When you're staring at a gray sky from your kitchen window, it can be hard to imagine winter camping in the Pacific Northwest. Just today, it was so blustery outside while I was writing that my power went out. Still, if you've got the right gear and a plucky attitude, I think there are some enormous benefits to enjoying Oregon's campgrounds out-of-season. The number one spot I recommend to the winter-camping-curious is Fort Stevens State Park, a gem tucked just outside Astoria that has convinced me to spend nights beneath the stars year-round.
Though some might bemoan the widening definitions of "camping," I think the more ways there are to camp, the more accessible and inclusive camping becomes to everyday people. To that end, if you're not up for a traditional tent experience during the winter, I can hardly blame you. However, the proliferation of camper-van outfitters like Portland's Road Trip Oregon allows more cautious (some might say more sensible) travelers to get off-grid off-season. Booking a van or even an R.V. rental has never been easier, and Fort Stevens has 174 full-hookup sites with water, electricity, and sewer. This means adventurers can soak in Oregon's natural beauty — and some much-needed vitamin D — without the downsides.
Now, if camper vans don't scratch your al fresco itch, Fort Stevens has 15 yurts, each with basics like beds, electricity, and heating. One of the biggest benefits of off-season camping is the relative ease of making reservations. Some of Oregon's state parks even offer discounts for winter travelers. Still, remember that great minds think alike! Fort Stevens' yurts remain relatively popular year-round, especially over weekends and holidays, when other outdoor enthusiasts want to enjoy some nature without the damp.
If the weather permits, Fort Stevens contains around 15 miles of stunning trail for campers to enjoy. From abandoned bunkers to Sitka spruce coastal forests to wetlands to beaches, various sights will keep you and your travel party entertained. My favorite attraction is the Peter Iredale Shipwreck, a local landmark that dates back to 1906.
If all else fails and you really need to warm up, charming Astoria is located under twenty minutes away. This small Oregon town is one of my favorites in the entire state, boasting an outsized cultural impact (it was the film location of 1985's "The Goonies") and some excellent dining options.
If you're looking for a spot to camp off-season, I can't recommend Fort Stevens State Park highly enough. Its well-maintained campground has all the amenities you'll need for a successful excursion, even if the weather doesn't cooperate, and nearby Astoria offers travelers a much-needed reprieve from the possible pitfalls of drizzly nights outdoors.
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