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10 Best Lake Camping Spots in Washington

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Beautiful landscape morning sunrise over stream and pine tree camping in lake

Camping can be a truly incredible experience in the state of Washington. With cool rain forests, rugged backcountry and coastal areas, and breathtaking mountain views, we think that the scenic campgrounds in Washington will be of extraordinary appeal to campers and hikers of all types. 

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Once you are ready to get out into nature, the state of Washington offers all kinds of amazing national parks such as the North Cascades, Olympic National Park, and Mount Rainier, as well as plenty of other places to set up your tent or even an RV. The state parks are ideal for camping excursions of all duration, and stunning destinations like Deception Pass and Lake Wenatchee can also be very comfortable places to stay. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best campgrounds in Washington state. You’ll learn more about some of the facilities in each place so that you can get started planning your latest outdoor adventures around the lakes and mountains in some of these special areas.

scene over Diablo lake when golden sunrise in North cascade national park,

North Cascades National Park is a remote, yet bustling campground nestled in old-growth forest.

1. Colonial Creek Campground, North Cascades National Park

Colonial Creek Campground can be reached via the seasonal North Cascades Highway. This is one of the most popular bases if you would like to explore the area as part of your outdoor getaway. There are a public boat ramp and pier that allows access to the cold water of Diablo Lake. Some other popular recreation options at the campground include fishing, boating, and swimming (although you might need a wetsuit for that).

There are several backcountry hiking trails starting at Colonial Creek, including the picturesque hike up to Thunder Knob, which is often considered one of the best hiking trails in the North Cascades. All 142 sites at Colonial Creek are well suited for tent camping or small RVs, and all of the campsites have easy access to flushing toilets and potable water.

Pros: 

  • Hiking trails
  • Popular recreation options
  • Easy access to flushing toilets and potable water 

Cons: 

  • Large campsite so it can get crowded 
  • Lake water is often too cold for swimming

2. Hoh Rain Forest Campground, Olympic National Park

On the Olympic Peninsula of the western part of Washington state, the Hoh Rain Forest offers a unique environment that has become something of an international tourist destination. If you’re looking to escape the summer heat for a few weeks, this is the ideal place to visit for some refreshing and cool temperatures. A good thing to know is that the Hoh Rain Forest Campground offers a total of 78 campsites. Campsites are granted on a first-come, first-serve basis, with flushing toilets and potable water nearby.

Another one of the best things about this popular campground is its proximity to a wide range of trailheads. Stop in at the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center and wander the Hall of Mosses before attempting the Spruce Nature Trail or taking a long walk along another one of the best hiking trails in Olympic National Park, the Hoh River Trail.

Pros: 

  • Wide range of trailheads
  • Cool temperatures
  • Easy access to flushing toilets and potable water 

Cons: 

  • International tourist destination so it can get crowded 
  • Lake water is often too cold for swimming

3. Mount Rainier National Park

On the southern flank of Mount Rainier, Cougar Rock Campground has over 170 campsites available. Cougar Rock often fills up early from the beginning of May until the end of October. Although the campsites are quite close together at Cougar Rock, the old-growth forest of western hemlocks and Douglas firs do provide some privacy. There is a spacious amphitheater area that offers educational programming, and flushing toilets and potable water can be found nearby.

In the middle of one of the best national parks in Washington, Cougar Rock is a great place for hikers. A 10-mile scenic hike from the campground will give you up-close views of Mount Rainier and its many glaciers. One of the best backcountry hiking trails at Mount Rainier National Park can also be accessed here, and the Skyline Trail can be found winding through the meadows, rivers, and surreal mountains that make up this scenic area of the park.

Pros: 

  • Good backcountry hiking trails
  • Great views
  • Easy access to flushing toilets and potable water 

Cons: 

  • Crowded conditions at times
  • Trails can be icy and muddy in winter

4. Cranberry Lake Campground, Deception Pass State Park

Deception Pass was heavily developed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps and inhabited by some of the Coast Salish tribes well before that. Almost on the Canadian border, Deception Pass includes a historic bridge connecting Whidbey and Fidalgo Island. Enjoy the dramatic views where Skagit Bay meets the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Puget Sound. This large state park has an abundant shoreline, interesting tidal pools, a boat launch for kayaks and other vessels, and plenty of dense natural areas to explore.

The scenery is absolutely beautiful. Be sure to explore the surrounding forest and marvel at all of the old-growth trees and foliage. Whidbey Island can be an awesome family outing and the whole area is also a really good place to bring dogs and other animals.

At a little over an 80-mile drive from Seattle, Deception Pass features over 300 campsites spread throughout three areas of the park and along the water. Catering to tent camping and RVs with partial and full hookups available, many of the campsites can be found at the Cranberry Lake Campground on Whidbey Island near the Deception Pass Bridge. On Fidalgo Island, Bowman Bay also offers easy access to the Civilian Conservation Corps Interpretive Center where you can learn a lot more about the park.

Pros: 

  • Lots of camping options
  • Amazing scenery
  • Full hookups available 

Cons: 

  • The park can be hard to access
  • Trails can get very muddy in winter

5. Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground, Leavenworth

Glacier-fed lakes like Lake Wenatchee are some of the most beautiful natural bodies of water in the state of Washington. Although not bright blue in color, Lake Wenatchee is extremely clear and very clean. Salmon fishing is very common here and it can get very busy in the summer. Generally, this means families and large groups, but no loud partying. Mosquitos can be a major problem for some campers at this park, so make sure you bring plenty of bug spray and mosquito nets.

Lake Wenatchee State Park is just a 20-mile drive from the Bavarian-themed mountain town of Leavenworth, WA. This State Park offers some spectacular nature as well as an attractive playground for kids. Hiking, biking, and horse riding can be enjoyed on any of the park’s many trails. The shallow lagoon of Lake Wenatchee is perfect for young swimmers and novice paddleboarders. Other interesting recreation options on the five-mile-long Lake Wenatchee might include fishing and non-motorized boating fairly far from the shore.

The north and south campground loops at Lake Wenatchee offer over 150 lakeside campsites that can accommodate both tents and RVs. Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are some popular winter activities, and there are heated restrooms and warming shelters that are especially useful for winter camping at alpine lakes such as this. 

Pros: 

  • Hiking, biking and horse riding trails
  • Cool temperatures
  • Heated restrooms and warming shelters 

Cons: 

  • Family-friendly destination so it can get crowded 
  • Lake water is often too cold for swimming

6. Salt Creek Recreation Area

Salt Creek Recreation Area is a county park fifteen miles west of Port Angeles on the Olympic Peninsula. At a size of almost 200 acres, including the eastern edge of Crescent Bay, Salt Creek offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Puget Sound, and Mount Baker, an active volcano that is perpetually snow-capped and has not erupted since 1880. 

The campground is near the Tongue Point Marine Sanctuary at the tip of the park, where you will discover some of the most diverse tidal pools in the country. Bikers can also enjoy miles and miles of hiking and biking trails in the Mount Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, ranging in terms of difficulty and level of ascent. 

There are over 90 sites within the two campground loops at Salt Creek, with year-round availability for most of them, including access to running water and flushing toilets. The Crescent Bay Beach is an ideal example of rugged Pacific Northwest shoreline and it can be easily accessed with a short walk from the campground. Also, the small town of Port Angeles is a short drive away from most of the best camping spots.

Pros: 

  • Diverse hiking and biking trails
  • Stunning views
  • Access to flushing toilets and running water 

Cons: 

  • Too secluded if you need shopping options nearby
  • Ocean water can be very rough at times

7. Bowl and Pitcher Campground, Riverside State Park, Spokane

Riverside State Park is an attractive part of eastern Washington on the way to the Idaho border. With some of the best hiking trails and campgrounds in Spokane, Riverside is split into several different regions on the northwest side of the city. You can try some horse riding, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and swimming here.

The 32 campsites at the Bowl and Pitcher Campground can accommodate tents and RVs with access to hot showers and flushing toilets. Also, the campground provides immediate hiking access to this area’s namesake feature, which refers to a collection of basalt rocky structures that stretch over the Spokane River. Other popular areas in Riverside State Park include Little Spokane River Natural Area, Deep Creek Canyon, and Nine Mile Recreation Area. All of these can be accessed very easily from Bowl and Pitcher.

Pros: 

  • Excellent hiking and biking trails
  • Mountain views
  • Access to flushing toilets and hot showers 

Cons: 

  • A little too spread out
  • Rocky structures could be a little dangerous for kids
Mount Rainier National Park

Ohanapecosh Campground is surrounded by old-growth forest and crossed by an exceptionally beautiful snow-fed river.

8. Ohanapecosh Campground, Mount Rainier National Park

Ohanapecosh is an ideal base for exploring the alpine environment surrounding the tallest mountain in Washington. You can find the campground between the Sunrise and Paradise regions of the national park, and besides quick access to these areas, there is plenty to see and do here, such as pick out a few bald eagles on the mountainside.   

The glacier-fed Ohanapecosh River carves through a canyon near the campground, and the nearby Grove of the Patriarchs Trail is a moderate hike that can be quite popular. There are over 175 sites for tent campers and RVs, as well as flushing toilets and potable water within each campground loop. If you are planning a trip to the Ohanapecosh River, make sure you take enough insect repellent, otherwise, you may have to leave the campground before it even gets dark.

Pros: 

  • Alpine environment
  • Good wildlife viewing options
  • Access to national park lands

Cons: 

  • Lots of bugs
  • Large campground, so it can feel crowded

9. Sol Duc Campground, Olympic National Park

With soothing hot springs, wildflowers, and powerful waterfalls, this park is right in the heart of the Olympic wilderness. Together with the National Park Service and the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, this campground has over 80 tent sites available and 17 spaces for RVs. Outdoor recreation is easy to find, with walking trails to the nearby Sol Duc Falls trailhead and several hot-water mineral pools at the resort.

You can make reservations at Sol Duc Campground and this is highly recommended during the summer season. You can also stay in the century-old, 1980s revamped Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort if you prefer. The nearby Sol Duc Falls trail is one of the best backcountry hiking trails in the entire state of Washington, and beyond the falling water, you can even reach the scenic Seven Lakes Basin of the park.

Pros: 

  • Attractive backcountry hiking trails
  • Hot water mineral pools
  • Access to flushing toilets and running water 

Cons: 

  • Too crowded during summer
  • Limited options for RV camping

10. Moran State Park, Orcas Island

For a truly unforgettable experience among the San Juan Islands and the Puget Sound, consider Moran State Park. With plenty of hiking, biking, and horse-riding trails, the park is a haven for outdoor exercise. There are also five freshwater lakes for swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating. As the name implies, the area can also be excellent for whale watching and you are very likely to see an orca or two if you spend enough time looking out for them.

The campground has 124 sites spread out over four distinct areas of the park. Views of the Pacific Ocean and the amount of privacy can vary greatly between the different camp areas. The South End Campground is one of the most popular, with all of the sites located on the shore of Cascade Lake. A winding trail leads up to the peak of Mount Constitution, where three different mountain ranges can be seen from the summit.

Pros: 

  • Biking, hiking, and horse riding trails
  • Excellent views
  • All campsites with lakeshore access 

Cons: 

  • Large campground, so it can feel crowded
  • Limited options for RV camping

Making Reservations in Washington  

As is often the case when visiting many state parks and public attractions in the USA, it is a good idea to make reservations before you decide to simply arrive. Many of these sites can be very popular and you’ll need to secure a place for you and your group so that you don’t end up being disappointed.

We realize that bringing your own tent or RV is not always feasible. Always remember that camping tent rentals are often available and this can be a popular option for campers who might not want to make a pricey investment in a whole bunch of new camping gear. The initial investment for some tents can be quite large. Group tents and models with special features and building materials cost a lot more to manufacture. 

Do a bit of research into whether or not you can rent your tent from a nearby business or even directly from the campground. This can save time and allow you not to have to transport your gear all the way back home. Camping tent rentals make camping more accessible to people without cars or people who live far away from the campgrounds they are planning to visit.

Also, always take note of the camping laws in this area. In the State and National Forests, you can camp anywhere you want as long as it doesn’t say “no camping”. Dispersed (car) camping is not allowed in the National or State Parks, so you will have to camp within the designated sites. In the National Forests, you can camp anywhere as long as you are 100 feet from water sources. Dispersed camping offers good flexibility if you want to try some backcountry camping and don’t mind roughing it for a few days. Make sure you bring enough equipment, including hand sanitizer and toilet paper, if you plan to try out one of these options.

For most of the campgrounds within any of Washington’s national parks or national forests, reservations can be made ahead of time for select campsites through one of the official recreation websites. If there are any campsites available within Washington’s state parks, they can be booked through the Washington State Park reservation system. Always be sure to check the official sites for reservation information and other guidelines before you decide to hit the road on your outdoor getaways.

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Living Life on the Edge: Embracing Adrenaline-Fueled Moments

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Life is an adventure, a journey filled with countless opportunities for thrill and excitement. For some, the idea of living life on the edge, embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is an exhilarating concept that fuels their passion for adventure. This article delves into the world of adrenaline-chasing, highlighting the benefits and experiences of such a lifestyle.

Kitesurfing: Riding the waves of excitement

The first step to living on the edge is stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new. Kitesurfing, a water sport combining wakeboarding, windsurfing, and paragliding elements, is an excellent example of an adrenaline-fueled activity. The activity entails utilizing a sizable maneuverable kite to capture the force of the wind, enabling the rider to traverse the water on a board specifically designed for kiteboarding. There is nothing quite like the exhilaration of soaring through the air, feeling the breeze caress your cheeks, and mastering the art of maneuvering a kite. Kitesurfing is a remarkable adventure that captures the spirit of embracing excitement and pushing boundaries.

The psychological thrill

In addition to the excitement of the tangible experience, embracing a daring lifestyle offers a mental rush that is just as stimulating. Engaging in these activities provides an exhilarating experience that stimulates the production of endorphins, the body’s innate pain relievers. This results in a profound sense of joy and an overwhelming feeling of invulnerability. The thrill of this frenzy can become habit-forming, compelling thrill-seekers to pursue fresh and increasingly demanding adventures consistently. 

The benefits of embracing the edge

Embracing a daring lifestyle goes beyond pursuing excitement; it presents many advantages. Participating in thrilling adventures can enhance physical well-being, as numerous pursuits demand robustness, stamina, and skill. Furthermore, they have the potential to enhance one’s emotional well-being by offering a means to alleviate tension and unease. Engaging in these activities demands concentration, which can effectively alleviate mental clutter, resulting in a serene state once the surge of excitement diminishes.

The balance of risk and reward

While living life on the edge can be exhilarating, it’s important to remember the balance of risk and reward. Adrenaline-fueled activities often involve a certain level of risk, and it’s essential to approach them with a healthy respect for safety. Proper training, equipment, and precautions can help mitigate these risks, allowing you to enjoy the thrill without unnecessary danger. 

Always research your activities and location. This understanding can help you decide if the risk is acceptable and if you have the skills and equipment. Check and maintain your gear, and never sacrifice safety. Finally, embracing adventure with a responsible and safety-conscious mentality lets you enjoy high-risk activities without risking injury.

Living life on the edge embracing adrenaline-fueled moments, is a lifestyle choice that offers a unique blend of thrill, excitement, and personal growth. Whether kitesurfing across the waves, scaling a mountain, or skydiving from a plane, these activities provide an escape from the mundane, a chance to challenge oneself, and an opportunity to experience life at its most vibrant. So, step out of your comfort zone, embrace the adrenaline, and start living on the edge. After all, life is not meant to be lived in the slow lane; rather, it’s about experiencing every thrilling moment it offers.

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Renewable Energy Farms That Make Beautiful Hiking Trails

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Wind farms and solar panels are not just alternative means to get our natural resources. They have now combined with another industry and are making some unexpected news. 

The tourism industry has marked renewable energy farms as hiking trails, and hikers are here for it. You can read more about renewable energy sites. Although you might not think of hiking on a wind farm as beautiful as hiking along a famous mountain trail, you might just be in for a surprise. 

Let’s discuss the benefits that renewable energy farms have as hiking trails. 

Why are Renewable Energy Farms Important? 

Renewable energy farms are important for the future of civilization. These farms provide an alternative to our natural resources, such as wind and energy. 

The most important benefit of renewable energy is that it doesn’t produce any greenhouse emissions and reduces the air pollution other traditional processes create when providing natural resources. 

These farms also allow for the creation of the country’s own resources without having to import natural resources from another country and save their limited natural resources. 

Here are some of the reasons why energy farms are important: 

  • Allows for sustainable rural development 

This will allow landowners to make an extra income by generating energy. 

  • Test new technologies 

Providing the opportunity to test technologies to find new ways to create renewable energy. 

  • Improving the effect of climate change 

Climate change has left the environment filled with toxic pollutants, which has led people to become sick and breathe in harmful air. 

Renewable energy can change this by lessening the number of pollutants that are released into the atmosphere and providing much safer, cleaner, breathable air. 

  • This leads to job creation 

Job creation within the renewable energy farms industry is plentiful as there is a need for skilled workers such as construction, maintenance and manufacturing to build the necessary infrastructure that is needed to generate these wind and solar farms. 

The Benefits of Renewable Energy Farms As Hiking Trails 

Renewable energy farms have many benefits for both the environment and people who love spending their time outdoors. 

Embracing the Use of Green Technology 

Since wind farms and solar plants are located in areas that are unpopulated, they make for great hiking trails. 

By visiting these sites, people get to experience green technology, and by integrating them into recreational spaces, people can visit these sites and embrace green technology by seeing how they work and the positive effects that it has on the environment. 

The more people embrace the shift to green technology, the easier it will be to use it. 

Energy Farms Offer A Unique Experience For Visitors 

Visiting energy farms means you will have a unique experience while there. You will get to see how these large devices work and how they replace the basic resources needed to survive. 

Tours can give visitors more information on the background of the construction of devices, their environmental impact and why it is important for us to switch to sustainable energy resources. 

Visitors Get to Enjoy Natural Beauty 

The sites for these renewable energy farms are often located in areas that are surrounded by natural beauty, such as large landscapes. 

Natural pathways can be used as hiking trails without the need for carving out new roads and damaging the ecosystem. 

Visitors can even discover native plant life and explore the natural wonders that are located at these energy farms, as they are often placed where no infrastructure has been built on the property before. 

Providing Health and Wellness Benefits 

Hiking has many health benefits, such as reducing stress, improving fitness, and helping aid mental well-being. 

Energy Farms have Community Benefits and Increase the Economy 

These hiking trails can help boost economic sales, bringing tourists to the community. This will give the local people the opportunity to expand their businesses. 

This can also help increase employment within the community as these sites will be visited frequently and lead to new business openings to cater to tourists. 

Conclusion

Renewable energy farms greatly benefit both the economy and the people who want to spend their time on them. These farms are especially important for transitioning from natural resources to newer energy resource power plants. 

From learning how to embrace green technology to getting health and wellness benefits to enjoying nature’s natural beauty and finding job opportunities within the market. 

Spending time on these renewable energy farms can be educational and recreational for anyone who visits them. To find more renewable energy farm hiking trails, you can visit https://outsidebozeman.com

 

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Top Recommendations for RV Window Maintenance

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Much like other sections of your RV, the windows sometimes need a bit of maintenance. It is essential to clean off dirt and insect smudges and also make sure they are adequately sealed to avoid leaks and water harm.

If you have a broken RV window, then you may want to consult Van Isle Glass. However, if you wish to know more about simple measures to ensure your RV windows stay spotless and secure, you are in the right spot! Continue reading below.

Polish Your Windshield Using Ultra-Fine #0000 Steel Wool

Numerous RV enthusiasts have praised the use of the finest grade of steel wool #0000 for removing stubborn bugs and water marks from their windshields. Before proceeding, first test the #0000 steel wool on a small portion of your windshield. Apply it with light, circular motions. Sweep away any remaining steel wool bits with a microfiber towel. Next, spritz the surface with a residue-free glass cleaner and wipe it down with a separate cloth.

Steel wool is also great when used with a spray lubricant for cleaning tires, maintaining grills, starting campfires, and repelling mice. A gentler alternative is cleansing dish pads. These pads are versatile, suitable for cleaning various materials such as wood, porcelain, stainless steel, chrome, painted areas, and glass.

Apply a Sealant to Avoid Leaks

Silicone sealant is effective in stopping leaks in areas like your windshield, RV windows, sunroof, and vents. It penetrates tiny gaps, creating a robust waterproof barrier. Ensure the surfaces are clean before application and do not have old caulk, dirt, oil, and other residues.

Furthermore, clear away any standing water on windows to prevent hard water stains. Make sure the inside of your windows stay dry to avoid condensation and mold build-up. If there is significant condensation on your windows, consider getting a small dehumidifier.

Use Tools to Access Difficult Regions

Using cleaners with long handles can prevent you from straining to clean those distant parts of your windshield. Windshield cleaning tools often feature a lengthy, swiveling triangular head that is ideal for getting into corners and spots difficult to access manually.

Opt for a Residue-Free Glass Cleaner

A high-quality glass cleaner will maintain the clarity of your windows and windshield. A great glass cleaner performs well on both standard and tinted windows, making sure to remove streaks or leftover residue. Another option is a natural concoction of half vinegar and half water, with a touch of lemon essential oil.

Steer Clear of Cleaning RV Windows in Bright Sunlight

A sunny afternoon may feel perfect for washing your RV windows, but the warmth can speed up the drying of the cleaner, resulting in streaks or spots. It is advisable to tackle your RV window cleaning during early morning, late evening, or when stationed in a shaded area for the best outcome.

Endnote

Keeping your RV windows clean and clear is not only about aesthetics, but is also vital for safety. The subtleties in cleaning, like steering clear of the sun and using the appropriate products, play a key role. Adhering to these guidelines will help you maintain a pristine view during your various journeys.

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