Forum Discussion

ovrdrawn's avatar
ovrdrawn
Explorer
Dec 04, 2015

North West trip

Hello,

My wife and I live near Daytona, Fl and after seeing most of the East and Midwest have decided to venture further West while we can.
Plans for this June/July are to travel North to North Dakota, then West through Montana, Idaho, into Washington, then South through Oregon & California, with most of the time being spent in Washington and Oregon.
My question is general in nature. Would I have trouble getting into state parks or private parks without reservations in Washington and Oregon, as our time frame is unknown at the day level, where we would be.
We're traveling in a 38' fifth wheel
Roads and Routes
  • CA_Traveler's avatar
    CA_Traveler
    Explorer III
    Dec 05, 2015
    2gypsies wrote:
    ...and from the other side...we've stopped at state parks along the Oregon coast often without reservations in May to mid-June and Aug/Sept. We had a 40' motorhome at the time. As mentioned, weekends are busy. We planned it so we arrived on Sunday afternoon or Monday. If unable to stay through the weekend we had already sought out other options such a forest campgrounds (arriving early Friday), a casino, county park or as a last resort a private park. We even found a few boondocking spots along the way. It just takes research.
    X2
  • Islandman's avatar
    Islandman
    Explorer
    Dec 05, 2015
    2gypsies has it pretty correct, you shouldn't have much trouble during the week at OR and WA state parks. We travel like you do, play it by ear and don't put up with the hassle of reservations, makes for a lot more freedom in your travel. Don't have to be in a hurry to get to your next destination. USFS, BLM, and county CG's are easier for nonres camping.
  • 2gypsies1's avatar
    2gypsies1
    Explorer III
    Dec 05, 2015
    ...and from the other side...we've stopped at state parks along the Oregon coast often without reservations in May to mid-June and Aug/Sept. We had a 40' motorhome at the time. As mentioned, weekends are busy. We planned it so we arrived on Sunday afternoon or Monday. If unable to stay through the weekend we had already sought out other options such a forest campgrounds (arriving early Friday), a casino, county park or as a last resort a private park. We even found a few boondocking spots along the way. It just takes research.
  • rr2254545's avatar
    rr2254545
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2015
    Yes we had trouble getting into a Oregon Park in February - the coast is so mild a climate that you can camp there all year round. We have spent 11 weeks on the Oregon coast in the winter in the past two years.

    Yes get reservations - you will find about only two decent state parks on the Washington Coast
  • lhenry8113's avatar
    lhenry8113
    Explorer
    Dec 04, 2015
    Don't forget about County Parks--there are quite a few in Calif. and seem to be not as crowded or in demand. Lars
  • enblethen's avatar
    enblethen
    Nomad
    Dec 04, 2015
    June/July will be difficult for state parks. National parks, Forest service and private parks would be easier.
    Try to avoid weekends.
    If your schedule can be changed , much easier in May for Wa/Or.

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