Best car camping?

[jackelope]

After a crappy weekend at Sun Lakes State Park I'm wondering where you guys think are good car camping spots around the state. I'm a big fan of primitive camping but when there's multiple familys and small kids/babies/etc the primitive sites are not ideal in the eyes of the wives(mostly). I don't care what part of the state, just looking for the places you all think are the good ones. We like to go all over and we're not afraid to drive a ways.
What we didn't like about Sun Lakes... you have to put your tent in the gravel. You're camping about 8' away from your neighbor. There is a huge crowd and it's loud. Kinda like you're sleeping in a huge field with 200-300 of your closest drunk friends. Aside from that, I love that place and everything it has to offer. It's really gone downhill there the last few years. We used to go there a lot and always had a great time. This last time, we got almost literally no sleep. I think the drunks next to us finally shut up and went to bed around 3am.

[lostbackpacker]

I know there are some primitive sites along the mt loop highway outside of granite falls.  been a few years since I've been there.  they are right along the road....

[jackelope]

Primitive sites won't keep the wives happy. We need bathrooms, etc. as there are babies.
The dads are planning on some primitive camping trips with the older kids at some point and I've got some good spots for that. Thanks though.

[Becky]

-Following- Always love finding new camp spots.

You're looking for a non-primative camp ground for the family? I always loved Coho Campground off Lake Wynoochee for family outings. Gorgeous area, lots of hikes, fishing, awesome swimming lake. If you go up the forest road past the camp there are a lot of primitive areas by the river (if you can talk the wives/others involved into it). I haven't been up there the last couple years though.

http://thecampingview.com/the_camping_view_coho.html (this website is neat for photos to browse through of public camps.)

[vandeman17]

PM sent

[Mfowl]

Banks Lake has some nice spots in that area up around Osborne Bay, next to the golf course. The Tucannon Valley has a lot of nice campsites through out. I also like the Sinlahekin Valley, beautiful country up there and lots of camping and lakes from Concunully all the way to Palmer Lake. Haven't been up that way in a long time. I should make it a point to get back there! Mostly it is Primitive camping though. In the Tucannon you can stay at the Last Resort. Nice little place with a general store and the bathrooms with showers. The MacArthurs are good folks too!(owners)

[jackelope]

PM sent

Got it, thanks.

[Goldeneye]

I have a neighbor who goes to Deception Pass state park every year.  They seem to have a good time.  Never actually camped there so I can't vouch for the noise level... 

http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=deception%20pass&subject=all

[firefighter4607]

I will have to find my book, it has a lot of good information on it.
Silver Falls is in that book, and it was a nice campground. With a trail that went up to the falls.
 http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/okawen/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=58065&actid=31

[sneakyjake]

I was at sun lakes this last week and we got literally no sleep from the noise and close quarters.  I haven't been there before and didn't know what I was getting into.  We stayed at the resort in an rv spot and stayed in a tent because I pulled my boat.  Probably won't do it again.

[Bean Counter]

I know there are some primitive sites along the mt loop highway outside of granite falls.  been a few years since I've been there.  they are right along the road....

 

Some beautiful spots along the rivers there! If I ever move back I will definitely be camping around there a few times.

I myself don't like campgrounds either. I don't like the noise or being close to everyone else. I went camping a few weeks ago and heard those same drunk a-holes up talking adult conversations and there were kids in our camp. Other than needing to bring more water I'm not sure what there is to miss about those campgrounds. I hate the toilets myself. They smell like hell and are disgusting to even look in. I'm not sure where a campground exists that had running water and a bathroom but not a lot of other campers b

[Stick em]

Voice of America in Dungeness has non-primitive site that has bathrooms and showers. The place is packed with deer and is right on the Bluff. Day hiking to the lighthouse is great. The sites are good size but it does fill up fast so make reservations. It is very close to a bunch of sites like the Game Farm, Lavender farms & wine tasting. It is a great site to keep the family comfortable while you go hunt deer & grouse in the surrounding hills. Of course if you want to get up in the hills a bit, try Dungeness Forks Campground. It's up towards the Buckhorn Wilderness. No showers but there are decent bathrooms and large campsites.

[hrd2fnd]

I know there are some primitive sites along the mt loop highway outside of granite falls.  been a few years since I've been there.  they are right along the road....

Gold Basin Campground, WA on MT Loop

http://www.recreation.gov/unifSearchResults.do?topTabIndex=Search
Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
•Accessible Flush Toilets
•Amphitheater
•Canoeing
•Drinking Water
•Entrance Station
•Firewood
•Fishing
•Flush Toilets
•Hiking
•Horseback Riding Trails
 •Host
•Interpretive Trails
•Kayaking
•Picnic Area
•River Access
•Self Pay Station
•Showers
•Trails
•Trash Collection
•Wildlife Viewing
$22/Night for single unit
$11/Night for extra vehicle
$35/$125/Night for multi/group site
$5 day use fee

 
Family enjoyed our week there, and the wife was happy for flush toilets and showers 

[hrd2fnd]

I have a neighbor who goes to Deception Pass state park every year.  They seem to have a good time.  Never actually camped there so I can't vouch for the noise level... 

http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=deception%20pass&subject=all

Nice state park, but good luck getting reservations this time of year as the can-Asians have then reserved months in advance.

Larabee is not to bad if you can stand the trains going by throughout the night

[hrd2fnd]

I have a neighbor who goes to Deception Pass state park every year.  They seem to have a good time.  Never actually camped there so I can't vouch for the noise level... 

http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=deception%20pass&subject=all

really the only noise you will have is the sound of freedom as air station whidbey island is not that far away and the flight pattern takes them over the campground.

[timberghost72]

I know there are some primitive sites along the mt loop highway outside of granite falls.  been a few years since I've been there.  they are right along the road....

 

Some beautiful spots along the rivers there! If I ever move back I will definitely be camping around there a few times.

I myself don't like campgrounds either. I don't like the noise or being close to everyone else. I went camping a few weeks ago and heard those same drunk a-holes up talking adult conversations and there were kids in our camp. Other than needing to bring more water I'm not sure what there is to miss about those campgrounds. I hate the toilets myself. They smell like hell and are disgusting to even look in. I'm not sure where a campground exists that had running water and a bathroom but not a lot of other campers b

  x2
Wiley Creek is a big group site that you can reserve through the ranger station. No one else there except your group. No neighbors and its right on the Stilly river. Room for multiple RV's. Not sure about bathrooms but they do have outhouses. The nicer ones I think. There are a few other group sites along the MLH also. Lots of hiking around too if you want to do that.

[turkeyfeather]

Kettle Falls campground is a good family spot.

[stevemiller]

Banks Lake has some nice spots in that area up around Osborne Bay, next to the golf course. The Tucannon Valley has a lot of nice campsites through out. I also like the Sinlahekin Valley, beautiful country up there and lots of camping and lakes from Concunully all the way to Palmer Lake. Haven't been up that way in a long time. I should make it a point to get back there! Mostly it is Primitive camping though. In the Tucannon you can stay at the Last Resort. Nice little place with a general store and the bathrooms with showers. The MacArthurs are good folks too!(owners)

This i agree with completely,awsome fishing,clean sites,the wives will have no probs. with these camping sites.even a restraunt and lodge

[sled]

 

I have a neighbor who goes to Deception Pass state park every year.  They seem to have a good time.  Never actually camped there so I can't vouch for the noise level... 

http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=deception%20pass&subject=all

really the only noise you will have is the sound of freedom as air station whidbey island is not that far away and the flight pattern takes them over the campground.

[jeffro]

Mar Dons is usually pretty nice. Rented their cabins a couple times. Never tent camped there so no review on that area. Or about 15 miles south in Warden there is Sage Hills RV park and golf course. Swimming pool, flush toilets, showers and restaurant on site.

[smdave]

Our family really likes Sun Cove Resort in Oroville. The tent sites are huge and spaced well, pool is nice small store dock and boat launch.

http://thesuncoveresort.com/

[jackelope]

The lake itself was great. Virtually no crowd on the little beaches. The state park, and trying to get some sleep, was a crappy mess. Maybe I just look at it differently now that I have kids. I really didn't need to hear the whole story about the drunk lady's friend and her new trach tube at 2am believe it or not.

[xd2005]

Battle Ground State Park seems nice. They have some walk-in sites that are a bit more remote. They also have a little store, restrooms, and showers. They have the lake and a few trails around it. It may be full...

PacifiCorp also has a number of cam grids along the Lewis River reservoirs (Swift, Yale, and Merwin) that look nice.

Granted, these are all in SW WA.

I've also spent time at Dosewalips State Park in Brinnon. It's riverside, right by the Hood Canal. They too have restrooms and showers.

[snowpack]

Might try Bogachiel State Park outside Forks.  Other than elk season I've not seen it crowded.  It is next to the highway, so it gets some traffic noise (logging trucks).  The campgrounds with facilities on the coast and Hood Canal tend to be kind of crowded in summer.

[Whitpirate]

We love Bumping Lake.  Showers available at the marina across the bridge.... but we've always just used bio-soap and hit the lake.  Big sites, decent fishing, boat rentals for pretty cheap at the marina too.  Bumpy as road out there though. 

[CAM38]

I love the penninsula, some of my favorites are Staircase, Fort Flagler or Fort Warden, Dosewallips, and the Elwha.

[Skyvalhunter]

Banks Lake Spring Canyon
http://www.recreation.gov/camping/Spring_Canyon/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=74071

[boneaddict]

Elkins lake resort on Priest Lake.   It will cost you a bit.   Cabins on the lake, fine dining at the restuarant, beachfront on the lake.   Seperate bedrooms and fouton in front of fireplace. Kitchens in the cabins.  This time of year you have the lake and berry picking, fall you have moose and in winter, MEGA skiing and snowmobiling.   Google it!  The last time I looked they had photos of the different cabins etc.   Might be sold out.  A must to have reservations.   Food was exquisite at the lodge.  COSTLY, but exquisite.   Wives will be happy and kids have the beach.  Probably can rent a boat nearby for the lake.  If you have a boat 

[huntnnw]

Stayed there once..cabins were outrageous..something like $3k a week

[boneaddict]

I got it for $800 a week and thought that was crazy.    Great experience with the Mrs though, and sometimes thats priceless.   Cabins are big enough to split with two couples and sleeping bag the kids out in the living room. 

[boneaddict]

Actually, another fun one was when we came down to sturgeon fish together.   We got a cabin at that KOA....had to be the Astoria side I think, across the street from that big state park. Stevens point or something liek that.  I'll have to look.    That was a nice cabin for pretty cheap (deluxe one, not the little ones).   Kids rode bikes all over the state park, paved trails to and from and around the beach.    We ate at Doogers which I just love.    That particular KOA is really nice.


Fort Stevens State Park, Oregon.  The KOA was across the street. 

[toothfangclaw]

I've had family camping at kitsap memorial s/p. Pretty decent, small camp grounds with  private bathrooms and showers. Right off of hood cannel, big field to play on and close to lots of day trips. Also, twin harbors s/p.

[dscubame]

After a crappy weekend at Sun Lakes State Park I'm wondering where you guys think are good car camping spots around the state. I'm a big fan of primitive camping but when there's multiple familys and small kids/babies/etc the primitive sites are not ideal in the eyes of the wives(mostly). I don't care what part of the state, just looking for the places you all think are the good ones. We like to go all over and we're not afraid to drive a ways.
What we didn't like about Sun Lakes... you have to put your tent in the gravel. You're camping about 8' away from your neighbor. There is a huge crowd and it's loud. Kinda like you're sleeping in a huge field with 200-300 of your closest drunk friends. Aside from that, I love that place and everything it has to offer. It's really gone downhill there the last few years. We used to go there a lot and always had a great time. This last time, we got almost literally no sleep. I think the drunks next to us finally shut up and went to bed around 3am.

jackelope you brought back a bad memory....  Last year at Blue Lake by Ephrata I thought it may be a good idea to join family friends for a weekend camp out.  They brought their motorhome I brought the boat and a tent for myself, wife, and two kids.

I had some foresight to explain to my 11 year old that this is going to be a different camping experience than what she is use to. 

I will say we lasted one night.  The craziness was exactly how you described it to a tee!

Ya we will not be doing that again.  On the positive side she did see a version of camping that we discussed in detail.  The discussion was not negative nor did I imply we were better for what we enjoy rather it was simply a discussion of observation and that we did not enjoy that scene.  It was apparent many people do enjoy it as the party did not stop until early in the morning.