Glamping in the Pacific Northwest: WA & Oregon’s Best-Kept Basecamps

From rugged coasts and temperate forests to high deserts and mountains, the Pacific Northwest is home to some of the most beautiful–and extensive–landscapes in the country. In just a few hours, adventurers can find themselves in an entirely new environment from where they started, without ever leaving the two states that form the PNW.

Thanks to the vast and versatile beauty this part of the world offers, the opportunities for camping, glamping, and outdoor adventure are endless. While most nature lovers are well acquainted with the big-name parks, like Mount Rainer, Olympic, and Crater Lake, there are countless other well-kept glamping spots worth checking out across the various terrains of Washington and Oregon.

Since National Parks are no-brainers for most, today we’ll focus on uncovering some of the PNW’s best-kept hidden gems for glamping, spanning the region’s most distinctive environments. Whether you’re craving a coastal glamping experience, a forest and mountain retreat, or even a high desert basecamp, read on to find the perfect glamping spots for your next adventure in the Pacific Northwest!

Pacific Northwest Glamping at a Glance

Every environment offers a slightly different experience for glamping, from the views you’ll see out of your tent to the type of activities you’ll enjoy while there. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of terrains to explore in the PNW. If you’re not quite sure where to start, here are the best glamping spots by region, at a glance!

Best Island and Coastal Glamping: Lakedale Resort on San Juan Island, WA, and Otter Rock Surf Yurt in Otter Rock, OR

Best Forest and Mountain Glamping: Wildfern Grove in Buckley, WA, and Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge in White Salmon, WA

Best High Desert Glamping: Big Rock Ranch in Terrebonne, OR

Diving Deeper Into the Destinations

Now that we have a general lay of the land, let’s dive a little deeper into what each destination offers for glampers. 

Island and Coastal Glamping

1. Lakedale Resort, Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, WA

When it comes to Washington glamping spots, San Juan Island is a must-visit for outdoor lovers seeking a coastal island experience. Accessible only by boat, Lakedale Resort is a peaceful escape from mainland Washington, offering acres of forests, meadows, and lakes to explore. Reserve one of the property’s canvas tents or yurts for a true PNW glamping adventure, or bring your own glamping tent to one of their standard campsites. 

Glampers at Lakedale have an abundance of activities to enjoy, thanks to the island’s ideal environment. Go biking or hiking around the island’s many trails, or take advantage of coastal terrain by paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, or even whale watching. Plus, check out the local art installations–an experience unique to Lakedale Resort. 

2. Otter Rock Surf Yurt, Otter Rock, OR

For an authentic Oregon coast glamping adventure, book a stay at Otter Rock Surf Yurt. Just steps away from the beach, this glamping resort offers panoramic ocean views and convenient access to top-rated local seafood restaurants. Otter Rock is also well-known for having one of the best sand breaks in all of the PNW, making it an ideal glamping spot for surfers.

After a day catching waves, beachcombing, or exploring Devil’s Punchbowl nearby, Otter Rock Surf Yurt guests can unwind in a fully equipped glamping yurt. Featuring a full-sized bathroom, furnished living space, kitchenette, WiFi, and smart TV, a stay at the Surf Yurt can be as relaxing as it is adventurous. Plus, this resort welcomes kids and pets, so bring the whole family!

A Quick History of Yurts in Oregon

Thanks to Oregon State Parks’ popular yurt rental program–the oldest and most extensive in the country–choosing a yurt for your glamping trip is more than just an outdoorsy trend to follow. Intentionally staying in a traditional yurt like those at Otter Rock upholds the long-standing history of Oregon. Whether you’re a PNW local or just visiting for a quick trip, a yurt stay is a great way to connect with the region’s roots!

Forest and Mountain Glamping

3. Wildfern Grove, Buckley, WA

If you’re a local Seattleite looking for an outdoor escape, Wildfern Grove provides some of the best glamping near Seattle. Just 1 hour south of the city center and halfway to Mount Rainier National Park, Wildfern Grove will be your new glamping go-to.

Guests at Wildfern Grove stay in authentic Mongolian yurts nestled in the temperate evergreen forests Washington is beloved for. This retreat’s main ethos is reconnection, encouraging every visitor to slow down, reflect, renew, and reconnect with nature and each other in their community-driven spaces.

Whether you’re watching local wildlife, stargazing by the firepits, or soaking in their outdoor cedar hot tubs, there are endless opportunities to get the most out of your nature escape. 

4. Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge, White Salmon, WA

For Portland residents, reserve a glamping tent at Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge for a scenic mountain retreat just an hour away from the city. This nature haven is located on 120 acres of the White Salmon Valley, directly on the border of Oregon and Washington. 

Each canvas wall tent at Under Canvas is equipped with luxury furnishings, private bathrooms, cozy fireplaces, and sweeping views of the forested valley and Mount Hood. Use this retreat as a basecamp for whatever adventure you’re craving, whether it’s hiking to nearby waterfalls, watching wildlife, fly-fishing, or white-water rafting in the river. 

High Desert and Central Oregon Glamping

5. Big Rock Ranch, Terrebonne, Oregon

If the high desert is more your speed, Big Rock Ranch offers a unique glamping experience in central Oregon’s high desert horse country. This outdoor oasis is run by a family of ranch farmers dedicated to sustainable agriculture and regenerative practices. By booking a tent at Big Rock Ranch, guests can see this magic in action while directly supporting land stewardship.

Guests stay in a traditional canvas tent, outfitted with all of the essential furnishings you could need for a trip outdoors. During the day, explore Smith Rock State Park or the Deschutes River, or stay at camp to immerse yourself in Oregon’s authentic ranch life.

Bringing Your Own Glamping Tent Instead

While all of the glamping spots listed today offer fully equipped accommodations, some also offer the option to pitch your own tent, like Lakedale Resort on San Juan Island. Every camper looks for something different in their experience, and for some, setting up your own glampsite is a vital part of the adventure!

If you opt to go this route instead of booking a turnkey property, be sure to come well prepared for the climate of your destination. As we’ve covered, the environment of the Pacific Northwest can vary greatly, from mountainous to coastal terrain. One thing all of the PNW has in common, however, is the high likelihood of rain. 

When bringing your own glamping tent to Washington or Oregon, prioritize a shelter that can handle the moisture! High-quality canvas bell tents are ideal for this climate, thanks to the natural water-resistance of treated canvas and the sloping roof shape that allows water to run right off instead of pooling in the center. 

Plus, canvas tents are the perfect shelter for tent stoves, a functional way to add warmth during the chillier months camping in the Pacific Northwest.

Glamping in Washington and Oregon: FAQs

What is the best time of year to go glamping in the Pacific Northwest?

July through September is generally considered the ideal time of year for camping and glamping in the Pacific Northwest. These months tend to be the warmest and typically experience less rain than other times of the year. If you’re in the high desert regions, the ideal time for glamping is a bit longer, with visitors enjoying May through October thanks to the region’s drier climate.

Is Washington or Oregon better for glamping?

Both Washington and Oregon are incredible destinations for glamping! These two states offer similar experiences thanks to their proximity to each other. That being said, some visitors may prefer one over the other based on their specific travel times and budgets.

Can you go glamping in the Pacific Northwest in winter?

Yes, you can absolutely go glamping in the Pacific Northwest during the winter! Many glamping resorts operate year-round thanks to the 4-season nature of high-end glamping tents and yurts. If you plan to set up your own glampsite, be sure to come prepared with seasonal camping gear to keep you warm and safe in the cooler and wetter months.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to versatile landscapes, there’s no place in the world like the Pacific Northwest. Just a short drive can take campers from a rugged coastline in Oregon to a sprawling mountain valley in Washington, making the opportunities for picturesque glamping seemingly limitless. 

So what kind of trip are you yearning for? Once you’ve decided between island and coastal, forest and mountain, or high desert, choose one of the top glamping spots outlined today to kick-start your next adventure.

Looking for something a little less rainy this fall? Don’t sweat it! There are plenty of other picturesque destinations perfect for a glamping trip, from Arizona to California.