BY AARDE WRITES for WEEKLY VOLCANO 3/20/26 |
Hey Aarde,
I grew up in the city and am new to the Pacific Northwest. I’ve always admired the outdoorsy lifestyle and am often impressed at the gear collected to survive a climate like this. I joined some Meetup groups and have hopes of doing some camping this summer. What advice can you give me to get started? Best gear and places that are sure to provide a positive experience? Thanks in advance!
Signed,
Seeking Nature
Hey Seeking Nature,
YES, yes, and yes! First of all, welcome to the most beautiful state in all of the universe. You are in a good space when it comes to outdoor hobbies. The Pacific Northwest has a way of turning curious newcomers into lifelong campers, hikers, and adventurers. Between the towering evergreens, glacier-capped mountains, wild coastlines, and thousands of lakes, there’s an incredible amount of nature waiting to be explored.
The key to enjoying yourself outdoors is having the right gear and starting with realistic expectations. Whether it’s perfectly sunny, dreadfully rainy, or extremely chilly, you can enjoy the landscapes that Washington has to offer as long as you’re prepared. Weather in this region can change quickly, even in summer, so a little preparation goes a long way in making sure your first trips are comfortable and fun instead of stressful. And yes, you will always want to have a rain fly for your tent in this climate.
I can hear you now: gear isn’t cheap, and you’re right. But that goes for brand-new gear. Outdoor gear can last for years, which means there’s a huge secondhand market full of great equipment that people have only used a handful of times. Buying used gear is one of the smartest ways to get started. It allows you to experiment with different products and brands without spending a fortune, and it helps you figure out what you actually enjoy before investing in higher-end items.
Meetup groups are a great way to explore safely, assuming the trips are well planned and attended. Many outdoor groups in Washington organize beginner-friendly hikes, car camping weekends, and skills workshops. These can be fantastic opportunities to learn from people who already have experience in the outdoors. Just make sure to read reviews of past group events and attendees so you can get a sense of whether the group culture feels welcoming and organized.As far as beginner gear goes, you don’t need a massive collection to start having fun. A few reliable basics will cover most weekend camping trips. Over time you can add specialized gear depending on whether you prefer car camping, backpacking, or longer adventures. I suggest car camping to begin. That way if your gear fails, you have a fail-safe in a dry cabin.
Here are some beginner-friendly essentials to consider:
* Tent (a simple 2 to 3 person tent is great for beginners and gives you extra room for gear)
Tent footprint or tarp to place underneath your tent for extra protection from moisture
* Sleeping bag rated for around 20 to 30°F since Pacific Northwest nights can get chilly even in summer
* Sleeping pad or inflatable camping mattress to add insulation and comfort
* Small camping pillow or a compressible travel pillow
* Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries for nighttime visibility
* Camp stove, preferably a small propane backpacking stove that is easy to use
* Fuel canister for your stove
* Lightweight cooking pot or basic camping cookware set
* Reusable utensils, bowl, and a cute mug
* Cooler for perishable food if you are car camping
* Water bottles or a hydration bladder
* Water filter or purification tablets for trips near lakes or rivers
* Basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and blister care
* Pocket knife or multitool for small repairs and food prep
* Lighter and waterproof matches
* Camp chair for relaxing around the campsite
* Rain jacket and waterproof layers (this is absolutely essential in Washington)
* Warm layers such as fleece or wool clothing
* Extra socks and dry clothing for comfort
* Dry bags or plastic bins to keep gear organized and protected from moisture
* Small daypack for hikes away from camp
One of the biggest tips experienced campers give beginners is to prioritize staying warm and dry. If your sleeping setup is comfortable and your clothing layers are weather-appropriate, most other inconveniences become manageable. The Pacific Northwest is known for damp weather, so waterproof or quick-dry clothing and a dry place to sleep will make all the difference.
If you are camping in Washington for the first time, planning for cool nights and the possibility of rain, even during July and August, will help you avoid surprises. Packing a warm hat, an extra blanket, and dry socks can turn a potentially uncomfortable night into a cozy one.
Now let’s talk about saving money. Outdoor gear can get expensive quickly, but buying secondhand is incredibly common in the outdoor community. Many people upgrade their gear frequently, which means you can find lightly used equipment at a fraction of the retail price.
If you are on a budget and just beginning to collect your camping accoutrements, try the following places for wallet-friendly options:
* Facebook Marketplace: One of the most active places locally for used tents, sleeping bags, camp stoves, coolers, and backpacks. Many people in the Tacoma area sell outdoor gear after just one or two trips.
* OfferUp: Another very popular local marketplace where you can often find deeply discounted camping gear from people cleaning out their garages.
* REI Re/Supply: REI sells returned or gently used gear at a discount. The Seattle flagship store often has a particularly good selection.
* Next Adventure in Portland: Famous for its huge basement dedicated entirely to used outdoor gear. Many Washington campers make occasional trips there.
* Play It Again Sports in Tacoma: While primarily focused on sports equipment, it sometimes carries camping items like coolers, sleeping bags, and backpacks.
* Goodwill, Value Village, and other thrift stores: Great for finding fleece layers, wool clothing, cookware, and camp kitchen items.
* Local outdoor gear swap groups on Facebook: Many Seattle and Tacoma outdoor enthusiasts buy and sell gear within these community groups.
Once you have a few basics, the next step is choosing a location for your first trip. Washington is full of incredible places, but starting somewhere with established campgrounds and good facilities makes the experience smoother for beginners.
Some beginner-friendly locations near Tacoma include:
* Dash Point State Park: Close to Tacoma, forested campsites, beach access, and excellent beginner hiking trails.
* Deception Pass State Park: One of the most beautiful parks in the state with bridges, beaches, forests, and well-maintained campgrounds.
* Cape Disappointment State Park: Coastal camping with dramatic cliffs, lighthouses, and scenic ocean views.
* Cougar Rock Campground in Mount Rainier National Park: A classic Washington camping experience surrounded by towering trees and mountain scenery.
* Kalaloch Campground in Olympic National Park: Campsites overlooking the Pacific Ocean with incredible sunsets and coastal hikes.
* Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park: Crystal-clear water, peaceful forests, and easy hiking trails nearby.
Two of my personal favorites as a solo female camper are Ocean Shores State Park and Salt Creek State Park. Both offer family-friendly sites that feel safe with other campers nearby but are also private enough from other sites to feel alone.
For your first trip, consider a single overnight stay close to home. That way you can test your gear, learn what you forgot, and refine your packing list. Every camper develops their own style over time, and half the fun is learning what works best for you. With a little preparation, some secondhand gear, and a willingness to explore, you’ll quickly discover why so many people fall in love with the outdoors here.
