Naselle, Washington camping options extend beyond state parks to include dispersed sites in surrounding forests and private RV resorts. Located at the boundary between coastal and inland ecosystems, this area's elevation ranges from sea level to approximately 2,000 feet in the nearby hills. The region receives substantial rainfall, creating lush vegetation and numerous small lakes and streams that attract fishing enthusiasts throughout spring and summer.
What to do
Fishing at stocked lakes: Snag Lake Campground provides access to trout fishing in a serene setting. "We saw many fishermen catch a lot of fish in a short time," notes one visitor to Snag Lake Campground. The small lake setting creates opportunities for both bank fishing and small watercraft.
Beach exploration: The Long Beach Peninsula offers miles of accessible coastline. "Walk to the beach to find treasures and sit to relax and just watch the waves. Very peaceful, and my teens loved it!" writes a camper at Cape Disappointment State Park Campground. Beachcombing is popular year-round with items ranging from shells to driftwood.
Historic sites: Military installations and lighthouses provide educational stops. "There is sooo much to do in this area! It's rich with history and we could have easily spent another week touring around," reports a visitor. Cape Disappointment features two lighthouses accessible via hiking trails, plus former military bunkers that can be explored.
What campers like
Ship watching: Camping along the Columbia River provides views of commercial vessels. At Skamokawa Vista Park, visitors appreciate the river activity. "Great views of the Columbia and the Oregon coast. Awesome beach access," mentions a reviewer. Cargo ships and cruise vessels regularly transit the shipping channel, visible from riverfront campsites.
Secluded forest sites: For campers seeking isolation, dispersed camping on forest roads provides alternatives to established campgrounds. "Amazing views and complete silence! Tons of rabbits and wildflowers," reports a camper at Road to Snag Lake - Dispersed. These sites typically require vehicles with higher clearance but reward with privacy.
Wildlife viewing: The varied ecosystems support diverse animal populations. "We have seen deer every time we have camped here," notes a reviewer about Skamokawa Vista Park. Early mornings and evenings offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities, with raccoons, rabbits and various bird species frequently spotted near water features.
What you should know
Cell reception variability: Connectivity differs dramatically between coastal and inland sites. "I got zero reception in the campground. I use Verizon," reports a Cape Disappointment visitor. Conversely, at dispersed sites near communication towers, campers report excellent service: "Nice and Private... This site has a camera for security."
Access challenges: Roads to forest campgrounds require careful navigation. At The Lamp Camp, campers appreciate the easier access: "We have visited the Lamp camp twice and have been very happy with this camping spot both times. The owners and camp hosts are incredibly friendly." Many forest service roads experience seasonal washouts and rough conditions.
Reservation requirements: Popular coastal campgrounds fill months in advance during summer. "We were fortunate to get a yurt (number 7) for one night in July as a walk in. The ranger was shocked as they are usually sold out months in advance," shares a visitor to Fort Stevens State Park. Off-season camping offers greater availability and lower rates at many locations.
Tips for camping with families
Beach-adjacent options: Camps with easy beach access reduce transportation needs. "Easy walk to the beach and great ocean views," notes a Cape Disappointment visitor. Families benefit from sites under a quarter-mile from shorelines to minimize carrying supplies and managing tired children after beach activities.
Playground amenities: Several campgrounds include play structures. "A very busy campground with lots of things to keep you occupied and make the weekend go by way too quick," reports a family staying at Astoria-Warrenton-Seaside KOA. The KOA features an indoor pool and organized activities during summer months.
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes affect specific areas seasonally. "This campground is huge, probably some 400+ spaces; well cared for & clean, with an abundance of hiking trails & historical sites to explore. Unfortunately in May, the mosquitos were out in full force in the campground," advises a camper. Forested and lakeside sites typically experience higher insect activity than coastal locations with steady winds.
Tips from RVers
Site orientation challenges: Several campgrounds feature awkwardly positioned hookups. At Thousand Trails Long Beach, a camper advises: "The odd numbered spots all have the sewer on the wrong side requiring a very long sewer hose extension that the hardware store nearby does have." Calling ahead for site specifics helps avoid setup complications.
Off-season advantages: Shoulder season camping provides better availability and reduced fees. "We stayed in October and it was nice and quiet at night," reports an RV camper. Many campgrounds offer winter rates from October through April, with reductions of $5-10 per night while maintaining basic services.
Road condition considerations: Gravel access roads create challenges for larger rigs. "The road getting here is a bit rough with lots of washboard, steep grades and rocks," notes a visitor to dispersed sites. RVers with larger vehicles should research road conditions before committing to forest service campgrounds.
