Rialto Beach, backpacking

For the most party I'm going to write about car camping locations here, but I wanted to include this easy backpacking trip. Rialto Beach is on the Olympic Peninsula coast. I characterize this as an easy backpacking trip because it only requires about a 1 mile walk down the beach. A short hike like that with no elevation gain means you can bring more of the comforts of home, including more wine. This is a great trip to do early or late in the season, before the higher elevations melt out, though you should expect some rain. The Hoh Rainforest didn't get there by chance! The best thing about this beach is that you're allowed to have driftwood bonfires. Bring a hatchet to break up logs for kindling and some good matches because the wood might be a bit damp. Don't forget your bear canister, the raccoons here are fierce. You can rent a bear can from the Port Angeles Ranger Station. Bring your own water!

Amenities: Pacific Ocean beach.

Site Separation: 5: Set up anywhere on the beach above the high tide line. Camp as far apart as you want.
Site size: 5: Practically infinite.
Kid level: 5: None
Ranger: 4: Present but you will only encounter them during the day.
Partiability: 5: This is backcountry camping, so really anything goes. Just make sure you follow Leave No Trace principles and only have fires on the beach using driftwood.

Website: Rialto and Mora beach

Potholes State Park

Potholes State Park is a beautiful park in Eastern Washington on the shores of the Potholes Reservoir. We were there for Memorial Day weekend, which is pretty early in the season. Reservations are accepted for campsites in this park and while we were there every site was reserved.

Amenities: Beach with swimming and boat launch, water is ok.
     Shower and flush toilets.
     Fire ring.
     Picnic table.
     Potable water.
     Firewood available from camp hosts.

Site Separation: 2: Sites are all on one level and are fairly close together. They are separated by thin trees.
Site size: 3: Moderate, room for several tents.
Kid level: 3: I would list this as a kid-friendly place with a nice beach, a large playfield and a playground. However, while we were visiting there were very few kids present. This may change later in the season.
Camp host: 4: Present, but never came by after dark.
Partiability: 3: Despite the seemingly negative impression given by the location and setup, we were up drinking and talking loudly until 1 am with no complaints.

Website: Potholes State Park

Yakima River: Let's go tubing

One of my favorite summer pastimes is floating the Yakima River with Let's go tubing. This site is near Ellensburg in Eastern Washington and is only for tubing customers of Let's go tubing. Camping is free and tubing is $20 per person for a tube and a ride to the start and back from the finish of the river. A great way to spend a hot summer day! Bring your own water or a filter, there's no potable water on site.

Amenities: Very primitive.
     Port-a-potty.
     Primitive fire ring.

Site Separation: 4: Sites are scattered and separated by bushes.
Site size: 4: Large, amorphous.
Kid level: 5. Practically none.
Camp host: 5: None
Partiability: 5: Anything goes here. Last time we visited our neighbors played loud music until 4 am.

Website: Let's go tubing Yakima 

Fairholme Campground at Lake Crescent

Fairholme Campground is located on the heavily wooded western shore of Lake Crescent on the Olympic Peninsula. It is the only public campground on the lake and doesn't accept reservations. Get there by Friday morning if you want to camp on a summer weekend. Lake Crescent is my favorite lake in all of Washington state, with beautiful, clear water.

Amenities: Beach with swimming and boat launch, water is clean but cold.
     Flush toilets.
     Fire ring.
     Picnic table.
     Potable water.
     Firewood and ice available from camp store, open seasonally.

Site Separation: 3: Sites are close together but on multiple levels and separated by large trees. The heavily wooded nature of the campground prevents sound travel.
Site size: 2: Moderate, room for two tents.
Kid level: 2: Families seem to love this place. Usually not crowded on the beach. 
Camp host: 2: Present, patrols after dark.
Partiability: 2: We've been asked to quiet down by a night-patrolling camp host, quiet hours start at 10 pm. However, if you keep your voice down you probably won't have problems.

Website: Fairholme

Steamboat Rock State Park

Steamboat Rock State Park is located on the shores of Banks Lake, a reservoir in Eastern Washington. The park is pretty much a big lawn with scattered shade trees and a beach. It is very commercial. 

Amenities: Beach with swimming and boat launch, water is nice.
     Flush toilets.
     Fire ring.
     Picnic table.
     Potable water.

Site Separation: 1: Sites are extremely close together on a lawn and are not separated by any barriers.
Site size: 2: Moderate, room for two tents.
Kid level: 1: Children everywhere.
Camp host: ?
Partiability: 1: Not recommended. You can clearly see all of your neighbors, and clearly hear every word.

Website: Steamboat Rock