Fresh air, warm campfires, outdoor activities and affordable accommodations: All signs point to a spring break camping trip! As spring turns the corner and the days heat up, camping is a great way to mark the official end of winter and enjoy the first warm days of the year. While the Pacific Northwest may still have some rain (or snow!) lingering in the forecast, there is no shortage of outdoor adventures and covered camping options. From beachside camping in Oregon, to a skiing music festival in Montana and boating expeditions in Idaho, head to the Pacific Northwest for an unforgettable spring break. We rounded up nine PNW campgrounds, plus the best spring activities for each region.
Go into the wild for a spring camping trip in the Pacific Northwest.
1. Sand board on the tallest single-structure sand dune in North America
Where to Camp: Bruneau Dunes State Park, Idaho
Rising 470 feet in the high desert just south of Mountain Home, Idaho, is North America’s tallest single-structure sand dune. Located in Bruneau Dunes State Park, the dune beacons visitors to hike or sand board down its sandy slope. Fishing, horseback riding and stargazing at the Bruneau Dunes Observatory are also popular park pastimes. This park has one of the longest camping seasons in the Idaho park system, which offers camping opportunities all year long.
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2. Camp among the world’s greatest concentration of high waterfalls
Where to Camp: Ainsworth State Park, Oregon
There’s no denying that Ainsworth State Park is the perfect place for outdoor lovers to spend their spring break. Nestled in the uniquely stunning Columbia River Gorge and located just a few miles from Oregon’s famous Multnomah Falls, campers and hikers delight in the natural beauty of the park and surrounding area. Waterfall enthusiasts especially enjoy Ainsworth State Park, as the park and surrounding areas have the highest concentration of high waterfalls in the world.
3. Rock out at a spring lifestyle and music festival
Where to Camp: Harriman State Park, Idaho
Jackson Hole is not just an outdoor mecca, it’s also home to the three-day Jackson Hole Rendezvous lifestyle and music festival happening March 15-17, 2019 in the beloved Wyoming mountain town. Perfect for spring breakers, the festival even offers the “College Rendezvous package,” which includes a ticket to the music festival and three days of skiing.
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4. Discover your new favorite river rafting destination, just outside Portland
Where to Camp: Milo McIver State Park, Oregon
The Clackamas River flows through northern Oregon, past mountain views, rocky cliffs, blooming wildflowers and wildlife sightings (four species of bats!). Select your tube, raft or kayak and take to the river for a thrilling Pacific Northwest tour only a wild waterway can provide. Though the rapids can pick up speed, the river is known to welcome pros and beginners alike. Back at the campground, challenge your river mates to an afternoon disc golf tournament. Milo McIver State Park offers a 27-hole disc golf course, proving the fun never stops on spring break in the great outdoors.
5. Camp lakeside in the shadows of the Selkirk Mountains
Where to Camp: Priest Lake State Park, Idaho
Located just 30 miles from the Canadian border, Priest Lake is a 19-mile long, 300-foot deep lake situated amongst dense cedar, fir and tamarack trees. Known for its famously clear water, the lake and surrounding park are the perfect place to fish, hunt for huckleberries and hike. If the snow is still around, snowshoeing is a fun way to spend the day. In the warmer months, lake swimming is a must. Choose a tent camping site or cabin upgrade, and enjoy picnic areas and boat slips.
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6. Whale watch from your campsite along the Oregon coast
Where to Camp: Beachside State Recreation Campground, Oregon
If sun, sand and serenity are what you are looking for during your spring camping trip, then Beachside State Recreation Site on Oregon’s central coast is the right place for you. The campground is located alongside a wide, sandy beach, which means you can pitch your tent and whale watch while snuggled in your sleeping bag, or enjoy the sunset from the comfort of your own campsite.
7. Fish in one of Montana’s best kept secrets
Where to Camp: Tongue River State Park, Montana
Montana is well known as the home of Yellowstone and Glacier national parks, but locals find a recreational paradise without the crowds at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Bighorn Lake, located inside of the recreation area, is the perfect place to spend spring break with friends. The 71-mile long lake is a destination for boating and water skiing. Fishing enthusiasts will also love to cast their reel in the nearby Bighorn River, which boasts some of the best fly-fishing in the state. There are a variety of RV and tent camping options, including 17 unique boat-in-only campsites.
Recommended: Ultimate Guide to Camping in Oregon
8. Explore the Emerald City on an urban adventure
Where to Camp: Entiat City Park, Washington
Hiking and waterfront camping are always enjoyable in spring, but there’s something special about urban adventures, too. Seattle, aka ‘the emerald city,’ is a Pacific Northwest gem that offers all of the city excitement spring breakers long for. From craft breweries to seafood restaurants, there’s food and drink—as well as cultural adventures—for everyone. Camping is available less than 20 miles from the city center. Issaquah Village welcomes RV campers with full hookup sites, WiFi and biking trails.
9. Pitch your tent between Montana’s two famous national parks
Where to Camp: Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park, Montana
If your mind is set on a national park visit for spring break, it can be hard to decide which park to spend your time in. At Butte KOA, located in between Yellowstone and Glacier national parks, you don’t have to choose. Set up camp in Butte, and split your time between both of Montana’s stunning national parks. The town of Butte is also filled with lots of outdoor fun and tourist attractions. Many visitors enjoy checking out the Berkeley Pit, the largest truck operated open-pit copper mine in the U.S.
