BEST HIPCAMPS TO VISIT IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Photo Courtesy: Scott Goodwill
Why Should I Use HipCamp for My PNW Adventure?
Our team is very fond of HipCamp, an online resource for booking the most epic campsites in the country. We know how hard it is to secure a reservation at public campgrounds during the summer–with HipCamp, you don’t have to worry about that. All you have to do is input your dates and desired location, and the app will generate a list of extraordinary campgrounds with dedicated hosts. From a forest campsite on the Columbia River bank to a farm stay on the edge of Yellowstone National Park, this comprehensive guide will tell you all you need to know about the best HipCamps in the Pacific Northwest.
Washington
Wild Washington Coast Lookout - Kalaloch, WA
Perched amongst the towering spruce trees above a quiet stretch of coastline, this campground is a little slice of paradise. This land, also known as Aliya Preserve, is adjacent to Olympic National Park and provides quick access to endless outdoor adventures. Some nearby activities include biking, fishing, hiking, paddle boarding, surfing, whitewater kayaking, and more. Sit by the fire and enjoy panoramic views of the sunset and the Pacific Ocean from your campsite. If the goal of your camping trip is to relax and unwind, this HipCamp is the perfect spot.
(Did you know Peace Vans has a private spot at this campground? To access this site, book a camper van rental with us and enjoy all it offers at a discounted price.)
Price: $75-125/night (note: our Peace Vans site is only $25/night!)
The Lakes - Manson, WA
On the opposite side of the state lies The Lakes, a large apple orchard minutes from the popular destination of Lake Chelan. Each private site has spectacular views of the surrounding lakes and mountains. The property includes an outhouse and a water spigot, both great amenities when camping in your van. This pet-friendly campground is also adjacent to Four Lakes Winery, where you can enjoy a glass of local wine after a day on the water. Some nearby activities include biking, boating, hiking, horseback riding, snow sports, swimming, and more. While in the area, we highly recommend checking out Tipsy Canyon Winery and Local Myth Pizza.
Price: $50/night
Oregon
Four Directions Retreat - Rainier, OR
This HipCamp offers the perfect balance between camping and glamping. It features a large Douglas Fir forest and a spacious meadow with blooming wildflowers. Despite being tucked away in nature, this campground offers an outdoor kitchen, outhouses, farm animals, a wood-fired sauna, and an entertainment stage. The hosts at this property are known for being dedicated and will set up games and movies for visitors to enjoy. Pets are welcome; each site has a picnic table and fire pit. The campground is minutes from disc golf parks, Beaver Falls, the Columbia River, and more.
Price: $48/night
Cornerstone Ranch - Gold Beach, OR
This HipCamp is a large property on the Rogue River bordering the beautiful Pacific Ocean. The ranch offers six campsites that each include a fire pit and access to a porta-potty. The attentive hosts encourage guests to take tours of the ranch and interact with the farm animals, including horses, chickens, and more. This campground feels secluded with its prime location on the ocean, but it’s only minutes away from the town of Gold Beach, which has amenities like great restaurants and local markets. Some popular activities around this HipCamp include horseback riding, wind sports, rock climbing, surfing, swimming, and more.
Price: $45/night
Idaho
Paradise on Mirror Lakes - Sagle, ID
The hosts of this HipCamp describe it as “a postcard photograph” – and it’s exactly that. This paradise is perched in a mountain bowl just 50 feet above Mirror Lake and offers breathtaking views. This off-the-beaten-path location is perfect for travelers who want privacy but access to outdoor activities like hiking, off-roading, fishing, wildlife watching, and more. Each campsite is secluded with water views and offers a clean picnic table and fire pit. This HipCamp also includes porta-potties and is dog friendly–everything you need for a weekend of van camping.
Price: $48/night
Beaver Bay - Athol, ID
Another beautiful yet lesser-known HipCamp in Idaho is Beaver Bay. Also located in the Idaho Panhandle, this campground is the perfect place to rest and recharge. It’s on the shores of Kelso Lake, where you can spend your day kayaking and watching the beavers swim by and the eagles overhead. The amenities include fire rings, picnic tables, a tiki bar, decks, chairs, and an outhouse. The attentive hosts also offer kayak rentals upon request. The property even has electric plug-ins at the campsites, so if you’re traveling in an electric van or car, you’re in luck. This HipCamp has a 100% perfect review rating, so you must see what the hype is all about!
Price: $62/night
Northern California
Juniper Valley Campsites - Weed, CA
This HipCamp is nestled in the valley right below Mount Shasta. The remote location offers incredible views and stargazing. Unlike many of the other HipCamps on this list, Juniper Valley Campsites doesn’t have much in terms of amenities–there are no campfires allowed and no outhouses. This property is the perfect location for campers looking for a quiet, remote getaway in nature. Nearby lies the Mount Shasta Wilderness, a popular area for hiking pristine trails. There are also opportunities for horseback riding, off-roading, rock climbing, and more around the campground.
Price: $50/night
Camp Jade River - Crescent City, CA
Located in Northern California near the Pacific Ocean, Camp Jade River is the perfect place to relax under tall redwood trees beside the Smith River. This HipCamp is very close to Jedediah Smith Redwood State Park–the hosts highly recommend checking out Stout Grove. The campground is also known for having an active wildlife presence, so you may see salmon, bears, minks, and otters. The individual campsite offers a wooden platform overlooking the river to set up sleeping bags, a table, and more. You’ll have an entire two acres of waterfront to yourself, complete with swimming holes, cozy fire pits, and more. This campground offers a great location, amenities, and privacy for a low price.
Price: $45/night
Montana
Yellowstone City Guest Ranch - Pray, MT
Is Yellowstone National Park a bucket list destination for you? Check out Yellowstone City Guest Ranch, an awesome HipCamp just north of the park’s entrance. The landscape at this property can’t be beaten: it includes a cold, rushing creek, meadows full of wildflowers, and surrounding mountains. The ranch even offers a site that is specific to camper vans. It has a level pad to park on, a picnic table, and a fire pit. The ranch also offers many activities for its guests, including hiking, guided fly fishing trips, nature photography, and more.
Price: $71/night
Robinson’s Roost - Columbia Falls, MT
Glacier National Park is one of the best destinations in the United States, and this HipCamp is just 20 miles away. The property includes chicken, fruit trees, gardens, bathrooms, and hot showers. Each campsite has sweeping views of the Columbia Mountain Range. Just a few miles away are the towns of Whitefish and Kalispell, where you can pick up anything you may need before a day of adventures. Each private campsite comes with a picnic table and wooden platform. Some popular nearby activities include horseback riding, biking, hiking, and more.
Price: $50/night
Ready to check out the most epic HipCamps in the Pacific Northwest?
Our rental fleet of Vanagons and Metris vans will provide you with everything you need for an incredible weekend at any of these properties. Our nightly minimum lowers to three nights beginning August 1st, so you can head out on a weekend adventure.
