Top National Parks in the Pacific Northwest

No trip to the Pacific Northwest is complete without a visit to one of its magnificent National Parks. From snow-capped mountains and wild rivers to deep green forests and canyons, there’s something for everyone to explore. So grab your hiking boots and your sense of adventure—you're in for an unforgettable experience!

Olympic National Park

Start your journey in Olympic National Park, home to lush rainforests, Pacific beaches, and the tallest mountain peak in the lower 48 states. Olympic National Park is a unique gem with something for everyone. One of the best campgrounds in the area is Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. It's a fantastic off-grid experience with campsites nestled in the trees, a general store, and hot springs! You can hike to the nearby Sol Duc Falls, soak in the hot springs, and gaze at the stars at night.

The park is also home to diverse wildlife. Catch a glimpse of a Roosevelt Elk in the mist, and keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, brown bears, and even cougars. If you're lucky, you might have the unique opportunity to view these beautiful animals while exploring the park.

There are also several other campgrounds in the park:

Crater Lake National Park

Crater Lake National Park is a must-see for anyone passing through the Pacific Northwest. It’s as if the Grand Canyon had a baby with a clear blue swimming pool—simply stunning!

Fun fact: Did you know it is the deepest lake in the United States? This volcanic crater lake in south-central Oregon has an astounding depth of 1,949 feet!

While you're there, don't miss the hike to Wizard Island, a volcanic cinder cone in the middle of the lake. The hike down and back up is not for the faint of heart so be prepared to take your time. Oh, and don’t forget your swimsuit to take a dip in the crisp mountain water – if you’re feeling brave.

Trip tip: With a campervan from Axis Vehicles, you can explore every inch of it in comfort.

In our opinion, the best camping option is the Mazama Village Campground. It's a perfect spot to stay for a few days and explore the park. The campsites are nestled in the trees, and there are restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities nearby.

There are also several other campgrounds in the area:

Mount Rainier National Park

Another at the top of our list is Mount Rainier National Park. Mount Rainier National Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers incredible climbing, hiking, backcountry skiing and camping. Hike through the picturesque meadows, and don’t miss the gorgeous glacial fields. Grab your binoculars and keep an eye out for the park’s diverse wildlife, including marmots, mountain goats, and even elk. The hiking options are endless with several trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels.

Fun tip and fact: If you're looking for a challenge, climb to the summit of Mount Rainier, one of the largest stratovolcanoes in the US.

There are two main campgrounds in the park.

Cougar Rock Campground and Ohanapecosh Campground.

Cougar Rock is perfect for families and groups, while Ohanapecosh is more remote and has a small, quiet feel.

Other campgrounds in the area include Silver Springs Campground, Mounthaven Resort, and Alder Lake Park.

North Cascades National Park

Last, but certainly not least, North Cascades National Park is a paradise for outdoor lovers. With its towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear lakes, it’s like stepping into a real-life version of The Lord of the Rings. For boondock camping, dispersed camping is the only option, but the campsites are worth the effort.

There are also three campgrounds in the park.

Goodell Creek Campground is the most accessible, with a mix of tent and RV sites.
Colonial Creek Campground is located near the Diablo Lake lookout, with campsites nestled in the trees.
Newhalem Creek Campground is the most remote, with sites along the Skagit River.

Make a reservation at the nearby campground and spend your days kayaking, fishing, and exploring to your heart’s desire. Because with an Axis Vehicles campervan, you can rest easy knowing you'll have all the amenities you need after a long day of exploration. Just watch out for those pesky mosquitoes! We recommend stocking up on 3 Mom’s Organic bug spray. Perfect for mosquitoes and ticks!

And don't forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery.

The Axis Vehicles Difference

These are just a few of the incredible National Parks the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Exploring the Pacific Northwest's National Parks in a campervan is an adventure you won't soon forget. With a reliable and durable campervan, you'll have everything you need to immerse yourself in the beauty of the great outdoors.

You can explore boondock camping with ease, allowing you to find remote and peaceful camping spots in the heart of nature and away from other campers. Or you can just as easily enjoy the amenities of an established campground. Campervans make exploring the vast landscape of the Pacific Northwest a refined experience — allowing you to adventure further and longer. Plus, you'll have all the amenities you need, from comfortable beds, fresh water, a heater and a fully-stocked refrigerator.

Whether you’re looking to hit the road and explore the beautiful Northwest or venture a little further to Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado or the majestic Redwoods of California, a campervan from Axis Vehicle Outfitters can give you the freedom and flexibility to do exactly that in both comfort and style.

So don’t waste another moment—pack your gear and start planning your next adventure. Who knows, you may even discover a hidden gem in the process!

Questions? Reach Out.