Van Camping and RV Trips in Seattle NorthCountry
You haven’t lived the #vanlife until you’ve explored the forests, mountains, and coasts of the true PNW.
CAMPING 101 - DISCLAIMER
If you’re reading this article, odds are you have some experience van camping and outdoor recreation. Or, you’d like to try it.
Welcome to where we live. As a temporary resident, we encourage you to enjoy the natural beauty that fills every elevation of this place we call home.
When exploring, please be sure to get proper permits, stay on designated land, and pack out all trash. And enjoy it. Seattle NorthCountry is a beautiful place, like something from a folk tale. You’ll see.
1. MOUNTAIN LOOP
The Mountain Loop is a northwest road tripper’s paradise. If you own a van and crave stunning treelines, mountain peaks, and wild rivers, take this trip into the Central Cascades and back. It can be done in a day or, more leisurely, in a fun-filled weekend with lots of stop-and-linger camping opportunities.
The name “Verlot” hints at the words “verdant” and “lots.” As in, there are dozens of camping lots that you can rent here in a verdant setting. Next to a river.
Verlot has some spots that have water and electrical hookups, perfect for parking it for a few days. There’s no shortage of beautiful views for your ‘gram or a great place to set down your phone and unplug. Camping here runs from under $20 to $40/night.
River Meadows Park: the name says it all. The place is comprised of fields next to the Stillaguamish River. Van/RV camping here is a good option for river recreators who want to hit the “Stilly” with a fishing pole. From this basecamp, you can make excursions into the neighboring towns of Arlington, Oso, and Darrington for foodstuffs, camping supplies, or the local culture of these working northwest logging and farming communities.
2. SKY VALLEY
Sky Valley is a corridor that follows 88 miles of river from the lowlands of the Salish Sea to the heart of the Central Cascades. The route approximately follows the Skykomish River so that drivers can experience views of mountain valley panoramas.
Closed seasonally: Nov 1 - Feb 28.
Hook up to water and electricity at Flowing Lake, a large recreational body of water in the foothills of the Cascades. Flowing Lake has a boat launch if you’re a kayaker/SUP enthusiast. With the proper permit, the balmy northwest summer days are delicious in this neck of the woods. Linger a while and kick up your feet. Utility sites are made better here because they have showers available, too.
THE EVERGREEN STATE FAIRGROUNDS - RV PARK
This is a unique camping opportunity. Camp out at the fairgrounds. They have utility hookups. This is perfect if you’re coming into town for a swap meet, demo derby races, or any other event at the fair. Or, you could camp here and take day excursions into the Sky River Valley.
3. SALISH SEA
Experiencing the rare beauty of the Salish Sea firsthand should be a to-do on everyone’s bucket list. You may know our neck of it as Puget Sound. We’ve got all of the crabbing, kayaking, ferry rides, and salmon-fishing you can handle.
When you’re “roughing it” in a van, hot showers are nothing to take for granted. Kayak Point has coin-op showers, perfect for warming up after a night curled up in a sleeping bag or rinsing off after taking a chilly, salty coastal dip.
4. WHEN YOU GO
Make sure you’re stocked up for the long haul. Here’s our resources list for reference. No matter where you’re headed in our region, this guide will help you find firewood, food, and camping supplies. Enjoy your foray into the wilds on four wheels. The Northwest is a beautiful place to explore.
