Monday, June 25, 2012

Delightful Dungeness: Coastal Camping on the Olympic Peninsula


On the northern coast of the Olympic Peninsula, and close to the town of Sequim, the Dungeness Recreation Area encompasses the famous Dungeness Spit, bluff-top hiking trails, and beautiful campgrounds. You may think you’ll come just for an overnight, but chances are good you’ll want to stay longer.

The forested campground, open from February 1 through September 30, features 64 gorgeous sites, which sit atop a bluff that overlooks the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Pack a lunch and walk along the mile-long scenic bluff trail to a picnic table with awesome views. As numerous seabird species soar overhead, you can watch the incoming freighters and outgoing cruise ships ply the waters below. The weather will likely be in your favor, too, as the area boasts a mere 18 inches of rain, thanks to its position in the Olympic Mountains rain shadow.

The six-mile-long Dungeness Spit is the longest sand spit in the U.S. and among the longest in the world. The Light Station (operating since 1857) makes a great destination for ambitious walkers; just be sure to check the tides and give yourself about six hours for the round trip adventure. 

Other great activities in and around the Sequim area include bicycling, kayaking, U-pick berries and lavender, fishing, boat tours, the Olympic Game Farm, and numerous summer festivals (we’ll tell you more about some of these in the coming weeks). And whether you order them in a local restaurant, or bring them back to the RV for a campfire boil or bake, don’t miss the chance to taste the delicious Dungeness crabs that live in these nutrient-rich waters. 

Camping: Half of the Dungeness Recreation Area campsites can be reserved in advance; the rest are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. You can check on campsite availability for specific dates, along with the downloadable reservation forms here: http://www.clallam.net/Parks/Dungeness.html

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