Campgrounds

Adventure, Campgrounds, Camping in Washington State, Destinations & Itineraries, Parks

Best Pacific Northwest RV Parks Near Hot Springs

Best Pacific Northwest RV Parks Near Hot Springs With summer temperatures waning and the holidays around the corner, autumn is a great time to seek out Pacific Northwest Hot Springs. There’s a chill in the air and those warm, bubbling natural spring pools are very inviting. If you are thinking about heading out this fall in one of our Seattle RVs, check out some of the great Hot Springs locations throughout the Pacific Northwest. Summer Lake Hot Springs is known as the Oregon Outback. This beautiful RV Park located in Lake County Oregon is one of the most picturesque places in the Pacific Northwest. Nestled at 41777 Highway 31 in Paisley Oregon, you can bask in the beauty and uniqueness of this location all while soaking in the artesian hot mineral springs. The location is just two hours from Bend Oregon and the RV park on-site features water, sewer, 20 to 50 amp electric and pull-through sites available. Belknap Hot Springs is also located in Oregon on the Mackenzie River. This RV park and resort is open 365 days a year, and features two mineral hot spring pools and gorgeous gardens. The RV park features full hookups, and many spots are right next to the river. Crystal Crane Hot Springs is located at 59315 Highway 78 in Burns Oregon. This location features a hot spring pond and private bath houses, as well as event spaces, cabins, and an RV park. The campground features power and water sites with pull-through and back-in spots. All overnight accommodations include unlimited use of the pond, common areas, restrooms, showers and camp kitchens. Hot Lake Springs is nestled in the grand Oregon and not only features Hot Springs but historical buildings, museums and unique architecture as well. They have both cooling and hot soaking spring pools and several different types of accommodation. Sol Duc Hot Springs located on the Olympic Peninsula in the Olympic National Park. Soak up the natural minerals as you drink in the surrounding forests. The Sol Duck RV Park is open March 25 to October 30 but there are several other locations close by, such as Lake Quinault and Log Cabin RV and campground. Carson Hot Springs is located on the Columbia River at 372 St. Martin Springs Road in Carson, Washington. Although the Hot Springs themselves don’t offer RV camping, there are several places close by such as the Bigfoot RV Park, Timberlake campground and RV park in the Wind Mountain RV park and lodge. Bonneville Hot Springs resort and spa is located in North Bonneville Washington. This beautiful resort features rooms and cabins for guests, but if you’re camping you might want to check out the Lewis and Clark campground and RV park close by. The Bridge of the Gods motel, RV Park and cabins are also located close by on the Oregon side of the river. Fall and winter are some of the best times of the year to experience warm, bubbling Hot Springs, so grab one of our Seattle, RVs, gear up, and find some of the most relaxing pools in the Pacific Northwest!

Adventure, Campgrounds, Camping in Washington State, Destinations & Itineraries, RV Lifestyle & Travel

5 Hidden Gem Campgrounds to Visit in the Pacific Northwest

5 Hidden Gem Campgrounds to Visit in the Pacific Northwest If you’re looking for adventure, you’ll have to check out our picks for the area’s most unique and hidden campgrounds. Some you may already know about, or you may be discovering them for the first time. Let’s get right to it! Camp Sherman – Deschutes Forest off Hwy 20 by Black Butte Ranch a few hours outside Portland. What’s so special about this place? It’s open year round in one of the most scenic and picturesque places in the state. Pets are allowed. Sites are next to the Metolius River in the middle of the forest with an abundance of recreational activities. Hiking, fishing, biking, and backpacking will send you out on a great day of adventure. When you’re ready to retire, come back to the warmth of your RV, start up a roaring fire and kick back under the stars. Diamond Lake – Located in Southern Oregon at an elevation of over 5,000 feet, this unique lake provides a multitude of recreational activites including fishing, boating, biking and hiking. There are lots of trails to explore and the campground is in the middle of the Umpqua Forest. There are over 200 sites here with restrooms, water, picnic tables and campfire rings. The famous Pacific Crest Trail is also accessible near the campground. Fort Stevens State Park – Looking for more man-made adventure? Check out the bunkers at the Fort Stevens State Park in Hammond, Oregon. Over 4,000 acres make up this unique park full of history and nature. Get lost in the dark bunkers and play a game of hide-and-seek in places no one would dare go! They have camping spots, a beach, cabins, beautiful scenery and much more! 170 full hook up sites, 15 yurts, bike rentals, and restrooms with hot showers. Kayak Point – Lets go about 4 hours straight north to the small coastal town of Stanwood, Washington. Kayak Point is about an hour north of Seattle and offers a beautiful beach setting. The campground features a boat launch, picnic shelters, playgrounds, restrooms, swimming and even a vacation house. This saltwater beach park is along the shores of Port Susan and offers a rich setting perfect for fishing, windsurfing, crabbing, hiking, and boating. There are only 30 campsites, but all have hook-ups and water as well as a lot of privacy Paradise Creek Campground – Located in Carson Washington on Wind River Road, this out-of-the-way camping spot receives excellent ratings. Nestled in the national forest under a blanket of oversized firs and cedars, the park offers a good mix of privacy, lush undergrowth, and a spacious site perfect for mingling and entertaining. The river offers great fishing and there are stunning views of Mt. Adams with great hiking, biking and trail exploration. Have you been to any of these parks? Let us know! Have a better one you think we should add? Tell us! We love exploring the Pacific Northwest-and it’s even more enjoyable in a NW Adventure Rentals RV or travel trailer from our Seattle location! Book now!

Adventure, Campgrounds, Camping, Destinations & Itineraries, Parks

Camping at Mt. Rainier

Camping at Mt. Rainier Mt. Rainier is one of Washington State’s most notable landmarks. The Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most popular camping destinations in the state. Securing a campsite at the park can be difficult during peak seasons, so knowing what is available and plenty of planning will help you to secure the site that fits your RV needs and makes your trip easier. There are several campgrounds in Mount Rainier National Park, but only two camping spots accommodate RVs. This makes planning your RV camping trip to Mt. Rainier a bit more tricky. Ohanapecosh Campground– Located in the southeast corner of the park next to the Stevens Canyon entrance. The campground is heavily wooded allowing for much privacy and the feeling that you are truly getting out into the wilderness. This is the largest camping spot in the park. Each site is spacious and there is direct access to the Ohanapecosh River and the Silver Falls Trail.The best camping spots are, of course, next to the river. Pets are allowed in the campground. If you are looking for group camp spots there are just a few. The open season for this campsite is shorter than others. *cost:$20.00 per day/night and a National Park Pass is required *only accommodates RVs up to 32 feet *half of the sites are reservable, and half are first-come-first-serve Cougar Rock Campground– Cougar Rock is located between two of the most popular spots in Mt. Rainier National Park, Longmire, and Paradise, and as such is the most popular camping destination in the park. The campground is only open for two months during the summer peak season. There are great views as the campground lies on the banks of the Nisqually River and through the trees you can see Point Success. Camp sites are close together compared to Ohanapecosh, but it also means you are just a short walk from the campground bathrooms and potable water. Cougar Rock also has five group camp sites large enough to fit about four to five families. Campers can take advantage of direct access to the Wonderland Trail, a very popular Mt. Rainier hike. Another great hike accessible from the camp is to follow the Paradise River up to Narada Falls. On the way you will pass two smaller water falls, making it a very beautiful hike. Hike just over a mile past Narada Falls and you will be at Reflection Lakes. *no RV hook ups available, and limit of 35 foot RVs *Cost: $20.00 and a National Park Pass There are also a number of campsites along the edges of the Mt. Rainier National Park that allow you to be close to the beauty and hiking of the mountain. Most sites in and around the park are tent campsites, but there are some RV spots available and it is well worth the trip if you can get a spot to camp. For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleet of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation!

Adventure, Campgrounds, Destinations & Itineraries, RV

RV rental concerts music festivals

RV rental concerts music festivals Music festivals are wildly growing in popularity around the country, and they are an awesome way to enjoy a variety of performers at one venue while also experiencing adventure and meeting new people. They are perfect destinations for an RV road trip. The most convenient way to ensure you don’t miss out on anything at the festival and to be closest to the action is by camping on site. Plus you will get to experience many events and gatherings only available to campers. Here are some great tips for an RV rental to a music festival 1. Pack Thoughtfully Though you are at a festival and experiencing all of the modern amenities of great concerts, you are still camping. There are many scenarios you should be prepared for, including extreme weather, surprise weather, being out all day, walking long distances, etc. Some key items to bring are sunscreen, bug spray, a few good pairs of shoes, a raincoat, camp chair, backpack, flashlight, emergency cash, and plenty of food. 2. Rent the Right RV / Travel Trailer Very few festivals have RV hookups so be prepared to boondock. Make sure the propane tank is full and the batteries are well charged. Have the water tanks full and consider a generator if permitted to run for a short amount of time everyday. 3. Make Sure You Know What NOT to Bring Camping Each festival has its own rule on what is and isn’t allowed at the festival campsite. Before you pack and head out for fun and adventure make sure you are aware of the festival camping rules. Some restricted items may include pets, firearms, glass bottles, fireworks, barbecues, etc. Do your homework so you can enjoy the festival without getting into trouble. Some of the Best Experience Sasquatch Festival in George, WA A festival on Memorial Day Weekend held at one of the best outdoor music venues in the U.S. and right in our own backyard. If you live in Washington and haven’t been to George for a concert you need to go. The Gorge at George is built into a cliff overlooking a river running through an actual gorge, hence the name. General camping fees are minimal, but do come with a long walk and having to pay to use the showers. Upgraded camping with closer spots and free shower privileges is also available for higher fees. Be prepared to need upgraded camping for RVs longer than 40 feet. Bonnaroo in Manchester, TN One of the largest festivals in the country bringing in around 140,000 people. Bonnaroo has a great camping culture and community that brings returning festival goers every year. There are many different camping areas that are like their own little hub or city and each has its own bathrooms, lighted paths, and drinking water. Pack great walking shoes; you will need them to trek from the campground to the venues. You can save a lot of money by boondocking for $250, or you can choose to shell out about $750 for 30amp. Coachella experience in Coachella Valley, CA There is twice the opportunity to enjoy the most talked about festival. Coachella now runs for two weekends in April instead of one. It is the poshest of festival offerings with private showers, massage chairs, WiFi, phone charging lockers, and fresh produce. For the best camping experience This is a festival you want to make sure you know the rules for. One important rule to note is no instruments unless you are performing on stage at the festival. Spaces are small and most people camp in their car, so if you want to bring in an RV make sure its a small one or plan to find a spot off-site. Looking for a Seattle RV rental to begin your music festival road trip? Check out the fleet and friendly service at Northwest Adventure Rentals.

Adventure, Campgrounds, Camping, Destinations & Itineraries, RV

Creative Ways to Get Around at the RV Park or Campground

Creative Ways to Get Around at the RV Park or Campground Some larger RV parks and campsites can have a good distance to travel between your particular camping or parking spot and the nearest amenities. Experienced campers have found a way to make this a little more fun by bringing some creative modes of transportation for getting around while not in the RV or car. Of course you will want to keep your mode of transportation small, something that will fit inside the RV, back of a pickup, or can easily be towed behind the RV without hassle. Here are some fun and creative ways to get around RV parks and campgrounds. Mobility Scooters A great and easy way to get around anywhere, especially if long walks are difficult on your body. Some of these scooters are pretty fast and will have you from one place to another in no time. Golf Carts Golf carts are good for more than getting around a golf course; they are also pretty handy for traveling around large camping areas. Some even have storage compartments which come in very useful if you are headed to the showers, lake, or laundry room. ATVs ATV simply stands for “All Terrain Vehicle”. There are many different types and many different price ranges. Some carry just one person while others can carry up to four. They are not the most compact of choices, but they are fun. You can get them in gas and electric models. If you are using them to get around a campsite quite often we suggest the electric version as they are quiet, unlike the loud traditional gas versions. Scooters/Mopeds These are easy to transport and can even be used to travel on public roads. They also come in gas and electric versions. If you get an electric scooter make sure it is road legal for the state in which you are vacationing before taking it longer distances. Hover Board/Electric Skateboard These fun and newer modes of transport are great for anyone with great balance and agility. They require some physicality to operate, but are quite fun once they are mastered. Make sure to do homework on them before you buy as some have safety concerns. Once you have found the right one you just may find yourself playing on it more than using it to get around. Bicycles If you are an exercise enthusiast, but want to get around more quickly than walking will allow, a good ol’ fashioned bicycle is an excellent way to go. They are small and easy to pack, they don’t require gas or electricity and you still burn calories while in transit. If you are looking for something to get you from point A to point B just a little faster, there is the electric bike option. Electric bikes are more pricey but you have the option of still pedaling. One way to not pay through the nose for an electric bike is with an electric bike conversion kit. Segway Scooter Segways have been “out” for a while now so they are becoming more affordable and more popular especially among the camping crowd. A segway can travel at up to 12.5 miles an hour getting you were you want to go two or three times faster than walking. Don’t forget to check out our website and explore our beautiful fleets of Seattle motorhomes and travel trailers. For more fun camping and rental tips please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime!

Adventure, Campgrounds, Destinations & Itineraries, Parks

RV Friendly Places You May Not Know About

RV Friendly Places You May Not Know About As you are out and about on your RV adventure, you may find that you want to alter your plans and take some extra R&R between destinations. Some places post that they prefer you not park an RV at their site, but there are some RV friendly places out there that welcome RVers to not only park, but they have special parking and may even allow a night of free camping. Based on what we’ve learned from our Seattle RV Rental Business, here are some of the best places: Truck Stops Truck stops can be found in nearly every state across the country. National brand truck stops are not just a place for truck drivers to take a break; they also welcome RV travelers. You can usually spend the night free of charge at many of them. Truck stops are hoping that you will come in and purchase their goods. Some truck stop chains that welcome RVs include: Flying J, Pilot Travel Centers, Travel Centers of America, and Rip Griffin Travel Centers. Some of these stops will not just offer overnight parking, fuel, and food; they also offer free dump sites and convenience stores to stock up on supplies. Since the stores are geared for long haul truckers you may find some useful travel gear that you might not find in a regular store. Some truck stops may even have showers and laundry services (for a charge of course). Large Chain Retail Stores It is probably no secret that Walmart is RV friendly. They are a national leader in letting RV campers stay overnight. One thing to be aware of is that not every Walmart offers this, as they must comply with the local ordinances of the city they reside in. Make sure to keep a lookout for posted signs that prohibit RV parking. Also be aware of the parking lot sweeping truck making its rounds in the middle of the night. Another store well known for RV friendliness is Kmart. Restaurants There are some restaurant chains that welcome RV travelers to park, come in and enjoy a meal, and stay for a night. Cracker Barrel- great food and very popular in southern states and Idaho. Some fast food chains will have extra parking space behind their regular parking lot to accommodate RVs such as McDonald’s, Subway, Arby’s, and Burger King, depending on the location. Some RV friendly restaurants will also offer free Wi-Fi. RV Parts and Service Stores What could be a more RV friendly place than an RV part store? Hopefully you wont be needing to hop in for a part while you are renting an RV for an adventure, but it is a great place to pick up camping accessories and get a free night of camping. Camping World is a great national RV parts chain. Casinos There are many casinos dotted along the great northwest. Almost any casino will welcome an RV to come and camp. They want you to come inside and enjoy some fun. Keep spending money inside and they will let you park in the RV area as long as you wish. Tiny Towns Small towns get a good amount of business from people passing through the town and tourists as they want you to stay and spend some cash. In some of these towns you can find an Elk’s Lodge or small park that will advertise a free night’s stay. Now that you know of some great places to rest for a night, get out there and adventure! Ready to Visit some RV Friendly Places? For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleets of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle RV location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation!

Adventure, Campgrounds, Camping, Destinations & Itineraries

Tips for Camping on Orcas Island

Tips for Camping on Orcas Island The San Juan Islands in the north Puget Sound provide some of the most beautiful and popular getaways in the Northwest. There are three islands that make up the San Juans and the largest is Orcas Island. There are so many great things about RV camping on Orcas Island. The only way to Orcas Island is by boat. Hop on a ferry at the Washington State Ferry landing in Anacortes. To make the wait times shorter we suggest going online and making a ferry reservation. Look for the “Save-a-Spot Vehicle Registration.” You will want to make your reservation at least a few weeks ahead of time, but the sooner the better if you are planning your trip for the summer months. The San Juans are a top Washington destination in the summer and the ferry can book up quickly.If you are nervous about driving an RV aboard the boat don’t worry the ferry staff are there to guide you to your parking spot. Once you are on the boat you will want to go upstairs and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, islands, and water. If you get lucky you may even spot a pod of Orca whales or a Humpback. The best place to set up camp for RVers is the West Beach Resort, located on the west side of the island. The resort is right on the water and offers boat rentals, a general store, kayak and canoe rentals, beachfront food service and a seasonal activities kiosk. Turtleback Mountain is a popular hiking spot. It is a favorite spot of the locals to get away from the more crowded tourist attractions and out in the most gorgeous of natural settings. Take your time wandering down the trail so you can appreciate the ever changing and breathtaking scenery. Looking for more spectacular viewing spots? Drive to the top of Mt. Constitution and find the observation tower. Climb the stairs to the top of this medieval style watch tower and take in the amazing 360 degree views. This is the highest point in all of the San Juans you can see for miles and mile. Get a peak of the tops of the Olympic Mountains, take in views of all of the islands in the sound, and take in the gorgeous water. When you are ready to come down out of nature and be amongst the people again, check out the Eastsound Village. This historic downtown area is full of galleries, boutiques, restaurants, cafes, bookstores, and a history museum. Some other great spots to hit on Orcas Island include the farmers market, Brown Bear Bakery, a Wildlife Boat Tour, the Buck Bay Shellfish Farm, and Doe Bay Resort. Plan an RV camping adventure to Orcas Island and you wont be disappointed. For more tips on RV camping or information on RV rental please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has a luxurious fleet of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location! Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation! Image courtesy of Andy Karmy

Adventure, Campgrounds, Destinations & Itineraries, RV, RV Lifestyle & Travel

Try RV Camping in the Sol Duc Valley

Try RV Camping in the Sol Duc Valley The Sol Duc Valley is a gorgeous destination to RV camp in the Olympic National Forest, located just outside of Port Angeles and Forks. Sol Duc is a popular spot to camp, and is most well known as a great spot to watch salmon swim upstream to spawn as well as for the natural hot springs. RV accommodations can be found at both the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort and the Sol Duc Campground. The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is the home of the famous hot springs pools, as the name implies. The resort offers cabins, RV camping sites, tent camping sites, restaurant, gift shop, swimming pool, and the hot mineral soaking pools. It is best to make a reservation far in advance due to the popularity of the resort, and the RV park in this location is only open in the summer. Sol Duc campground is a bit more rustic for those wanting to get out in nature. It offers picnic tables, fire pits, animal proof food storage lockers, accessible restrooms, portable water, and an RV dump station. The Sol Duc Campground is open year round, but only has access to primitive pit toilets and no access to water from November to early April. There are many great hikes to take advantage of in the Sol Duc Valley, but be aware that pets and bikes are not permitted on the trails. The Sol Duc falls trail is one of the most popular; it is just under a mile one way with old growth forest leading up to the cascading waterfall. It is a great hike for the whole family. Be sure to keep an eye on children near the falls as footing can get slippery and the falls can be dangerous when you get too close. Interested in watching the famous coho salmon? You can catch them leaping through the Sol Duc waters of Salmon Cascades in the late summer and fall. Salmon return to their place of birth in the Sol Duc river to complete their life cycle. The more popular leaping and jumping through the water to make their way upstream happens in late summer and spawning happens in the fall. Take a stroll through the Lover’s Lane trail and you may discover a pair of salmon spawning. Ready to start planning your trip to the Sol Duc Valley, to rest and relax in the hot springs or be wowed by the amazing local salmon? We can help you find the perfect RV rental for your trip. Please feel free to browse our website or contact us anytime. NW Adventure Rentals has two luxurious fleets of motorhomes and travel trailers, conveniently located in the Pacific Northwest at our Seattle location. Let us help you have a great outdoor vacation! Image by David Fulmer Flickr