If you are looking for a new RV camping experience in the Washington area, point your motorhome toward Southwestern Washington, where you’ll find Paradise Point State Park. This impressive park in Ridgefield, Washington, is a water lover’s paradise, hence the name. You will be on the banks of the east fork of the Lewis River, where the swimming area is a no-wake zone so you can get your swim on. And if you like boating, you will be able to do that too, on the western fork of the river. Bring along your fishing gear so you can try your luck at catching some of the fish that call the river home. Don’t forget your net because there are some whoppers in this river.
With over 6,100 feet of shoreline, you don’t even need a boat. You can catch those whoppers from the bank, as well. Paradise Point State Park also offers 79 campsites in the wooded section of the park. Some have utilities, while others are primitive or standard. They even have two yurts if you want to park the RV and try something new. No matter what you want to do, you can probably find it at this spectacular park.
You may also enjoy a trip to the City of Ridgefield, which has all kinds of fun things to do. Check out one of the wineries in the area and taste some new wines or enjoy a game of golf at one of the local golf courses that has over 60 sand bunkers and 11 lakes. Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is another fantastic spot to enjoy nature. The 5,300-acre wildlife refuge boasts a 21-mile water trail, among other exciting activities to enjoy just five miles from Paradise Point State Park.
Just off I-5, you will not have any trouble finding this park, only about 20 minutes north of Vancouver. You’ll also be less than a half-hour from Portland, Oregon with Washington Park, which has a zoo, Japanese Garden, and views of Mount Hood.
Surrounded by Clatsop State Forest, Tillamook State Forest, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, and Mount Hood National Forest, you will have a gorgeous and wooded drive all of the way to the park no matter which way you come from. A little further out, Olympic National Forest and Willamette National Forest are waiting for you to explore on your way in or out of the park. Because of all the forests, it is best to drive slowly and carefully, watching out for any wildlife that may be crossing the road on your way.
Some of the roads may be a bit curvy, as they tend to be when driving around in mountainous and forested areas. If you are driving a big motorhome or pulling a trailer, you will have to be extra careful and may even need to pull over a few times to take a break and let the traffic get past you. Once in the park, you may want to leave the rig at your campsite and explore on foot or bike since the dirt and gravel roads may be difficult to maneuver in some areas.
As long as your rig is less than 40 feet long, you should not have a problem finding a spot to camp at Paradise Point Campground with 69 campsites, including the two yurts at sites 16 and 18. The first 20 campsites have full utilities, 21-69 are standard sites, and 70-79 are walk-in primitive sites that do not have accommodations for RVs or other vehicles. Each site has a large picnic table that seats eight and a campfire ring with a grate for cooking. Hot showers, modern restrooms, and water access are all nearby as well.
In the southernmost corner of the park, the campsites are absolutely peaceful with all the traffic and city noise blocked by the woods. You will be within walking distance to the water as well as the waterfall at the southern end of the river. The trail starts right at the campground as well so you can take a hike whenever you want. Bring along your furbabies too, but make sure you supervise them and keep them restrained during your stay. Campsites are open between Mid-May and Mid-September, and reservations can be made online up to a year in advance. If you want to visit the park in the winter, you are in luck because the yurts are available all year long.
Toss the floaties and beach toys in the campervan before you head out to Paradise Point State Park. The long sandy beach is the perfect place to spend a summer day enjoying the clear water and soaking up the sun. Build a sandcastle, play some frisbee, and then take a dip in the water to cool off. But you will be swimming at your own risk because there are no lifeguards at the park to watch over you. The current here can be strong, so non-swimmers and children should wear life jackets while in the water.
For those who would rather play on land, Paradise Point State Park boasts a 2,229-foot nine-hole disc golf course to test your skills on. Approved by the Professional Disc Golf Association, this course is large and has something for both newbies and experienced golfers, but it is especially good for beginners. There are some hills along the way as well as some wooded obstacles but overall, it is a pretty easy course. There are seven holes under 300 feet and two that are between 300 and 400 feet.
With 100 acres to explore, you may want to check out the 1.7-mile Paradise Point State Park Loop. This path takes you on a complete tour of the whole park, meandering along the East Fork of Lewis River and then coming back through the wooded and wild sections of the park. Since it has only a 196-foot elevation gain and is less than two miles long, it is considered an easy hike, so it is fun for everyone. You can even bring your furbabies as long as you keep them on a leash.
Whether you have a large motorboat or small canoe, all boats are welcome. However, the park itself does not have a boat launch, so you will have to go over the highway to Martin Access Site on the Lewis River if you have a large boat. Martin Access Site is about nine miles from the park so that you can be there in just a few minutes. Paddleboats and canoes are easy to put in anywhere along the banks of the Lewis River at the park without a boat launch. Make sure you wear your life jackets, though, because the current can be rough in places.
Take your fly-fishing gear in the rig so you can catch some of the many types of panfish that live in the river. When you are done fishing, you can cook your fish up at one of the picnic areas along the banks of the river or head back to camp and make a meal for everyone. If you don’t want to fish on the bank, you can paddle around in a kayak or canoe until you find the perfect spot just waiting for you.
Speaking of picnicking, grab the family and pack them into the motorhome to enjoy a picnic at Paradise Point State Park. During the off-season, you can find several picnic tables and BBQ pits by the riverside so that you can enjoy a meal with all your closest family and friends. There are quite a few spots around the park where you will find picnic areas, whether you want to be on the river or closer to the woods. The picnic areas are typically close to restrooms as well, but the water may not be on during the colder months.
