Summer in the Pacific Northwest isn’t just a season; it’s a feeling. Crisp air, tall firs and the crackle of a campfire call adventurers from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming. Whether you’re craving rainforest silence, sweeping coastline vistas or alpine lakes, there’s a campsite for you. Use this guide to find your next basecamp.
Washington – Lush Rainforests and River Valleys
Hoh Rainforest Campground (Olympic National Park)
Camp among towering trees and moss‑draped maples in one of the quietest corners of Olympic National Park. This year‑round campground offers 78 first‑come, first‑served sites tucked along the Hoh River. Flush toilets and potable water are available, but there are no showers. Trails from camp range from the easy Hall of Mosses loop to the longer Hoh River Trail, which meanders more than 17 miles toward glacier‑capped Mount Olympus.
Oxbow Campground (Hoh River)
On the edge of the rainforest, Oxbow Campground sits beside a bright glacial river. It has eight primitive sites for tents or small RVs and requires a Washington Discover Pass. There’s no potable water or toilets here, so bring everything you need. A boat launch provides easy access for paddling, and the river’s turquoise water is magical at sunrise.
Oregon – Coastal Campgrounds with Creature Comforts
Cape Lookout State Park
This campground sits at the heart of the Three Capes Scenic Route and offers 170 tent sites, 35 RV sites with hookups, 13 rustic yurts and six deluxe cabins. Modern restrooms, hot showers and drinking water make camping comfortable. Hike the Cape Lookout Trail for sweeping ocean views or walk miles of sandy beach.
Humbug Mountain State Park
Protected from coastal winds by a forested headland, Humbug Mountain’s campground has 56 tent sites and 39 RV sites with electric and water hookups. Flush toilets and hot showers are provided. The beach is just a short walk away, and Humbug Mountain’s summit trail rewards hikers with panoramic views.
South Beach State Park
Near Newport, this large campground boasts 225 electrical sites with water, 60 tent sites and 27 yurts. Amenities include restrooms with flush toilets and showers, horseshoe pits, a playground and even an 18‑hole disc golf course. Miles of beach and equestrian trails make it popular with families.
Umpqua Lighthouse and Nehalem Bay
Oregon’s coast has many more gems. Umpqua Lighthouse State Park offers a small lakeside campground with tent sites, RV hookups and yurts some with bathrooms and showers. Nearby, Nehalem Bay State Park sits on a four‑mile sand spit and provides over 260 sites with electric and water hookups plus 18 yurts. Both campgrounds have hot showers and flush toilets and easy access to beaches, crabbing and hiking.
Idaho – Alpine Lakes and Mountain Views
Glacier View Campground (Sawtooth National Forest)
On the north shore of Redfish Lake, Glacier View Campground has 65 sites set among lodgepole pines. Drinking water, flush toilets and trash collection are provided. A boat ramp and playgrounds are nearby, while public showers and laundry are available down the road. Spend your days kayaking, fishing for cutthroat trout or hiking into the Sawtooth Mountains.
Montana – Glacier Park’s Crown Jewel
Many Glacier Campground (Glacier National Park)
Located on the east side of the Continental Divide, this popular campground offers 101 sites surrounded by Douglas fir and quaking aspen. Campsites accommodate tents, trailers and small RVs, and thirteen sites can handle rigs up to 35 feet. Potable water and flush toilets are available, but there are no hookups or showers. Nearby lakes like Swiftcurrent and Redrock provide canoeing and wildlife‑watching opportunities.
Wyoming – Yellowstone’s Year‑Round Escape
Mammoth Hot Springs Campground (Yellowstone National Park)
Mammoth is the only Yellowstone campground open all year. Its 85 sites operate on a first‑come, first‑served basis, and the campground sits near the historic Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces about five miles from the park’s north entrance. Flush toilets are available but there are no showers. The nearby Albright Visitor Center and Fort Yellowstone offer a glimpse into the park’s past.
Tips for Great Camping in the Northwest
- Reserve early – Summer weekends fill quickly, especially at popular coastal and national park campgrounds.
- Know the amenities – Some sites have flush toilets and showers, while others are primitive. Check the campground’s page before you go.
- Pack for weather – Rain is common on the coast and in the rainforest; high mountains can be cold even in summer.
- Protect wildlife – Store food in bear‑proof containers and give animals plenty of space. Elk often wander through camp at Hoh Rainforest and deer are common at Glacier View.
- Leave no trace – Stay on designated sites, pack out trash and minimize campfire impacts.
Wrapping up
Camping across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming offers a diversity of landscapes—from mossy rainforests and windswept beaches to alpine lakes and geothermal terraces. With this guide, you can choose a site that matches your comfort level and sense of adventure. For a deeper dive into the trails, read our upcoming story on hiking the North Cascades.
