We were traveling through Washington on a busy holiday weekend - without campground reservations. There were virtually no boondocking opportunities on this part of our route - plenty of forest, but also lots of gates and “no trespassing” signs. We had just driven through the little town of South Bend, when a “camping allowed” sign caught our eyes - on the parking lot for the town’s boat dock. At only $5 for the night and no assurance that there would be a “proper” camp site down the road, we decided to take the town up on its offer and stay in the parking lot for the night.

The pros: the parking lot is only a short walk from town. Should you need it, town has a friendly bar/restaurant that has more-than-friendly food and drink prices, including a good selection of seafood at reasonable prices. The bar has a small stage, and we were told that the bar often has live music in non-pandemic times. And - it is possible to enjoy the drinks and entertainment without having to drive back to your campsite!

Town also has public washrooms and toilets that are apparently available around the clock.

There are no designated “camp sites,” and it’s possible to set up in part of the parking lot that has a view of the water. Tent campers can set up on a nicely maintained waterside lawn, near picnic tables.

There are two port-a-potties on site.

The cons: the parking lot is next to a moderately busy 2-lane highway. The port-a-potties were in poor repair when we were there.

In short, we really appreciated that this “campground” was there when we needed it, but we wouldn’t plan around it or seek it out. But - thanks to this campground - we might just plan a stop in South Bend as part of our next trip through this area.