Camping sites near Pacific Beach, Washington occupy the coastal edge of the Olympic Peninsula where few trees provide natural windbreaks at oceanfront locations. Average rainfall exceeds 70 inches annually, creating wet camping conditions from October through April. Cell service remains unreliable throughout the area, with the strongest signals found in the town of Pacific Beach rather than at beachfront campgrounds.
What to do
Razor clamming: seasonal harvests: During designated seasons, Pacific Beach offers prime razor clamming opportunities. At Pacific Beach State Park Campground, campers report excellent clam hunting. "We have stayed here a couple of times for getting fresh air (smoke escape) and for great Razor Clam hunting... Oh and possible Green Flash with colorful sunsets," notes one visitor.
Beach kite flying: windy conditions ideal: The constant coastal winds create perfect conditions for kite enthusiasts. At Thousand Trails Oceana, campers enjoy the windy atmosphere. "Most campers leave dogs off leash to go play, as during peak season driving on the beach there is prohibited. When the weather is nice and wind is blowing, the campground comes alive with kites, windsocks and other wind related decorations being flown from most campsites."
Olympic National Park day trips: 45-minute drive: Many campers use Pacific Beach as a base for exploring the Quinault Rainforest section of Olympic National Park. From Ocean Breeze RV Resort, "Only 45 minutes to Quinault Rainforest" makes this a convenient option for those seeking to combine coastal camping with rainforest exploration.
What campers like
Ocean proximity: Camping directly next to the Pacific draws many visitors to the area. At Kalaloch Campground, families appreciate the easy beach access. "Loved this place, right on the beach. My children thought they had been brought to a new land. By far one of the best campgrounds we have ever been to," shares one reviewer.
Winter storm watching: Unlike many coastal destinations, some Pacific Beach campgrounds remain open year-round, allowing for dramatic storm viewing. "I prefer winter camping here because its less crowded, and the storms coming in from the Pacific are nothing less than awe inspiring," notes a Kalaloch camper.
Dog-friendly beaches: Most beaches in the area permit off-leash dogs, creating a popular destination for pet owners. "Our dogs love to run up and down the beaches!" shares a Pacific Beach State Park visitor. Another notes, "Most campers leave dogs off leash on the beach. Tons of kites flying through the summer days, it's beautiful."
What you should know
Site selection strategies: Oceanfront campgrounds offer different site configurations affecting your experience. At Pacific Beach Resort and Conference Center, military campers note the quality of RV spaces: "Very well kept RV park with cafe and coffee shop, large and spacious sites, laundry, electric/water, and dump station. Close to beach you can drive on."
Advance planning required: Popular campgrounds book months ahead, especially for prime sites. "Reserve several months in advance to get a good spot. Beach is essentially a private beach," advises one camper about Pacific Beach State Park.
Weather preparation: Coastal camping requires preparation for persistent wind and rain regardless of season. "Be prepared for cold and fog. Bonus if you get some sunny days," warns one Kalaloch camper. Even summer months can bring fog and cooler temperatures compared to inland areas.
Tips for camping with families
Beach accessibility assessment: When camping with children, check how easily they can reach the beach from your campsite. At Copalis Beach RV Resort, one visitor notes, "Easy access to the beach (trail is at the edge of the property)," while another mentions "This place is truly amazing - its best feature is proximity to the beach. A 5 minute walk to a relatively private beach."
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds offer specific facilities for families. Ocean Breeze RV Resort provides "several playgrounds, a large pool, and other facilities that were all open," making it suitable for children of various ages.
Sand management: Beach camping means dealing with sand everywhere. Look for campgrounds with outdoor shower facilities. "Campground had some of the most private sites I've ever seen... We found tons of wild blackberry bushes near our site," notes one family visiting Ocean Breeze RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Many oceanfront campgrounds offer limited hookups. At Screamin' Eagle Campground, RVers report "Level gravel parking sites" but note potential electrical issues: "Our only issue was with the electricity grid. Our circuit breaker kept tripping during peak times and interrupted our ability to run the coffee pot."
Site spacing considerations: RV parks vary widely in how closely they place units. "The middle section is so narrow it would be difficult to put out slides, the lower section will fit larger rigs but are very close each had a table and some grass," reports one RVer at Thousand Trails Oceana.
Dump station access: Several campgrounds lack sewer hookups at individual sites. "No sewer hookups! In a 300+ site campground I was shocked to learn they had no option for sewer. They have 6 dump stations in 2 locations instead," notes a visitor to Ocean Breeze RV Resort.
