About us
Welcome! We are a group of folks who love the idea of van life for freedom and recreation/camping. Some of us have vans, SUVs, RVs, trucks, and cars that we can camp and/or live in, and all who want to join us for camping and/or socializing are invited. Tent campers are very welcome! Most of our members are open to “show and tell” their van builds so we can all learn from each other.
We organize monthly weekend camping events in (mostly) western Washington state from March-October. At these camping events, we get together for nightly campfires (bring your own food) and an optional Saturday activity such as hiking or lunch/shopping in the nearby town. There is also usually time to look at each others' vans etc. Again, tent campers are very welcome.
We also host periodic social events in Seattle, especially during the winter, with optional van show and tells. We are opening up the idea of extending our events to Oregon and perhaps even organizing caravans/group trips. We also plan to open up event hosting more broadly in 2026. Stay tuned!
We are a coed group providing fun and inclusive experiences for our members. For 2026 we ran a campground survey of our members, the results are below. We will be adding events to this meetup soon, in order to give you time to make reservations. See “how it works” below for details.
2026 Schedule
| Date | Campground | City |
| ---- | ---------- | ---- |
| March 20-22 | Salt Creek Recreation area | Port Angeles, WA |
| April 24-26 | Deception Pass | Oak Harbor, Washington |
| May 15-17 | Bay View | Mount Vernon, WA |
| June 5-7 | Newhalem | Newhalem, WA |
| July 17-19 | Crescent lake | Port Angeles |
| Aug 14-16 | Cape Disappointment | Ilwaco, WA |
| Sept 11-13 | Fort Ebey on Whidbey Island | Coupeville, WA |
| Oct 9-11 | Camano Island State Park | Camano Island, WA |
HOW CAMPING EVENTS WORK (we try to make it easy):
- The event organizer will schedule the camping event on Meetup and all members will receive an email notification.
- Event will list the campsite link and the area/campsite number range that the meetup will be in. Event host will have made sure that there are campsites available and also include deadlines or urgency for getting reservations.
- Attendees will secure and pay for their campsite, and they can choose to camp the entire weekend or just one night, where available. If you have a van, camper etc., be sure that you reserve a site for vans (some are hike in only) and if you need electricity/water or to be near a bathroom, check for that as well. Note that sometimes we host events at campgrounds without electricity/water at the campsite, but most every campsite will have restrooms. Attendees need to ensure that they are familiar with the campsite refund options in case they need to cancel.
- Attendees will RSVP for the meetup after making a reservation.
- The week preceding the meetup, the organizer will send a reminder email to attendees, indicating where the group will meetup for nightly campfires (bring your own food) and any Saturday activity options/plans.
- Attendees will use the meetup event web page to leave any comments about where they’ll be camping and what their plans will be. If the nightly campfire location changes, the host will leave a comment on this event page and/or “make the rounds” on the campground to inform attendees.
Upcoming events
6
Seattle Area Van Camping: Bay View State Park (Mount Vernon, WA)
Bay View State Park, 10901 Bayview Edison Rd, Mt. Vernon, WA, US**Note: as of Dec 2025, there are many non-electrical/water campsites available, but only a few full hookup sites. Reserve soon if you need electricity/water.**
Join us May 15-17 2026 at a location that should be convenient (no ferries) as well as fun and educational. Bay View State Park is about 70 miles north of Seattle on the coast. It's technically in Mount Vernon (10 miles to downtown) and near Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. It has great views, beach activities, many hiking and walking trails and a free museum/aquarium nearby that we can visit. We'll be inviting our friends from We Love Camping - Seattle, the more the merrier!
Bay View State Park is a scenic saltwater‑front campground on Padilla Bay in Skagit County, Washington, offering classic Pacific Northwest coastal camping with panoramic views of the San Juan Islands and distant mountain ranges. The park’s 66 acres feature roughly 1,285 feet of shoreline, making it perfect for beachcombing, birdwatching, kayaking, kite flying, fishing, and picnics along the water. The campground includes a mix of RV sites with partial hookups, tent sites, and six cozy cabins, plus restrooms and showers—ideal for a spring getaway when wildflowers bloom and migratory birds return. Numerous picnic areas and easy access to tidal flats enhance the relaxed seaside vibe.
Top 3 nearby hikes & walks (via komoot):
- Padilla Bay Shore Trail – An easy, scenic walk along the estuary and bay shoreline, perfect for birdwatching and sunset views.
- South Padilla Bay Wildlife Area Trail – A moderate loop through wetlands and coastal habitats with excellent wildlife viewing.
- Dike Trail to Breazeale Padilla Bay Interpretive Center – A gentle route on elevated dikes offering sweeping estuary panoramas and interpretive stops.
Spring’s mild weather and extended daylight make Bay View a refreshing base for outdoor adventures, wildlife watching, and waterfront relaxation.
Learn more: Bay View State Park
Event/Reservation Details:
- At this time there are open sites near each other and with electricity in the photo attached to this event. Please try to get in this area, but other areas should be fine. Reserve SOON if you need electricity/water.
- Fees: $70-100 for two nights, including $8 online reservation fee. Booking one night is allowed.
- Bathrooms/shower: Yes, both
- Pets: Allowed (please leash/control at ALL times)
- Activities: we'll have nightly campfires/BYO food and firewood if there isn't a fire ban, and van show and tells. Saturday midday we can hike/walk, visit downtown Mount Vernon, and/or visit the Breazeale Interpretive Center, a small museum/aquarium which is free and part of the Padilla Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.
- Getting there: the campground is about 70 miles north of Seattle, mostly on I-5, a 90 minute drive with no traffic. No ferry needed.
- Reservation Link--reserve soon if you need electricity/water, see attached image for where the group will be located.
**Questions about how our events work or how to book a campsite? Check out the "how to" on the group description and PM Mary/group organizer with any questions.**
9 attendees
Seattle Area Van/Camping: Newhalem Creek/North Cascades Natl Park
Newhalem Creek Campground, MPCQ+4J Marblemount, Washington, marblemount, WA, USHello Van/Camping Enthusiasts!
Let's visit the North Cascades National Park during its peak in the summer time, please get your reservations early, we will be in the "C" area campsites 70-80.Newhalem Creek Campground sits amid towering forest along the Skagit River on North Cascades Highway (SR‑20), making it a fantastic base for June camping in rugged mountain scenery. The campground has 107 wooded campsites suitable for RVs and tents, with amenities like flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings, a dump station, and trash/recycling. It’s also adjacent to the North Cascades Visitor Center, which offers exhibits, films, and interpretive programs during the spring and summer months. June brings lush green forests, cool mountain air, and excellent access to both gentle nature walks and more adventurous trails in the heart of the North Cascades.
Top nearby hikes/viewpoints via National Park Service, WTA Note that dogs aren't allowed on National Park Trails:
- River Loop Trail – A scenic ~1.8‑mile loop that follows the Skagit River through old forest and to gravel bars with river views—great for all ages and skill levels.
- Sterling Munro Viewpoint Trail – A short boardwalk path from the Visitor Center with expansive views of the Picket Range’s jagged peaks, perfect for sunrise or sunset photos.
- Ladder Creek Falls Trail – A ~0.4‑mile trail near Upper Newhalem featuring a waterfall and historic hydroelectric gardens with easy access.
- Trail of the Cedars — See a wide variety of native plants and animals along this hike that is great for kids and includes a suspension bridge.
- Diablo Lake — Follow the Diablo Lake Trail up and across talus slopes on the flanks of Sourdough Mountain to impressive cascading waterfalls and stunning views of Ross Lake and Colonial, Pyramid, Davis Peaks, as well as Jack Mountain.
Whether you’re unwinding by the river, exploring interpretive exhibits, or tackling alpine vistas, Newhalem Creek offers a refreshing June escape into the North Cascades’ scenic wilderness.
Learn more/make reservations: Newhalem Creek Campground
Event/Reservation Details:
- Please reserve in area C, sites 70-80, if you can, see attached image. Sites do not have electricity. Remember this will be summer time, look for sites with shade if you need it.
- Fees: $48 for two nights. Booking one night is allowed.
- Bathrooms/shower: Yes, both
- Pets: Allowed in campsites but not on National Park Trails (please leash/control at ALL times)
- Activities: we'll have nightly campfires/BYO food and firewood if there isn't a fire ban, and van show and tells. Saturday midday we can hike/walk, visit the North Cascades Visitor center, or visit nearby Marblemount (not a lot to see there).
- Getting there: the campground is about 130 miles north east of Seattle, on I-5 and route 20, a 2 hour 15 minute drive with no traffic. No ferry needed. Be sure to enjoy the drive on route 20 and try to stop along the way or in Concrete.
- Reservation Link--please reserve in the C area, sites 70-80 or nearby, see attached image for where the group will be located. Any site is fine if you can't reserve in this area.
**Questions about how our events work or how to book a campsite? Check out the "how to" on the group description and PM Mary/group organizer with any questions.**
12 attendees
Seattle Area Van/Camping: Lake Crescent/Fairholme Campground, Olympic Natl Park
FairHolm Campground, In Olympic National Park -Far West of Lake Crescent, Port Angeles, WA, USHello Van/Camping Enthusiasts!
Let's visit Crescent Lake/Fairholme Campground in the Olympic National Park July 17-19. This park is about 30 minutes west/a 40 minute drive from Port Angeles. Please get your reservations in the "B" area, you will need to get an account/log into recreation.gov account your reservations at 7 a.m. Saturday January 17th. **RESERVATION UPDATE: Mary has been watching the reservations, and folks are logging in early the week before the weekend and securing 5 nights to cover the weekend. We suggest that you do this if you can (Tues. Jan 13th), and then cancel Tues-Thurs., there shouldn't be a charge as long as you follow the cancellation procedure.***Fairholme Campground sits on the northern shore of Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park, surrounded by towering old‑growth forest and the deep blue waters of this glacially carved lake. The campground features about 84 sites, including both drive‑in spots and walk‑in lakeside sites, each with a campfire ring and picnic table, set in a peaceful, moss‑draped woodland that thrives on the area’s frequent rainfall. Fairholme’s unique position offers direct access to the Lake Crescent boat launch, making paddling and boating effortless, and it’s a perfect base for both mellow waterside activities and big mountain adventures. While there are no RV hookups, a water fill station and septic dump are located near the boat launch for camper convenience. The campground’s reservation season runs May through September 2026. Fairholme is a gateway to the rest of Olympic National Park’s dramatic landscapes.
Top 5 Hikes Nearby--Note that dogs aren't allowed on National Park Trails:
- Marymere Falls Trail – A classic ~1.8 mi loop through old‑growth forest to a 90‑ft waterfall. WTA
- Mount Storm King Trail – A strenuous ~4 mi hike with panoramic views of Lake Crescent and the Olympic peaks. WTA
- Spruce Railroad Trail – A scenic ~4 mi lakeshore rail‑trail with historic tunnels and water views. Wikipedia
- Barnes Creek Trail – A longer trek extending beyond Marymere into backcountry forest terrain. The Mountaineers
- Moments‑in‑Time Trail – A gentle nature loop perfect for a relaxed stroll and lake vistas. olympicnationalparks.com
Together, these hikes offer a mix of easy forest walks, dramatic waterfalls, historic paths, and challenging mountain summits for all skill levels during this summer meetup.
Event/Reservation Details:
- Please reserve in area B on January 17th, see details near link below. Sites do not have electricity. Remember this will be summer time, look for sites with shade if you need it.
- Fees: $48 for two nights. Booking one night is allowed.
- Bathrooms/shower: Bathrooms only
- Electrical/water hookups: No
- Pets: Allowed in campsites but NOT on National Park Trails (please leash/control at ALL times)
- Activities: we'll have nightly campfires/BYO food and firewood if there isn't a fire ban, and van show and tells. Saturday midday we can hike, boat, relax and/or enjoy the beauty of the Olympic National Park. Port Angeles is pretty far away (40 min. drive) so visits may be better done during your drive there or back.
- Getting there: You will likely need to take a ferry to the Olympic Peninsula and the park is 30 miles west of Port Angeles and about a 2 hour drive from the Kingston ferry terminal.
- Reservation Link--please reserve in the B area, any sites in this area. You will need to make an account and log in at 7:00 a.m. Saturday January 17th for the best chance to get a spot. **RESERVATION UPDATE: Mary has been watching the reservations, and folks are logging in early the week before the weekend and securing 5 nights to cover the weekend. We suggest that you do this if you can (Tues. Jan 13th), and then cancel Tues-Thurs., there shouldn't be a charge as long as you follow the cancellation procedure.*** This campground is very popular. More sites will open up later if you don't want to commit now, but competition may be worse. National Parks have fairly good cancellation refunds.
**Questions about how our events work or how to book a campsite? Check out the "how to" on the group description and PM Mary/group organizer with any questions.**
Note: I copied this event from an old event and I'm unable to change the map right now. Be sure to put the campground into your GPS and don't use the Meetup address.3 attendees
PNW Van/Camping: Cape Disappointment (Ilwaco, WA)
Cape Disappointment State Park, 244 Robert Gray Dr, Ilwaco, WA, US***We originally planned to camp here in October, however folks are saying it will be too cold and windy then. Let's go in August and get a camp site in area A which opens up THIS FRIDAY MAY 1st at 7:00 a.m. US PT.***
Join our friendly group for campfires, daily activities and fun! Vans/vehicle camping is optional, and it's also a great place to learn how others have built or bought vans, SUVs, etc. to camp and/or live in. See the park summary and local hikes/sites below. Note that this campground is a 3 hour drive from Seattle on the southwest corner of Washington state.
Cape Disappointment State Park, located at the dramatic meeting point of the Pacific Ocean and the Columbia River near Ilwaco, is one of Washington’s most unique coastal camping destinations. Spanning over 2,000 acres, the park blends rugged ocean cliffs, sandy beaches, freshwater lakes, and dense coastal forest, creating an ideal setting for an August van camping meetup. Campgrounds here are well-equipped with RV-friendly sites, restrooms, showers, fire pits, and picnic tables, and are open year-round, making fall visits quieter and moodier with classic Pacific Northwest coastal weather.
Beyond camp, the park is packed with activities—explore two historic lighthouses, wander windswept beaches, or visit the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center for sweeping views and regional history. The landscape itself is a highlight, with trails weaving through forest, marshes, and oceanfront viewpoints, offering constant scenery changes in a relatively compact area.
Top 5 Hikes Nearby:
- Cape Disappointment Trail – ~2 miles, moderate; forested path to dramatic coastal viewpoints.
- North Head Trail – ~3 miles, moderate; leads to cliffs, bunkers, and lighthouse views.
- North Head Lighthouse Loop – Short, easy loop with iconic lighthouse vistas.
- Coastal Forest Loop – ~1.4 miles, easy; lush forest with glimpses of Baker Bay.
- Discovery Trail (partial) – Longer coastal path connecting beaches and viewpoints.
Get your reservation in area A soon/starting this Friday May 1st, here's the campground website: https://parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/cape-disappointment-state-park Sites in this area have electricity and water.
2 attendees
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