Surf swells, relax in hot springs, and savor the variety of campgrounds near Copalis Beach.
Along the west coast of Washington, Copalis Beach provides unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean and relaxing waterfront camping options. Spend days searching the beach for razor clams, casting lines in Copalis River to reel in salmon or steelhead trout, and then stay nearby at campgrounds with RV and tent camping or cabin rentals. Oyhut Wildlife Recreation Area packs a punch with a distinct coastal landscape, excellent bird watching opportunities, and heated yurts for a great night’s rest. Olympic National Park delivers waterfalls, hot springs, and an array of campgrounds for tents and RVs. Westport Light State Park is also home to many campgrounds, some with communal facilities and others that treat campers to a rustic experience full of peace and quiet.
The well-maintained trails of Oyhut Wildlife Recreation Area bring campers face-to-face with coastal dunes and wetlands. Situated on a peninsula that juts out into North Bay, Oyhut has excellent coastal camping options, including RV campsites with full hookups, as well as heated yurts with picnic tables, firepits, and pathways that lead to the ocean. While most of the trails sit on the outskirts of the lush landscape, the untamed interior makes it a hot spot for birding and hunting waterfowl.
An hour drive north brings campers to the southern entrance of Olympic National Park—the place to be for hiking, discovering waterfalls, and hopping into bubbling hot springs. The park spans 1,442 square miles and provides plenty of campgrounds, some with potable water, shower facilities, animal-proof food storage, and dump stations for RVs. Dispersed camping is also allowed in certain areas. Be sure to double-check road access in winter, as snow can cause closures, and be mindful that oversized RVs and trailers may have difficulty with the tight switchbacks that curve through the mountain.
Across the water from Oyhut Wildlife Recreation Area sits another peninsula an hour south from Copalis Beach—Westport Light State Park. Known for its sandy shoreline, Grays Harbour Lighthouse, and big waves for surfing, it delivers fun activities for all kinds of campers. Book a spot at a nearby campground outfitted with pet-friendly tent campsites and back-in RV spots with hookups for electricity and water. Communal flush toilets and shower facilities add convenience, as well. Or, opt for more privacy with a secluded riverside campground—the perfect place for kayakers and anglers to roll out of bed and get right to the action.
Warm weather runs from May until September in the area around Copalis Beach, with beautiful wildflowers best seen in the peak of summer. Fall brings rain and big waves to Westport Light State Park. While the climate is generally mild, winter months are gray and wet. Higher elevation areas in the Olympic Mountains also get a fair amount of snow in the off-season, so watch for road closures.