2023 Best Places to Camp in the Pacific Region
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COMING SOON
JULY 2022
Credit: Shari G
Location: Denali Park, AK
What makes it great:
Located in the foothills of America’s tallest peak, Denali National Park Teklanika River Campground provides visitors with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is located in a remote area, surrounded by pristine wilderness and offering visitors a chance to connect with nature in a way that is becoming increasingly rare.
The campground offers a range of activities nearby such as fishing and wildlife viewing. It is also the starting point for many popular hiking trails, additional backcountry camping, and bus trips elsewhere in the park. Denali National Park is a special destination that offers visitors an unforgettable glimpse of Alaska's natural beauty.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
"Looking for jaw-dropping scenery and untouched beauty, then look no more than Teklanika River. With vast thick wooded areas surrounding you the lure of the wild will keep you wanting more." — Lisa S.
"Incredible location with long views of snow topped mountains, long sloping hillsides, and spruce forest. Wildlife all around: Moose, bears, snowshoe hares, ground squirrels, lynx, and more." — Tommy J.
"My husband and I stayed here in a rented rv for the most memorable camping experience of my life. The kids used our site as a base camp of familial safety for their backcountry permitted camping excursions." — Marisa A.
Campground Details
Price: $33.25
Number of sites: 53
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
1. Denali National Park — Alaska
Credit: Ian B
Location: Lone Pine, CA
What makes it great:
Alabama Hills Recreation Area has stunning natural beauty and is a geological wonderland. Known for its dramatic rock formations that rise from the desert floor, creating a maze of canyons, arches and spires, Alabama Hills is also home to several hiking trails that offer visitors a chance to explore the unique geology and observe the local flora and fauna.
The remoteness and mostly clear skies make it an ideal spot for stargazing. Visitors can set up camp and enjoy a breathtaking show courtesy of the Milky Way galaxy and its shooting stars and other celestial objects from their front-row seat betwixt the Sierra Nevada and Inyo Mountains.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“This place felt straight out of a movie (which is funny because there was a sign saying many were filmed there)” — Taylor B
“This place is a dream. Free dispersed camping anywhere you see, & pretty well maintained dirt roads throughout. The landscape is just beyond beautiful and the area is so big to explore.” — S E
“This is such a beautiful area. Take some extra water and spend some time exploring this place. The rocks give me Joshua Tree vibes, and the views of Whitney are incredible.” — Alyssa L
Campground Details
Price: Free
Number of sites: Dispersed
RV sites: N
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
2. Alabama Hills Recreation Area — California
Credit: Horizon M
Location: Coos Bay, OR
What makes it great:
Bay Point Landing is on the picturesque Oregon coast and offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. It is situated on a quiet bay, making it an ideal location for swimming, kayaking and other water activities. The campground itself features a heated pool, hot tub, playground and a game room. Visitors can also take part in organized activities such as yoga classes, wine tastings and guided hikes.
The area surrounding the campground is also home to several hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities and world-class fishing. Bay Point Landing also offers modern amenities such as full hookups, Wi-Fi and cable TV. The campground also features a modern bathhouse with private showers, laundry facilities and a well-stocked camp store.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say: “Really nice views of the bay. The salt water pool is nice and spots are immaculate. Even the fire pits are better than most.” — Dallas K
“Beautiful RV park right on the bay. Easy check in. Paved roads. Pool was great. Even caught a couple of Dungeness crabs from shore with a lasso trap.” — Dave H
“Can’t say enough good things about Bay Point. Modern, clean, well designed cabins + airstream rentals, amazing amenities, bay/ beach/ water facing. This is the future of RVing.” — Janice
Campground Details
Price: $44-$339
Number of sites: 160
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
3. Bay Point Landing — Oregon
Credit: Patrick S
Location: Orick, CA / Redwood National Park
What makes it great:
Situated in the heart of Redwood National Park on the Pacific coastline, Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is an exceptional destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Surrounded by lush greenery, serene landscapes and towering trees, Gold Bluffs Beach is also known for its diverse wildlife, which includes Roosevelt elk, black bears, bald eagles and more. Visitors can enjoy hiking through the ancient redwood forests, taking a stroll along the beach, or exploring the numerous tide pools. The campground also offers guided ranger tours, wildlife watching and fishing. With its ample opportunities for outdoor adventure, Gold Bluffs Beach Campground is truly a gem in California's camping scene.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“This is one of my favorite campgrounds along the Northern California coast. The campsite is just off the beach, with cliffs in the background.” — Jennifer S
“The road in is an enchanting rain forest, the sites are set back into the bluffs, and the facilities are simple but clean. There are many hiking trails within a short walk or drive. The beach is within 100 ft.” — Justin
“This campground is all about the location. It's a world away from anything.” — Melissa W
Campground Details
Price: $35
Number of sites: 26
RV sites: N
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
4. Gold Bluffs Beach Campground – Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park — California
Credit: Valerie S
Location: Waimea-Kauai, HI
What makes it great:
Polihale State Park is a beautiful and secluded park located on the western coast of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. The park is known for its pristine, white-sand beach that stretches for miles and its unending views of the Pacific Ocean and the nearby Na Pali Coast. Visitors can swim, snorkel, surf or simply relax and enjoy the hot sun and gentle ocean breeze.
What makes this park so special is its remote location and rugged terrain. Accessible only via a long, bumpy, dirt road, the park offers a sense of privacy that is rare in Hawaii. Polihale State Park is a must-visit destination for those seeking an unforgettable Hawaiian experience.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“This is a GREAT campground with a beautiful beach that is tucked away.” — Kate W
“This place is an absolute dream. The scuba diving here is awesome, snorkeling is great, hiking is incredible and laying by the beach is magical. We spent most of our day by the beach and spent one morning scuba diving. Polihale State Park was one of our favorite places to visit.” — Evelyn R
“Polihale is everything you think of from a Hawaiian beach — without the crowds. There are many sites — some with and some without picnic tables and each with a short walk to a beach and bathroom. the bathrooms are cleaned and filled with toilet paper often and the views here are just breathtaking.” — Shannon W
Campground Details
Price: $20 (residents) $30 (non-residents)
Number of sites: Undesignated
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: N
5. Polihale State Park — Hawaii
Credit: Amanda B
Location: Lone Pine, CA / Inyo National Forest
What makes it great:
Rising high above the eastern Sierra Nevada, Whitney Portal is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking to summit Mount Whitney, the tallest peak in the contiguous United States. The campground sits 8,360 feet above sea level and provides panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and wilderness.
Whitney Portal offers numerous amenities and facilities and features clean, well-maintained campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, as well as easy access to fishing and hiking trails. It’s an unforgettable destination for those seeking a memorable outdoor adventure.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“The trees against the rocks and blue sky is gorgeous every time you look up. Very cool campsites nestled into the raw nature.” — Katie T
“By far the best campground I've been to.” — Gabby G
“This campground is at the base of a very majestic mountain. Because Whitney is the tallest peak in the lower 48, this is a busy area. But it is still very relaxing and beautiful.” — Kathryn C
Campground Details
Price: $26-$80
Number of sites: 43
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
6. Whitney Portal — California
Credit: Katya Q
Location: Myers Flat, CA
What makes it great:
Giant Redwoods sits in the heart of California's Humboldt County, perfect for those seeking a peaceful and serene atmosphere in the midst of ancient redwood forests. The campground is situated along the scenic Avenue of the Giants, providing easy access to some of the tallest and most majestic trees in the world.
In addition to its extraordinary natural surroundings, Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination offers a range of amenities and facilities to make visitors' stays as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. The campground offers a range of camping options, including tent and RV sites as well as cozy cabins and cottages for those seeking a more luxurious experience.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“Beautiful spot along the Eel river. Easy access to many parks and right off the Avenue of the Giants.” — James N
“What a wonderful RV park. Quiet except for the very occasional road noise during the day, extremely quiet at night, very well kept up, friendly hosts, and very nice sites.” — David M
“This little gem is a short walk down to the sandy beach on the Eel River and has a few giant redwoods in the campground to marvel over!” — Kathleen D
Campground Details
Price: $65-$85
Number of sites: 21
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
7. Giant Redwoods RV & Cabin Destination — California
Credit: Chad F
Location: Mineral, WA
What makes it great:
Elkamp Eastcreek allows visitors a chance to connect with nature and experience the great outdoors. Located near the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, this campground provides easy access to a wide range of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, river rafting, kayaking and wildlife watching.
The campsites are nestled among the trees and offer plenty of privacy, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat whether that be in a tent or more luxurious cabin. Elkamp Eastcreek also features modern amenities, including clean restrooms, showers and laundry facilities.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“This is a great place to stay, clean, creek access, tons of space for dogs to play in the field, nice little trail access from the field next to the campground.” — Earl J
“I couldn’t recommend this campground more. The owners are very friendly and helpful, it’s in a beautiful area (with a meadow to walk around/chill out in)” — Corinna H
“Eastcreek is extremely quiet, impeccably maintained, all the spaces are really spread out, so your neighbors aren’t right on top of you. It’s a beautiful campground with amazing natural scenery everywhere you look.”— Brian W
Campground Details
Price: $25-$68
Number of sites: 27
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
8. Elkamp Eastcreek — Washington
Credit: Miranda C
Location: Long Beach, WA
What makes it great:
In the heart of the Olympic Peninsula is The Lamp Camp, which is situated in a lush forest setting, providing a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere for visitors. The surrounding wilderness is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including numerous species of birds and mammals.
Popular for being a destination for nature photography, there are so many more activities to dive into. Visitors can enjoy hiking through the forest, exploring the nearby rivers and creeks, or keep it simple with stargazing and relaxing.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“We loved our stay at The Lamp Camp. The owners were so fun to meet, bathrooms were incredibly clean with HOT water, and the location can’t be beat. I highly recommend grabbing the sites closest to the ocean if you can so you hear the waves as you drift off....ahhh!” — Tiffany B
“This will be a spot that we return to every year.” — Tony S
“If you are looking to go to Long Beach I would 1000% recommend you guys check out the Lamp Camp!” — Pat W
Campground Details
Price: $48
Number of sites: 30
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
9. The Lamp Camp — Washington
Credit: Jill T
Location: Hammond, OR
What makes it great:
Fort Stevens State Park offers visitors a chance to learn about history while enjoying the natural beauty of the Oregon coast. The park is home to the remains of an old military fort that was in use from the Civil War era to World War II, providing visitors with a fascinating glimpse into the area's past. Popular activities include investigating the fort ruins and exploring the area’s historic shipwrecks.
The park is situated along the ocean, providing miles of sandy beaches and beautiful Pacific views. Just steps from the campsites are hiking and biking along the park's numerous trails, fishing in the Columbia River or nearby lakes, or bird watching.
What The Dyrt’s community of campers has to say:
“The facilities are lovely and the beach is quiet (despite the shipwreck tourist attraction)!” — Taesagh M
“This is a terrific park. Clean, family friendly and you really feel like you're part of nature.” — Jeff K
“Great camping spots with SO many walking trails!!!” — Lottie Y
Campground Details
Price: $35
Number of sites: 482
RV sites: Y
Fires allowed: Y
Pets allowed: Y
View the 2023 Best Places To Camp Regional Awards winners by region.
A previous version of this list mistakenly named Wonder Lake in place of Teklanika River.
10. Fort Stevens State Park — Oregon
2023 Best Places to Camp in the Pacific Region
The Pacific Region, for many people, is the best area of the country for camping. After all, two of the 2023 Best Places to Camp in the Pacific Region sit in the shadows of two of the tallest peaks on the continent.
Teklanika River Campground in Alaska’s Denali National Park is No. 1 on the list and has a clear view of Denali, the highest mountain in North America. California’s Whitney Portal comes in at No. 6, with Mount Whitney holding the title as the tallest peak in the Lower 48. Back at sea level, Hawaii’s Polihale State Park is No. 5 on the list.
Check out these and the rest of this year’s Best Places to Camp Regional Award winners in the Pacific Region, which are based on reviews and ratings from The Dyrt’s vast community of campers.