Community Forums

CJ7ole · 08-22-2013, 08:56 AM

We currently are in Missoula MT heading to Seattle then down the Pacific coast to CA. I am really having trouble finding a place to stay in the Seattle area. We would like to see the downtown sights, but know it isn't RV friendly. Maybe 2 nights with a day in Seattle. The Kent KOA has bus access, but gets bad reviews for being not big rig friendly. I see there are ferries from Bremerton, but that seems like a long way to look for an RV site, which are few and far between. Any ideas? Seattle is such a big, urban area looking at the map.

no3putt · 08-22-2013, 10:19 AM

Was just in Seattle, driving in town is a pain, look outside of town. We stayed at Whidbey Island, but long way to drive to Seattle to sightsee.

Skip426 · 08-22-2013, 10:40 AM

Anywhere , within a 50 mile radius of downtown , would be an option , Renton, Kent , Auburn, When the I-5 and the 405 aren't clogged with rush hour traffic, getting around the area is fairly easy, for a car.
Always time my travel through the area , for mid-morning, or mid- afternoon.

Last time , I was downtown , the Space Needle was brand new. So I can't help with what to see or how to get there.

traveler of california · 08-22-2013, 10:44 AM

Try Trailer Inn RV park at www.campgroundreviews.com which is near Seattle, approx 11 miles. If you want bus service you will find service available near the park. Since your time is limited I would drive into the city but you will find parking to be very expensive. We usually park near the Paific Science Center and take the Monorail to downtown. From there you can easily walk to Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, etc.

Nick

myredracer · 08-22-2013, 11:10 AM

I know that there are lots of campgrounds just east of Seattle. We looked at staying at one a couple of days ago on the way to Ocean Shores (on the west coast of Wa.) but decided against all the traffic congestion (I blame it on Bill Gates for moving there). Driving through Seattle is pretty bad 24/7 now and going around Seattle on say the 405 is just about as bad. At rush hour times it can be stop and go and not the best with an RV. It's almost as bad as LA and even in a car is not fun.

There are some campgrounds on the opposite side of Puget Sound around Shelton and we know of two good ones near there (Hoodsport). You have to drive through Tacoma and Olympia though but if you are heading down the coast, that might make sense? I also recall driving past a big Casino complex near Shelton with RV sites with full hookups. If over that way, you could then get onto hwy 12 and then 101 to go down the coast. I`m guessing that Shelton to downtown Seattle might be 30-45 min. and you would be able to drive on the I-5. We can get from BC to Seattle in about 90 min. on the I-5.

Jack R · 08-22-2013, 11:34 AM

Try the Lake Pleasant RV Park in Bothell Wa. 425-487-1785.

They are the closet nice park to Seattle Wa. Approx 17 miles from seattle.

jack r

twogypsies · 08-22-2013, 12:22 PM

I was going to recommend Lake Pleasant RV in Bothell, also.

Another alternative is to drive to Anacortes and continue driving on to Whidby island and then picking up the 45 min ferry from Whidby to Port Townsend on the Olympic Peninsula. You'll see other RVers doing this, and truckers. There are many places to stay in and around Port Townsend/Sequim and this would give you neat beautiful areas to poke around.

Then when you're ready to tour Seattle take the 35 minute ferry (just you, no vehicle) from Bainbridge on the Olympic Peninsula to the Seattle waterfront. You'll be let off at the Aquarium area, Pikes Market and can easily pick up the monorail which will whisk you to the Space Needle. It's a fun day trip and no vehicle needed.

When ready to head south you can take in the whole Olympic Peninsula drive via 101 and stay on 101 all the way down into California. It's a very scenic route and the state parks in Oregon are awesome.

UFO Pilot · 08-22-2013, 12:27 PM

Lake Pleasant RV Park in Bothell was recommended to us but was full when we called. We stayed at the KOA in Kent instead. Nice big space and we rode the bus and train to Seattle. The only problem with the KOA for us was the high cost.

halfwright · 08-22-2013, 12:45 PM

Ole,

If you are a member of the VFW, there is a post on Whidby Island that has a RV park. Great bunch of people, nice park, good food and cheap beer.

Jonesey · 08-22-2013, 12:58 PM

There are two places just off I90. One is by Lake Samamish and the other is around Front Street in Issaquah.

You might also check in Fall City, there's a place right on the river just a few miles down stream from Snoqualmie Falls (which you really should see). If you are in the Snoqualmie area you owe it to yourself to stop by the brewery and try the Black Frog Stout (a nitro beer only available at the brewery)

There's also a place called Issaquah Recreational Park on Rt.900 between Renton and Issaquah.

All of these places are close enough to Seattle AND you really should check out the areas outside of the City. Issaquah, North Bend, Fall City, Carnation.

UFO Pilot · 08-22-2013, 01:06 PM

Are you an Elk? There is a Lodge with RV spaces in Burien, WA. It is 18 miles to the Space Needle.

CJ7ole · 08-22-2013, 09:28 PM

Thanks everyone for the quick responses. We got as far as the Ellensburg KOA (exit 106) so we have a short drive tomorrow before we arrive in the Seattle area. I'm not a VET or an Elk, but those were great suggestions. We are pouring over our AAA books, maps and internet sources as where to stay and what to see. Space Needle is on my list (My only trip to WA was for the Worlds Fair in 1962) as is the Chihuly glass works and Pike Street Market. Anne has a few other things on her list. Looks like we may take 2 days.

UFO Pilot · 08-22-2013, 09:40 PM

EMP Museum - Music + Sci-fi + Pop Culture and Ride the Ducks of Seattle - Fun and unique tours of Seattle! Call 206-441-DUCK!
are both worth the time in my opinion. Make sure you visit Pike Place Market early enough to see it in full swing.

coupevilleDF · 08-22-2013, 10:18 PM

Have not stayed at Lake Pleasant but have been by there many times and it looks nice. Two places in S Everett next door to each other - Lakeside. And Maple Grove.

Have stayed at Lakeside. It was Okay, spots seemed small but we were okay with 35' and 2 slides.

Maple Grove is big rigs only.

Both are on bus lines that go to downtown Seattle.

We stayed at Dash Point SP last summer and liked it. It is S of Seattle, on the N edge of Tacoma. Great for visiting the Le May Auto Museum - highly recommended.

Lots of great camp spots on Whidbey Is or Camano. Ferry from Whidbey can be a pain (that's home, come see us) but there are also busses that go downtown.