Best places to camp near national parks? This Washington spot made the top 10
Washington state is known for its boundless natural beauty — from lush rainforests and towering mountain peaks to meadows dotted with wildflowers.
“Camping near national parks offers a fantastic way to experience the great outdoors,” camping app and website The Dyrt said.
Unfortunately, many national parks have limited availability, with reservations booked months ahead of time.
The Dyrt teamed up with Girl Camper, a community that connects women through outdoor experiences, to identify the top campgrounds near popular parks in 2026 — including one in Washington state.
“Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, these spots promise to enhance your camping experience while checking off that national parks bucket list,” The Dyrt said.
Here’s what to know:
What’s the best place to camp near a national park?
According to The Dyrt, Horsethief Campground in Utah is the top place to camp near a national park in the United States.
The campground sits atop a plateau between Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, the camping app said, making it a “fantastic destination for campers seeking both adventure and tranquility.”
“Visitors can enjoy kayaking or canoeing on the Colorado River, trails for mountain biking, and hiking trails offering stunning views,” The Dyrt said. “The welcoming vibe at Horsethief Campground enhances the overall experience, as the friendly staff and fellow campers create a sense of community.”
Campsites start at about $22 per night, with 88 sites available.
Tents, recreational vehicles, campfires and pets are allowed, making it an accessible option for a wide range of travelers, The Dyrt said.
What’s the top campground in Washington state?
Salt Creek Recreation Area near Port Angeles was No. 7 on The Dyrt’s list of the best campgrounds near national parks.
The 196-acre site in Western Washington offers coastal access and stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, according to the Clallam County website.
“By staying at Salt Creek, campers can conveniently explore Olympic National Park during the day while returning to the peaceful surroundings of the campground each evening,” The Dyrt said.
“Campers can explore tide pools, go beachcombing and enjoy kayaking or canoeing in the calm waters,” the camping app added. “The surrounding forest trails offer additional opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting.”
The recreation area is also a “premiere shore diving destination” with an underwalter kelp forest, according to the Olympic Peninsula recreation website.
TripAdvisor reviewer Crystal B. of Tacoma called the Salt Creek Recreation Area a “wonderful family place to spend the day.”
You can camp at one of 92 campsites for $45 a night, according to The Dyrt. Campfires, pets and RVs are allowed.
The campground is about a two-hour drive from Olympia. It takes about two and a half hours to reach the spot from Tacoma by car, and less than three hours to travel from Bellingha.
Find top 10 campgrounds near national parks
According to The Dyrt, the best campgrounds near national parks “not only offer beautiful settings but also serve as an ideal base for days of wonder.”
These were the best campgrounds for national park day-trippers in the United States in 2016, the site said:
- Horsethief Campground in Utah
- Big Creek Campground in Montana
- Andy Guest/Shenandoah River State Park Campground in Virginia
- Smuggler’s Den Campground in Maine
- East Portal Campground in Colorado
- Maverick Ranch RV Park in Texas
- Salt Creek Recreation Area
- Jacob Lake Campground in Arizona
- Atherton Creek Campground in Wyoming
- Mono Hot Springs in California
How did The Dyrt rank top options for campers?
The Dyrt said it based its list primarily on ratings and reviews of campsites across the United States.
“We identified the highest rated and reviewed campgrounds within close enough proximity to a popular national park to take day trips to the park, the site said.