Living somewhere as beautiful as the Pacific Northwest certainly has its pros and cons. There are endless natural landscapes to "ooh" and "aah" at — but that also means there's a lot more competition for camping site reservations.

In fact, plenty of camping grounds across the state book up months in advance. Here's everything you need to know to nab the perfect spot to pitch your tent.

National park reservations

Because our national parks are so popular with tourists, these campsite reservations often fill up quickly. Don't get discouraged, though — there are a few options for those who get a last minute whim

Mt. Rainier National Park

Cougar Rock and Ohanapecosh campgrounds are available for summer reservations beginning in December. While the campsites that were available for booking months in advance have filled up, others will be released for reservations on a rolling basis a week in advance.

Olympic National Park

Fairholme, Kalaloch, Mora, Hoh Rain Forest, and Staircase campsites are available to book six months, two weeks, and four days in advance. Sol Duc Hot Springs and Log Cabin resorts have separate reservation systems.

State park reservations

Reservations on state park campgrounds vary widely by availability and amenities. Some of our favorite options include:

Deception Pass | Washington's most visited state park offers tent camping sites, RV hook-ups, and moorage.
Lake Wenatchee | Unlike the national parks, Lake Wenatchee is open for camping during the winter for folks who like to snowshoe or enjoy a wintry fire by the lake.
Cape Disappointment | In addition to traditional camping options, this park also has roofed options like yurts, cabins, and vacation houses available for reservation.