[.ca] Camping! Washington: The Complete Guide to Public ... (ISBN 1570613834)

Very handy:
_Camping! Washington_ is a great book for anyone looking to find the perfect spot for a camping getaway. Whether tenting or RV'ing, this is a truly useful book! It's easy to see from the writing that the author truly loves camping and being outside, and that he really has spent a lifetime camping in the Evergreen State. His enthusiasm for great campsites comes shining through, and the entries for each campground are very easily read. There are several useful maps which show campgrounds' locations, and the rating system is very straightforward - 1 tree (barely worth mentioning) through 5 trees (absolutely don't miss this.) Those campgrounds rating 1 tree generally only get mentioned in the backs of the chapters, with very little space devoted to them - the author wants to give us the best camping possible, so he doesn't waste a lot of time telling us what's awful, noting that he only puts them in so that people who hear of these grounds, or who see them on a map know what they may be in for. The books gives a total number of sites within the grounds, and breaks them down by service: "32 full hook-ups, 35 water/electrical hook-ups, RV's to 65 feet." He also gives contact info for each site, whether or not they accept reservations, and what the open/close dates are (if any.) Very handy! His descriptions of the overall feel of the campgrounds and the surrounding areas are vivid and enjoyable in and of themselves - he's really reawakened the Camping Bug in me. The book goes over the whys and wherefores of making reservations ahead of time, common pitfalls and downsides to certain areas, and what to expect in terms of general costs (though they don't list individual grounds' prices, as they frequently change.) They also do not mention privately-owned grounds, and go into why they don't. They give a few handy tips about each park that'll make everything easier, too. Keep in mind that this is not a *how* to camp in Washington book (going over bear precautions, et cetera,) but a *where* to camp book - and it does its job really, really well. Highly recommended to anyone planning to camp in our beautiful state.

Excellent for RVs, not so great for tenters:
Believe the other reviews on this book that it is great at descriptions and info on facilities but it's not so great for tenters. This book is a RV handbook. The locations listed with high marks (five trees) are great on the view or activities but they are usually best for RVs with no concern for privacy or good space to plop your tent. Even worse, most of the highly rated locations are over-run with the generator running beasts. You will find that most low rated locations are low on the tree scale because they don't allow RVs or have tent sites only. Also, the book has become a bit outdated. Some phone numbers and reservation info has changed over the last couple of years since it was published.

Everyone should read Ron Judd!:
Run Judd has a witty, fun writing style. His unique way of putting things can be both hilarious and informative. Make no mistake, Mr. Judd knows his subject. He is well informed on all the outdoor opportunities in the Northwest. He also has a Best Places Guide to Washington and a hiking book that I have enjoyed. I have found his information to always be quite accurate. His directions on how to get to places are much easier to follow than other authors on the outdoors.

Best on the market:
As a lifelong NW camper, I have all of the (several) NW camping guides on the market. This one is the best, for tents and RVs (I'm in both from time to time). Well written, with lots of good insights, photos, and a great rating system. Looking forward to the next edition.

Best Guide:
This guide, by far, is the best guide to Washington campgrounds. It is well-written, filled with good humor, and painstakingly researched. You get the feeling the author has spent at least one night in every campground listed in this book. It is obvious the author has spent much of his time in the great outdoors and camped throughout the state, and of all the camping guides, this one is written by a local author and longtime Washington resident. He knows what he's writing about, and it shows in the accuracy of his reporting. If you spend money on one Washington camping guide, this is the one.