Big city landmarks give way to Puget Sound adventure and seaside camping in Seattle.
The largest city in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle sprawls along the coasts of Puget Sound and Washington Lake. As a major port city, it’s no surprise that many campers flock to Seattle for its water-based adventures like kayaking, whale watching, and beachcombing. While famous for major downtown Seattle attractions like its Space Needle and Pike Place Market, it’s also known for its nature-inspired features like Washington Park Arboretum, Green Lake, and Seattle Beach. The outskirts of the city boast a wide array of RV parks, campgrounds, and cabin rentals. Or, discover more rustic accommodations near landmarks like Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and North Cascades National Park, as well.
Set out on the water of the Puget Sound on a boat or kayak to whale watch or swim. Campers can charter a boat or sign up for an inland waters whale watching tour to witness resident orcas swimming near the sound. Or head out of the sound to enjoy gray whale migrations in spring. Then, find RV parks, campgrounds, and cabin rentals around Puget Sound to stay right on the waterfront.
Olympic National Park’s forests, meadows, and rugged Pacific coast attract campers to its 922,650-acres every year. The park, situated on the Olympic Peninsula, features views of glacial peaks and lush valleys. Hikers will enjoy Peninsula Trail Loop and Madison Falls Trails, which puts backpackers in close proximity to waterfalls and hot springs. The park also offers hike-in and boat-in primitive campsites that are pet friendly. Outside the park, look for cabin rentals and RV parks with more amenities like full hookups, showers, and picnic tables.
The highest mountain in Washington, Mount Rainier is the star of the national park named in its honor. Enjoy a wealth of activities in the park such as hiking to Sunbeam Falls and Narada Falls or exploring the famed Wonderland Trail that encircles Mount Rainier. Other must-see park attractions include Tipsoo Lake, Fremont Fire Lookout, and Reflection Lakes. Then, look for on-site campgrounds that have tent sites and RV pads, water, and flush toilets.
Seattle’s climate is seasonal; however many campers enjoy visiting year-round. July and August is when Seattle weather is dry. Summer temperatures stay within the 70s. November to January is the wet season, so many campers who visit the area in winter bring rain and snow preparations. Those interested in the region’s snow sports can plan to visit in December to April when snowfall is abundant and temperatures range between 38–52°F.