Close to the PDX area but busy and uninteresting

Just a short drive from the western suburbs this place seems to be popular with families with small kids or those that really don't want to commit to a bigger adventure.  Good amenities but overall uninteresting considering the vast array of options in this part of the state.  I could see this a s quick weekend family trip but I wouldn't go out of my way to go there if I had more time.  Good access to biking and some OK hiking.  Lots of options for horses, RVs, as well as tents.  THere were cabins but I was not able to peak inside.

Note that the walk-in sites are closed until spring '21 for 'tree thinning'.

Amazing scenery on under-appreciate Mt. Adams

I dont know why Mt Adams seems to stay more free of the crowds of other mountains in the area but I'm sure glad it does.  This one is a bumpy ride to the site but you are rewarded with breathtaking views and outstanding hiking.  It was a busy weekend but we were able to get a great site and there were a couple open for the night.  Lake is like a postcard.  Weather can be hot and you'll need to bring water.

Beach and forest...best of both worlds

This place is amazing.  5 minute drive to Rialto Beach….honestly one of my favorite NW beaches…..but camping in a forest so you don't have to deal with all of the pacific beach find and fog.  Sites are fairly well spaced, although some are in sight of neighbors.  Bathrooms and garbage are very well maintained.  This is one of the few Olympic National Park campgrounds taking reservations as of this writing and you'll likely need it.  Just a short (30-45min) drive to Forks for supplies but there are a few random small stores closer or nearby reservation.    We didn't see many RVs  which is a bonus.  Access to the river and a few decent trails made this site really memorable.

Rainforest campings on the Olympic Peninsula

Pretty much what you'd expect in a national park.  Amazing scenery and a very well kept location.  Lots of site options….from sunny to shady, river front, deep forrest, and everything between.  We drove in around 11am on a very busy weekend and got one of the last available spots (and there are over a 100)…..camper turnover seems lower than normal during the pandemic…all of our neighbors were staying longer than I'm used to. Cars were driving around looking for spots as early as 7am with some saying that they had to sleep in their cars on forrest roads the night before as all sites were taken and all nearby options were full.  Sites were very goo sized and bathrooms were relatively clean.  Lots of mask wearing too.  Downside here is the same in most big campgrounds….noise.  RVs running generators and the occasional loud group that were not going to be getting up early.  Good access to all hiking in the Hoh and it's just over an hour and a bit to the ocean beaches.

Cozy Campground on the great Quinault Lake

We drove in on a super busy weekend at the end of August (right before school starts and during this pandemic where everyone just needed to get out) but were able to get lucky and fund 1 site that wasn't reserved for a night.  Sites are on the small side but fairly private.  Some choice sites are right on the late (and further from the road), but those will undoubtably be reserved so plan ahead.  This campground has a great (free) day-use area with a really nice beach for swimming/splashing and it doesn't get too busy.  I wouldn't probably stay here more than a day or two but it's a great stop-over as you head north towards the Olympic National Park or ocean beaches.

Small campground on an amazing lake

This is a really nice little campground on the really nice Quinalt Lake.  Sites are not large, and are fairly close to the road (although it isn't really that busy)….but those minuses are offset by the location.  The lake is just fabulous and offers great swimming and paddling.  We were there at the end of March and all reservable sites were gone…there are a limited number of walk-in sites but those fill quickly.    There are a small handful of other campgrounds within a short drive and I'd rate this the best.