For 45 days, from Vancouver to San Diego, we slept at campgrounds, in someone’s home and in hostels. On this page I’ve added today’s status of each place next to what I wrote in my notebook in 2011: is it still open, is there a hiker-biker site, how much does it cost, and how do you book it.
38places we stayed
17 State park1 Provincial park7 Private camp / RV4 KOA3 Municipal / port1 County park1 National forest3 Hostel1 Home host
What is a hiker-biker site?
Most state parks on the West Coast have shared tent areas for people who arrive on foot or by bike, without a motor vehicle. You pay per person and there are usually no reservations: first come, first served, and you can often stay only 1–2 nights. On the tour this was the cheapest and most sociable option, and there was almost always room.
Canada · British Columbia
The Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island, by ferry
01Provincial parkprobably
Roberts Creek
Roberts Creek Provincial Park
2011We stayed at a campground; the provincial park was closed.
TodayThe park is still open only in season (15 May–15 September). We arrived after the season had ended, on 24 September. Cash only, first come, first served; no showers.
- Hiker-biker site
- No separate hiker-biker site
- Price today
- CAD 20 / night (per party)
02Private camp / RV
Around Saltery Bay
A campground with showers near Saltery Bay
2011At Saltery Bay Provincial Park, where we first stopped, we couldn’t find water, so we packed up and moved to a campground with showers. A shower was $1 for 7.5 minutes.
TodayI didn’t write the name of the campground in my notebook. The provincial park where we first stopped still has no showers, only pit toilets, and there are no services outside May–September.
- Hiker-biker site
- No hiker-biker site at the provincial park
- Price today
- Provincial park: CAD 20 + non-BC resident surcharge
03Municipal / portprobably
Powell River
Willingdon Beach Campsite
2011No ferries because of the storm, so we stayed at the campground next to the terminal. They gave us a covered corner; a 4-minute shower was $1.
TodayA municipal campground on the beach, 1 km from the Westview ferry. Coin-operated hot showers and a laundry; book by email or phone.
- Hiker-biker site
- No separate hiker-biker site mentioned
- Price today
- Current tent price not published
04Private camp / RV
Nanoose Bay
Nanoose Creek Campground
2011Campground, 25 dollars.
TodayIt matches our GPS track to within 200 m. Open all year, free hot showers. Book by phone: 250-468-7186.
- Hiker-biker site
- Not mentioned
- Price today
- Current price not published
05Home host
Mill Bay
Steve and Doddy’s home
2011They invited us into their home. The breakfast of our lives was here.
TodayThis isn’t a campground; it was a gift from the road. Today you can find similar hospitality on cyclist networks such as Warmshowers.
USA · Washington
The Olympic Peninsula and Willapa Bay
06Private camp / RVprobably
Port Angeles
Salish Trails Campground (formerly Port Angeles–Sequim KOA)
2011We stayed for free; there was nobody at reception.
TodaySold in 2024; today it is run by the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe under the name Salish Trails. Open all year, with showers and a laundry.
- Hiker-biker site
- Not mentioned
- Price today
- From USD 56 (site type not specified)
07Private camp / RV
Brinnon
Cove RV Park & Country Store
2011The best campground of the tour: laundry and a store in the same place.
TodayStill open, on US-101 on the shore of Hood Canal. Tent sites and showers; book via Campspot or Hipcamp.
- Hiker-biker site
- Not mentioned
- Price today
- Tents “from USD 28” (Hipcamp, 2026)
08Private camp / RV
Elma
Elma RV Park
2011Spotless; a quarter for the shower.
TodayThe most recent review we could find is from 2023; call ahead to confirm it is still open.
- Hiker-biker site
- Not mentioned
- Price today
- No current price found
09KOA
Bay Center
Bay Center / Willapa Bay KOA Holiday
2011Free showers.
TodayOpen all year. In winter (November–March) beach access can close because of the tides. Book at koa.com.
- Hiker-biker site
- None
- Price today
- Current tent price not published
USA · Oregon
From the Columbia River to the California border
10KOA
Astoria (2 nights)
Astoria / Warrenton / Seaside KOA Resort
201122 dollars; hot tub and pool. On the second night they gave us a cabin for free.
TodayOpen all year, indoor pool; showers renovated in 2025. Fort Stevens State Park right next door has a hiker-biker site.
- Hiker-biker site
- Not at the KOA; there is one at the state park next door
- Price today
- Current tent price not published
11State parkprobably
Manzanita
Nehalem Bay State Park
2011The night after Astoria. I logged it on the GPS as “Manzanita State Park”.
TodayThere is a hiker-biker site; first come, first served, max 2 nights. Showers are free for registered campers (the showers in Loop C are currently closed for repairs). From 15 March to 15 September there are restrictions on cycling on the beach.
- Hiker-biker site
- Yes · first come, first served, max 2 nights
- Price today
- USD 9–10 per person (non-resident, 2026)
12Private camp / RV
Pacific City
Cape Kiwanda RV Resort & Marketplace
2011Right across from the ocean.
TodayStill open under the same name. Tent sites and cabins; book on the official website.
- Hiker-biker site
- Not mentioned
- Price today
- No current price found
13State park
Newport
Beverly Beach State Park
2011We had the hiker-biker site all to ourselves.
TodayClosed for maintenance in 2023–2024 and reopened in August 2024. Restrooms and showers in Loops D, E and G are closed from 1 October 2026 to 19 May 2027.
- Hiker-biker site
- Yes · first come, first served, max 2 nights
- Price today
- USD 9–10 per person (non-resident, 2026)
14Municipal / portprobably
Florence
Port of Siuslaw Campground & Marina
2011Camping in Florence.
TodayThe port authority’s campground on the river in Old Town. The hiker-biker area that opened in 2013 may since have been removed; call before you go: 541-997-3040.
- Hiker-biker site
- Unclear
- Price today
- Standard site ~USD 41 (older rates)
15State parkprobably
Charleston (Coos Bay)
Sunset Bay State Park
2011I didn’t take notes for this part; our GPS point is between Sunset Bay and Bastendorff Beach.
TodayThere is a hiker-biker site (first come, first served, max 2 nights), and hot showers are free. Most of Loop A has been closed since the January 2025 storm. Nearby Bastendorff Beach County Park is another option.
- Hiker-biker site
- Yes · first come, first served, max 2 nights
- Price today
- USD 9–10 per person (non-resident, 2026)
16KOA
Langlois / Denmark
Bandon / Port Orford KOA
2011I didn’t take notes for this part.
TodayOpen all year, hot showers, bike rental. koa.com or 1-800-562-3298.
- Hiker-biker site
- Not mentioned
- Price today
- No current price found
17State park
Brookings
Harris Beach State Park
2011The last night before the California border. (I logged it on the GPS as “Harris Bay”.)
TodayOpen all year; some loops close seasonally. Under Oregon state park rules the hiker-biker site is first come, first served, max 2 nights.
- Hiker-biker site
- Yes (could not be confirmed on the official page)
- Price today
- USD 9–10 per person (non-resident, 2026)
USA · Northern California
The redwoods and the Mendocino coast
18State parkprobably
Orick
Prairie Creek Redwoods SP · Elk Prairie Campground
2011The GPS only says “State Park CA”.
TodayThe official park brochure lists “hike & bike” sites. Drury Parkway is closed to cars on the first Saturday of every month (October–May): wonderful by bike.
- Hiker-biker site
- Yes · first come, first served
- Price today
- ~USD 5 per person (third-party source)
19Private camp / RV
Eureka
The Retreat at Redwood Shores (formerly Eureka KOA)
2011Eureka KOA.
TodayNo longer a KOA; it runs at the same address under a new name. Shared shower building, ~27 tent sites; book via Campspot.
- Hiker-biker site
- None
- Price today
- Tents from USD 30.89 (2026)
20State park
Weott
Humboldt Redwoods SP · Burlington Campground
2011Among the redwoods.
TodayOn the Avenue of the Giants, next to the visitor centre, open all year. There are 3 hike & bike sites.
- Hiker-biker site
- Yes · first come, first served
- Price today
- USD 5 per person
21State park
Leggett
Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area
2011I logged it on the GPS as “Hikey State Park”.
TodayThe Hickey and Rock Creek campgrounds are open (some seasonally). One site is set aside for hikers and cyclists; there are showers.
- Hiker-biker site
- Yes · 1 site
- Price today
- Current price could not be confirmed
22State parkprobably
Fort Bragg
MacKerricher State Park
2011The name in my notebook is unfinished (“Mac…”); a 5-minute shower was 50 cents.
TodayWest Pinewood is open all year, the others seasonally; every December it may close for 2–3 weeks of maintenance. Coin-operated showers.
- Hiker-biker site
- Could not be confirmed
- Price today
- Standard site USD 35–45
23KOA
Manchester
Manchester Beach / Mendocino Coast KOA Journey
2011Hiker-biker site 9 dollars; hot tub and a free kitchen.
TodayOpen all year, now called “KOA Journey”. Its current website doesn’t show a separate hiker-biker site.
- Hiker-biker site
- Existed in 2011; not mentioned today
- Price today
- No current price found
24State park
Jenner
Sonoma Coast SP · Wright’s Beach Campground
2011Wrights Beach. New friends at the camp table.
Today27 sites on the beach, no showers. Today the hike & bike site is 8 km south at Bodega Dunes (coin-operated showers there).
- Hiker-biker site
- At Bodega Dunes · max 2 nights
- Price today
- Wright’s Beach USD 45 / site · Bodega Dunes hike & bike USD 10 per person
25Hostel
San Francisco
Amsterdam Hostel
2011In San Francisco we stayed at a hostel.
TodayStill open at 749 Taylor St, with reviews from 2026. Book via Hostelworld.
- Hiker-biker site
- —
- Price today
- Current bed price not published
USA · Central California
From Half Moon Bay to Big Sur
26State park
Half Moon Bay
Half Moon Bay SB · Francis Beach Campground
2011Half Moon Bay State Park.
TodayHike & bike for 1 night only, no reservations; register at the entrance after 2 pm. Hot showers: 2 minutes for 50 cents (coins).
- Hiker-biker site
- Yes · 1 night
- Price today
- USD 7 per person
27State parkprobably
Capitola
New Brighton State Beach
2011There was a 9 am check-out rule. (The GPS says “Santa Cruz State Beach”, but the coordinates are New Brighton.)
TodayOpen; may close during winter storms. Coin-operated showers; ReserveCalifornia, max 7 nights.
- Hiker-biker site
- Not mentioned on the current page
- Price today
- Standard site ~USD 44 (2024)
28Municipal / port
Monterey
Veterans Memorial Park Campground
2011The campground is on the hill above town. (I logged “State Park” on the GPS; it’s actually a city campground.)
TodayOpen 365 days a year, no reservations, max 3 nights. Showers: 5 minutes for 4 dollars. Fires banned from 1 June to 1 November.
- Hiker-biker site
- Yes · first come, first served
- Price today
- USD 10 per bike
29State park
Big Sur
Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park
2011There was a laundry.
TodayHike & bike site, max 2 nights. Coin-operated showers: 5 minutes for 1 dollar. Check Caltrans for Highway 1 closures before you go.
- Hiker-biker site
- Yes · max 2 nights
- Price today
- USD 5 / night
30National forest
Pacific Valley
Plaskett Creek Campground · Los Padres NF
2011There were no showers.
TodayStill no showers; currently portable toilets, and the water isn’t drinkable. No phone signal. Book on Recreation.gov.
- Hiker-biker site
- Not mentioned
- Price today
- No current price found
31State park
San Simeon
Hearst San Simeon SP · San Simeon Creek Campground
2011San Simeon State Park.
TodayThe park is now called “Hearst San Simeon”. Two hike & bike sites and coin-operated showers.
- Hiker-biker site
- Yes · 2 sites
- Price today
- No current price found
32County parkprobably
Oceano / Pismo Beach
Oceano County Campground
2011Pismo Beach County Park, 22 dollars.
TodayOur GPS point is at Oceano Lagoon; this is the closest county campground. Coin-operated showers; book on the county parks website.
- Hiker-biker site
- Not mentioned
- Price today
- No cyclist rate · RV USD 61–70
USA · Southern California
From Santa Barbara to San Diego
33State park
Gaviota coast
Refugio State Beach
2011Hiker-biker site 10 dollars.
TodaySame price as in 2011. Max 2 consecutive nights, max 10 days a year. Pay before you set up.
- Hiker-biker site
- Yes · max 2 nights
- Price today
- USD 10 per person
34State park
Carpinteria
Carpinteria State Beach
201110 dollars; no entry before 4 pm.
TodayThe hike & bike site is in the Anacapa section, with a bike rack and a food locker. Max 2 consecutive nights.
- Hiker-biker site
- Yes · max 2 nights
- Price today
- USD 10 per person
35State park
Malibu
Leo Carrillo State Park
2011Leo Carrillo State Park.
TodayThere is a hike & bike site. Shower tokens only with 1-dollar bills. The campground may close during red flag (fire) warnings.
- Hiker-biker site
- Yes
- Price today
- No current price found
36Hostel
Santa Monica
HI Los Angeles Santa Monica
201138 dollars a night.
TodayOpen at the same address (1436 2nd St), now called “HI Los Angeles Santa Monica”. Book at hiusa.org.
- Hiker-biker site
- —
- Price today
- Prices on the booking screen
37State park
Dana Point
Doheny State Beach
2011Our last night of camping: 6 dollars.
TodayOpen until the end of 2026; the campground is expected to close for a renovation project in 2027–2029. Be sure to check before you go.
- Hiker-biker site
- On the 2013 map; not mentioned today
- Price today
- Standard site USD 50
38Hostel
San Diego
HI San Diego Downtown
2011The end of the road. Free breakfast.
TodayOpen at the same address in the Gaslamp Quarter (521 Market St). Book at hiusa.org.
- Hiker-biker site
- —
- Price today
- Prices on the booking screen
Current information was compiled in October 2026 from official park pages and the campgrounds’ own websites. Prices, seasons and rules change often; always check the official page before you set off. I matched the places labelled “probably” with my GPS track and notes. If you spot something wrong, leave a comment and I’ll fix it.
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