Astoria / Warrenton / Seaside KOA

The Great Outdoors

When you camp in an RV near Hammond, you’re on the doorstep of Fort Stevens State Park, which forms part of the Lewis and Clark National and State Historical Parks. It centers around a military fortification that was built near the end of the American Civil War to guard the mouth of the Columbia River and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Learn about its role in World War II at the on-site museum, enjoy a swim at Coffenbury Lake, or cool off in the waters of the Pacific Ocean from the adjacent beach.Just to the south is the Sunset Beach State Recreation Site, which hugs the coast along the Clatsop Plains. It marks the western trailhead of the historic Fort-to-Sea Trail that recounts the experience of Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery in the winter of 1805. There are spectacular views across the Pacific Ocean throughout the recreation area, as well as direct access to the beach for swimming and relaxing. A stone’s throw inland lies the Cullaby Lake County Park where you can swim, fish, or go birdwatching.If you’re motorhome camping at Astoria/Warrenton/Seaside KOA, you’re also within easy access of the Saddle Mountain State Natural Area, which is situated in the Northern Oregon Coast Range. It’s named after the peak of Saddle Mountain that can be accessed along a 2.5-mile-long hiking trail, with views of the Pacific Ocean and several Cascade mountains being your reward at the top. While exploring the natural area, keep your eyes peeled for the herd of resident elk regularly spotted here.

Exploring the Area

The Astoria/Warrenton/Seaside KOA camping site is just five minutes’ drive from the small city of Warrenton, which lies on the banks of the Skipanon River. It was originally inhabited by the Clatsop tribe of Native Americans and first settled by Europeans in the mid-19th century. There’s a large supermarket where you can pick up grocery supplies and a couple of gas stations if you want to fill up your campervan rental, as well as a handful of global restaurants for dining out.Just to the south of Warrenton is the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park where you’ll find a replica of Fort Clatsop, an encampment where the Corps of Discovery spent a winter during the early 19th century. There’s a visitor’s center with exhibits detailing the history of the expedition, as well as surrounding nature trails and ranger-led programs during the warmer months.Across Young’s River lies the port city of Astoria, which serves as the seat of Clatsop County and is the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. Climb to the top of the towering Astoria Column for panoramic views across the coastline, then admire the murals that illustrate the region’s heritage. Astoria has a number of excellent museums to explore, including the period rooms and landscaped gardens of the Queen Anne–style Flavel House Museum. If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss a visit to the Columbia River Maritime Museum where they can delve into the shipping and military legacy of the city.Whether you’re interested in the Corps of Discovery history or spending time on the Oregon coast, book an RV in Clatsop County and start planning your next vacation.