Washington State Camping

In the southwestern portion of the state you will find the southernmost lines of the Cascade Mountains. With famous peaks such as Mount Rainer and Mount St. Helens, this area provides excellent backcountry camping and beautiful scenic views. Like the rest of western Washington, precipitation is plentiful in this region which means lots of snow and ice at the peaks of the mountains.
When planning a camping trip in Washington State, there are many things to be considered. Since the state of Washington varies greatly in both climate and terrain, you will need to determine what area of Washington will meet your and your family's expectations. From shorelines to ice-capped volcanoes, Washington state camping offers a wide variety of opportunities to get up close and personal with nature. This beautiful state can be divided into four distinct regions based on the environment and geography.
NorthwestThe climate in this region is characterized by lots of rain. With over 130 inches of rain per year, be sure to bring along your raingear if you choose this area. The payoff for all of that rain can be found in the Olympic Peninsula where you will find lush rainforests. Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands can also be found here providing excellent opportunities for activities on the water.
SouthwestIn the southwestern portion of the state you will find the southernmost lines of the Cascade Mountains. With famous peaks such as Mount Rainer and Mount St. Helens, this area provides excellent backcountry camping and beautiful scenic views. Like the rest of western Washington, precipitation is plentiful in this region which means lots of snow and ice at the peaks of the mountains.
NortheastWith the Cascade Mountains blocking the rain clouds that come from the Pacific Ocean, the eastern portion of Washington is much drier. In the northeast you will find the Rocky Mountains and Lake Roosevelt, the state's largest man-made lake created by the massive Grand Coulee Dam. With the dry climate and gold-rush history, this area of Washington has an Old West feel.
SoutheastAlso lying in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains, this section of Washington sees less rainfall. However, with many large rivers for irrigation, orchards, grasslands, and farmlands are plentiful in this area. The geography of southeast Washington is marked by the Columbia River Plateau and the Palouse Prairie. This region includes the Lewis & Clark State Recreation Area.
Now that you've determined the area of the state in which you want to visit, the next decision is where to camp. Washington state camping boasts 69 state parks, 58 public use areas, 8 national parks, and numerous private campgrounds. Whether you are looking for a primitive, backcountry experience or a campsite that offers more modern amenities, you can find a campground that will meet your expectations. Campgrounds are available for those who are pitching a tent as well as those in RVs.
Washington state camping offers an exciting adventure for the novice and experienced camper alike. Activities such as hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing can be enjoyed in any area of the state. This state located in the Pacific Northwest is one of the premier destinations for outdoor activities in the United States. Whatever your desire, Washington state camping will far exceed your expectations.
Katie Appleby is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about [http://campingtripstoday.info/washington-state-camping/] camping in Washington, please visit [http://campingtripstoday.info/]Camping Trips Today for current articles and discussions.
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