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 Flagler | Nordland, 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
4
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 if you can, but any area is fine.**RESERVATION UPDATE: Campsites will open up July 3rd and 13th. Log in those dates at 7:00 a.m. sharp (or before and cancel unwanted dates) to secure AND set an e-mail alert on the campground website to increase your chances of getting a spot.***
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: Campsites will open up July 3rd and 13th. Log in those dates at 7 a.m. sharp (or before and cancel unwanted dates) to secure a spot AND also set an e-mail alert on the campground website to increase your chances of getting a spot.*** 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***Campground is full BUT Mary/host has an extra campsite Sat. night, PM her if interested in buying (you could stay somewhere along the way Fri. night). Create an alert of the website, folks do cancel, be prepared to act quickly to secure a spot.***
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
Seattle Area Van/Camping: Fort Flagler (Nordland, WA)
Fort Flagler, 10541 Flagler Road, Nordland, WA, USFolks let's camp in the fall at Fort Flagler State Park on the northeastern tip of the Olympic Peninsula! This park has a nice blend of being not too hard to get to, but it shouldn't be too crowded. See description below and secure your campsite in the Upper Campground and note that sites here don't have electricity. Campsite link.
Fort Flagler Historical State Park occupies the northern tip of Marrowstone Island in Washington’s Puget Sound and offers one of the most unique camping experiences in the state. The 1,451-acre park combines scenic shoreline, forested trails, dramatic coastal bluffs, and fascinating military history. Originally built in the late 1890s as part of the “Triangle of Fire” coastal defense system protecting Puget Sound, the former military fort now serves as a beautiful state park with campgrounds, historic buildings, beaches, and miles of trails. From many areas of the park, campers enjoy spectacular views of Port Townsend, Whidbey Island, Admiralty Inlet, the Olympic Mountains, and Mount Baker on clear days.
September is an ideal time to visit. Summer crowds have diminished, temperatures are typically mild, and sunsets over Puget Sound can be spectacular. The campground offers RV and tent sites, restrooms, showers, beach access, and easy access to the park's extensive trail network. Between hikes, visitors can explore historic gun batteries, military bunkers, the park museum, beaches, and the nearby communities of Nordland and Port Townsend.
Top 5 Hikes in the Park:
- Beach & Bluff Trail Loop – A scenic combination of shoreline walking and bluff-top viewpoints overlooking Admiralty Inlet.
- Fort Flagler Trail Loop – A moderate route through forests, historic fortifications, and coastal overlooks.
- Anti-Aircraft Battery, Bluff Trail & Lagoon Loop – The park’s premier hike, combining military history, forest trails, shoreline, and lagoon views.
- Fort Flagler Museum Loop via Bluff Trail – An easy hike linking historic batteries, museum exhibits, and scenic viewpoints.
- Wilderness Trail & Coastal Loop – A quieter route through mature forest with opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy water views.
Event/Reservation Details:
- Please reserve in the upper campground. Sites here do not have electricity, but if you need it, set an alert for the lower campground and reserve there. Campsite link.
- Fees: $37-43 for each night. 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 the museum or visit Port Townsend (30 minutes away).
- Getting there: the campground is on the northeastern area of the Olympic Peninsula, you may need to take a ferry.
**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.**
2 attendees
Seattle Area Van/Camping: Camano Island State Park Oct 9-11
Camano State Park, 2269 S. Lowell Point Road, Camano Island, WA, US**We had originally planned to camp here in August, but the campground is already full then, and we needed to change the October event so this was a straightforward switch. Apologies for any confusion.**
Join us for van/RV, vehicle or tent camping. We'll have nightly socializing around a campfire (if permitted) and we'll post activities closer to the date.
Camano Island State Park offers a relaxed, scenic Puget Sound camping experience that’s perfect for a van meetup. Located on the west side of Camano Island, the park spans roughly 170+ acres with over 6,700 feet of rocky shoreline, delivering sweeping views of Saratoga Passage, the Olympic Mountains, and even Mount Rainier on clear days. The campground includes 70+ RV and tent sites across two loops, with some pull-through spots ideal for vans and RVs, plus restrooms, showers, fire pits, and picnic tables. The lower loop is open year-round, while the upper loop operates seasonally—perfect timing for your August meetup.
This park is all about easygoing coastal vibes: beachcomb along driftwood-lined shores, launch kayaks, go crabbing, or simply enjoy sunset views over the water. Forested trails weave through quiet stands of fir and cedar, offering shade and cool breezes even in summer. Compared to busier San Juan destinations, Camano feels less crowded but equally scenic, making it ideal for group gatherings and low-key social time.
Top 5 Hikes Nearby:- Camano Island Loop Trail – ~2–3 miles; forest, bluff views, and beach access all in one loop.
- Elger Bay / South Beach Trail – Easy coastal route with great birdwatching and shoreline views.
- Marsh Trail – Short interpretive trail through wetlands with strong wildlife viewing.
- Cama Beach State Park Trail Connection – ~1 mile; scenic forest connector to another waterfront park.
- Cranberry Lake Trail (nearby) – Easy lakeside walk perfect for a relaxed group outing.
As of now there is a lot of availability, get your reservation here: https://parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/camano-island-state-park
3 attendees
Past events
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