Cabins near Montesano offer convenient access to Olympic Peninsula adventures year-round. The area sits at the edge of the Olympic rainforest region, receiving approximately 70 inches of annual rainfall that sustains lush forests. Winter cabin camping remains popular with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing, though waterproof gear is essential from October through April.
What to do
River fishing: Schafer State Park Campground provides direct access to the Satsop River. "The campground is located along side the Satsop river. The campsites are nice and the fishing is even better," notes Rich M. This park is located about 10 miles north of Highway 12 near Elma.
Beach exploration: Twin Harbors State Park features expansive beach access. "The beach is very long and uncrowded, although they allow driving on it," explains John G. Campers can collect shells, fly kites, or simply walk the shoreline, particularly at low tide.
Lake recreation: Millersylvania State Park offers swimming and non-motorized boating on Deep Lake. "The lake is really good for splashing and wading, but a little too shallow for swimming and floating. There are some great rock beaches that you can set up chairs and hang for the day," reports Michael L.
Clamming expeditions: Several coastal campgrounds provide access to razor clam beaches. "Going to sleep with the sound of the ocean at night was priceless," says Geanna R. about her camping experience at Twin Harbors State Park. Clamming seasons are regulated, so check current regulations before planning your trip.
What campers like
Private sites: Grayland Beach State Park offers secluded camping spots. "Large, paved, level, private campsites. Walk through the dunes to the beach to put your feet in the ocean," explains Laurie W. The campground features sites with good separation and natural barriers.
Easy beach access: Pacific Beach State Park provides direct oceanfront camping. "This campground is small, but so close to the water. The sand is wonderful & the views are magnificent," reports Laurie W. Many coastal sites are within minutes of beach access.
Clean facilities: Millersylvania State Park maintains well-kept bathrooms and shower facilities. "The bathrooms and shower rooms were neat and tidy. Camp host was friendly and helpful," says Don M. Most state parks in the area provide token-operated hot showers.
Community kitchens: LOGE Westport offers shared cooking spaces for campers. "The community kitchen was great for cooking my crabs after catching them, it's fully stocked with dishes, pots and pans. They have communal traegar grills as well and stock the pellets for them," explains Jessica G.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Summer weekends book quickly at all coastal parks. "Reserve several months in advance to get a good spot," advises Rena L. about Pacific Beach State Park. Winter and weekday reservations are generally easier to secure.
Site differences: RV sites often differ substantially from tent areas. "The tent sites are hit or miss on size. Some are way too small for a tent and some are huge and can easily fit 3 tents," notes Deanna M. about Schafer State Park.
Weather considerations: Coastal areas experience frequent rain and fog, particularly in spring and fall. "Clouds and spotty showers left us wet but excited for the day," reports Joseph M. about Grayland Beach. Waterproof gear is essential year-round.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. "No phone service, but you're camping so it isn't needed," mentions Deanna M. about Schafer State Park. Millersylvania has better coverage than coastal locations.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly beaches: Bayshore RV Park offers shallow water access ideal for children. "Great for kids because the inlet water is fairly shallow. The camp host/owner was really nice and gave us a portable fire pit to use beachside," reports Adam W.
Group camping options: Schafer State Park provides dedicated group facilities. "We went to Schafer with four other families and had a great time. We had five sites all in one area near the entrance to the group camp site. The sites offered a good balance of privacy and open space," explains Michael L.
Playground access: American Heritage Campground includes recreational facilities for children. "They have ice and wood available for purchase as well as a small general store. At the main lodge, there is also laundry available. One great aspect of this campground is it has a fenced in pool," notes Mary C.
Trail systems: Several parks feature short hiking options suitable for families. "There is a figure eight hiking loop that offers some really great variation in terrain and vegetation without being too long. There was a really cool section along the back side that was like walking through a forest tunnel," describes Michael L. about Schafer State Park.
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement: Some campgrounds have utilities located far from standard parking areas. "We had to run to town because the water and power hookups are ridiculously far away from where they sit on anyone's trailer or RV," warns C M. about Twin Harbors State Park.
Privacy variations: Pacific Beach State Park offers oceanfront sites with limited separation. "Campsites here are not private, but very close together with no bushes or trees. Wouldn't have dreamed of camping here with little kids and a tent, but since getting an RV, this is our favorite spot," explains Colleen T.
Dump station access: Most state parks provide dump stations, but not all have sewer hookups. "Nice to have full hookups but we opted for a tent spot with our camper," notes John G. about Twin Harbors State Park. Verify sewer availability when booking if this feature is important.
Winter camping options: Millersylvania State Park remains open year-round with limited site availability. "The park is on their winter schedule so only sites 1-7 and 226-248 were open. It made for a nice, quiet weekend even though the open sites were 80% full," reports Christina F.
