WEST COAST CAMPGROUNDS TO VISIT
Photo by Billy Huynh via Unsplash
Ready for your next camping adventure? If you’re on the West Coast, you’re in luck—there’s no shortage of incredible campgrounds to explore. Here are a few standout destinations to consider for your upcoming trip.
Sonoma Coast State Park, California
You can’t talk about West Coast camping without mentioning California. Sonoma Coast State Park, about two hours north of San Francisco, offers a cool coastal climate and incredible ocean views. Once it warms up, it’s a perfect place to enjoy the seaside air and spend a few nights under the stars.
“Long sandy beaches below rugged headlands, a craggy coastline with natural arches and secluded coves are features that make Sonoma Coast State Park one of California’s most scenic attractions,” according to the California State Parks website, where you can also make reservations. Campsites at Wright’s Beach and Bodega Dunes range from $35 to $45 per night, depending on whether you choose a premium site. There’s also an additional fee for your vehicle.
Salt Creek Recreation Area, Port Angeles, Washington
Washington State has an abundance of beautiful camping options—beachfront, forested, or lakeside. Salt Creek Recreation Area in Port Angeles is an excellent choice for families, with affordable sites ranging from $22 to $32 per night. You can reserve your spot here.
Barview Jetty County Campground, Oregon
Photo courtesy of TillamookCoast.com
The stunning Oregon coastline is a sight for sore eyes, and Barview Jetty County Campground is one of its gems. It’s a great spot to pitch your Elk Mountain canvas tent for a night or two and take in the ocean air. The area offers plenty of outdoor fun, from fishing and scuba diving to surfing.
“Noted explorer Robert Gray, who first set foot on the shores of Tillamook Bay in August 1788, would be quite impressed and glad, too, that a jetty was built to protect the shoreline of the Tillamook spit,” writes TillamookCoast.com. “It’s a great day for fishing off the jetty; extending 5,213 feet into the ocean, it makes you feel as if you were walking on the water.”
Reservations can be made up to nine months in advance on the Tillamook County website. As a bonus, the campground offers optional paid Wi-Fi—so you can stay connected if needed.
Lake Havasu State Park, Arizona
Set on the scenic Colorado River, Lake Havasu State Park is open year-round and offers both comfort and beauty. “The scenic shoreline of Lake Havasu State Park is an ideal place to enjoy beautiful beaches, nature trails, boat ramps, and convenient campsites,” says the official Arizona State Parks webpage. “This spot is truly a watersport haven located near the famous London Bridge of Lake Havasu City.”
Tent sites cost $35 per night for standard camping and $40 for beachfront access. Both options include restroom and shower facilities as well as full use of park amenities.
