Adventure Flying: Camping at PNW Airports with Our Mooney

"Pack your tent and sleeping bag Honey, we're fly-in camping"

Imagine waking up to the chirping of song birds, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Pacific Northwest's lush forests or the lapping of waves on the shore and rolling over to the sight of your own bird. Welcome to the world of airplane camping in the PNW, where adventure takes flight both on the ground and in the sky. In this blog, we'll delve into the exhilarating experience of camping at PNW airports, where aviation enthusiasts and nature lovers converge for a truly unique outdoor getaway.

The PNW boasts a plethora of airports that welcome camping enthusiasts with open arms. With ready access to our own sweet, sleek aircraft, these aviation-friendly destinations offer an unparalleled camping experience. From the tranquil shores of Lopez Island Airport to the breathtaking vistas of Concrete Municipal Airport, each location promises adventure and relaxation in equal measure.

One of the most thrilling aspects of airplane camping in the PNW is the opportunity to seamlessly blend aviation with outdoor exploration. Spend your days soaring through the skies, marveling at the region's majestic mountains, winding rivers, and pristine coastline. Then, as the sun begins to set, return to your campsite for a cozy evening under the stars, swapping stories with fellow pilots and travelers around a crackling campfire.

Here are some great camping airports in the Great Pacific Northwest you can fly-in and set up camp:

Lopez Island (S31). Lopez Airport is a great place for fly-in camping, biking and hiking. Shark Reef Preserve is just a short hike away for seal and whale watching. Bicycles and kayaks are available at Village Cycles and Lopez Bikes and Kayaks. There are four grass tie-down camping sites with shade trees and picnic tables. Water, power, WiFi and portable toilets are available as well as campfire and barbecue facilities, not to mention a covered picnic shelter.

Mears Field (3W5). Mears Field in the quaint town of Concrete, is a great place to fly in, surrounded by the incredible mountains of the North Cascades. Just taxi to the south side grass near the tree line and set up camp by your plane. The airport's pilot lounge has water, showers, a kitchen fully stocked with pots, pans and plates, stove and microwave and refrigerator not to mention WiFi! A short one mile walk into town with a burger joint if you have a hankering for some red meat. And while you're at it, stamp that WPA passport.

Tillamook Municipal Airport (KTMK). You may know Tillamook as the great cheese destination, but their airport also has lots of amenities including camping. With two courtesy cars, taxi, UBER and car rentals, getting around to the cheese, beaches and their incredible flight museum will be a breeze.

Grand Coulee Dam (3W7). Electric City is an easy airport for plane camping with a long, paved runway. Although it is a long way from town, its campsites are situated on a bluff above the shoreline of Banks Lake. You can taxi down a grassy slope right up to your campsite or park in the transient parking and portage your gear to the campsite via a provided cart. A courtesy car is available near the pilot's lounge for trips into town or to cruise down to the dam to watch the laser light show on the spillway at dusk.

Eastsound/Orcas Island (KORS). Eastsound airport on Orcas Island features a nice camping area just off the north end of the runway. Just a short walk into town on a dedicated trail, you'll find some wonderful restaurants, bakeries, ice cream shoppes and a chocolatier. You can embark on fishing tours and whale watching excursions leaving the adjacent marina as well. A crew car is available at the airport and a few rental car services are located on island for exploring the scenic beauty of Orcas's wild lands and beaches or a pilgrimage up Mt. Constitution for 360º vistas of this Salish Sea Archipelago.

In the vast expanse of the PNW, airplane camping opens up a world of exploration and discovery, where the freedom of flight meets the beauty of the great outdoors. So why wait? Plan your next adventure today and prepare to soar to new heights in the breathtaking landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. Join us today as we set sail on our exciting journeys together!

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