sleeping under the stars
Words by Nancy Blakey
Illustrations by Mary Jo Davis
Roll down the car windows, breathe in the scent of sun-warmed evergreens and feel the anticipation rise for spending a night under the stars. Welcome to the world of car camping. Who can resist gazing into starlit skies, a swim in a lake on a hot day or a walk along a river? When you set up basecamp at a campground, you can immerse yourself in nature for days. Time slows, screens fade away, and life unfolds under the open sky. If you’re lucky and there are no burn bans, you can toast s’mores and tell stories around a crackling fire. Adventure is only a car ride away.
To reserve a last-minute campsite at Manchester, Illahee, Scenic Beach, Belfair or other campgrounds run by Washington State Parks, check for cancellations at parks.wa.gov/passes-permits or call (888) CAMPOUT. For campsites in Olympic National Park, including at Kalaloch, Sol Duc, Staircase and Hoh Campgrounds, check availability at recreation.gov.
Or visit first-come, first-served campgrounds, including the ones listed below. For the best chances, arrive before 9 a.m. or on a Sunday aernoon when campers clear out. Weeknights (Sunday through Thursday) are the easiest times to find a spot.
IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK: Fairholme, Heart O’ the Hills, Mora, South Beach, Deer Park (great for full moon viewing), Graves Creek, North Fork and Log Cabin Resort RV & Campground on Lake Crescent (near Spruce Railroad Trail, a fantastic hike).
ON THE OLYMPIC PENINSULA: Salt Creek Recreation Area, a summer favorite with a nearby sandy beach, tidepools and hiking. Half of the 92 campsites are first come, first serve; reservations open January 1. Or try Dungeness Recreation Area for stunning hikes along the water and meadows. Both campgrounds are managed by Clallam County.
ON BAINBRIDGE ISLAND: Fay Bainbridge Park, a Kitsap County gem with campsites and cabins.
more pro tips
Store all your camp gear in bins ready to go at a moment’s notice. Bring cash for camp fees and firewood, gas up the car before heading into national parks, and download oline versions of maps or directions before heading out. Then check out these 20 family storytelling questions to inspire your fireside stories.
Popcorn in a Can: A simple trick
for a fun fireside snack requiring
just a few ingredients and a
campfire! You’ll need
1 empty soda or beer can
1 stick (to poke through the tab)
1 tbsp oil
2 tbsp popcorn
Salt
Sharp knife or multi-tool
If campfires are allowed, build
a fire. Drink your soda or beer,
then shake out the last drops.
Add oil, salt and popcorn into the
can. Shake to mix. Poke a stick
through the tab and hold the can
over the fire. In minutes, the
popcorn will start popping. When
popping slows, let the can cool,
then carefully cut open the top.
DIY Fire Starters: Rub a generous amount of Vaseline on cotton balls, taking care to cover the whole ball. When you are ready to start the fire, tease several cotton balls apart and place them under the kindling. Keep the fire starters in a plastic bag in your camp bin.
Solar Powered Garden Lights: Solar powered garden lights, string lights or spotlights can make your campsite more inviting. Place the lights’ solar power charger in a sunny location during the day and they’ll be ready to light up the night.
Fairy Light Lanterns: Create a warm campsite glow by placing battery-powered fairy lights inside a mason jar with a lid. These lanterns add cozy ambiance to picnic tables or tents—simple, beautiful, and magical.