It’s time for sitting beside the campfire, roasting marshmallows, staring up at a star-filled sky, and enjoying the peace and tranquility of the great outdoors. If your idea of a good time includes tents or RVs, you’re going to love it here! Washington’s Long Beach Peninsula offers some of the best camping in Washington State. It doesn’t matter if you prefer yurts, tents, or RVs; there is something for everyone. Here are some tips for camping in Pacific County and on the Long Beach peninsula (LBP).
RV Camping
Load up the family and head out to enjoy a Pacific Coast RV adventure! With more than 1000 spaces locally and a wide variety of RV parks, the Long Beach Peninsula is a popular Washington coast destination for RVers from around the country. It’s a good idea to make reservations as far in advance as possible, especially during the peak season, which stretches from Spring Break through October.
Tent Camping
Some people prefer to rough it to get that authentic camping experience. For die-hard tent campers, there are plenty of options. Many of the RV parks allow tents, or some places on the LBP are for tent camping only. For a real off-grid experience you can kayak or canoe over to Long Island in the Willapa Bay National Wildlife Refuge where there are three secluded tent-only campgrounds. Washington State Park Cape Disappointment has about 250 campsites that include amenities like utilities, restrooms, hot showers, dump station, boat launch, and ADA accommodations. Many of the campsites are situated only a small distance from the ocean beach. The tent sites surrounding Lake O’Neil are just a short walk to Waikiki Beach.
Yurts
Yurts are a good compromise between RVs and a tent. They are domed heavy-duty tents made of durable canvas with spacious interiors, and often include screened windows, skylights, hardwood floors and sometimes even locking doors. Most yurts sleep up to six people. Cape Disappointment is a favorite camping spot on the Long Beach Peninsula for renting a yurt.
Vintage Trailer Park
If you like RVs but don’t have one of your own, you can stay at the Sou’Wester Lodge Vintage Trailer Park in Seaview, Washington. Along with its cute vintage trailers, they offer fun workshops and live music in the lodge.
What to Bring
Weather changes quickly on the Pacific Coast, so it’s best to be prepared. Wear plenty of layers, and don’t forget a heavy sweater or coat, extra socks, boots, insect repellent, sunblock, tent, sunglasses, fishing gear, hat, flashlight, and a first-aid kit. Also, if you’re planning on parking and camping in a Washington State Park, you’ll need a Discovery Pass, available online, at the Ranger’s Station, or at some local stores.