5 Waterfront Washington Campsites With Stunning Views
If you’re looking to escape into nature without giving up great views, waterfront campsites in Washington offer a perfect mix. Whether you want to relax by a calm lake or fall asleep to the sound of water lapping nearby, these spots give you a chance to connect with the outdoors.
The best waterfront campsites let you enjoy peaceful scenery and easy access to water activities like swimming, fishing, or paddling, making your camping trip more memorable. Finding the right place to pitch your tent or park your RV can make all the difference for your next adventure.
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A Loop of Cape Disappointment State Park
If you’re looking for a peaceful spot with access to water views, this campground in Ilwaco is a solid choice. You can pitch your tent or park your RV while soaking in the natural surroundings of one of Washington’s beautiful state parks.
Reservations are recommended, but there’s also room for first-come, first-served visitors if you’re flexible. You can easily book your stay online or by phone. The park offers a mix of camping options that fit different needs and group sizes.
Besides camping, you can explore trails, beaches, and scenic viewpoints nearby. The location brings you close to nature while still being reachable for a weekend getaway or an extended outdoor trip.
Rating: 4.7 (137 reviews)
Location: 7WQG+V8, Ilwaco, WA 98624
Contact: (866) 320-9933
Website: Visit Website
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South Beach Campground
South Beach Campground sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, giving you broad views of the coastline. It’s a great spot if you want to wake up to the sound of waves and enjoy easy access to the beach.
There are 55 campsites here, some that can fit RVs up to 21 feet, with a few larger ones up to 35 feet. You won’t find potable water, but there are flush toilets available for use during your stay.
The campground is open from mid-May to October 14. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so plan accordingly if you want a spot during peak times. The area is scenic but keep in mind there’s no wheelchair-accessible beach trail or accessible flush toilets.
Rating: 4.5 (346 reviews)
Location: South Beach Campground, Forks, WA
Website: Visit Website
Bay View State Park
If you’re looking for a peaceful spot to camp right on the water, Bay View State Park is a solid choice. The park sits along Padilla Bay, giving you great views of the San Juan Islands. On clear days, you can enjoy kite flying, swimming, or just relaxing with a view.
The campground here has both standard and partial hookup sites, plus a group camp for tents. You’ll find full restrooms and showers, and if you prefer, there are cabins among Douglas fir trees nearby. Most cabins allow pets, and a couple have bathrooms.
The park’s picnic areas offer both sheltered and open tables on a first-come basis. You can also reserve a large beach shelter with barbecues and bay views. Just keep in mind fires are only allowed in designated spots, and dogs must stay on leash.
Fishing requires a license, and tides can reveal a big mud flat, so be cautious near the water. For boaters, there’s a public watercraft launch just a few blocks away. Nearby, the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve lets you explore a unique marine environment.
Rating: 4.5 (1145 reviews)
Location: 10901 Bayview Edison Rd, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Contact: (360) 757-0227
Website: Visit Website
Deception Pass State Park
If you’re looking for a waterfront campsite with a mix of forest and shoreline, Deception Pass offers just that. You can explore over 4,000 acres filled with trails, freshwater lakes, and saltwater beaches. It’s a great spot for hiking, fishing, or just soaking in the views from the iconic bridge.
You’ll find plenty of water activities here. There are multiple launches for boating, areas for crabbing, and even spots to swim when the weather’s right. If you’re into kayaking or sailboarding, the winds and waves around the pass make for an exciting adventure.
The park also has some cool historical and cultural spots like the Civilian Conservation Corps Interpretive Center and the Maiden of Deception Pass story pole. For an extra treat, consider joining guided tours or checking out local kayak tours to see wildlife up close.
When staying, there’s a nice mix of campsites near both forest and water. If you want more than just camping, check out the nearby stores or grab a coffee from the camp trailer. It’s a place where you can balance outdoor fun with comfort.
Rating: 4.8 (13,183 reviews)
Location: 41229 State Rte 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
Contact: (360) 675-3767
Website: Visit Website
Joemma Beach State Park
If you’re looking for a quiet spot to camp right on the water, Joemma Beach State Park has you covered. You’ll find 3,000 feet of shoreline here, perfect for fishing, boating, or just soaking in the view. The park offers both sheltered and open picnic spots, so you can choose how you want to relax.
Camping is a mix of reservable primitive sites from mid-May to early October, plus a couple of hiker/biker spots on a first-come, first-served basis. If you’re paddling in, there are two special sites just for you. The boat ramp and docks make it easy to get out on the water, and boaters have priority at the dock.
You can bring your dog as long as it’s on a leash, and fires are allowed only in designated pits. This keeps the park safe while letting you enjoy a campfire. The park is close enough to Olympia and Tacoma that you can easily drive out for a quick trip or a weekend getaway.
Rating: 4.6 (500 reviews)
Location: 20001 Bay Rd Kp S, Longbranch, WA 98351
Contact: (253) 884-1944
Website: Visit Website
