3 Ultrafun Camping Trailer or Campervan Trips for Seattle-Area Families

From the wide mouth of the Columbia River to Cape Lookout, the northern Oregon Coast is a shoreline of incredible natural beauty. Much of the coastal land is in public hands as well in the form of state parks, county parks and national forest sites, interspersed with charming seaside towns lined with kite shops and ice cream stands.
 
Day 1
Fort Stevens State Park near Astoria is the spot where the mighty Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. Where else can you swim in a freshwater lake in the morning, then while away your afternoon beachcombing near an old shipwreck? It’s an RV paradise here, with more than 300 campsites that have electric and water hookups. Reserve online or by calling 1-800-452-5687.
 
Day 2
Nehalem Bay State Park south of Manzanita sits on the 3-mile-long sandspit that separates the ocean from Nehalem Bay and provides lots of space for building castles, flying kites and watching majestic sunsets. Crabbing in the bay itself is some of the best on the coast, and Kelly’s Brighton Marina will rent you a boat and gear. Campsites are sheltered from the ocean by gently rolling sand dunes. There are a whopping 265 campsites with electrical and water hookups. Reserve online or by calling 1-800-452-5687.
 
Day 3
Beverly Beach State Park sits just north of the town of Newport. The campsites are nestled in some lovely woods on the east side of Highway 101, but only a short distance away through a tunnel is a stretch of beach that offers miles of roaming and beachcombing. Head south to search for fossils and north to visit Devils Punchbowl, a spectacular place to watch the tide come in or go out, as the carved rock formations cause the ocean water to swirl violently. More than 100 of the campsites have electric and water hookups. Reserve online or by calling 1-800-452-5687.

Next:

• Island-hopping in the San Juans