Bell tents near Aberdeen with fishing

Visit Kurt Cobain’s hometown on the banks of the Chehalis River.

97% (103 reviews)

United States
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Washington
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Aberdeen

97% (103 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Aberdeen

Top bell tents sites near aberdeen with fishing

98%

(63)

Elfendahl Forest campground

6 sites · Lodging, Tents20 acres · Belfair, WA

Nestled deep within the captivating forest, not far from the majestic Hood Canal, lies our enchanting retreat known as Elfendahl Forest. Embark on a journey to escape the electronic hustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the wonder of the fairy tale woods that make Elfendahl Forest so extraordinary. Our off-grid homesteading destination is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainable living and environmental preservation. As we embark on our fourth year, we have meticulously crafted our 20 acres of whimsical, lush forest into a place that will captivate your heart and entice you to return time and time again. Surrounded by boundless acres of state lands, you are invited to explore the endless trails and roads that beckon adventurers. Just minutes away, you'll discover state parks, the Hood Canal, and refreshing freshwater lakes where you can indulge in activities such as fishing, kayaking, and swimming in the surprisingly warm waters. We offer a range of outdoor games including axe and knife throwing, bocce ball, corn hole, laser tag, and more. Additionally, we have a dedicated kids' play area where young ones can enjoy endless fun throughout the day. Immerse yourself in the heart of our vibrant community by getting involved in one or more of our ongoing projects and workshops. Relish in the abundance of delights that await you at Elfendahl Forest, including our flourishing vegetable gardens, inviting outdoor kitchen, eco-friendly composting toilet, refreshing shower, and a communal fire pit perfect for cozy evenings. During the summer months, we often host movie nights at our outdoor theater, offering a unique and captivating experience. Our one-of-a-kind kitchen is equipped with a propane stove/oven and comes complete with dishes and utensils for your convenience. Should you desire fresh vegetables and herbs, our gardens are a bountiful source, and we gladly share their harvest upon request. Indulge in the privacy and comfort of our outdoor shower, featuring on-demand hot water that can be adjusted to your liking. Our main composting toilet, affectionately known as "Louie the first," operates similarly to a porta potty but with the use of sawdust instead of harsh blue chemicals. Prepare to be pleasantly surprised by its cleanliness and comfort, all while conserving hundreds of gallons of water each week. For those renting our Lotus tent or the Magical bus you will enjoy the convenience of your own private composting toilet, as well as access to drinking water, a well-equipped kitchenette with spices and cooking oils, hammocks, and more. As we embark on our exciting journey with Hipcamp and other online platforms, your satisfaction is of utmost importance to us. Please do not hesitate to let us know how we can make your stay as enjoyable as possible while you're here. At Elfendahl Forest, we invite you to step into a world of wonder and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Bell tents near Aberdeen with fishing guide

Overview

If you’re a fan of 90s grunge-rock band Nirvana, you may have heard of Aberdeen, Washington This small city that straddles both sides of the Chehalis River is where the band got their start, and many of Aberdeen’s key attractions are related to the short life of the band's frontman, Kurt Cobain. Aberdeen is also a popular stopover point for road-trippers heading toward the coast from Olympia, and its proximity to the beaches and natural areas on and around the North Bay make it a good spot to pick up supplies or stop for a meal.

Where to go

Capitol State Forest

Located between Aberdeen and Olympia, this forest is known for its recreation opportunities, with 150 miles of nature trails and seasonal campgrounds, some of which have corrals for people who want to bring their horses along. Popular activities here include mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, and off-road vehicle driving.

Olympic National Park

Aberdeen is sometimes positioned as the gateway to the Olympic National Park, which encompasses much of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Encompassing nearly a million acres of protected land, this park is best known for its ecological variety, from the mystical Hoh Rain Forest, which protects majestic old-growth trees, to Sol Duc Hot Springs, a popular spot to soak away your aches and pains.

Westport Light State Park

Encompassing 560 acres, and only a half-hour drive from Aberdeen, the day-use-only Westport Light State Park is a fan favorite among surfers, offering fantastic winter surf conditions. The park has two beaches, a paved boardwalk, and picnic tables galore, but many visitors come to check out the state's largest lighthouse—Grays Harbor Lighthouse—which is situated right inside the park.

When to go

Aberdeen is not exactly known for its weather, and it’s wise to expect cooler temperatures and lots of rainfall no matter when you visit. With that in mind, the best months to visit are in July and August, when temperatures typically reach the upper 60s and rainfall and cloudy days are limited to a couple of days a year. Winters are cold, but rarely freezing, and get tons of rainfall, typical to the Pacific Northwest.