Whether you’re into exploring tidepools, climbing rugged mountain peaks, strolling on the beach or chasing waterfalls, camping on the West Coast is hard to beat. The Pacific Ocean literally shapes this part of the country, but it also plays a huge role as to why there are so many great campgrounds here.

Bay Point Landing in Oregon is No. 1 this year on the Best Places to Camp in the Pacific Region list, its third consecutive appearance in the Top 10. While four of the top 6 campgrounds are right on the ocean, Elkamp Eastcreek, in inland Washington, snags the No. 3 spot. Lyre River Campground, on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, is No. 4 and located right on the Salish Sea, which separates the U.S. and Canada.

Check out these and the rest of this year’s Best Places to Camp Regional Award winners in the Pacific Region, which are based on reviews and ratings from The Dyrt’s vast community of campers.

1. Bay Point Landing — Oregon

Location: Coos Bay

What makes it great: Situated on a quiet, calm bay along the Oregon Coast, with views on all sides, this campground has a menu of luxuries way beyond the usual camping experience: hot tub, heated pool, wine tastings, yoga, hiking tours. There’s a playground and game room, Wi-Fi and cable. Campsites have full hookups and a modern bathhouse, laundry, and a camp store. Or you can opt to stay in one of the sleek, high-design camping cabins or an Airstream. The surrounding area has several hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities and world-class fishing. The location is close to the fun seaside town of Bandon to the south and the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area to the north.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“We have been camping in a pickup truck camper during a cross-country trip but we opted to splurge and booked 2 nights in an Airstream at Bay Point. It was SO worth it! The Airstreams are very new and IMPECCABLY clean.” — Peter F

“Talk about GLAMPING! They will bring wine, wood, games, did I say wine, and more directly to your site!!! They have an indoor pool, a kiddie room, a gym, a place to hold parties indoors, wifi, showers, place to do laundry, and cute fireplaces.” — Manda M

“You can tell the developers put money into the property and thought through about the experience – whether you are just camping and having fun or whether you have to work from the road.” — Vivi W

Campground details
Price: $50-279
Number of sites: 178
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

Book it on The Dyrt

 

2. Hidden Valley Campground — Joshua Tree National Park — California

Location: Twentynine Palms

What makes it great: Joshua Tree is a famously spectacular place, with a crazy variety of ecosystems, big boulders, amazing light and, of course, the namesake trees. This first-come, first-served campground in Joshua Tree National Park is a favorite place to stay while visiting. It’s right in the midst of several climbing spots, so rock climbers seek it out. It’s also an excellent area for landscape and night-sky photography, stargazing, hiking and wildlife watching. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings, and the campground has multiple restrooms and trash cans (no drinking water or electrical hookups).

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“This spot was awesome, lots of wildlife to see (lizards, jackrabbits, etc). There’s plenty of spots that offer great shade, because of the rocks. The rocks are great to boulder, scramble, or climb on. Bring your climbing gear if you’re interested!” — Ben R

“I was lucky enough to grab a spot up against the rocks and it was spectacular. Be sure to climb up on the rocks at night for some awesome stargazing. (Don’t forget your headlamp.)” — Connor W

Campground details
Price: $15
Number of sites: 44
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

Read more

 

3. Elkamp Eastcreek — Washington

 

Location: Mineral

What makes it great: Short for “elevated camping,” the name of this place hints at its combination of proximity to wilderness and well-thought-out amenities. The small campground is about a 25-minute drive from the Nisqually Gate of Mount Rainier National Park, making it a good base for exploring. Nearby activities include the countless hiking trails around Mount Rainier, as well as cycling routes, skiing and snowshoeing in winter, landscape photography, fishing and climbing. Campers have a choice of campsites, cabins and vintage Airstream trailers, all situated among tall trees for privacy. More than half of the sites have water and power hookups. There’s a heated bathhouse with a coin operated hot shower, and a meadow furnished with comfy chairs for hanging out and stargazing.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“It is one of the most beautiful campgrounds I’ve experienced over many years! The sites are comfortably private and well thought out for tent, table, and fire ring placements. The bathrooms are actually very nice (dare I say upscale!) and clean. Same with the lovely shower for rent. There are stunning old growth tree stumps and an unbelievable ancient maple tree covered in thick moss that will make your jaw drop! A charming and inviting meadow complete with strategically placed Adirondack chairs for relaxation, chatting, or meditation.” — Gaye B

“This is a family business and Tom & Brian are absolutely wonderful. We come several times a season. We have stayed in most of the tent spots in our sprinter. You can’t go wrong with any site. The meadow is a perfect spot to walk your dog (or kid), have an evening cocktail, or star gaze. The bathrooms are always clean and the gift shop is beautiful with many locally crafted items.” — Colima G

Campground details
Price: $42-68
Number of sites: 23
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

Read more

 

4. Lyre River Campground — Washington

Location: Joyce

What makes it great: Popular with salmon fishers, this tiny campground provides quiet, riverside sites for a handful of tents and small RVs. It’s just south of where the Lyre River empties into the Strait of Juan de Fuca, along the ruggedly scenic northern coastline of the Olympic Peninsula, and makes a good base for exploring the misty woods of the peninsula. It’s also convenient to the ferries of Port Angeles, and not too far from Lake Crescent, where there are many hiking trails and waterfalls. The campground itself has picnic tables and fire rings, vault toilets and drinking water.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“The grounds were quiet and clean. The river is gorgeous and provided us with the perfect background noise for us to unwind in the forest to. Will be back.” — Kyle J

“Gorgeous quiet spot…Fell asleep to the sound of the river.” — Arden C

“We loved the little trails around camp to cruise with our dog and infant. Lots of river access for exploring. Spacious campsites. We were able to easily pop into town for supplies. Quick drive to the ocean too.” — Kayla R

Campground details
Price: Free (with Discovery Pass)
Number of sites: 11
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

Read more

 

5. Cape Lookout State Park — Oregon

Location: Netarts

What makes it great: The aptly named Cape Lookout has epic views of the Pacific Ocean and easy access to several coastal hiking trails. Campers here are almost guaranteed a gorgeous sunset, not to mention falling asleep to the sound of lapping waves. There are also coin-op hot showers, modern restrooms, firewood for sale, and an RV dump station. There are plenty of standard tent sites and full hookup sites, but also 13 camping yurts and a few deluxe cabins for a little more comfort. Hard to beat for convenient camping with super-easy beach access.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“I came here with a few friends and we really enjoyed it. The bathrooms were nice and clean as was the site itself. There’s a good amount of privacy between the sites too which is really nice. It’s quiet at night even when it’s crowded and has easy access to the beach, even after the sun goes down.” — Alix J

“My new favorite campground. Beautiful campground with a beautiful beach. The sunsets are amazing. Nice hiking trails available. Fun places nearby to explore.” — Teri L

Campground details
Price: $23-37
Number of sites: 230
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

Read more

 

6. Salt Creek Recreation Area — Washington

Location: Joyce

What makes it great: This campground on a bluff above the Strait of Juan de Fuca boasts water views from almost every site, and spectacular tide pools. Primitive camping sites are tucked away beneath a canopy of coastal forest. Close to Olympic National Park, the campground is part of the Salt Creek Recreation Area County Park, a 196-acre park that includes forests, rocky bluffs, tide pools and beaches. There’s easy access to Salt Creek, many hiking trails, and views from the bluff that extend across Crescent Bay and to Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The town of Port Angeles is nearby for any supplies needed, plus there’s a ferry to Victoria, B.C. But the main draw here is the chance to explore fascinating tidepools to your heart’s content.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“Best tide pooling in the Lower 48 states! We love this campground so much, I almost hesitate to write this review.” — Shari G

“The views were amazing and the sunsets incredible. I stayed alone and felt comfortable the whole time. Close proximity to neighbors but everyone was lovely. Highly recommend.” — Grace

Campground details
Price: $45-$55
Number of sites: 92
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

Read more

 

7. Hoodview Campground — Oregon

Location: Government Camp

What makes it great: Lakeside camping with a view of the snowy peak of Mount Hood, plus miles and miles of hiking trails within easy reach — this campground on the shores of Timothy Lake has it all. Campers can fish, paddle or swim in the lake. The 12-mile loop trail around the lake invites hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders, and links up with the famed Pacific Crest Trail. The campground has tent and RV sites with picnic tables and fire rings; there are vault toilets and drinking water available.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“I have traveled across this great country of ours from coast to coast several times over. I’ve done all types of camping. This is one of the best campgrounds I’ve stayed at. The views are immaculate and there are tons of great spots on the lake to set up for a fun day.” — Amy N

“Wow! Timothy lake is beautiful. Great trail access around the entire lake.” — Steve O

Campground details
Price: $22-26
Number of sites: 41
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

Read more

 

8. Burlington Campground — Humboldt Redwoods State Park — California

Location: Weott

What makes it great: Sleeping among the tall, serene redwood giants makes this campground feel more remote and secluded than it is — it’s located right along US 101, the Redwood Highway, so it’s easy to visit the Avenue of the Giants and various highlights of the Humboldt Redwoods State Park. Across a small bridge is the South Fork of the Eel River, for fishing and swimming. The campground offers drinking water, flush toilets and hot showers, and each site has a picnic table and fire ring.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“Beautiful campground in Humboldt State Redwoods State Park right on Avenue of the Giants. Showers and toilets were decent. As a solo female camper, I felt very safe. It rained when I was there but the trees cover a lot of ground so I only felt some drops. The other folks camping when I was there were respectful, relaxed, and low-key. Truly stunning and serene area.” — Taylor W

“I love this campground as it’s easily accessible and has all of the basic needs. Bathrooms with electricity and flushing toilets. Firewood sold on site. Visitors center next door and of course trails leading through the redwoods.” — Taylor A

Campground details
Price: $35
Number of sites: 57
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

Read more

 

9. Shooting Star Sanctuary and Retreat — Yosemite National Forest — California

Location: Ahwahnee

What makes it great: Just about a half-hour drive from Yosemite National Forest, this farm stay with a handful of campsites offers one major perk: adorable farm animals for guests to play with, from kittens and puppies to goats, sheep and mini-pigs. The ranch is 100 acres, with several miles of hiking and biking trails and a couple of ponds. There’s an outdoor kitchen with a gas grill, and shared access to microwave, toaster oven and coffee maker as well as a kitchen and food-prep area. There are also toilets and showers on-site. The only fee for staying here is a donation toward upkeep and feeding of the animals.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“I showed up to Jason’s property early Monday morning to be greeted with a smile. After we talked for a little he opened up the gate to release several mini pigs, mini goats, ducks, and chickens! My girlfriend and I were smiling cheek to cheek.” — Marco V

“Jason’s farm had such a warm energy, we really enjoyed this unique stay 🙂 oh and the animals were so adorable!! The cherry on top for this stay.” — Eleenoy U

“Not only is it a great stay but it comes with an experience! We watched sheep roam, held goats, fed pigs, and played with some kittens. We will definitely be returning. Highly recommend for a weekend retreat or a close stay to Yosemite!” — Lauren P

Campground details
Price: Donation
Number of sites: Dispersed
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes

Book it on The Dyrt

 

10. Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park — Washington

Location: Longmire

What makes it great: Conveniently located close to Paradise, the most visited section of Mount Rainier National Park, this campground makes an ideal base for exploring the mountain and surrounding wilderness. There are hiking trails galore, plus views of glaciers, old-growth forest, waterfalls, alpine meadows brimming with wildflowers, and a couple of historic park lodges. The campground has drinking water, flush toilets and picnic tables at each site. There’s a lookout in the campground for views of Mount Rainier, a still-active volcano that dominates the surrounding landscape. Other attractions are nearby Nisqually River and the trailhead for a hike to Carter Falls, both near the entrance of the campground.

What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:

“Really love this campground. Super quiet and felt tucked away, not too far from Paradise and Ashford.” — Lily H

“These sites were great, pretty spread out and trees for privacy. Beautiful area and a great spot for hikers as it is close to many popular trails! Clean bathrooms were great.” — Alyson M

“Beautiful Mt Rainier camping. Sites were so secluded, silent, and beautifully full of nature. We had a great site that bordered a small gully for the kids to play in.” — Andy B

Campground details
Price: $20
Number of sites: 173
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: No

Read more

 

Browse thousands of the best camping locations in the Pacific region:

See all Best Places to Camp awards here.