Not all campsites are taken, but they’re going fast

If you weren’t among the hordes of Washington campers who rushed to reserve a spot this spring and summer, you’re going to find it difficult to book a campsite now. Most spots have been reserved, especially over the weekends.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t still opportunities to get out among the trees and under the stars this season. Give these tips a try.

• Weekday camping: Most campers set their sights on the weekends. Spokespersons for both Washington State Parks and the National Park System said that there are still plenty of spots available on weekdays. So use up some of those vacation hours.

• Try a trip to Lake Chelan: There are five federal campgrounds around the lake. Andrew Munoz with the National Park Service said that these campsites are operated on a first-come, first-serve basis.

• Got a boat? Head to Lake Roosevelt on the northern stretch of the Columbia River. This region offers boat-in campsites along hundreds of miles of shoreline. Munoz said no reservations are needed — just float on in.

• Expand your search: Plan to camp in a certain region, instead of a specific campground. Toni Droscher with Washington State Parks recommends widening a campsite search to an overall area and then travel to outdoor attractions from there. Many campgrounds are more popular, and expensive, because of their location near attractions.

• Take a hike: There are federal campgrounds inside wilderness areas that do not take reservations and are only accessible by hiking in. No car-camping here. Munoz points to Mount Rainier and areas in the North Cascades as examples. Because they are wilderness sites, however, there are restrictions, such as no bikes or pets. Check www.nps.gov/washington for more details.

• Go private: If you can’t get a spot at a federal or state campsite, look for privately-run sites near your intended location. They may not be a part of a park, but some may be located near trail heads and other attractions.

Know before you go

There are a few basics to understand when camping in Washington:

• There are three organizations that offer camping in Washington, including the state parks system; federal parks, which include the United States Forest Service and the National Parks System; and private sites such as KOA campgrounds.

• You can check for availability at any of Washington’s 150 federal campsites at www.recreation.gov.

• You can get an overview of all national parks at www.nps.gov/washington.

• Call 1-888-campout to inquire about information and availability at any Washington state campground. Droscher recommends calling to ask about a site you are interested in, and someone on the other end of the line can help you locate a spot there, or nearby.

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