How to plan for a last-minute camping trip

Many of us don’t have the luxury of being able to book a campsite nine months in advance. Heck, sometimes I barely know what I’m doing tomorrow. Do you?   

Although it’s great to be able to plan ahead, sometimes you just want to be a little spontaneous. We can help you with that. 

Here are some tips on how you can plan a just-as-successful last-minute camping trip! 

Stay flexible 

Did the question “do you want to go camping” just get brought up? It seems like everything's still up in the air — the dates, location and gear. Don't stress quite yet! After all, this is supposed to be fun!  

Given the short notice, you’ll likely have to make a few compromises. Whether it's the menu or the spot you end up in — that’s part of the spontaneity! 

Our reservations system now has new features catering to our more casual planners:  

1. Visit our reservations website and choose "flexible dates." 

2. Pick a park and a timeframe up to four months in advance. 

3. Add group size and equipment.  

Using this feature makes it easier to pick a spot without having to sift through a bunch of dates. You can also go back and add filters to accommodate your specific needs. 

Be prepared to drive 

Not planning months in advance sometimes comes at a cost, but with 124 state parks across the state and 75 with camping, one is bound to have something available – it just might not be close by. 

Are you willing to drive a little bit for your spontaneous camping adventure? And can you leave today if there's availability? We now offer same-day camping reservations at 27 of our parks. You can make same-day camping reservations until 4 p.m. They are made just like regular reservations. Book your stay online, or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. 

Make a packing list and save it for future trips 

Packing can seem like a chore, but don’t let it stop you from a new adventure.  

After the initial oof of forgetting a few things on one trip, sit down and crank out your ultimate list — and save it for later! You're likely to bring the same gear with you every time you go camping, so having a list will make the process go a lot faster for the next trip you decide to go on. 

We know that camping equipment can be pricey. If you need to rent something for your camping trips, the Washington Trails Association has put together a list of where to rent or borrow outdoor gear. 

Remember that last-minute camping is better than no camping at all 

Perhaps you didn't secure the perfect spot, or you forgot to bring utensils, so now you have to eat with your fingers — oh well! (At least most of our campgrounds have bathrooms with soap and hot water.) Doing things last minute might feel stressful at the time, but once you're settled in camp, there's no better feeling. Unplug, unwind and enjoy our beautiful state parks. 

Even if you're trying to be spontaneous, always take necessary safety precautions before heading out — like checking the weather, carrying the ten essentials and making sure someone knows where you'll be and when you plan to return home.  

Try to embrace the unexpected, head-scratching moments the best you can — they can turn into memorable campfire stories and teach you valuable lessons for next time.