The coastal areas near Aberdeen, Washington offer RV camping throughout the year with distinct seasonal patterns. From mid-fall through winter, most campgrounds operate at reduced capacity, providing more spacious accommodations for visitors willing to brave coastal weather. November through February temperatures average 35-45°F with frequent rain, creating muddy conditions at many sites that lack paved or gravel foundations.
What to do
Beach activities: 6-mile drive access at Ocean City State Park near Thousand Trails Oceana. "Park is great for kids, Short walk to the beach, and facilities are well kempt. Only downside is the VERY NARROW spots," notes Darren N.
Razor clam digging: seasonal permits required near American Sunset RV & Tent Resort. "We stayed 2 nights during a mid-November clam dig. There is a string of long-term campers and a string of short-term spots. The covered fish cleaning station was very nice to clean clams," reports Seth J.
River kayaking: Copalis River access at The Driftwood RV Resort. "There isn't beach access, but there is access to Copalis River which apparently you can boat/float to the beach. The sunset from the river access was stunning," says Courtney M.
Wildlife viewing: river otter and bird sightings common from riverside camping spots. "The area fronting the river is very well landscaped and offers fire rings, benches, grills, and a nature path to walk your dog," notes a Hoquiam River RV Park visitor.
What campers like
Hiking trails: accessible year-round with varying conditions. "The little walking trails along the river were gorgeous. Again, for a tiny town, this site was a treat," shares Chelsea B. at Hoquiam River RV Park.
Blackberry picking: late summer harvest opportunities throughout the region. "If you love blackberries, this is the place for you. The Forest was loaded with delicious plump berries," reports Timothy at Hoquiam River RV Park.
Private waterfront sites: limited availability but highly sought after. "The waterfront sites remain our top pick, with the breathtaking sunset views and natural wildlife that surrounded us," writes Melany L. about Bayshore RV Park & Guest Suites.
Off-season camping: significantly reduced crowds from November through February. "It was really empty, so there were no close neighbors. I could see how it would be overly snug during a busy session with how close the sites are," notes Seth J. about American Sunset RV Resort.
What you should know
Cell reception challenges: provider-dependent with significant gaps. "Wifi was good. NO Cell reception for T-Mobile or Verizon," reports Slim L. at Pacific Dunes Resort.
Beach access varies significantly: not all coastal campgrounds offer direct beach access. "There isn't beach access, but there is access to Copalis River which apparently you can boat/float to the beach," explains Courtney M.
Bathroom maintenance inconsistencies: especially during off-peak seasons. "While there bathrooms were not cleaned a single time. We stayed 4 nights. I noticed wet toilet paper near one of the toilets on the ground. It remained there our entire trip," reports Angela W.
Tight spacing between sites: common complaint at most RV parks in the region. "The sites are super close together and my neighbor appeared to be a long-term resident," notes one visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Forest exploration: ancient tree stumps provide educational opportunities. "Check out the over 800 year old Sequioa stumps. And the stump carvings in the meadow are so cool!" recommends Cheryl C. at Ocean Breeze RV Resort.
Site selection for privacy: seek forested spots for better separation. "This campground had some of the most private sites I've ever seen. Rarely can you go to an RV park and not see your neighbors. There are sites in open areas, some cut into the forest, and some completely covered by trees," advises Zach H.
Playground considerations: equipment quality varies widely. "The playground is falling apart and they either need to secure the current one or get a new one," cautions Angela W. about Bayshore RV Park.
Weather preparation: bring appropriate rain gear year-round. "Weather in this part of WA is notoriously bad. We were there for a week in mid August and the temps barley broke 70 with 2 days of straight rain," shares Zach H.
Tips from RVers
Dump station availability: plan ahead for sewer services. "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," warns Zach H. at Ocean Breeze RV Resort.
Site size considerations: verify actual measurements before booking. "Trailer sites will say 'fits up to 40ft trailer.. etc' but that is including your truck so be careful," cautions Julie R. about American Sunset RV Resort.
RV maneuvering challenges: some parks have difficult access points. "Difficult for guests to back in due to sharp corners and tight smaller spaces. Space just for 26' travel trailer no room for tow vehicle. Used extra parking by dumpster," explains Slim L.
Seasonal flooding awareness: some coastal campgrounds experience winter flooding. "Apparently this campground floods as it is below sea level we went at the time of year that was completely dry stayed 21 days and really had a blast," reports Bambi K.
