.

Know Before You Go

Reservations: First-come, first-served
Season: Typically late June–September
Access: Paved road access, some elevation gain
Best For: Alpine access, hiking basecamp
Tip: Wind exposure can be strong, plan accordingly
Ohanapecosh Campground

On the southeast side of Rainier, Ohanapecosh is the opposite of White River. It’s lower, more forested, and built around the river. Big trees, shade, and a cooler environment make it a good option during hotter stretches of summer. It’s one of the better campgrounds if you’re looking for a quieter, more relaxed basecamp.

Reservations: Reservable through Recreation.gov

Season: Late spring through early fall

Access: Easy access for all vehicles

Best For: Shade, river access, relaxed camping

Tip: One of the most popular Rainier campgrounds—book early

The best camps in Washington aren’t the easiest ones to get to—they’re the ones that give you access to the activities you love, whether that’s a surf break, a trail head, or a climbing crag. A little elevation, a little effort, or just knowing where to go makes all the difference.

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