Best Survival Camping in Washington

As a survival prepper living in the rugged and diverse state of Washington, I’ve spent countless hours scouting, hiking, and camping in some of the most remote and pristine locations this place has to offer. Whether it’s for bug-out scenarios, wilderness survival training, or just finding a peaceful retreat from the chaos of modern life, Washington is one of the best places to embrace self-reliance. With its temperate rainforests, high mountain peaks, dense woods, and sweeping coastlines, the Evergreen State has everything you need for honing your survival skills while also taking in the sheer beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

As a prepper, your priority is likely to find campsites that offer seclusion, safety, access to natural resources, and proximity to essential survival elements—whether that be water sources, wild game, or terrain conducive to building shelter. The campsites in Washington offer all of this, and many of them provide incredible wilderness experiences that will leave you prepared for anything.

Here’s my list of 30 of the best camping sites in Washington that any survivalist or prepper should consider.

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1. North Cascades National Park

A true hidden gem, the North Cascades offer untamed wilderness and remote campsites that are perfect for anyone looking to truly test their survival skills. You’ll find an abundance of fresh water, wildlife, and towering mountains. The challenging terrain will ensure you feel far from civilization.

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2. Mount Rainier National Park

This park’s rugged terrain and stunning alpine lakes provide numerous opportunities for wilderness camping. The diverse ecosystems range from temperate rainforests to subalpine meadows, and it’s a great place for both long-term camping and emergency bug-out scenarios.

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3. Olympic National Park

With its combination of dense rainforests, mountain ridges, and dramatic coastlines, this park provides everything a prepper could want. You’ll find campsites that allow for both short stays and extended survival training experiences.

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4. Lake Wenatchee State Park

If you’re looking for a campsite close to both water and highland terrain, Lake Wenatchee provides a solid base for anyone learning to live off the land. It offers both forest and lakefront sites, and access to fishing, firewood, and water.

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5. Deception Pass State Park

Known for its stunning views and strategic location, Deception Pass offers excellent coastal terrain. With saltwater access and diverse wildlife, this park is ideal for anyone who wants to practice fishing and foraging while preparing for any scenario.

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6. Gifford Pinchot National Forest

A massive forest offering everything from high mountain meadows to thick old-growth forests, Gifford Pinchot is perfect for preppers seeking seclusion. There are miles of trails, streams for water, and abundant wildlife.

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7. San Juan Islands

For those interested in island living, the San Juans are a prime choice. These islands are a quiet retreat, and many of them have campsites that give you access to fishing, kayaking, and exploring remote beaches.

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8. Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument

After the eruption of 1980, this area was transformed into a rugged and dynamic wilderness. It’s a unique place for camping, offering challenging terrain that’ll put your survival skills to the test.

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9. Snoqualmie Pass

For winter survivalists, Snoqualmie Pass provides year-round opportunities for outdoor activities. Camping in this area offers mountain views, fresh streams, and wild game, making it perfect for honing cold-weather survival skills.

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10. Stevenson

A hidden gem tucked into the Gorge, Stevenson’s campsites are great for both beginner and advanced preppers. The lush forests and streams provide ample resources, and it’s a great spot to practice wilderness skills without straying too far from civilization.

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11. Columbia River Gorge

A stunning location for both hiking and camping, this area provides abundant resources such as water, game, and diverse landscapes. Whether you’re building shelter or perfecting your fire-starting techniques, the Gorge has a lot to offer.

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12. Mount Hood National Forest

Just across the border in Oregon, Mount Hood National Forest is a great spot for Washington preppers to explore. The forest offers high elevation camping, fishing, and plenty of wilderness areas to practice your survival skills.

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13. Rasar State Park

A quieter park with a variety of outdoor activities, Rasar offers river access and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s perfect for long-term camping and learning to live off the land.

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14. Bellingham

For those closer to the northern border, Bellingham offers rugged coastline and forested campsites. It’s a great place for prepping for cold-weather scenarios with its coastal climate.

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15. Larch Mountain

For high elevation camping with panoramic views, Larch Mountain provides excellent terrain for scouting and long-term survival skills. The steep inclines and alpine lakes make it a challenging but rewarding experience.

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16. Yakima River Canyon

A beautiful and relatively secluded area, perfect for primitive camping. The Yakima River offers excellent water resources, while the surrounding desert-like terrain teaches survivalists how to thrive in dry conditions.

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17. Conconully State Park

Nestled in the Okanogan Highlands, this park is ideal for anyone preparing for a long-term bug-out scenario. The combination of water access and remote location offers a great survivalist challenge.

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18. Quinault Rainforest

For preppers looking to embrace the wetter side of Washington, the Quinault Rainforest is a beautiful and abundant spot. With numerous streams, abundant plant life, and various animal species, it’s a perfect place for learning about foraging.

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19. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

A diverse forest system offering access to valleys, rivers, and mountain ridges. It’s ideal for long-term camping and honing self-reliance skills, particularly when it comes to water sources and game tracking.

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20. Hoh Rainforest

A remote and highly tranquil camping destination, the Hoh Rainforest offers all the elements needed for self-sufficiency. There are ample resources for food, shelter, and water, making it a perfect test for your skills.

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21. Teanaway Community Forest

A hidden gem for prepper camping, Teanaway offers a remote, vast wilderness with clear water, lots of wildlife, and varied terrain. This spot offers all the elements you need for an extended survival trip.

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22. Palouse Falls State Park

For those wanting a challenge, Palouse Falls provides remote terrain and stunning views. The waterfall offers an amazing backdrop to any wilderness training and is perfect for prepper enthusiasts.

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23. Snoqualmie National Forest

The perfect place for any prepper looking to hone their wilderness survival skills, from fire starting to shelter building, this forest has plenty of resources to keep you self-sufficient for long stretches of time.

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24. Tahuya State Forest

A pristine forest area near the Hood Canal, Tahuya is a great spot for stealth camping. Its seclusion offers the perfect opportunity to practice the skills needed for bug-out living.

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25. Klickitat County

This remote area has everything a prepper could need: thick forests, open plains, and access to water. Its isolation makes it perfect for learning to live off the land.

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26. Mima Mounds

A unique terrain known for its mysterious mounds and flat landscape, Mima Mounds offers ample space for both outdoor training and recreational survival activities.

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27. Mount Adams

Located near the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Mount Adams is perfect for advanced preppers. It offers high-altitude terrain, a harsh environment, and the resources needed for survival.

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28. Loon Lake

A peaceful lake-side camping site for those who enjoy solitude and close proximity to nature, ideal for prepping with ample natural resources.

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29. Snoqualmie Pass

A prime location for winter survival, it provides year-round camping and opportunities for cold-weather training in a rugged setting.

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30. Wallowa-Whitman National Forest

Although a bit on the remote side, Wallowa-Whitman is a treasure trove of nature and resources. The rugged terrain and natural beauty offer an ideal environment for building resilience and honing wilderness survival skills.

The Importance of Staying Warm While Camping in Washington

When it comes to camping in Washington, staying warm is not just a comfort—it’s a matter of survival. The diverse climate across the state means that you could find yourself in a variety of temperature conditions, from the wet, cool coastal weather of the Olympic Peninsula to the snowy, freezing temperatures in the Cascades or high deserts of Eastern Washington. For survival preppers, understanding how to stay warm in all these environments is absolutely crucial.

Unpredictable Weather

Washington is known for its unpredictable and rapidly changing weather. The western part of the state, especially around the Olympic Rainforest and the Cascades, sees frequent rain, high humidity, and temperatures that can quickly drop once the sun sets. On the other hand, the eastern part of the state, with its high-desert landscapes and rolling hills, can experience blistering hot days followed by bone-chilling nights. In both cases, staying warm can be the difference between a pleasant trip and a dangerous one.

The key to preparedness is always being ready for the unexpected. Even during the summer months, nights in the mountains or along the coast can get surprisingly cold. Sudden storms, especially in the mountains or wilderness areas, can turn a warm day into a cold, wet, and dangerous scenario. If you’re not prepared for these changes, you could easily fall into hypothermia, dehydration, or worse, and in some areas, help might be hours or even days away.

Hypothermia and Cold-Weather Risks

Hypothermia is a real threat when camping in Washington, and it can strike even when the temperatures aren’t freezing. It can develop when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, and it can be triggered by wet conditions, wind, and inadequate clothing. Even temperatures above 50°F (10°C) can result in hypothermia if you’re exposed to rain and wind. Preppers in Washington need to be aware of the signs of hypothermia—shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and lack of coordination—and know how to prevent it by staying dry and layered.

For survivalists, having the right gear is non-negotiable. Inadequate sleeping bags, improper shelter, and poor clothing choices are often the leading causes of cold-related injuries or fatalities. Even a thin layer of moisture on your clothing, whether from sweat, rain, or fog, can strip away your body heat and leave you vulnerable to hypothermia.

Building and Maintaining Warmth

The ability to build and maintain a fire is one of the fundamental survival skills in Washington’s wilderness. Fire not only provides warmth, but it also serves as a beacon for rescue operations, a tool for cooking, and a psychological morale booster in the cold and damp. In Washington, you might need to get creative with fire-starting, especially if you find yourself in a wet environment. Knowing how to find dry tinder, build a shelter to protect your fire from rain, and use fire-starting methods such as flint and steel or magnesium fire starters can be lifesaving.

When temperatures drop, your sleeping system also plays a major role in keeping you warm. Washington’s weather can vary greatly by region, so it’s important to choose the appropriate sleeping bag and mat. For winter or high-elevation camping, a four-season sleeping bag is necessary, while even in mild conditions, an insulated pad or air mattress will help keep you off the cold ground. Packing extra clothing, such as warm hats, gloves, and socks, ensures that your core temperature remains regulated during the night.

The Role of Shelter in Maintaining Warmth

In Washington’s wilderness, shelter is a top priority in any camping or survival situation. The wind and rain can quickly sap your body heat, and without a proper shelter, staying warm can be nearly impossible. Whether you’re using a tent, hammock, or tarp, the key is to create a barrier against the elements. A four-season tent with a rainfly, or a shelter that shields you from wind and rain, will keep you insulated from the harsh outdoors.

For more experienced preppers, building your own shelter—like a lean-to, debris hut, or snow cave—can provide better insulation and greater warmth, as well as give you the satisfaction of being fully self-reliant. These shelters, while not always the easiest to construct, can be lifesaving in emergencies and provide better heat retention than an average tent.

The Importance of Layering

Layering is the fundamental principle for regulating body temperature in any weather conditions, but especially in Washington’s fluctuating climate. The key to staying warm in Washington is to wear multiple layers that can be added or removed as needed. Start with moisture-wicking base layers to keep sweat off your skin, add an insulating middle layer, such as fleece or down, and then finish with an outer layer that is waterproof and windproof.

In wet conditions, it’s critical to keep your feet dry, as cold, wet feet can lead to frostbite or other serious conditions. Waterproof boots, gaiters, and even an extra pair of socks can make a huge difference in your ability to stay warm and healthy in Washington’s wilderness.

Warmth as a Mental and Physical Tool

Staying warm isn’t just about physical health; it’s also a mental necessity. Washington’s wilderness can be harsh, and when you’re cold, tired, and uncomfortable, it can affect your morale. Warmth brings comfort, and comfort is an essential part of staying focused, thinking clearly, and making survival decisions when you need them most.

In a survival situation, it’s easy to panic if you’re cold and uncomfortable, but with the right mindset and preparation, you can overcome this challenge. Whether you’re camping for leisure or in a prepper mindset, maintaining warmth helps you stay alert and functional, which is crucial for problem-solving, setting up camp, and staying