For many, West Coast camping is the pinnacle. Towering redwood and old-growth forests, rugged coastlines and beautiful beaches, volcanic peaks and high desert landscapes. These are the destination campgrounds, the bucket-list places for campers from all over the country. And the mild coastal climate makes for comfortable camping for most of the year.
We go to northern California for the No. 1 campground on the 2026 Best Places to Camp in the Pacific Region list with Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground. It’s the first of five California campgrounds on this list. Perennial favorite Elkamp Eastcreek in Washington is second this year and Oregon’s top finisher, Tillicum Beach Campground, comes in at No. 4 after ranking No. 3 last year.
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. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground — California
Location: Hiouchi, CA
What makes it great: Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park Campground places tents and RVs directly beneath some of the tallest trees on Earth, alongside the clear, blue Smith River. Co-managed by California State Parks and the National Park Service, sites are spacious and shaded, with a bear box, fire ring and picnic table at each one.
There are no hookups, reflecting the old-growth setting. A short nature walk through a breathtaking stand of ancient redwoods leaves directly from camp, and the Stout Memorial Grove and Grove of Titans are both within reach via nearby trails. The Smith River itself is a major draw — a sandy beach with shallow water suits kids, while deeper stretches invite swimming and even cliff jumping for the adventurous. A small history center and amphitheater host ranger programs.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “This is by far my most favorite campground and state park. Sites are spacious and most are very private, easy to walk down to the gorgeous Smith River and numerous hiking trails through the park and to nearby Hiouchi (you can walk to breakfast or lunch and a great little cafe there!). Just magical here.” — Joletta B.
Campground details
Price: $35-$100
Number of sites: 89
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
2. Elkamp Eastcreek — Washington
Location: Mineral, WA
What makes it great: A short drive from Mount Rainier’s Nisqually entrance, Elkamp Eastcreek is a family-run private campground that consistently earns near-perfect reviews for how meticulously it’s kept. Sites are spread among large trees along East Creek, with a footbridge leading to an open meadow perfect for evening strolls, stargazing or letting dogs run.
A charming on-site gift shop stocks local crafts, apparel and firewood, and the owners are mentioned by name in nearly every review for going out of their way to make guests comfortable — delivering firewood and ice by golf cart, remembering repeat visitors and offering local tips.
Beyond the campground, Mineral Lake and Alder Lake are both close by for paddleboarding or a quick swim. For travelers heading to Rainier who want a polished, welcoming stop to rest up, Elkamp Eastcreek is a standout.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “There aren’t many campgrounds to which I would award six stars out of five, but Elkamp Eastcreek is certainly one of them. Every square inch is meticulously maintained (and that includes the two spacious and sparkling clean restrooms). The campsites are far enough apart that they feel relatively private, and most appear completely level. Trees abound. Dogs are welcome!” — William B.
Campground details
Price: $25-$40
Number of sites: 27
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
3. Big Pine Dispersed Camping — California
Location: Old Station, CA
What makes it great: Just east of Lassen Volcanic National Park’s north entrance, Big Pine Dispersed Camping strings a handful of free sites along Hat Creek and Lost Creek down an easy mile of dirt road off Highway 44. The area is more expansive than it first appears, so newcomers are wise to explore before settling in for the night.
There are no amenities and the dense tree cover blocks out cell signal and Starlink, but campers say that’s part of the appeal: falling asleep to a babbling creek with zero noise or distraction. Fishing for trout right in the creek is a favorite pastime, and the black raspberries growing along the banks are a nice bonus for anyone exploring on foot.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “Beautiful and Peaceful
Such a beautiful spot next to the river. The trees were gorgeous and perfect for setting up our hammock. Falling asleep to the water was a bonus.” — Ashleigh Z.
Campground details
Price: Free
Number of sites: Dispersed
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
4. Tillicum Beach Campground — Oregon
Location: OR
What makes it great: Sandwiched between Highway 101 and the Pacific Ocean within Siuslaw National Forest, Tillicum Beach Campground puts nearly every one of its 59 sites within a short walk of a wide, dramatic stretch of Oregon coastline. About half the sites offer ocean views or partial views, with the true oceanfront spots — reservable but fiercely sought after — providing direct beach access and the sound of crashing waves as a nightly soundtrack.
The campground doubles as an excellent base for exploring nearby Yachats and its restaurants and shops, along with Cape Perpetua’s dramatic overlooks just a short drive south. Both reservable and first-come sites are available, which reviewers say makes it more accommodating for spontaneous trips than many coastal campgrounds — though summer weekends still fill completely.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “It’s a small, very pretty campground. Clean bathrooms. Very dog-friendly campground. Sites are well-spaced but not intended for very large RVs. Friendly camp hosts, seen around the campground a lot during the day.” — Patrick W.
Campground details
Price: $39-$51
Number of sites: 59
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
5. Silver Falls State Park Campground — Oregon
Location: Sublimity, OR
What makes it great: Often called the crown jewel of Oregon’s state parks, Silver Falls State Park Campground gives campers a home base a short walk from the famous Trail of Ten Falls, a roughly seven-mile route that passes ten waterfalls and even ducks behind several of them. The 78-site campground sits across the highway from the day-use area, with paved, level pads, picnic tables, and fire rings throughout two loops of mixed electric and non-electric sites.
Big trees provide welcome shade even during heat waves at this family-friendly campground. There are plenty of trails and paved bike paths and an unfenced off-leash area for the pups in the day-use zone. The lodge, with its roaring fireplace and gift shop, adds a cozy off-trail option on colder days. In any weather, Oregon’s most spectacular waterfall hiking will be steps away from your campsite.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “I think they call this the Gem of Oregon State parks. It’s kind of a magical place. You drive through rolling farmland and have no idea this forested oasis teeming with waterfalls is here.” — Kathy B.
Campground details
Price: $28-$92
Number of sites: 78
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
6. Lyre River Campground — Washington
Location: Joyce, WA
What makes it great: Tucked into Olympic Peninsula forest and requiring nothing more than a Washington Discover Pass, Lyre River Campground offers 11 free sites strung along the Lyre River’s edge, most positioned so campers fall asleep to the sound of moving water. The access road winds enough that sites don’t feel stacked on top of each other, though a large tree in the middle of the turnaround limits RVs to about 20 feet.
The forested, mossy setting keeps things shaded and cool, though dense vegetation means limited solar charging and some dampness in certain sites. A short boardwalk trail leads through the trees to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, about a mile each way. Because it’s first-come, first-served with only 11 spots, summer days see sites fill by early afternoon, with cars circling in hopes of an opening. Steelhead and salmon runs bring anglers to a dedicated fishing platform, and the nearby Joyce General Store (open since 1911) rounds out supplies.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “I almost hate to tell anyone about this place because I don’t want it to get ruined! There is a camp host on duty and he does a great job keeping things in check! This charming location right on the Lyre River, is part of the Washington state Department of natural resources so you will need a state Discover pass to use this free facility.” — Susan C.
Campground details
Price: Free
Number of sites: 11
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
7. Sawtooth Canyon Campground — California
Location: Barstow, CA
What makes it great: Sawtooth Canyon Campground has 13 established sites on BLM land tucked among dramatic desert rock formations that draw climbers from across the region. This free, first-come, first-served campground does offer only a washboarded access road that demands a slow, patient drive in.
Each site comes with a concrete pad, shade structure, picnic table and fire ring, and additional dispersed spots handle overflow when the main sites fill on busy weekends. Wind is a near-constant presence in the open desert terrain, offering relief from heat but occasionally complicating tent setups. Beyond climbing, the canyon rewards hikers and scramblers with sweeping views and some of the clearest night skies in the region — multiple reviewers mention getting lost in the stars or catching an unforgettable moonrise over the rocks.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “This campsite is absolutely breathtaking. We arrived late on a Friday night and all of the designated spots were taken, but there are places you can pull off to the side and camp. The road in is about 1.5mi of washboard, but it’s completely doable (our rented front wheel drive campervan had no issues). Wish we would’ve spent more time here!” — Julianne M.
Campground details
Price: Free
Number of sites: 13
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
8. Usal Beach Campground — California
Location: Leggett, CA
What makes it great: Accessible only by a rough six-mile dirt road branching off Highway 1, Usal Beach Campground rewards the committed with dispersed camping on California’s remote Lost Coast, inside Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. The drive takes 30 to 45 minutes over ruts and narrow sections that challenge standard cars, and RVs and trailers are explicitly not recommended — but campers who make it are met with a private beach and forested camping among the trees just behind it.
Multiple fire pits are scattered across both the beach and wooded sections. Soft beach sand regularly strands vehicles that drive too close to the water, so reviewers consistently recommend staying set back and bringing recovery gear. Wildlife sightings are a highlight — sea otters, seals, pelicans, coyotes and even bear tracks along the shoreline show up in many reviews, along with the occasional pod of orcas spotted from camp.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “It’s a 6-mile 4×4 drive to get to the beach, but the beach itself is glorious, mystical, magical, and everything I could hope for. I actually had to call in sick to work so we could stay an extra day and make it a 3-day trip. This may honestly be my favorite spot yet. The wildlife was incredible — sea otters, seals, pelicans, and all kinds of other wild animals.” — Grant M.
Campground details
Price: Free
Number of sites: 30
RV sites: No
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
9. Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground — California
Location: Big Sur, CA
What makes it great: Spanning over 1,000 acres along Highway 1, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground threads 189 sites through towering redwoods alongside the Big Sur River, making it one of the most sought-after campgrounds on the California coast. River sites are at a premium, but reward campers with direct access for wading and lounging, while sites farther back in the Weyland loop trade water proximity for more seclusion among the trees.
Dense redwood canopy keeps the whole campground shaded and there are two camp stores for firewood, ice and basics. Wi-Fi is available at the adjacent Big Sur Lodge. Because it sits in the heart of Big Sur, the campground offers immediate access to the region’s trail network and beaches, with Andrew Molera State Park just a mile away and free to current campers.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “One of the Best Campgrounds in California! Just minutes from Pacific Ocean, and under tall redwood trees and sycamore trees, this place is heaven.” — Ben C.
Campground details
Price: $50-$75
Number of sites: 189
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes
10. Cape Lookout State Park Campground — Oregon
Location: OR
What makes it great: At Cape Lookout State Park Campground, a single low dune is often the only thing separating campsites from the Pacific Ocean. The layout splits cleanly into zones: RV and car camping with full hookups on the north side, tent sites closer to the beach, a hiker/biker area tucked under large trees with head-high ferns, and cabins set back on a bluff with partial ocean views.
Trails leave straight from camp, including a connector toward the cape itself and a seven-mile beach walk to Netarts Bay, while Anderson’s Viewpoint, a popular hang-gliding and paragliding launch, sits just up the road. Summer weekends fill fast and site selection may be important depending on what type of experience you’re looking for.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “I spent two nights tent camping here with my dog and it was perfect. Not all sites are secluded (especially not on the loops closer to the beach), but many are, with trees and shrubbery between each that make them feel lush, private, and quiet.” — Megan C.
Campground details
Price: $32-$154
Number of sites: 230
RV sites: Yes
Fires allowed: Yes
Pets allowed: Yes