Reviews written by arasgrandpa

I used to come here a lot about 5 years ago, then it was just a gravel parking lot with hookups. Since then they have paved the site and it has full hookups. They have a nice restroom and shower facility, although we didn't used it. Small PX, snack bar with wi-fi, although the wi-fi was broke while we were there. You can also rent cabins and motel rooms here if you have guests. I disagree with the previous poster, we go there for the tourist activities in the local area, there are tons of stuff to do and see, especially with grand kids. Fort Stevens State Park and Military Historical Area has a ton of activities, a museum, beach fishing/exploring, a freshwater lake for swimming/fishing, etc. Largest state park in the west. Fort Clatsop NP is a real treat, even if you aren't a history buff like me. Seaside and Canon Beach are nice beach towns, especially Canon Beach, its one of my favorite places.. and of course Astoria, lots to see there.

We didn't stay here, but drove over for a look. Here's what we learned at the gate. First admission to Indian Island is very controlled, but if you arrive between 8-5 on M-F and you have a DOD sticker, you can go through without any hassle. You have to go through the inspection of course, but it only takes about 5-10 minutes. The guards were very professional and courteous. On a weekend, the situation is very different, so try and arrive during the week. You must get a Recreation Pass ($40 a year) from the gym folks and after that, entry/re-entry is much easier regardless of day. The campground has 5 sites right on a small bluff (10' or so high) overlooking the water. They are next to a large recreation area with covered picnic tables and water access. W/E, with a dump station located in the main compound about 2 miles away. Indian Island is known for it's crabbing, clamming and sea run trout fishing. There is a small county park across from the main gate used by the locals, but you have access to a lot more beach on base. You have to notify the guards if you are going down to the crabbing beach, but it's going to be worth the hassle if they are in season. The crab/clam beach is on the opposite side of the island from the campground. We will be heading there to camp next summer when we are back in the area.

Visited Jim Creek for the first time, nice facility. RV sites 1-6 are open and without much shade, not the privacy of the other sites. Sites 7-12 are on the wooded site with better privacy. 7 is the most private, 12 is good, 8 & 9 are the least private. They do not have sewer hookups and the cost to dump is $14 even for park guests. This is due to the remote location and the tank is a holding tank that needs to be pumped. The sites have concrete pads, picnic table, bbq grill, fire pits, water and electric. The facility does a lot of things for activities in the summer on the weekends, ice cream social, free movies, etc. They have videos for free, just sign them out and return them. They have a fishing lake (2) about 5 miles up a logging road, boats to rent, etc. They also have rental cabins, so if you want to bring guests, the cabins are rustic and just a solid wall tent really. But the Grouse Cabin area is closest to the RV park so request that it you have guests. Arlington is close and there are a couple of good restaurants. Bistro San Martin, only open for dinner and reservations are suggested. Little Italy nice place for lunch, soups, sandwiches and salads.