Perfect Camping for You in Washington The Evergreen State provides a spectacular backdrop for some of the most scenic campgrounds in the country. But do you know which campgrounds offer the most privacy? Which are the best for first-time campers? Ellie Kozlowski has traversed the entire region―from wide, sandy beaches to snowcapped mountains to narrow river gorges―and compiled the most up-to-date research to steer you to the perfect spot! Best Tent Camping: Washington presents 50 private, state and national park, and state and national forest campgrounds, organized into eight distinct regions. Selections are based on location, topography, size, and overall appeal, and every site is rated for beauty, privacy, spaciousness, safety and security, and cleanliness―so you’ll always know what to expect. The new full-color edition of this proven guidebook provides everything you need to know, with detailed maps of each campground and key information such as fees, restrictions, dates of operation, and facilities, as well as driving directions and GPS coordinates. Whether you seek a quiet campground near a fish-filled stream or a family campground with all the amenities, grab Best Tent Camping: Washington . It’s an escape for all who wish to find those special locales that recharge the mind, body, and spirit. This guide is a keeper. “A great resource.” ― Backpacker magazine Ellie Kozlowski grew up in a suburb of Boston and camped on Cape Cod as a kid. She’s lived in the Pacific Northwest for the better part of a decade. It is, she thinks, the best place to enjoy the desert, the rainforest, the ocean, and the mountains. She loves adventuring, hiking, stargazing, snowshoeing, reading or napping in her hammock, and losing cell service. When she’s not driving up a mountainside or along a coast, she’s enjoying all Seattle has to offer with her partner and their dog. Jeanne Louise Pyle lived in the Pacific Northwest for 30 years. Her love of the outdoors led to authoring the first book of the Best Tent Camping series in 1994. Rialto Beach Campground Beauty 5 / Privacy 5 / Spaciousness 5 / Quiet 5 / Security 2 / Cleanliness 5 Key Information Contact: 360-565-3100, nps.gov - Open: Year-round - Sites: Beach camping between Ellen Creek and Hole-in-the-Wall; groups limited to 12 people - Each site has: Primitive, some with established tent space or fire pit - Assignment: First come, first served - Registration: On-site or via mail (addressed envelopes are provided at the campground); Wilderness Camping Permit available at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles - Amenities: Vault toilets by parking lot, bury waste 6–8" deep and 200' from campsites and water sources - Parking: At trailhead - Fee: $8 per person, free for age 15 and under - Elevation: Sea level - Restrictions: - Pets: On leash only during day, camping with pets prohibited - Fires: In fire rings or on the beach (away from tree roots), only driftwood gathering permitted - Food: All food, garbage, and fragrant items must be stored in park-approved bear canisters (or in your car) - Alcohol: Permitted - Vehicles: Small trailers only (limited side clearance) - Other: Backcountry wilderness permits required for overnight stays This is oceanside camping at its finest―and the best possible introduction for those new to backpacking. The majesty of the open ocean, the impressive windblown trees, and the gigantic drift logs make this spot feel larger than life. Rialto Beach is one of my favorite places in Washington. I love anywhere along the coast, but Rialto has the perfect balance of easy-to-get-to while still feeling extremely remote. It’s a long haul from Seattle, at about four hours without traffic (no matter which route you take), but it’s worth it for even a short weekend (though a long weekend is preferred). If you’ve only been car camping, or maybe to a walk-in site at another campground, Rialto Beach is a perfect introduction to backpacking. I like to call it “baby backpacking.” Many people exploring the coast use this as a day-use area (and you can too if you’re staying up the road at Mora Campground), so don’t be thrown off by the number of cars in the parking lot. Also, don’t leave any valuables in your car. You’ll need a permit and a bear canister for this light trek, both available at the Port Angeles Wilderness Information Center (WIC) if you drive the northern route. When I was here last summer, self-registration permits were available on-site, which you need to mail in after your camping adventure. That said, it’s your responsibility to have a permit for overnight backcountry camping. You can call the WIC ahead of time with questions. So you’ve parked your car, you’ve loaded your pack, and you’ve filled your bear canister; it’s time to hike to your campsite. I should emphasize that you’re required to keep all food as well as all fragrant items―like deodorant, toothpaste, and any empty food packaging―in a bear canister. I recommend