20 state parks to camp (yurt, cabin or car-style) in this winter
Camping in winter?! Yep. More than 30 Washington State Parks offer winter camping options from last-minute tent sites to heated yurts, and cozy cabins!
In many cases, you'll want the security of reservations, which you can make on the state parks website. Costs range depending on the type of site, but a standard tent site is around $30 a night. Some parks will close portions of their campgrounds or amenities and others will shift to more first-come, first-served camping in the winter months, which has it's own appeal for spontaneous adventures.
It's a great way to spend some good time in beautiful places, hit those sunrises and sunsets, and explore trails in a quieter season. With a car camp, you can bring tons of extra equipment to stay cozy, fix luxurious meals, or try out some backpacking food or gear before committing to bringing it into the backcountry.
Some of Washington's most popular state parks (including Deception Pass, Beacon Rock and Riverside State Park) do offer camping, but we've gathered recommendations for you below for ones that may be slightly off your radar.
Layer up and head out, and don't forget to tell us how your trip was in a trip report.
Puget Sound Area
Lake Sammamish State Park
Location: Sammamish
Late November views of Issaquah Creek from trip reporter kokay.
While there's no individual camping at Lake Sammamish State Park, the group camps are huge, accommodating up to 200 people and 40 cars. And right across the road, there is the beach and an epic playground. The park has several trails to explore, including Issaquah Creek, Tibbets Creek or the Orchard Loop, but if you want to venture further, Beaver Lake Preserve is just down the road.
> Reserve the Lake Sammamish State Park Group Camp
Dash Point State Park
Location: Seattle/Tacoma Area
You can hike from the campground down to the beach in late winter. Photo by trip reporter Brittanywanderlust.
With traditional camping and roofed options (read: yurts and cabins), as well as a large group campsite, Dash Point is a nice option for families wanting to get a little time outside, whether they prefer rugged accommodations or opt more for comfort. During the day, explore 19 miles of trails, or simply splash in plenty of puddles on the beach. The view from the water is gorgeous on a clear day.
> Reserve your site at Dash Point
Kanaskat-Palmer State Park
Location: Green River Area
One of the yurts by Washington State Parks. Green River photo by trip reporter Marley.
Tucked away in the foothills between Maple Valley and Enumclaw is Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, which offers both standard and partial hookup sites (for the RVers out there) as well as yurts with accessible restrooms, though the water supply does turn off in winter, depending on the weather. As for trails, there are about 3 miles to explore!
> Reserve your site at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park
Illahee State Park
Location: Bremerton
Illahee State Park trails and dock by RideDive and ejain
On the Kitstap Peninsula, this gem of a park has a few things to recommend it. For one, it's a snap to get to if you live on the Olympic Peninsula or in the Seattle Metro Area. (With a ferry in play, it is even pretty bike-camping friendly.) But camping here, and wandering down to the beach, you'll feel a world away from the winter grind. There aren't many miles of trails, but it is a perfect basecamp to explore the area, including the nearby Illahee Forest Preserve.
Make your reservation at Illahee State Park >
Northwest Washington
Fort Casey Historical State Park
Location: Whidbey Island
There are many historic structures, including a stunning lighthouse, as well sweeping beach views. Photo by trip reporter wafflesnfalafel.
History and the beach meet at Fort Casey. As one of the forts chosen in 1896 to protect the Puget Sound — along with Forts Worden and Flager — there is plenty to learn here (in the form of interpretive signs and historical artifacts) about the fort's role in both world wars. Campers will have the opportunity to walk along the beach (a small segment of the Pacific Northwest Trail!), read about the fort's history, take a guided tour of the historic lighthouse and catch great views of the Puget Sound, Cascades and Olympics. Camping here also gives you easy access to the popular winter hiking at nearby Ebey's Landing, as well as trails at Fort Ebey State Park and the Kettles Trail System.
Make your reservation at Fort Casey State Park >
Bay View State Park
Location: Padilla Bay
The Bayview campground and cabins (which feature porch swings) sit up above a trail down to the beach, which is at its best for sunrise and sunset.
A tiny camping park situated on Padilla Bay, Bayview may not have much in the way of trails, but it features charming cabins perched on the bluff and incredible waterside strolls. And with the unmatched winter wildlife watching at Padilla Bay Wildlife Area (just a half-mile south), it makes an unbeatable basecamp for Skagit-area adventuring.
Make your reservation at Bayview >
Birch Bay State Park
Location: Near Bellingham
Winter beaches are something special. November photo by trip reporter by ejain.
Only a short drive away from Bellingham — and an even shorter drive from the Canadian border — Birch Bay State Park features one of the few remaining saltwater/freshwater estuaries in the northern Puget Sound. The campground offers campers secluded spots in the forest, with easy access to the rocky beach, a great place to spend some time on a warm day and take in views of mountains on the other side of the bay (and even Canada!).
Rasar State Park
Location: Concrete
The paths to the cabins are well-marked and lit in the winter months. The trails at the park range from wooded to grassy to riverside. Photos by Loren Drummond
Situated on the Skagit River on the doorstep of the North Cascades, Rasar State Park offers a lot in terms of both trails and camping options. In addition to traditional campsites, it has several charming cabins (with indoor bathrooms), as well as two incredible group camping sites with open-air, roofed kitchen structures. There is a one-mile loop around the cabins and group camps that are ideal for trail-running training or for older kiddos practicing independence. Closer to the river are a network of trails, and if you time things right, you might spot spawning salmon or the birds who come to feast on them in winter. (Give the birds the beach during the sensitive, and stinky, feeding window.) If you're using this spot as a basecamp for winter hiking, Rockport State Park and the East Bank Baker Lake trail are in easy reach. (A note: you might occasionally hear some target shooting nearby.)
Olympic Peninsula
Bogachiel State Park
Location: Hoh Rainforest
Even in February, there is superb, lush hiking to be found. Photo of the Ira Spring Wetland Trail by trip reporter EFH27.
This remote state park in the Hoh Rainforest offers towering trees, moss, mushrooms and if you're lucky, maybe an elk sighting. Camping here is a bit more rugged, since the water is shut off from November 1 to April. But it's nothing a water tank tossed in the back of your car can't fix. Pull up to a first-come, first-served site, set up camp, and head for the Bogachiel River or the short Ira Spring Wetland Trail to explore.
Belfair State Park
Location: South Hood Canal
The Mary E Theler Wetlands Nature Preserve is incredible for wildlife watching in the winter, and offers strolls along both expansive boardwalks and dramatic wooded tunnels. Photo by trip reporter TwoGrunts-Bonnie Rae.
So cozy! This sweet little state park on the Kitsap Peninsula has not only heated cabins for rent, there's even an espresso stand on site. It's right on the water, so you can kayak or even brave the water for a polar plunge. There's not much in the way of trails, but luckily the Mary E Theler Wetlands Nature Preserve is just 4 miles away, and you can always use your WTA Trailblazer app to find more places to hike close by.
> Make your reservation at Belfair State Park
Sequim Bay State Park
Location: Sequim
Gaze out at sea and watch for wildlife. Photo by Yan Gao
This sea-level campground offers standard and full-utility sites all year, and camping in the winter (from September to May) is first come, first served! Once you're set up, head down to the water, hop on the Olympic Discovery Trail, or simply rest up under the giant trees soaring overhead.
> Plan your visit Sequim Bay State Park using WTA's Hiking Guide.
Manchester State Park
Location: Port Orchard
A nice option for history buffs, Manchester State Park features an interpretive trail as well of a bit longer route to Rich Passage, where a ferry shuttles cars and walk-on passengers to Bremerton and Seattle. The main attraction is Battery Mitchell, originally built to protect the Bremerton shipyards (though it was never active). Folks interested in camping may want to move quick for reservations; the Lower Loop campsites are closed for the winter, meaning fewer sites are available to reserve.
> Make your reservation at Manchester State Park
Southwest Washington
Twin Harbors State Park
Location: Westport
One of the cabins in Twin Harbors. Photo by trip reporter hiker_katherine. A trail leading through the dunes above the wide, sandy beach in December. Photo by hikingwithlittledogs.
If you love a winter beach, this camping state park offers miles and miles of beach roaming. It can be windy, so securing one of the cozy cabins or yurts makes coming back from a blustery day on the dunes a delight. About 50 campsites will be closed for the winter for a construction project, but there are plenty more available on a first-come, first serve basis over the winter.
Make your reservation at Twin Harbors State Park.
Maryhill State Park
Location: Goldendale
A 30-minute drive from Maryhill, Lyle Cherry Orchard offers stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge all year long. Photo by trip reporter Luffles.
This Columbia River-side state park doesn't have much in the way of trails, but there is a fascinating Stonehenge replica nearby with some paths for wandering on. If you're looking for some miles to hike, check out the nearby Lyle Cherry Orchard, with a network of trails built by WTA. If you've got a little time on your hands, head south into Oregon; Cottonwood Canyon State Park has some spectacular trails along the John Day River to explore. Some things to note: no drones allowed here, and it's along the Burlington Northern Railroad line, so if that'll interrupt your sleep, you may want to come prepared. It's also a pretty windy location, which can make winter camping a little bit colder if you don't have a van or car to sleep in.
A bonus: this is also a state park that is doing a guided first day hike!
> Make your reservation at Maryhill State Park
Battle Ground Lake State Park
Just 30 minutes north of Vancouver, this small camping park surrounds a charming, spring-fed lake. Several trails ring the lake, enough to keep your blood pumping if you want to stay in place. But this little oasis also makes an incredible basecamp for some of the best lower-elevation hiking in southwest Washington. With Moutlon Falls to the east, Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge to the west and plenty of Columbia River Gorge options in the south, it's a perfect winter hiking retreat. The numerous walk-in sites are closed for the winter, but the main loop and cabins are reservable, and the water stays on year-round.
Make your reservation for Battle Ground Lake State Park >
Eastern Washington
Bridgeport State Park
Location: Bridgeport
Look for beavers along the Foster Creek trail (left). In winter, you might want closer access to a car, but the walk-in campsites at Bridgeport have some spectacular views if the wind isn't blowing too much. Photos by austineats and Washington State Parks.
This campground just behind the Chief Joseph Dam offers first-come, first-served camping options on Rufus Woods Lake. There is a 3 mile paved route that you can walk to the dam, but another excellent option is the Foster Creek Wildlife Area, located just south of the park. Depending on roads you use to approach this park, there are some spectacular views and trails coming from all directions, so research your route carefully and be sure to leave time to stop and take in the true wonder of the Upper Columbia Plateau. Bridgeport is also one of several state parks offering first day hikes on January 1 this year!
Fields Spring State Park
Location: Clarkston
The Tamarack Cabin (bottom left) is the perfect place to launch a snowy adventure in Field Springs State Park. Photo by Must Hike Must Eat
This park is nestled in the high country of the Blue Mountains at the very southeast corner of Washington state. Day use in the park requires a Sno-Park Pass in winter, and you should prepared for snow, even if you are tent or van camping (first-come, first-served only). The views from Puffer Butte are spectacular all year round, but are especially lovely when covered in white. It's what makes camping here an ideal place to launch a modest day or two of snowshoeing or nordic skiing, if you've got the vehicle for it.
Visit Field Springs State Park >
Central Washington
Potholes State Park
Location: Moses Lake
There are campsites with wide-open views and some more protected from wind. And the wide open spaces and wildlife watching possibilities are endless. Camp photo by Washington State Parks, trail by Paula Zanter-Stout.
Just south of Moses Lake is Potholes State Park, open year round with the chance to spot sandhill cranes and a variety of other birds, there are options for tent camping or cabins here. Cabins require a 2-night minimum and are weekend-only December through February. And with the Potholes Wildlife Area and Frenchman Hills trail nearby, there's plenty of miles of trails to explore while you're there.
> Reserve a cabin (tent sites are first come, first serve in winter) at Potholes State Park
Lake Chelan State Park
Location: Chelan
The Little Bear Trail is in the park. Photo by trip reporter Rayann
Only one area (the Trailer loop) remains available for camping in winter at this lakeside oasis, and a handful of those sites are open for reservations. The rest are first-come, first served. If you've only ever visited Lake Chelan in the high summer season and been overwhelmed by its popularity, winter can offer a nice alternative for some lower elevation hiking. There are only a few miles of trail inside the park, including the charming Little Bear Trail, but Chelan Butte, Chelan Gorge and the Beebee Springs Wildlife Area trails just 15-20 minutes down the road, you've got more than enough hikes to justify making Lake Chelan State Park a winter weekend basecamp.
Visit Lake Chelan State Park >
Steamboat Rock state Park
Location: Grand Coulee
The campsites are relatively open, so load up on warm layers for wind or opt for a cabin. The views, especially at sunrise, sunset and when the stars are shining cannot be beat. Photos by trip reporters WifeHusbandPuppy and Dale Jensen.
This well-loved gem in the state park system is worth a visit in winter. Soak in the sunshine and spectacular stars when the weather is clear or hike around and see the dramatic landscape transform under a dusting of snow. You have your pick from two loops (the Dune and Bay Loops are first-come, first-served over the winter) or from the reservable cabins that are extra nice when the wind picks up. There is a water source on site, but park staff may turn off the smaller water spigots depending on the temperatures.
Reserve a cabin or plan your visit to Steamboat State Park >