A benefit of living in the Pacific Northwest is being able to camp during the wintertime. Compared to the rest of the northern states, we tend to have a more manageable season, even with snow and some temperatures around the freezing mark. Our outdoorsy lifestyle does not prevent us from partaking in this unique activity that brings families together for some time away from home.

While a lot of RV campsites usually close after October, there are places you can go for some time away in the outdoors during the chilly months. Especially here in the state of Washington. Before you put away your recreational vehicle, there is one place nearby where you may want to take a winter camping trip.

The LetsRV.com website suggested Ocean Shores, right on the Pacific Ocean west of Aberdeen in Grays Harbor. A drive out on U.S. Highway 12 from Olympia makes the trip worth it on the way to the seaside camping adventure. The website describes the weather at Ocean Shores as “relatively balmy conditions with temperatures hovering in the 40s to low 50s Fahrenheit.” They confirm that Ocean Shores is “a perfect destination for RVers who want to enjoy winter camping without RVing in freezing temperatures or heavy snowfall.”

What makes it an attractive place for a winter RV outing? The activities are unique to the rugged Pacific coast in our state. You can go “razor clamming,” which is an interesting way to catch Pacific clams. Make sure you get a license before you gear up and hunt for them.

Beachcombing when it’s 40-55 degrees outside may seem risky. But the Pacific coast of Washington offers pristine shorelines full of shells, driftwood, and ocean glass to collect. You can also enjoy a campfire on the beach for s’mores and other fun treats as the sun disappears on the western horizon. Keeping warm with the tide is a great way to bond with your campmates.

For the technically inclined, you can go geocaching. You may never know what you will find equipped with a GPS (or GPS app) along the coastline and into the woods.

Another benefit of visiting a great RV site is exploring what’s nearby. In the city of Ocean Shores, you will discover great places to eat and shop. If you’re craving a West Coast seafood chowder, you will find it not far from the campsite.

One stop the website suggests visiting is the Coastal Interpretive Center in Ocean Shores. There, you can learn about the local maritime ecosystem, along with the culture of the indigenous Chinook, Chehalis, and Quinault peoples. It is a great place to understand the nature of the Pacific Northwest and its place along the mighty ocean.

There are various ways to camp in Ocean Shores. The campsites in the area can accommodate all RV types year-round. These sites include Ocean City State Park, Quinault Marina & RV Park, Quinault Beach Resort and Casino, JB’s RV Park and Campground – all in or near the city of Ocean Shores.

There are some other advantages to camping in Ocean Shores during the winter. You have the serenity of the area near the mouth of Gray’s Harbor, along with watching the local wildlife, and maybe catching a storm coming off the Pacific. All of this is just around a couple of hours from the Puget Sound area.

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