Camping is a hugely popular summer activity for families, especially in an area as beautiful as ours. I mean, what’s not to love about gorgeous scenery, mild temperatures, and unplugged family time?
But while the camping getaway is fun and memorable, actually getting a camping reservation can be insanely frustrating. Some of the most popular campgrounds book up 6+ months in advance, making it difficult to book a site after April and virtually eliminating the ability to head out on a spur-of-the-moment camping adventure.
The solution? First-come, first-served campgrounds. Since these places don’t take reservations, they can’t book up in advance. They’re not without risks, but for the most part you can probably find a site. Some tips to help you be prepared:
- Many first-come first-served areas are pretty rustic, so be prepared. If you’ve got a travel trailer be prepared for dry camping and expect to live off of your battery rather than electrical hook-up.
- You likely won’t have a problem finding a site, especially during the week. If you’re planning to arrive at camp on a Friday, try to arrive earlier in the day to be guaranteed a spot.
- Camping without a reservation is riskiest on holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Independence Day. To reduce your risk of not finding a site, try to arrive on Thursday prior to the holiday.
- If you have questions about availability or amenities, call the local ranger station or office. While they can’t guarantee you will get a spot, they will have perspective about historical camping volumes over the weekend of your adventure and can let you know if you need to arrive early, or if they typically have plenty of spots available. This is also wise because it seems like every year some first-come first-served sites are switched to reservable, so contacting them directly will give you the most up-to-date information.
- Always double-check the dates your campground is open for camping. Many close in early fall and re-open in late spring.
- Have a back-up plan. While you hopefully won’t have to use it, make sure you research other local campgrounds or inexpensive lodging options in case you end up in a worst-case scenario and can’t find any place to camp.
Olympic National Park
Of the 14 campgrounds in the Olympic National Park, only 2 accept reservations (Sol Duc and Kalaloch). This leaves HUNDREDS of non-reservable spots that are waiting to be the launching point for your PNW adventure. Even better, it gives you lots of back-up options in case your first choice isn’t available.
White River Campground at Mount Rainier National Park
This campground in the shadow of our state’s signature mountain has 112 campsites, many of which cven accommodate a travel trailer. Water is available in the campground, and even offer the plush amenity of flush toilets! There is so much to do and see in this area, your family will remember this trip for years to come.
Leavenworth Area
Want to explore the beauty of Leavenworth on the cheap? Or maybe you’re hoping to attend a festival weekend but forgot to make reservations. Try Eightmile Campground (8 miles from Leavenworth) along Icicle Creek, where 40% of sites are non-reservable. Nason Creek is at the southeastern end of Lake Wenatchee and in reasonable proximity to Leavenworth, and 40% of the sites there are also non-reservable.
North Cascades National Park
For many people, the North Cascades are a close and convenient way to retreat from civilization. Most of the campgrounds have several first-come, first-served sites including the main campground at Goodell Creek (19 sites), the North Loop of Colonial Creek Campground (42 sites), and Hozomeen Campground (75 sites).
Camano Island State Park
88 non-reservable campsites, clean bathrooms, and showers available. Add in a bit of nature, and what more could you ask for?
Lone Fir Campground
Winthrop is a popular camping destination – but because of its popularity, it books up fast. This 27-site first-come, first-served campground has water on site and is in the vicinity of Winthrop (27 miles).
Peninsula Campground
This campground has a whopping 60 non-reservable sites on Rimrock Lake. It’s pretty rustic (be prepared for vault toilets and either bring or process your own water) but can accommodate either tents or RVs.
South Skookum Lake Campground
There are 25 sites at this campground within the Colville National Forest. Sites have picnic tables, fire pits, and tent pads. Drinking water is available, and the campground has vault toilets.
Palouse Falls State Park
This one’s a bit more risky with only 11 campsites, but if you’re willing to gamble the payoff could be big. Only tents are permitted (no RVs) and it’s considered primitive camping, although water is available during the peak season. Definitely have a “Plan B” in mind if you try this campground, but if you land a spot you’ll have a fantastic home base for exploring the gorgeous sights in the area.
*SAVE OR PIN THIS FOR WHEN YOU’RE PLANNING YOUR SUMMER ADVENTURE!*
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Read more of Kristina’s contributions to allmomdoes here.
