The Pacific Northwest is certainly one of the best places for camping in America–and many of the Campgrounds in the Pacific Northwest are quite simply amazing. On today’s episode of The RV Atlas podcast and here on the blog–we are excited to welcome Brooks Smothers from RV Out West. Brooks is an expert on camping in the PNW and he is going to share three of his favorite campgrounds from his beloved home region.
from the RV Out West website…
“Brooks Smothers grew up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. He has camped in the American West, from backpacking, to car camping, to van life in a ‘78 VW Camper, to a tent trailer with a young family and now to a travel trailer — he has experienced it all. RV Out West is a podcast all about RVing around the Pacific Northwest with some sprinkled in adventures that radiate out from there. On his show Brooks discusses sweet Northwest camping spots, gear and equipment, and tips & tricks — all to make your camping experiences as enjoyable as possible.”
To listen to Jeremy interview Brooks about these three amazing campgrounds in the Pacific Northwest please click on the media player above or subscribe to the RV Atlas wherever you get your favorite shows. Or simply read on right here to learn more!
Thank you to Brooks for providing the pictures for this post–and for coming on our show!
Deception Pass State Park (WA)
Deception Pass State Park (Oak Harbor, Washington) RV and Tent Sites
Deception State Park is located on Fidalgo and Whidbey Islands about 80 miles north of Seattle. Its proximity to that great city helps make it Washington’s most visited state park–and so do its cliffs, beaches, tide pools and sunsets. This park, which recently turned 100 years old, is packed with coastal hiking trails and there are numerous places to launch a boat or kayak along its shores. There are three camping locations within Deception Pass. Cherry Lake is the largest and most popular. There are about 230 sites there and about one third of them have hookups. Quarry Pond is a medium sized campground and Bowman Bay is very small and intimate. There are some really awesome concessions here that are worth checking out. Blue Otter Kayaks is located at Cranberry Lake and does a nice job with a variety of rentals and Campstuff Coffee operates out of a vintage camp trailer right by the camp loop entrance to Cranberry Lake. Fidalgo and Whidbey Island islands are connected by the iconic and immensely photographable Deception Pass bridge–so bring your camera when you go. When it comes to campgrounds in the Pacific Northwest this is one of the absolute best.
from Where Should We Camp Next? Budget Camping
Cape Disappointment State Park (WA)
Cape Disappointment State Park (IIwaco, Washington) RV and Tent Sites, Cabins, Yurts, Vacation Houses
For another epic coastal camping option look no further than Cape Disappointment State Park on the Long Beach Peninsula. Here you will find secluded sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs near the edge of the sea, and lighthouses that are as pretty as a picture. Bring your hiking boots and a rain jacket because there are many trails to explore that wander through old growth forest or lead to views of the park’s lighthouses. There are over 200 sites here and fifty of them have full hook-ups. The best sites here are closest to the windswept beach. These sites do have some shade and protection from the rugged stretch of sand and sea just beyond the trees–but plan on windy conditions and don’t leave the RV awning out when unattended. You may want to leave your tent or RV at home anyway and rent one of Cape Dissapointment’s 14 family-friendly yurts. They are cozy, comfortable, and heated–and just steps away from the beach. When it comes to campgrounds in the Pacific Northwest this one will definitely not disappoint!
from Where Should We Camp Next? Budget Camping
Newhalem Bay State Park (OR)
Newhalem Bay State Park (Newhalem, Oregon) RV and Tent Sites, Yurts
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the bay, this stunning state park is located on a sand spit. The campground itself is filled with fragrant shore pines and the ocean is located just a few steps away right over the sand dune. There is great biking here and the park offers plenty of oppurtunities for wildlife viewing and strolling along the sand. This is a large campground with 265 sites with electric and water and it can be challenging to book during summer weekends. Reservations are accepted up to 6 months in advance so make sure to book early! When it comes to campgrounds in the Pacific Northwest this one should definitely be on your bucket list.
adapted from show notes by Brooks Smothers
