The long summer days filled with outdoor fun and adventures are gone from the Pacific Northwest, but that doesn’t mean families can’t enjoy a camping trip. While freezing in a tent in the cold and rain isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time, there is a wonderful way to enjoy a camping trip to the Washington coast you might not have considered. Yurt or cabin camping at a state park in Grays Harbor makes it easy to enjoy a winter camping trip, and with several offering roofed accommodations, camping at the beach in the winter is an unforgettable experience.
Tips and Tricks for Winter Yurt or Cabin Camping on the Washington Coast
With room for five, the yurts and cabins feature a full under twin bunk bed and a futon that folds out for additional sleeping. Need more space for extra guests? Utility hookups for RVs are available for an additional fee at select parks. Pets are allowed in specific rentals for an extra cost per night, provided they are always leashed and cleaned up after. Check-in is at 4 p.m. but getting to the beach earlier and exploring the coast a bit before settling into camp is always fun. Don’t forget a Discover Pass, as it is required for accessing state-managed recreation lands.
The lush coastal forest at Grayland Beach State Park surrounds the yurts and offers a sense of a fairyland forest with the sturdy shore pines swaying in the wind and a cornucopia of mushrooms dotting the forest floor. Pacific Beach State Park also offers yurts, and although it’s a smaller park, it is right near the beach for easy access. Additionally, Twin Harbors State Park has both yurts and cabins for rent in grassy sand dunes near the driftwood-scattered beach.
Once checked in, you’ll feel like you’re stowed away in a secret fort, although cozy and comfortable with electric heat, lights and a door that locks. Tidy bathrooms with showers are close by for all the creature comforts of home.
What to Bring for Winter Yurt or Cabin Camping on the Washington Coast
While the yurts and cabins are heated, be sure to bring plenty of bed linens to keep warm and comfortable. Keep in mind that yurt camping is a lot like tent camping in that you will hear the sounds of nature inside. A stormy night brings gusts and gales that will pepper the dome with needles from the treetops, so bring earplugs if you sleep lightly. Although, falling asleep to the sounds of the nearby Pacific Ocean is lovely and soothing.
When it’s time for dinner, cooking is allowed outside only, but a spacious covered porch provides shelter from the weather to prepare dinner on your camp stove. Or bring a popup canopy in case of rain, cook over an open fire in the pit with a grate, and eat outside on the large picnic table. There are also plenty of nearby restaurants in Grayland and Westport with delicious meals to go. There’s a small table inside the accommodation for eating if the weather is a hindrance. Bring some camp chairs and enjoy coffee on the porch before checking out at 11 a.m.
Things To Do While Washington Coast Camping
Grayland Beach State Park is a large camping park featuring an expansive ocean beach, sandy dune trails and a dense coastal forest. Popular activities include bird watching, seasonal clam digging and fishing, kite flying, winter storm watching, mushroom hunting and wildlife viewing on the 468 acres.
Guests at Pacific Beach State Park’s 10 acres can enjoy a close-by, flat sandy beach perfect for kite flying, playing in the sand, metal detecting, bird watching and fishing when in season.
At 172-acre Twin Harbors State Park, campers will find sand dunes leading to long stretches of beach access, making it a fantastic place for hiking, walking and running. Explore the beach while watching out for birds and wildlife. Crabbing, fishing and shellfishing are allowed in season with proper licenses.
A trip to Grays Harbor allows outdoor lovers to explore remarkable natural areas with various fun fishing opportunities. All visitors will enjoy delicious restaurants and fun shopping experiences in nearby towns. With plenty of local museums and historical sites, there truly is something for everyone at the beach.
Camping in the winter in a yurt or cabin on the Washington coast is a unique and affordable getaway. With stunning scenery, cozy accommodations and abundant outdoor activities, it’s the perfect way to create lasting memories with loved ones or find solitude alone. So, ditch the traditional tent and embrace the comfort and adventure of a yurt or cabin camping trip at Grays Harbor beaches this winter!
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