The following review(s) are from campgrounds and/or RV resorts that we have visited during our travels. They will be listed in no particular order, yet will be listed with the nearest city first for those interested in stopping. I do not get anything from reviewing them, I am just doing it as a favor to fellow (and future) travelers.

Crescent Beach & RV Park

PORT ANGELES, Crescent Beach & RV Park – Crescent Beach is definately one of the most central stops you can make while touring the North Olympic Peninsula. You can do everything within an hour or two from here! From catching a ferry (even take your rig or tow) to Victoria, Canada or hiking the Hoh Rainforest outside Forks.

The beach is actually a quaint spot overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca. From the campground you can view the Strait and on a clear day, British Columbia. During our stay, we not only saw whales and other marine life (even a washed up octopus!), but also submarines heading out into the Pacific Ocean. The backside of the campground you can see Striped Peak (a mountain in the Olympic chain). A short distance from the campground you will find Salt Creek Recreation Area and Tongue Point Marine Life Sanctuary. Salt Creek houses several bunkers left over from the wartime and you can even drive your RV through them! (NOTE: There is a speed bump, which will cause the trailer to rise, so if you have a big rig, you may want to just park and walk through.) The marine life sanctuary is really only accessible at low tide, so plan your trip accordingly. Well worth the hike; however, I recommend sturdy shoes and spiked hiking poles to keep your balance on the slippery mussels. The tide pools are very deep and often hidden, so keep your eyes down! Another short trip from the campground is a historic 1880s cemetary. Within 3 miles “up the hill” as the locals say, you will find yourself in Joyce, a small town which hosts a real-honest-to-goodness general store and wonderful local museum. A must-see while staying in the area, as it will show you a new appreciation of the NOP’s early settlers.

The campground Hosts and owners are friendly. The Hosts stay onsite and will assist you with late-night checkins, even on those cold, rainy nights. Prices are very reasonable, considering you are overlooking the beach. All guests get beach access and only registered guests are allowed in the park or on the beach. If you are staying elsewhere and would like to stop in, you can purchase a day pass for the beach. 

They have charming themed-restrooms (murals galore!), hot coin-operated showers, nice laundry and a small store with foods, snacks and camping supplies. The campground offers water, electric and septic. Since it is septic, you must dump (if full) before you arrive at the park, as they have no dump station and will ask you the status of your holding tanks. All sites are back-in with concrete entrance pad, picnic tables and fire ring. Tents and pets (fee) are welcome. There are only two 50-amp sites. No cable TV is available; however, you do get TV antenna reception from Canada (about 6 channels). Some other campers did have problems with dishes and cell reception. A pay phone is available if needed.

This campground would make a wonderful stop or even drop place for your rig for a week or two if you intend to travel to the Pacific Northwest for the 2010 winter Olympics in British Columbia. It is only a ferry trip (or two) away from the big event. And even if you don’t make it, I’m sure the quaint shops along downtown Port Angeles will have some souvenirs to purchase.

They can be seen on the web at: http://www.olypen.com/crescent/

LAST VISIT: 2008            

LENGTH OF STAY: Extended

WOULD WE RETURN? Yes

BIG RIG FRIENDLY? Yes/No

SLIDE FRIENDLY? Most Sites            

EASY TO FIND? Yes