Where to park, play, and cozy up in your Sandy Van this season.
Fall in the PNW is crisp air, golden leaves, empty trails, and moody coastlines. And if you’ve got a van, you’ve got front-row seats to it all. Whether you’re chasing foliage in the forest or sunrise over the Pacific, autumn is arguably the best season for van life.
Here’s our go-to list of fall camping spots, complete with van-friendly sites and booking links so you can hit the road without guesswork.
🍁 1. Trillium Lake – Oregon
Why it’s great for van camping:
Spectacular Mt. Hood views and peaceful lakeside mornings.
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Campground: Trillium Lake Campground – closes mid-September.
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Van Life Tip: Nearby NF-2612 and surrounding forest roads offer plenty of free dispersed camping with lake views and room to park a van.
🌲 2. Olympic National Park – Washington
Why we love it:
Fewer crowds + stunning rainforests + foggy beaches = fall perfection.
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Kalaloch Campground – Beachside sites with picnic tables and fire pits.
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Hoh Rainforest Campground – Deep in the mossy rainforest. First-come, first-serve in fall.
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South Beach Campground – Simple, right on the water. First-come, first-serve.
Van Life Tip: Olympic National Forest also has dispersed roadside camping if campgrounds are full.
🌊 3. Cape Lookout State Park – Oregon Coast
Why it’s a van life favorite:
Beach camping under coastal pines with full hookups or tent-style simplicity.
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Book here: Cape Lookout State Park
Van Life Tip: Reserve an ocean-view site for the ultimate van-door sunrise.
🍂 4. Silver Falls State Park – Oregon
Why it’s epic for fall:
Home to the Trail of Ten Falls. Picture golden leaves framing waterfalls.
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Book here: Silver Falls State Park
Van Life Tip: The campground has electric and water hookups, showers, and room for mid-sized vans.
🏔 5. North Cascades National Park – Washington
Why it’s remote and incredible:
Golden larches, jagged peaks, and alpine lakes all to yourself.
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Colonial Creek Campground – Right on Diablo Lake. First-come, first-serve after Labor Day.
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Lone Fir Campground – Near Washington Pass, seasonal and beautiful.
Van Life Tip: Plan ahead—Highway 20 may close for snow by mid-October.
🌾 6. Mt. Rainier National Park – Washington
Why it’s magical in fall:
Less crowded, with vivid alpine meadows and moody mountain vibes.
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Cougar Rock Campground – Closest to Paradise; book early (closes early October).
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Ohanapecosh Campground – Near old-growth forests and hot springs; closes mid-October.
Van Life Tip: National Forest roads around Rainier offer good dispersed options when campgrounds are full.
💧 7. Umpqua Hot Springs – Oregon
Why it’s a hidden fall gem:
Natural hot spring terraces, golden leaves, and no cell service = reset.
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Nearby Camping:
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Toketee Lake Campground – Small, quiet, closes early October.
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Dispersed camping available on Forest Road 34 near the hot springs trailhead.
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Van Life Tip: Arrive early in the day to grab a good spot and beat the crowd to the springs.
Why Fall Van Camping Hits Different
A Sandy Van gives you the freedom to chase colors, chase sunsets, and chase solitude—without sacrificing heat, comfort, or storage. With cooler temps and fewer people, fall is the best season to explore the PNW on your own terms.
So load up the blankets, fill your thermos, and pick your next stop from the list above. Your fall road trip starts now.
Need a van for your autumn getaway?
Explore our fully equipped camper vans, available for rent or custom build.
