The best camping in Deception Pass

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Deception Pass State Park has a little bit of everything Northwesterners hold dear: rugged saltwater shoreline, freshwater lakes, old growth forest, wildlife, and views stretching across Puget Sound. The park’s centerpiece is the Deception Pass bridge, which flies high above the cliffs and links the mainland with Whidbey Island. Campsites are scattered around the park, including a boat-in cabin and forested tent spots. 

95% (14.8K) 3,948 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Deception Pass

Shadow Mountain RV & Campground

1. Shadow Mountain RV & Campground

77%
(577)
Port Angeles, WA · 35 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
!~PLEASE READ EACH SITE DESCRIPTION ~ LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE~! Whether you are looking to spend some quality time with your family or enjoy a weekend away with friends, you are going to find the perfect camping at Shadow Mountain Campground! SORRY NO WIFI Enjoy hiking, swimming, kayaking, or boating across the street at Lake Sutherland or Lake Cresent! Rent our newly added Kayak Rentals. We have a convenient General Store and Gas Station on-site with Firewood, beer/wine, ICE, grocery items and much more... We have beautiful campsites, entertaining activities nearby, and quality staff to ensure that your Olympic National Park camping vacation is all you need to relax and unwind! Come spend a weekend, a week, or a season and let us show you what we have to offer! Did I mention HOT SHOWERS and LAUNDRY FACILITY!!! Keep in mind we are on Hwy 101 (2 lane Hwy) at Lake Sutherlin so road noise is a factor, some seasons more than others, ear plugs available in-store if needed. The views are Amazing!
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Full hookups
Wandering Joy Campground

2. Wandering Joy Campground

98%
(859)
Port Angeles, WA · 12 sites
Located less than 10 minutes from Lake Crescent, directly across US-101 from Lake Sutherland, and 20 minutes west of downtown Port Angeles, Wandering Joy Campground is the perfect homebase for your Olympic National Park adventures! Wander the property trails to discover giant moss-covered boulders, aged big leaf maple, towering grand fir, and western red cedar. Heavily forested with mixed conifer species, dense alder stands, and a rich understory, you'll enjoy a vibrant habitat for wildlife, especially birds. We are committed to protecting the health and wellness of this magical forest and kindly ask that you pack out all trash, exercise extreme caution with campfires, be a respectful neighbor to fellow campers, and leave only good vibes behind! PLEASE NOTE: * We are primarily a tenting campground. Not all sites are suitable for car-camping/rooftop tents as the parking may not be level and/or large enough for your rig. Please send us a message PRIOR to booking and we’d be happy to recommend any available sites that may fit your need. *All of our sites have their own shape, size, and characteristics, no two are alike! Please refer to the site descriptions and pictures to assist you in choosing a site for your adventure. If in doubt, just send a message and we’ll help steer you in the right direction. Your experience is important to us! *We are a small, private campground. As such, our site limits are set to 2 ppl, 1 vehicle, 1 tent. You can select to add up to 2 more ppl on select sites, for an additional charge. Our sites are simply not large enough to be considered group sites. For your comfort, we recommended that you book multiple sites if you have a larger party. As always, we can help you choose the best site for your party, so don’t hesitate to reach out! * 4WD/AWD drive recommended for Sites 9-11 due to the steady uphill gravel access road. Especially recommended for vans and heavier vehicles.
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Valhalla Tree Farm

3. Valhalla Tree Farm

99%
(600)
Arlington, WA · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Nestled near Arlington, our 75-acre property spans both new and old forest, featuring a salmon-filled creek and a large beaver pond—all set against the dramatic backdrop of a 1,200-foot sheer rocky cliff crowned with old-growth trees. Since its purchase in 1958 as a family retreat, this land has grown into much more than a getaway. It has become a place for relaxation, adventure, and connection with nature—a private forest for family and friends to enjoy. Over the years, the family has adopted forest stewardship and sustainable timber harvesting practices, while also developing campsites, trails, hosting rock concerts, and even producing wine. What began as a simple escape has evolved into something extraordinary: a tree farm that successfully balances nearly every goal a forest landowner could imagine—timber production, wildlife habitat, natural beauty, recreation, and forest resilience. Valhalla embodies all of this with harmony. We think you will feel the unusual vibe.
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Deception Pass State Park

4. Deception Pass State Park

92%
(59)
State park in Washington · 326 sites
Bike, hike, swim, camp, and explore this deceptively ordinary Washington state park!
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Moran State Park

5. Moran State Park

96%
(24)
State park in Washington · 145 sites
Relax by a picturesque mountain lake in the heart of the San Juan Islands.
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Campfires
The Campground at Jefferson County Fairgrounds

6. The Campground at Jefferson County Fairgrounds

Port Townsend, WA · 50 sites
Welcome to a pet- and family-friendly campground nestled in the scenic charm of Port Townsend. Ideally located just a short walk from Fort Worden, the beach, and an extensive network of lush, forested trails, this campground offers the perfect balance of nature, relaxation, and outdoor adventure. Operated by the Jefferson County Fairgrounds Association—a dedicated non-profit organization—this campground plays an important role in supporting the local community. Every stay directly contributes to the upkeep of the fairgrounds and helps fund year-round events, including the much-loved annual Jefferson County Fair, celebrating local agriculture, arts, and culture. With over 50 thoughtfully designed campsites, guests can choose from a variety of options to suit their needs, including full hook-up, partial hook-up, and primitive sites. Open year-round, the campground provides an affordable and comfortable base for families, pet owners, and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore Port Townsend and the breathtaking Olympic Peninsula. Recent updates to the campground layout have created more spacious and comfortable site arrangements, with expanded areas and improved spacing between select sites—enhancing both privacy and convenience for guests. Please note that cell service in the area is limited, so we recommend checking availability and reserving your site in advance. Even if a site appears vacant upon arrival, it may already be reserved for another guest. Whether you're here for a peaceful retreat, a family getaway, or a basecamp for adventure, we hope you enjoy your stay and appreciate your support in helping sustain this vibrant community space.
Pets
Full hookups
Compass Rose Farms

7. Compass Rose Farms

96%
(355)
Port Townsend, WA · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We are open! This magical, 40-acre, cultivated ecosystem, will wrap around you and leave you enchanted. Enjoy this peaceful, country retreat, as a place to rest and reconnect with the earth and yourself. This is a great place to stop for the night, but one day might not be enough to meander the many paths, drink tea harvested from the herb garden, sit on a bench talking to ancient Maple trees, walk the stone labyrinth, wander the sacred Grove, and camp under the stars. There's so much to enjoy here, from the fragrant rose gardens to the orchards and sheep meadows. Spend the morning sipping tea with a book in the greenhouse, an afternoon wandering the many wooded trails, preparing dinner with vegetables grown from the garden, and enjoying the evening watching the moon and stars come up from the observatory platform. You could take a guided tour of the land and animals, or join one of the many workshops hosted here, such as learning to spin yarn from our herd of Icelandic sheep or take an introduction class to Permaculture. Bring your knitting, friends, or just a favorite book, and spend a few days in this tranquil destination, as this land has something to offer everyone. Please NOTE: This is a working farm, we have animals, dirt, sticks, bugs, poop, and lots of opportunities to "connect" with Nature. All of our amenities are shared spaces, designed to foster community. You will find signs posted around the property with clear communication. All of our lodgings are off-grid with no electricity or running water. Water, electricity, and WIFI are available in the shared kitchen, garden, cafe, and lounging areas. Please bring battery-operated lights, bedding, and a pillow, unless otherwise noted. Amenities include: shower house, bathhouse, large semi-commercial kitchen, library, cafe, fiber studio, yarn shop, plenty of outdoor seating, safe potable water, 2 regularly maintained portable toilets, hand washing station, 2 charcoal/wood barbeques Check-in is 4-8 pm Contact us to inquire about using the land for weddings, retreats, and other gatherings! Check out our on-site Airbnb rental house here: airbnb.com/h/millhouserental airbnb.com/h/millhouserental2 Follow or tag us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comp...
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Showers
Ohana Farms

8. Ohana Farms

95%
(161)
BC · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
Ohana farmns is a 46 Acre produce and flower farm. We are located on Pender Island in the beautiful Gulf Islands. Accomodations can be hard to find on the island, and if you do, they can often be expensive....we hope to change this by offering up the authentic experience of setting up a campsite right here on the farm!
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Potable water
John Wayne's Waterfront Resort

9. John Wayne's Waterfront Resort

92%
(13)
Sequim, WA · 89 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
We invite you to visit us for a quiet, relaxing get-away, whether you come to enjoy one of our 9 fully equipped cabins or park your RV in a spacious site with full hook-ups, cable television and Wi-Fi. Rural America at its finest, we are located in the famous dry belt of Sequim, WA near the Northeast entrance of the Olympic National Park, nestled between the majestic Olympic Mountains and the placid waters of Sequim Bay. The John Wayne Marina is only a short walk away for your boating, fishing and crabbing adventures. You might enjoy a leisurely stroll along the network of sidewalks for access to several picnic areas or simply sit on a bench at the Point to relax and watch the sailboats underway on the Bay. We are just steps away from the Olympic Discovery Trail (ODT) which traverses approximately 130 miles of lowlands, bordered on the south by the Olympic Mountain Range and on the north by the Strait of Juan de Fuca ending on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. The trail is a wide, paved pathway designed to multi user standards for bicyclists, hikers, and disabled users.
Pets
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Full hookups
Olympic National Forest

10. Olympic National Forest

95%
(56)
National forest in Washington · 417 sites
Visit the beach, the mountains and the forest—all in one day, at the most beautiful place anywhere.
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Fort Townsend State Park

11. Fort Townsend State Park

100%
(5)
State park in Washington · 42 sites
Discover the serene beauty of Fort Townsend State Park.
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Toilets
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Bay View State Park

12. Bay View State Park

100%
(6)
State park in Washington · 85 sites
Discover the scenic charm of Bay View State Park and its array of outdoor activities.
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Campfires
Fort Flagler State Park

13. Fort Flagler State Park

100%
(10)
State park in Washington · 126 sites
Fun times and history lessons all come together at this park right on the tip of Marrowstone Island.
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Quilcene Lantern

14. Quilcene Lantern

97%
(83)
Quilcene, WA · 16 sites · Tents, RVs
You'll find the rest and relaxation you need on our beautiful 53 acre property, your away from home while you explore the beautiful Olympic Peninsula. A mixture of farmland, forest and wetlands, complete with a beautiful old barn (turned music venue and bar), you'll be free to wander the grounds, relax on one of our Adirondack chairs, or pop in for a beer when our bar is open. Often on the weekends, we have live music in the barn. Espresso drinks and breakfast Sammies await you on Saturday and Sunday mornings. We offer dispersed tent camping in the shade of a mature alder grove, as well as 4 RV sites for small campers, trailers, and vans. We offer porta potties, hand washing stations, and potable water.
Pets
Electrical hookup
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Crescent Beach & RV

15. Crescent Beach & RV

94%
(333)
Port Angeles, WA · 67 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Crescent Beach & RV! We are a privately-owned and operated campground and RV park located in the heart of the Olympic Peninsula, just west of Port Angeles. With a wide range of accommodations, such as full and partial hook-up RV sites, tent sites, and rental cabins - our park is the perfect destination for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. In addition to stunning views and access to our 1/2 mile sandy beach, we offer a variety of amenities, including a volleyball court, horse-shoe pits, camp store, and quarter-operated laundry facilities & quarter-operated hot showers (open 7am-9pm during the summer, 9am-5pm during the fall/winter). No need to limit stays to the summer, we are open year-round for overnight stays as well as day-use. Popular activities include walking on the beach, flying kites, building sandcastles, surfing and paddleboarding, birdwatching, playing with seaweed, checking out the tide pools at Tongue Point Marine Life Sanctuary, and hiking Striped Peak - to name a few. Our proximity to Olympic National Park and other local attractions make us a great base for exploring the nearby areas. Whether you're in a trailer, sprinter van, tent or even your car - we have a spot for you! Come and visit Crescent Beach and RV, where the staff feel like friends and the beach feels like home.
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Full hookups
Run w/ Alpacas Farm Stay Port Angeles

16. Run w/ Alpacas Farm Stay Port Angeles

97%
(238)
Port Angeles, WA · 31 sites
Escape to the Olympics: A Unique Farm Stay at Run w/Alpacas camp; experience the magic Olympic Peninsula on our stunning 21-acre agricultural estate. Nestled against the breathtaking backdrop of the Olympic Mountains, we offer a 1-of-a-kind "Farm Stay" experience where you don’t just camp—you become part of our farm community. ​The Farm Experience: As a designated Farm Stay facility, we invite our guests to immerse themselves in the rhythm of farm life. ​While you enjoy your stay, we look to our campers to be the "eyes on the field," helping us keep an eye on our herds as they graze. The Daily Feed: Join us at 10:00 AM to help feed our alpacas, llamas, sheep, chickens, and ducks. Guests are also encouraged to bring thinly sliced apples & baby carrots to share with our woolly residents in the pasture where you'll enjoy your connection with our animals. We are proud to be a working agricultural property camp; the home of Olympic Peninsula Alpaca Rescue: the largest operating 501(c)(3) Alpaca and Llama onsite rescue in the U.S. Meet our endangered "Teeswater", critically endangered Jacobs sheep, our resident llamas & alpacas. Spring Magic: If you visit between April and August, you’ll arrive during "Cria and Lamb Season"—the perfect time to see our newest babies! Visit our on-site farm stand, shop beautiful, locally produced fleece products. Accommodations & Camp Amenities We offer spacious open choice tent camping in our pastures & car camping in private lot. We provided an authentic farm atmosphere w/Two bathrooms (handicap-accessible) & hand-washing station. Water is available at our food prep & camp provided (B.Y.O. charcoal) barbecue picnic area. Free guest Wi-Fi, a charging station for cell phones e-bike batteries & on-site garbage cans. ​For those who want to dive deeper, there are occasional opportunities to assist our rescue team with animals needing extra care. Whether you're here to volunteer or simply to wake up to the sound of humming alpacas, your stay directly supports the well-being of these incredible creatures. ​Book your spot today and become a part of the herd at Run with Alpacas!
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Potable water
The Lookout

17. The Lookout

98%
(212)
Clear Lake, WA · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
The Lookout is an amazing piece of property with elevations and expansive south facing views of Clear Lake, Rainier, Olympics, and the foothills of the Cascades. The site is perfect for sunsets, a launch pad to activities in Skagit Valley, and most importantly several private mountain bike flow trails (intermediate and experts only at this time). More trails coming soon! Check us out on Instagram: @___the_lookout
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Campfires
Frog Creek Meadow

18. Frog Creek Meadow

99%
(204)
Port Angeles, WA · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautiful mountain views and open skies, perfect for star gazing. Quiet and close proximity to Deer Park Campground, Olympic National Park, Olympic Discovery Trail, and Hurricane Ridge. Some of the local recreational opportunities include hiking, biking, fishing, whale watching, beach combing, or just plain good ol' relaxing. Closed October 1-December 1 We are a great home base for access to: Deer Park Campground 8 miles Olympic Peninsula Motorcycle Club 3.5 miles Olympic Discovery Trail for walking and biking 6.5 miles Olympic Game Farm 16.5 miles Shopping in Port Angeles 10 miles Hurricane Ridge 45 minutes Lake Crescent 1 hour Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort 1 hour Ocean beaches 1.5 hours Hoh Rain Forest 2 hours Our property is a work in progress. We may be working onsite away from camping area as we continue to make improvements.
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Campfires
Picnic table
Surrounded by Nature!

19. Surrounded by Nature!

95%
(141)
Victoria, BC · 1 site
**Important Note:** This site is **for fully self-contained RVs only**. We cannot accommodate tents, rooftop tents, campervans without onboard washrooms, or car camping. There are **no toilet facilities** available, and **outdoor/nature pees are not permitted**. Thanks for respecting this! --- Nestled on two private acres surrounded entirely by Elk Lake Regional Park, our peaceful RV site offers the perfect stopover between Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal and downtown Victoria—just 20 minutes from each. This is a multi-generational family property, also home to two friendly dogs, a one-eyed cat, and a lively bunch of chickens. You’ll be tucked away in a semi-private, flat gravel site bordered by fir trees, with easy access and plenty of turnaround space. Enjoy scenic walks right from your site—only 5 minutes to Elk Lake Beach for swimming, paddling, or casting a line, or head to Bear Hill Regional Park for a rewarding 20-minute hike through fir and arbutus forest with stunning views from the top. You’re also just 10 minutes from world-famous Butchart Gardens and the charming Butterfly Gardens along the way. Ideal for **1–2 night stays**, especially for couples or small groups (up to 4 people total) looking for a restful, nature-connected stop en route to Tofino or around the Island. You'll also find local farms, wineries, coffee shops, and restaurants nearby to round out your Vancouver Island adventure.
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Fern Gully Camp

20. Fern Gully Camp

96%
(743)
Greenbank, WA · 7 sites · Tents, RVs
Nestled in Greenbank, Washington, Fern Gully, is an old horse farm that has been transformed into a Hip Camp. We’re delighted to welcome you back to our farm in 2025! We have installed new signage to facilitate site identification. Many of you were familiar with my sister, Morgan. She has recently relocated to Texas. My name is Erin. My boyfriend, Dave, and I reside in the farmhouse. My mother, Lauren, also makes her home here. We have discovered several exceptional camping spots on our 15-acre property. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the forest or lounge in our stargazing hammock circle. During the summer months, from July to September, our farm will be ablaze with seasonal fruit, including blackberries, cherries, apples, and salmonberries. Our expansive fields and wooded surroundings are also home to a diverse array of wildlife, such as bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, barn swallows, quail, and their offspring. Deer and occasional coyotes roam the property, but rest assured, they are apprehensive of us and pose no threat. We derive great pleasure from spending time outdoors, so you may frequently observe us engaged in fieldwork, construction, or simply relaxing in our stargazing hammock circle. We are always available to provide you with space or invite you to join us. We derive immense satisfaction from meeting new individuals and have numerous recommendations for Whidbey Island, including the delectable blueberry stand in Freeland and the Mutiny Bay Blues, a venue that we can either recommend or provide directions to. We eagerly anticipate your visit. Fern Gully is conveniently located just a two-minute drive from the charming Greenbank Pantry. Where you can indulge in delectable sandwiches and quench your thirst with refreshing Topo Chico or a bottle of wine. For a scenic excursion, venture to South Whidbey State Park, a six-minute drive away. Where you can embark on exhilarating hiking trails along the breathtaking coastline. Lagoon Point County Park, a mere five-minute drive from Fern Gully, presents an ideal destination for fishing and whale watching. Greenbank Farm, a consistently exceptional destination, is conveniently accessible via a four-minute drive along Washington State Highway 525.
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Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Deception Pass camping guide

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for sunset: Bowman Bay
  • Best for paddlers: Ben Ure Island
  • Best for groups: Cranberry Lake

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve all of the park’s 172 tent sites, 134 partial-hookup sites, and five hiker/biker sites online. 
  2. Deception Pass is a popular state park. Reservations should be made in advance, especially for summer weekends. All campsites can be reserved online, up to nine months in advance of the arrival date. 
  3. The Ben Ure Cabin on Ben Ure Island is accessible only by kayak or rowboat, and guests must bring their own water.

When to go

Deception Pass State Park is open year-round. In the Coastal Northwest’s relatively mild climate, there’s never a bad time to visit. Summers, especially on weekends and holidays, are very busy here. But come in the shoulder season—in the spring or early summer, before July 4—or early fall, after Memorial Day, and you’re more likely to find seclusion. Weekdays are generally a better bet, too.

Know before you go

  • You can rent kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at the Bowman Bay concession stand from April through September. 
  • Visitors will need to display a day-use or annual Discover Pass. The park has automated pay stations dispensing both, along with boat launch permits. 
  • The park has 1.2 miles of ADA hiking trails, in addition to three miles of bike trails, six miles of horse trails, and 38 miles of hiking trails.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, campfires are allowed in Deception Pass State Park, except during burn bans or restrictions. They can only be in designated fire rings or grills provided at the campgrounds. The park has three main campgrounds: Cranberry Lake, Forest, and Quarry Pond, all of which have fire rings at individual campsites. Remember to follow fire safety rules and check for any fire restrictions or burn bans that may be in place during your visit. Also, keep in mind that collecting firewood from the park is not allowed; you must bring your own firewood or purchase it from the park's concessionaire.

Yes, a Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to day-use areas at Deception Pass State Park. However, if you have a camping reservation, the camping fee includes one vehicle access without the need for a separate Discover Pass. Additional vehicles at the campsite will require a Discover Pass. You can purchase a Discover Pass online, at a retail location, or at a self-pay station at the park. For more information on Deception Pass camping, visit Hipcamp.

Black bears have been sighted in the general vicinity of Deception Pass State Park, but they are not commonly found within the park itself. However, it is always a good idea to follow proper food storage and safety guidelines when camping in any wilderness area to minimize the risk of attracting wildlife.

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

Popular Deception Pass trips