Best Campgrounds on the Cascade Loop in Washington
This blog covers the best campgrounds on the southern half of the Cascade Loop, spanning from Whidbey Island to Chelan via Highway 2.
If you want to know what to see and do while here, check out our North Cascades itinerary.
Looking for camping near North Cascades National Park? We cover those options in a separate blog here.
Know where you want to stay? Click on a link below to skip ahead.
Campground reservations
Reserving these campsites are less competitive than campgrounds within Washington’s national parks. However, we still recommend reserving a site as soon as you have plans in place.
First-come, first-served campsites
Each of the campgrounds listed offer a small number of first-come, first-served campsites depending on the season. If you’re looking to get a campsite over the weekend, it’s best to come early on a Friday to reserve a site.
Camping gear
If you’re from out of state or don’t have camping gear, consider renting gear from Backcountry 40 Outfitters, a local company in Seattle, or REI. If exploring in a van is more your style, check out Indie Campers and Escape Campervans.
Campground basics
All campgrounds provide water, flush or vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits (more on these below). You’ll find what each campground offers in the amenities section.
Check in and out times vary, but are generally around 2 p.m. for check in and 12 p.m. for checkout. All campgrounds have quiet hours that are usually around 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
If you’ll be pitching a tent, look for a tent pad at your campsite – it will be a flat square with a wood perimeter to pitch your tent on. They vary in size, and not all campgrounds have them. If your campsite does have a tent pad, you must pitch your tent there. If your campground does not have tent pads, find a space in your campsite that is relatively open and flat to pitch your tent.
When booking, pay attention to campsite size. Most campsites fit between four and six people comfortably.
Fire pits
Fire pits can only be used when there is not a burn ban in place. You can check here to see fire danger and burn bans throughout Washington state, but fire bans are usually in place between July and September.
If there is not a burn ban in place, please purchase local firewood to burn to prevent bringing in invasive pests. Collecting firewood around the campground is not allowed – this wood is an important part of the forest ecosystem.
Is the the Cascade Loop pet-friendly?
Yes, the Cascade Loop and campgrounds are pet friendly, although please follow B.A.R.K. rules and local rules.
B: Bag poop
A: Always wear a leash
R: Respect wildlife
K: Know where to go
Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island sits in Washington’s rain shadow, which means it gets significantly less rainfall than much of Western Washington, making it a great place for spring and fall camping. The island is known for scenic beaches, forest trails, and coastal views. However, it can be noisy due to the nearby naval air station.
Whidbey Island Fairgrounds Campground
The Fairgrounds Campground is open for tent camping, and RVs. While the other campgrounds on this list are more nature focused, this one is within walking distance to downtown Langley’s shops and restaurants.
Be aware that this park closes to camping in late July for the local fair.
Amenities:
Partial hookups
Showers
RV and trailer length: Up to 30 feet
Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 20
Typically open: Year-round
Maximum length of stay: 14 days
Fort Casey Campground
Located near the Coupeville-Port Townsend ferry, this campground makes it easy to travel between Whidbey Island and the Olympic Peninsula. Campsites are located in an exposed area near the beach, but it’s the WWII fort remnants we love most about this park.
Amenities:
Beach access
Boat ramp
Partial hookups
Showers
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: Up to 40 feet
Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 35
Typically open: Year-round
Maximum length of stay: 10 days
Rhododendron Campground
Camp here for easy access to the Rhododendron Park trail system and larger, forested campsites.
Amenities:
Partial hookups
RV and trailer length: Up to 25 feet
Accepts reservations: No
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 15
Typically open: April to October
Maximum length of stay: 7 days
Fort Ebey State Park
The open fields and beaches here can be windy (perfect for flying kites!), but the campground itself is tucked into the forest with good spacing between campsites.
Amenities:
Full hookups
Showers
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: Up to 40 feet
Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 50
Typically open: March to October
Maximum length of stay: 10 days
Cliffside RV Park
We love this campgrounds shared outdoor kitchen, views of the sunset overlooking the San Juan Islands, and the variety of lodging available. Choose between tent sites, RV sites, yurts, or RV trailers for rent.
Amenities:
Beach access
Alternative lodging
Full hookups
Showers
Laundry
Store
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: Up to 40 feet
Accepts reservations: Up to one year in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 67
Typically open: Year-round
Maximum length of stay: 30 days
Deception Pass State Park
When camping here, you can choose between campsites in a few different loops. Choose to camp at Quarry Pond Campground if you’d like to be close to a fishing dock on Cranberry Lake, or Loop A or B to be near North and West Beach.
Amenities:
Lake access
Beach access
Boat ramp
Partial hookups
Dump station
Showers
Store
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: Up to 60 feet
Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 315
Typically open: Year-round
Maximum length of stay: 10 days
Lake Erie Campground
Located three miles away from Anacortes, you’ll find tent sites, RV sites, and tiny cabins here, all within 100 feet of the lake. Plus, the camp store offers fresh pastries, coffee, ice cream, and adult beverages.
Amenities:
Lake access
Boat ramp
Alternative lodging
Full hookups
Store
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: Unknown
Accepts reservations: Up to one year in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 16
Typically open: Year-round
Maximum length of stay: 7 days
Skykomish
Located on Stevens Pass, Skykomish is a hub for outdoor activities. You’ll find many hiking trails nearby, as well as climbing, rafting, and fishing. With close proximity to Seattle, this area is well loved, but worth exploring.
Money Creek Campground
Money Creek Campground sits on the beautiful Skykomish River and offers large campsites in a forested setting. However, both the highway and train tracks are nearby, so expect potential noise at all hours.
Amenities:
River access
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: Up to 60 feet
Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 23
Typically open: June to September
Maximum length of stay: 14 days
Beckler River Campground
This campground sits next to the Beckler River, far enough from the highway that you won’t hear road noise. Campsites are on the smaller side, but well shaded.
Amenities:
River access
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: Up to 40 feet
Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 27
Typically open: June to September
Maximum length of stay: 14 days
Greater Leavenworth Area
These campgrounds are located between Lake Wenatchee and downtown Leavenworth, all within about a 30-minute drive of Leavenworth. Nearby highlights include Lake Wenatchee State Park, nearby hiking trails, such as the Enchantments, and the Bavarian-themed town of Leavenworth.
Lake Wenatchee State Park
Located on the shores of Lake Wenatchee, this campground is the perfect place to swim, rent kayaks, play volleyball, or wander the nearby trails. It’s popular, but if you’re lucky, you can get a campsite along the lake.
Amenities:
Lake access
Trailer dump
Showers
Store
Partial hookups
Boat ramp
Dump station
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: Up to 20 feet
Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 85
Typically open: Year-round
Maximum length of stay: 10 days
Glacier View Campground
Located on the far end of Lake Wenatchee, this campground is smaller, with a handful of lakeside campsites. Mosquitoes are commonly reported here, but the views make up for them.
Amenities:
Lake access
Boat launch
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: Up to 15 feet
Accepts reservations: No
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 16
Typically open: May to November
Maximum length of stay: 10 days
Nason Creek Campground
This campground is one mile from Lake Wenatchee State Park. Try to get a campsite near the river to avoid hearing road noise.
Amenities:
Trailer dump
Showers
Boat ramp
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: Up to 35 feet
Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 73
Typically open: Year-round
Maximum length of stay: 14 days
Thousand Trails Leavenworth
Despite the name, Thousand Trails Leavenworth is located about 30 minutes from downtown Leavenworth. However, it’s the perfect place to relax in nature, with bike trails, a large pool, and plenty of activities, including pickleball, and games in the clubhouse.
Amenities:
Swimming pool
Games
Alternative lodging
Full hookups
Showers
Laundry
Dump station
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: Up to 35 feet
Accepts reservations: Up to one year in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 255
Typically open: Year-round
Maximum length of stay: 21+ days
Leavenworth KOA
If you want to camp or RV in downtown Leavenworth, this is the place to do it. The campground is located a walkable mile from downtown, and offers tons of family- friendly activities.
Amenities:
Swimming pool
Games
Alternative lodging
Full hookups
Showers
Laundry
Dump station
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: Up to 65 feet
Accepts reservations: Up to one year in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 147
Typically open: Year-round
Maximum length of stay: 27+ days
Wenatchee Confluence State Park
Located in Wenatchee, this park sits where the Wenatchee River meets the Columbia River, about a 30 minute drive south of Leavenworth. There’s plenty to do here, including water access, sports courts, and the popular Apple Capital Loop Trail for biking and walking.
Amenities:
Swimming area
Showers
Boat ramp
Full hookups
Dump station
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: Up to 65 feet
Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 52
Typically open: Year-round
Maximum length of stay: 10 days
Lincoln Rock State Park
Located just past Wenatchee on the Columbia River, we like that campsites here are large and spread out. Visit to enjoy time on the water paddle boarding, kayaking, or boating.
Amenities:
Swimming area
Alternative lodging
Showers
Boat ramp
Full hookups
Dump station
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: Up to 65 feet
Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 94
Typically open: April to October
Maximum length of stay: 10 days
Chelan
Chelan is a family friendly town with a great waterpark, numerous wineries, and plenty of water activities on Lake Chelan.
Beebe Bridge State Park
Located on the Columbia River, about ten minutes from downtown Chelan, Beebe Bridge State Park is a great getaway while still being close to restaurants and activities. The campground has large, grassy and shaded sites, with sports courts, boat launch, and swimming area.
Amenities:
Swimming area
Showers
Boat ramp
Partial hookups
Dump station
Short term moorage
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: Up to 90 feet
Accepts reservations: Beginning in March
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 46
Typically open: April to October
Maximum length of stay: 10 days
Lakeshore RV Park
This campground is located on the shores of Lake Chelan, a half mile from the downtown area with restaurants and shopping. Campsites here are tighter, but the park has a large swimming area, beach, sports courts, skate park, and more.
Although the park is open year-round, tent camping is only allowed between April and October.
Amenities:
Swimming area
Showers
Full hookups
Boat ramp
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: Up to 40 feet
Accepts reservations: Up to nine months in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 163
Typically open: Year-round
Maximum length of stay: 10 days
Wapato Lake Campground
Located about 10 miles northwest of Chelan, Wapato Lake Campground is a small and quiet campground. It’s especially popular with fishermen and paddleboarders.
Amenities:
Swimming area
Showers
Partial hookups
Boat ramp
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: Up to 20 feet
Accepts reservations: Up to one year in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: Unknown
Typically open: April to October
Maximum length of stay: 10 days
Search the blog for more adventures! Try searching for topics such as “hiking”, “waterfalls”, or “Oregon”.