The best camping in Lake Washington

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The second-largest natural lake in the state, Lake Washington is a beloved recreation area among Seattle-area residents and visitors, particularly in the summer months. Fishing is an incredibly popular activity on the lake, with a variety of salmon and bass, as well as resident coastal cutthroat trout. (An annual freshwater license is required.) That said, you needn’t be an angler to enjoy the lake, and there are plenty of great parks and natural areas with beaches, ideal for swimming, kayaking, or simply gazing out over the waters on your next lakeside camping trip.

97% (328) • 1,526 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Lake Washington

The Art Farm

1. The Art Farm

97%
(236)
Paducah, KY · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
The farm is women owned and operated. This 34 acres of rolling farmland, woods and pasture is surrounded by farmland and woodlands on all sides. Enjoy nature. Watch wildlife. Listen to the birds singing. You will often see deer in the evenings. Walk or drive to the main residence to enjoy the pool, hot tub and hot outdoor shower. (5 minute walk or 1 minute drive) We have a few dedicated women's campouts each year, and some art-making workshops, retreats, and quilting weekends, too. Other times we are open and inclusive of all. Native land of Chickasaw, Quapaw and Osage nations. LGBTQ friendly. :)
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Campfires
Brand'n Iron Hills

2. Brand'n Iron Hills

97%
(32)
Dover, TN · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
40 acres Located in beautiful Dover TN 5 miles from Lake Barkley & the Cumberland River. Conveniently located a few miles from town, far enough that it is quiet, but close enough that it is not a long trip to town. The property features a variety of thriving wildlife due to our fresh water stream that gently flows through the property year round. The stream is roughly ankle to hip deep depending on the area. The water is crystal clear and safe to play in if you have little ones. Walk along the stream and discover all kinds of fish, turtles, beautiful river stones and possibly see a beaver or 2. If you have Archery equipment, you can use our Archery Range. The property is split by a 2 lane road. 7 acres to the North and 33 acres to the South. The smaller side is flat with many trails, fresh water stream and a gravel road. It features relatively junior trees and is home to a family of Whitetail Deer. The Southern side of the property features a mature hardwood forest full of giant white oak trees. Be sure to put on your hiking boots though, because there's a few Hills to climb. Three hills that form a beautiful valley in the center, with another fresh waterstream. The valley was once home to a 1700s settlement, so you may find some artifacts. (We just ask that you leave them where you find them.) Main trails are marked clearly with large reflectors for safety. With the near-by wildlife refuge you are sure to see and hear a variety of wildlife. We have large steel firepits in every campsite. So feel free to bring your own firewood! Enjoy a good book or nap while relaxing in a hammock. Swing with a loved one while over looking the fresh water stream. Walk down along the stream and collect rocks, feed the fish, or go for a dip! Currently our property is very Primative, whichever there is no electricity or plumbing. We do offer clean composting toilets & a locking gate at night for your security. **Cellular service is limited in some areas. Signal can be found by the road, or cross the road and take the trail up the 1st hill**
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lost acres

3. Lost acres

100%
(26)
Mc Ewen, TN · 14 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:Acers of camping far from civilization. Primitive camping. Green fields awesome woods and a spring feed creek. find fossils.  Please camp responsibly and hike out what you hike in.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

4. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

88%
(20)
National park in Tennessee · 403 sites
Discover Land Between the Lakes: A Haven for Outdoor Enthusiasts.
Kenlake State Resort Park

5. Kenlake State Resort Park

100%
(4)
State park in Kentucky · 87 sites
Discover Kenlake State Resort Park's natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Pine Ridge Farm

6. Pine Ridge Farm

100%
(4)
Indian Mound, TN · 1 site
Pine Ridge Farm is a 420 acre working farm, hunting preserve, and clay shooting facility with event space. Enjoy free fishing and discounts on clay shooting for staying with us. Far enough from the hustle and bustle but conveniently located between Clarksville, TN and Dover, TN. Easy access to Land Between the Lakes.
Pets
Whiskey Meadows

7. Whiskey Meadows

100%
(2)
Grand Rivers, KY · 1 site
Whiskey Meadows has a serene meadow view with a few shade trees that entice the use of a hammock. It has cell service, local restaurant ( .2 mi). The Parking area is about 200 Ft from the main road down a driveway. The location is within 10 minutes (5mi.) drive to KY Lake, Lake Barkley, Land Between the Lakes, downtown Grand Rivers, and Patties 1880 Settlement.
Electrical hookup
Pets
Tanglewood Campground & RV Resort

8. Tanglewood Campground & RV Resort

100%
(7)
Hardin, KY · 3 sites
Reconnect with nature at this unforgettable escape. Quiet place near Kentucky lake to relax and enjoy the outdoor experience. A comfortable and modern camper is the perfect place to stay while exploring The Land Between the Lakes or enjoying Kentucky lake. The camper is available year-round. In the summer you can spend time at the swimming pool or take a walk on our trail that leads to beautiful Kentucky lake with breathtaking views! Our camper is in a small and quiet campground, where you can relax and unwind. You will be surrounded by many kinds of trees, shrubs, flowers and wildlife. Every morning you will wake up listening to birds sing and evenings are frog symphony time. You may also have an unexpected visitor - a squirrel likes to have her favorite breakfast (pig nuts) on the porch. The camper has a comfortable queen bed in the master bedroom, living room with sofa bed and dining table, full kitchen, bathroom and two double bunk beds. You may spend most of your time on the large porch which is attached to the camper. It has a dining and coffee table with chairs. Most of the time, the camper is decorated with seasonal plants. We offer firewood, ice and country fresh eggs for additional charge. Close to where the camper is located, you can find a picnic area and pavilion with a propane grill, fire ring and plenty of firewood. The swimming pool is open on sunny days from Memorial weekend until Labor Day. Fisherman can find a fish cleaning station and beautiful pond with a lot of fish and turtles. Camper is not even 3/4 mile from the lake. Restaurants, a gas station, Dollar general, Old Country store with delicious ice cream, coffee, homemade jars of jams and more are within one mile driving distance. The Land Between the Lakes offers an Elk and Bison Prairie, many hiking and biking trails, fishing, boat ramps, Turkey Bay off road vehicle trails and more. Enjoy the outdoors, relax and recharge. Take a break from technology, we currently don't offer TV or Wi-Fi. Games are available per request, no additional charge. You can also rent a stand-up paddle board or bring a boat, golf cart or ATV - we have plenty of parking spaces. Be aware of insects and ticks. Please give as a call or text if any assistance is needed during your stay
Pets
Toilets
Showers
3 Jewels Peace Garden

9. 3 Jewels Peace Garden

100%
(4)
Cadiz, KY · 4 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
I keep pricing here super low as a reflection of Buddhist service to sentient beings in need of peace and safe haven. Meditation onsite. Guest cabin with 2 beds, linens, water jug, device charging, electric; Buddhist shrine with 4 soft Japanese tatami floor beds, electric, device charging, water jug; limited level tent camping with large group fire ring, 1 small rv (<24ft) allowed with no electric. (Edit 8/4/26 Dog policy is at the end of this description but I have to reiterate that night crating is not optional. There are wildlife like opossums, raccoons and deer that an uncrated dog in your tent can tear after. The shrine is absolutely no dirt, no shoes, no paws except self-cleaning cats.) Camp toilet on site. Composter available for vegetarian food waste. 7 gallon water jugs available for handwashing and pan washing, just use biodegradable soap. Although there are no showers available to campers/guests, I can provide a large washing jug. Plenty of hiking is available at LBL, just 8 miles away. I can provide intel on good fishing and backcountry spots. There is fantastic antiquing and thrifting in Cadiz and Murray, and I can introduce you to the Amish market for the most affordable groceries you've ever bought in your life. I love to cook for people especially if it's a group. It'll usually be vegan chili con carne and skillet cornbread, Korean chajangmen, or some tasty variety of Asian seasoned vegetable soup with homemade bread. I am ovo-lacto vegetarian except in cases of hunting guests offering their own catfish, bass, venison, boar or turkey, in which case I fire up the bbq and get busy, because hunters are essential for environmental preservation. The fire ring is available for traditional cast iron cooking. Dogs under 50 lbs are welcome if they're trained, you clean up after them, keep them leashed around guests and kenneled at night. I have 2 small dogs and I can kennel them on request.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Lake Barkley State Resort Park

10. Lake Barkley State Resort Park

100%
(3)
State park in Kentucky · 79 sites
Discover Lake Barkley State Resort Park's natural splendor and activities.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Barkley Lake

11. Barkley Lake

80%
(5)
Park in Kentucky · 191 sites
Make a splash at Lake Barkley, where everything from commercial marinas to bald eagle spottings will suit your every outdoor whim. A whopping 170,000 acres of recreation means you may have to extend your stay if you want to fit everything in on your to-do list. Kayak around the sparkling waters, fish the 57,000-acre lake for your next meal, or even hunt for some game. Nearby antique shops are the perfect spot to nab your next vintage typewriter, and a Civil War monument just adds to the historic significance. Whether you're interested in living off the land or grabbing a bite to eat at a renowned restaurant, Lake Barkley is your one-stop park for everything awesome.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Ferne Clyffe State Park

12. Ferne Clyffe State Park

100%
(1)
State park in Illinois · 84 sites
There's secret treasure to be found here in the Land of Lincoln.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Fort Massac State Park

13. Fort Massac State Park

100%
(1)
State park in Illinois · 52 sites
Discover the origins of American life in Illinois' first state park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Boondocks Campground

14. Boondocks Campground

100%
(1)
Bumpus Mills, TN · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Boondocks Campground — True Off-Grid Camping Near Lake Barkley Some campgrounds are parking lots with picnic tables. This isn't one of them. Boondocks Campground is a quiet, wooded retreat on a well-maintained gravel road in the rolling hardwood hills of Stewart County, Tennessee. We offer multiple RV and tent sites with plenty of distance between them—no hookups, no utilities, no crowds. Just you, your rig, and the woods. If you're self-contained and looking to unplug, this is your spot. Site 1 measures 15 x 60 ft, Site 2 is 18 x 45 ft, and future Site 3 will be 18 x 40 ft, each with its own fire ring and plenty of privacy. There's extra room for boats, trailers, and whatever toys you're hauling to the lake. When you feel like company, a communal fire pit in the roundabout makes a natural gathering place—that's where the evening stories tend to happen. We keep firewood on hand for purchase, so the campfire never has to go out early. Fair warning: this is genuine boondocking. You bring your own water, power, and waste setup, and in exchange, you get shade, birdsong, and a night sky the way it looked before streetlights. Quiet inverter generators are welcome, and quiet hours begin at 10:00 p.m. Cell service reaches this area, but just barely—most guests decide that's the point. The lake is the other half of the story. A public boat ramp on Lake Barkley sits just half a mile away, with several more ramps nearby. Kentucky Lake and Land Between the Lakes are also just a short drive away. Fish in the morning, ride the LBL trails in the afternoon, and return to the woods at night. Leashed pets are welcome. If your idea of camping involves a self-contained rig, a good fire, and nobody parked ten feet from your door, come see us.
Pets
Campfires
Burdoc Farms

15. Burdoc Farms

97%
(15)
Crofton, KY · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
LOCATED IN THE NATURAL SCENERY OF WESTERN KENTUCKY JUST NORTH OF NASHVILLE, TN. Burdoc Farms is nestled in the idyllic natural green hills. Burdoc Farms offers a true and relaxed experience for your once in a lifetime event.With over 650 acres of open fields and forest, Burdoc Farms has been in the Shepherd family for over 80 years. The farm was once a tobacco and cattle farm, producing national champion Shorthorn Beef Cattle in the 60’s. When Keith and Sara Shepherd took over operations in the 90’s the farm was converted to a conservation farm, with timber management, wildlife habitat, recreation and agritourism becoming the main focus of farm operations. Learn more about this land: With over 650 acres to chose from you can camp in open fields or wooded areas on our 100 year old family farm! We love sharing our farm with other conservation minded guest, but if you need access to modern amenities we can accommodate you too. We have over 10 miles of trails to explore nature on your own. If you just want to sit by a fire and relax we have a communal fireplace or fire pit. We have a pond for fishing or swimming whatever you heart desires. Pets are allowed and welcome. Be sure to bring your sense of wonder and take your walkabout on Burdoc Farms!
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
The Banks of Blue Creek

16. The Banks of Blue Creek

100%
(1)
Mc Ewen, TN · 1 site · Tent, RV
Prime Wildlife Viewing: Situated right against a dense treeline, this spot is a natural corridor for deer and local wildlife. Enjoy a waterfront double-feature with the stillness of a private pond in your foreground and the flowing energy of Blue Creek just steps away. You can visit the creek . This location truly offers the best of both worlds, featuring rare, full-service utility hookups in an environment that feels completely off-the-grid. The property is conveniently located approximately 6 miles from Loretta Lynn’s Ranch, 5 miles from Waverly, and 6 miles from McEwen. We are also just 17 miles from Exit 143 off I-40.
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
Thistle Moon Hearth

17. Thistle Moon Hearth

100%
(2)
Woodlawn, TN · 2 sites
Secluded forest, primitive camping site with sounds of nature all around. Firepit included. Camping toilet with privacy tent provided. No running water, no electricity. Nearby kayaking, float tubing opportunities, in Dover (30 minutes away) or in Clarksville on the Red River. Firewood available for $10 per bundle. Concierge services available for an additional fee (beer, food, supplies, etc.)- We'll bring your groceries to YOU! No need to disrupt your vacation. Pets allowed on leash only (we have chickens and bees!). Mowed walking paths around 8 acre property
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Waters Edge RV Park And Marina

18. Waters Edge RV Park And Marina

100%
(11)
Murray, KY · 61 sites
Welcome to Waters Edge RV Park and Marina in Murray, Kentucky — a peaceful lakeside destination perfect for RV camping, boating, and outdoor fun. Nestled near the shores of Kentucky Lake, this family-friendly park offers spacious sites with full hookups and convenient access to water activities, scenic trails, and beautiful countryside. Each RV site includes full hookups with 30- and 50-amp electrical service, water, and sewer, along with free Wi-Fi and easy access to clean restrooms and showers. Enjoy lake views, go fishing right from the marina, or launch your boat from one of the park’s 36 slip spaces. Picnic areas and open recreational spaces make it easy to relax outdoors, while a swing set and hiking trails add variety for the whole family. Pets are welcome too, so your furry companions can join the adventure. The park’s lakeside setting makes it a great base for both short getaways and longer stays. Whether you’re here to unwind by the water, explore nearby attractions like Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, or enjoy boating and fishing on Kentucky Lake, you’ll find plenty to do just minutes from your campsite. Waters Edge RV Park and Marina combines comfort, convenience, and natural beauty, making it an ideal choice for your next outdoor escape.
Pets
Full hookups
Whisky Ridge RV Lot

19. Whisky Ridge RV Lot

Dover, TN · 1 site
Whisky Ridge is a 5-acre oasis to park your RV. There are full 50/30/20 amp electrical hookups, sewer access: please bring two sections of sewer hose, picnic table, fire ring and high speed Starlink Internet. You will have the entire 5 acres to yourself. At this time, there is no water available. No hunting is allowed. You have to take your trash with you but you can drop it off at the Onion Hill Convienience Center which is one mile from the property. See their Google site for hours, their drop off is not big rig friendly, ok for small RV's. You are just 10 minutes from Kentucky Lake, Paris Landing State Park and golf course. Security camera on property for your security. The Land Between the Lakes and all the outdoor activities you desire are close by as well. If you are looking for peace and quiet, you have found it at Whisky Ridge!
Electrical hookup
Sewer hookup
Pets
The Forest Retreat

20. The Forest Retreat

100%
(8)
Waverly, TN · 20 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:Enjoy the wonders of the Tennessee countryside, the site is located on the edge of the Tennessee River within 20 minutes of Waverly TN. A public boat ramp is a little further down Bear Creek Road (1 mile) where you can put your boats into the water and enjoy the over 250sq mile lake. The Forest Retreat is a great location to enjoy camping in a pine forest area and enjoy the wildlife that surrounds the 130+ acre area.
Pets

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Lake Washington camping guide

Where to go

Seward Park

If you're in Seattle, sprawling Seward Park is among the best places to enjoy Lake Washington. This 300-acre expanse (120 acres of which is old-growth forest) features walking trails, picnic areas, a playground, tennis courts, seasonal beaches, and a fishing pier.

Mercer Island

Situated between Bellevue and Seattle, Mercer Island is the only island in Lake Washington. Unsurprisingly, there are plenty of spots to access the lake dotted across the island, from Clarke Beach Park in the south to spacious Luther Burbank Park in the north.

Kirkland

On the eastern banks of Lake Washington, Kirkland and its surrounding towns offer easy access to the lake to residents and visitors alike, with numerous waterfront parks available for public use. This area also offers some of the best fishing opportunities on the lake, with public piers at Juanita Beach Park, Waverly Beach Park, Houghton beach Park, Marsh Park, David E Brink Park, and Settlers Landing. Expect to find RV parks and private campgrounds in the area.

Saint Edward State Park

Spread out over 326 acres on the northeastern shores of Lake Washington, this state park offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and plenty of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails. With around 3,000 feet of shoreline, the park is a great spot for accessing the lake—fishing and kayaking are particularly popular activities here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mercer Island, situated between Bellevue and Seattle, offers plenty of spots to access Lake Washington, from Clarke Beach Park in the south to spacious Luther Burbank Park in the north.

Saint Edward State Park, spread out over 326 acres on the northeastern shores of Lake Washington, offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and plenty of hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails. With around 3,000 feet of shoreline, the park is a great spot for accessing the lake—fishing and kayaking are particularly popular activities here.

Kirkland and its surrounding towns offer easy access to the lake, with numerous waterfront parks available for public use. This area also offers some of the best fishing opportunities on the lake, with public piers at Juanita Beach Park, Waverly Beach Park, Houghton beach Park, Marsh Park, David E Brink Park, and Settlers Landing. Expect to find RV parks and private campgrounds in the area. You can also explore different options for camping near Lake Washington on Hipcamp.

Fishing is an incredibly popular activity on Lake Washington, with a variety of salmon and bass, as well as resident coastal cutthroat trout. You needn’t be an angler to enjoy the lake, and there are plenty of great parks and natural areas with beaches, ideal for swimming, kayaking, or simply gazing out over the waters on your next lakeside camping trip.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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