Washington Military Camping Guide (2026)

Washington’s military RV scene spans the whole state — from a bluff-top FamCamp on Whidbey Island overlooking Puget Sound, to a wilderness recreation area in the North Cascades foothills, to a full-hookup stop near Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and a genuine oceanfront resort on the Pacific Coast. Add a quiet Air Force option near Spokane, and there’s a base-connected option whether you’re chasing mountains, coastline, or somewhere in between.

Puget Sound / Whidbey Island

Coastal camping with water views, anchored by NAS Whidbey Island’s beachfront FamCamp.

  • Cliffside RV Park — NAS Whidbey Island, Oak Harbor, Navy. Full-hookup sites on a bluff overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca, with direct beach access.

Insider tip: Don’t trust GPS to route you to Cliffside — it will send you to a gate that isn’t RV-friendly. Follow the base’s posted directions through the Charles Porter gate instead.

North Cascades / Arlington

A wilderness recreation area about 90 minutes north of Seattle, built around outdoor activities more than a pass-through stop.

  • Jim Creek Recreation Area — NRS Jim Creek (NAS Whidbey Island), Arlington, Navy. RV sites, cabins, and a lodge on a working Naval Radio Station in the North Cascades foothills.

Tacoma / JBLM

A practical stop for exploring the South Puget Sound area and Mount Rainier.

Pacific Coast

A genuine oceanfront resort, not just a pass-through campground — worth planning a trip around rather than just passing near.

  • Pacific Beach Resort — NAVSTA Everett (remote site), Pacific Beach, Navy. A full-service oceanfront resort on the Washington coast with RV sites, tent camping, cottages, and hotel rooms, plus a restaurant, pool, and whale-watching tower.

Insider tip: Pacific Beach Resort sits about 150 miles from NAVSTA Everett, its parent command — it’s a destination in its own right rather than a stop tied to base errands, so plan the visit as a standalone coastal getaway.

Eastern Washington / Spokane

A quieter option on the dry side of the state, convenient for I-90 travelers.

  • Fairchild AFB FamCamp — Fairchild AFB, Spokane, Air Force. An RV-only FamCamp with a 30-day stay limit, convenient to Spokane.

Who Can Stay

Military RV parks and FamCamps are generally open to active duty, retirees, National Guard and Reserve members, and DoD civilians, though eligibility and priority rules vary by installation and branch. Always confirm your eligibility and any sponsor requirements directly with the campground before booking.

Tips for Booking in Washington

  • Summer (June–September) is peak season across the state, especially at coastal spots like Cliffside and Pacific Beach — book as early as your eligibility window allows.
  • Base-access sites (Cliffside, Jim Creek, Holiday Park, Fairchild) require valid ID and, in some cases, an advance visitor pass for civilian guests — confirm requirements before you arrive.
  • Pacific Beach Resort and Jim Creek Recreation Area are both destination-style stays rather than overnight stops — plan extra time to enjoy the on-site activities rather than treating them as a one-night layover.
  • West of the Cascades expect rain even in “dry” months — pack accordingly, especially for coastal and Whidbey Island stays.

Browse all Washington locations →

Disclaimer: Military RV Sites is an independent directory and is not affiliated with the Department of Defense. Details are subject to change — always verify availability, eligibility, and current rates directly with the installation before you travel.