Southern California to Washington State

[Jerry & Barbara]

We are also in La Quinta, and looking to escape the heat for a bit.

[dennysbabe]

We are also in La Quinta, and looking to escape the heat for a bit.

Don't blame you there. We try to get away July and August but due to various family issues we're probably not going to get any further than the San Bernardino mountains this summer. If you travel up 395 we like to dry camp along the Lee Vining River but most of the sites are probably too small for your unit. We took a trip along the coast above San Francisco a few years back and stayed in Fort Bragg a week then up at Patrick's Point above Eureka for about a week. In Fort Bragg we stayed at Pomo RV Park and at Patrick's Point we stayed at Sounds of the Sea. Both were reasonably priced and centrally located for sight seeing. I don't know where you're headed in Washington State but we loved the area around Olympic National Park and stayed at the Salt Creek Recreation Campground right on the Strait of Juan De Fuca across from the Canadian border. You have to watch your cell phone calls in the park though because they tend to ping off of the Canadian towers and you get hit for international roaming. I had to get Verizon to adjust our bill. Whatever you end up doing have fun and have a safe trip before you return to the Gem of the Desert!

Phyllis and Dennis

[Chiefblueman]

Oregon has many beautiful parks along the coast but will be very hard to get into in July without reservations. Lots of beautiful beaches and day hikes, lighthouses and other attractions. Parks we've been to, from South to North, Humbug Mountain, Honeyman, South Beach, Beverly Beach, Cape Lookout, Nehalem Bay, Fort Stevens, and across the Columbia in Washington is Cape Disappointment. Check out Whiskey Creek, a private campground on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Rustic and on the water. Fort Flagler near Port Townsend is another on the water. All these are very popular. We have a trip planned in September going down the coast and into Cali. Staying at the Redwoods RV Resort for several days. Some of these might be a little tight for your 388, Honeyman in particular. We've gotten our 315 at 38ft into most of these parks.

I'm thinking Eastern Oregon and Washington in July might not give much of a respite from the heat. Some parks worth a look in E-WA, Confluence in Wenatchee, a nice big rig friendly spot at the confluence of the Columbia and Wenatchee rivers. It's in the city but has miles of paved bike trails into town and out to Rocky Reach dam. Lincoln Rock is on the river near Rocky Reach, a park we really enjoy. Pearrygin Lake near Winthrop in the Okanagan, a little gem. Beautiful little lake surrounded by mountains, decent fishing. Curlew, another lake in the Okanagan. Headed there next month.


Might be tough to get into these parks with only a month's notice but they are all quite scenic areas. We generally reserve about 9 months ahead on the coast. There are usually private parks near these areas.

Good luck and happy campin'!

[goldsp8]

Lots of places 101 wanders in and out from the coast. I would get on Hwy 1 North of SF and follow it until Hwy 101. 101 will get back on the coast around Eureka. Will take you through the Redwoods and on into Oregon. We lived in Waldport (central Oregon coast) for several years and never got tired of that drive. You can follow 101 all the way to Washington state if you have the time. Lots of places to stop, see, and do along the way. Actually, I would get off of Hwy 1 at Hwy 20 to cut over to 101. Not much North of there best I remember.

[Jerry & Barbara]

Thank you for all the responses. Originally we were planning on mid July to get away. Now it looks like it will be after Aug 20. The best layed plans...

[Go Dawgs]

Anywhere along the Washington Coast is great and up through and around the Olympic Peninsula. The problem you will find in the summer is reservations at any State Park. You need to book almost 6-9 months in advance. Weekdays are somewhat easier, but still almost impossible. You may find some dry camping spots and the National Park. There are numerous private parks you probably can get into. I would also visit Mt. St. Helens area near Toutle, WA. If you also have time go up the Columbia Gorge area on the Oregon side it's spectacular.

[Airrace]

If you are Military (active, reserve, retired) there is a nice little place at Pacific Beach, WA just north (16 miles) of Ocean Shores. It is close to the park and the price is great