These Are the 5 Best Campgrounds in Washington State for Families

It doesn’t matter if it’s the first time camping with the family or the one thousandth, these are the best campgrounds in Washington if you have kids. You can find shining lakes, desert sand, and mountain views. These are our favorite kid-friendly campgrounds in Washington state.

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The Best Campgrounds in Washington – Kid-Friendly

The world changes after you have kids and camping is no exception. We still go camping, of course, we’ve just had to adjust the hikes, after-hours activities, and even where we stay.

After a few years of camping with kids, we’ve determined these are the best campgrounds in Washington state that are truly kid-friendly. Meaning, you won’t hear, “I’m BORED!” 600 times before the camp coffee is made.

We’ve put together the best kid-friendly campgrounds in Washington which take reservations! This article will cover:

the best campgrounds in Olympic National Park (Hoh Rainforest),
campgrounds for kids in Gifford Pinchot National Forest,
camping with kids at Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens, and even
quick weekend camping in Carnation, Washington – so close to Seattle!

Paradise Creek Campground, Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Trust me when I say, this is the reason you are reading this post. Although each of these campgrounds is great for different reasons and locations, this currently tied for our favorite.

Tucked away in an off-the-beaten area outside of Carson, WA, Paradise Creek campground is a gem. It has a lot to offer and none of it is in the amenities (potable water, vault toilets, and an on-site contact are about it).

Let the kids “go feral” here and you will be rewarded with smiles, laughter, and a great vacation.

On two sides of the campground, you’re surrounded by water and all sides feature old growth forest full of maple, cedar, firs, and more. The sites along the river are our favorites because they are more secluded. Hint, hint.

Kalaloch or Sol Duc, Olympic National Forest (and Hoh Rainforest)

Tied for our favorite place in Washington to camp is in the Hoh rainforest or Olympic National Forest. We go every year and discover something new (sometimes we’ll stay in a cabin, sometimes we’ll camp).

Kalaloch campground has an absolutely stunning view. You camp on the bluffs above the ocean and it’s gorgeous. Watching a sunset on a clear evening is one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever witnessed. The campground has a soundtrack of crashing waves and is the perfect place for coastal exploring.

We really enjoy this campground in summer and often take the paths down to the water in the evening. Be prepared to carry little ones back up.

Sol Duc campground is one of the best campgrounds in Washington because it is near the hot springs. You really need to experience the Sol Duc hot springs. The Sol Duc falls hike is good for kids and the campground even has a couple of loops to enjoy.

This is a kid-friendly campground and your little ones will likely meet a few friends.

Mt. St. Helen’s Seaquest State Park

Seaquest state park is surrounded by forests and has over a mile of the shoreline for the shallow wetland Silver Lake. There are woodland trails and kids have play areas.

The Visitor’s Center is nice (and air-conditioned) but small. A paved hike to see a closer view of the mountain is less than two hours away (but plan on nearly a full day trip).

This park is very kid-friendly but also mosquito-friendly. Pack your spray and bring along a citronella candle (or two).

White River or Cougar Rock Campgrounds, Mt. Rainier National Park

There are a variety of visitor centers and campgrounds in the Mt. Rainier National Park but you can make a reservation at Ohanapecosh, White River, and Cougar Rock.

There is the ability to play in the snow during summer and look at a glacier up close (my daughter thought this was the coolest thing)! There are attractions and events available in the towns surrounding the area, depending on when you go.

We’ve gone to all three and they’re all comparable. Really what’s drawing you here is the beauty of the Mt. Rainier National Park.

White River: it has showers and the location is gorgeous. We really liked it.
Cougar Rock: can be tough for RVs, but tent campers will have no issue. We loved it.
Ohanapecosh: to be honest, some tent sites were amazing and some were horrid. It’s best to go during the week if you have kids. It can get lively on the weekends.

Carnation’s Tolt MacDonald Park and Campground

If you’ve never seen a suspension bridge over a river in the middle of a foggy forest, it’s a pretty awesome sight. There are camping spots available in the middle of the week in this country park which features a five-hundred-foot suspension bridge over the Tolt River.

The campground is in the city limits of Carnation but gives you a country feel because, well, Carnation is like that. There is a riverfront area, playground, and bike trails inside the campground. We didn’t do much hiking outside of the park but the trails were nice and good for the kids.

Be sure to bring bug spray – kids AND mosquitos love this area.

Over to You

These five campgrounds in Washington offer the best in family fun and adventure. They also provide plenty of activities and a few modern conveniences to make roughing it easier without resorting to “glamping.”

Have you stayed at any of these kid-friendly campgrounds in Washington? Will you please pin this to your favorite travel board? Your shares are how we grow and we are sincerely thankful.