Vancouver in Washington state has a prime location on the Columbia River, affording visitors opportunities for fun water-based activities. The city also has its own attractions and independent restaurants that serve all kinds of cuisine. It’s also just under a 10-mile drive from Portland, OR, which some travelers include as part of their Vancouver itinerary.
Skip the overpriced hotels and opt for an RV rental instead. Unlike with a hotel room, you don’t have to leave your RV for a part of the day while it gets maid service. Also, you can prepare all your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners in your vehicle if you want to avoid eating at restaurants. RVshare has hundreds of vehicles to choose from in the Vancouver area.
Search RV rentals in the Vancouver area.
Preparing for Your Vancouver RV Trip
No matter what type and size of RV you want for your two days in Vancouver, RVshare has you covered. If you have a big traveling party, consider a Class A motorhome from Forest River that sleeps up to 10 people. If it’s just you and your significant other, go for a Ford Transit van that sleeps two comfortably. There are also travel trailer options that you pull behind your personal vehicle.
Use these helpful pages to learn more about the RVing lifestyle:
• Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Renting an RV
• Things You Should Do After Booking Your RV
• Learn About RV Parking and How to Do It
Finding the best campground is the next step after securing your RV rental reservation. There’s no shortage of choices in the Vancouver area. A few to look into include Battle Ground Lake State Park, Vancouver RV Park, Tri-Mountain RV Park, and Jantzen Beach RV Park. Also think about what amenities you need in a campground, such as whether it allows pets, if it has full hookups, and if there’s Wi-Fi and/or cell reception.
Find other campground options in our comprehensive list of top-rated campgrounds in Vancouver.
Day 1: Natural Vancouver
Morning: Columbia River Gorge Tour
With Vancouver’s proximity to the Columbia River, start your first day with a half-day tour of the Columbia River Gorge. Various outfitters offer several trips that may include a waterfall hiking tour or a combination of hiking and biking. Do your research on tour operators while planning your vacation as some might require you to travel to Portland first.
Lunch: Eat With a River View
After getting back in town, have lunch at Beaches Vancouver right on the river. You can get seafood here, such as coconut shrimp and British Columbia salmon. Also on the menu are pizzas, burgers, steaks, pork chops, and salads. If it’s a nice day, grab a table outside.
Afternoon: Walk the Waterfront
If you couldn’t get enough great Columbia River views while at lunch, then spend the afternoon strolling along the city’s Waterfront. Walk or bike along the short path here, or head out to the end of the Grant Street Pier and contemplate the river below you as well as the beautiful surroundings. If you’re looking for a challenge, take the Columbia River Renaissance Trail, which passes through the Waterfront on its way to Wintler Community Park, 5 miles away.
Setting Up Camp
After your afternoon on the Waterfront, take your RV rental to your Vancouver campground, where you’ll need to check in with the main office. Once at your campsite, park the RV, level it, and hook up the water and sewer connections, if applicable. If you believe you’ll need help with all this, when making your RV reservation, ask the owner if they can drive the vehicle to your campground and park it.
Dinner: Peace and Quiet
You had a long and busy first day, so cook dinner inside your RV tonight. Eat inside, or take your meal outside if your spot has a picnic table. If your campsite has a grill, then make it a barbecue night.
Day 2: Things to Do Indoors
Morning: Bleu Door Breakfast and Clark County History
Locals rave about the Bleu Door Bakery, so stop here first for a breakfast of quiche or sourdough pancakes. Then, head over to the Clark County Historical Museum to learn about the region’s history through exhibits, walks, and talks. The museum stays open late the first Friday of each month, so this can also be an option for an evening activity.
Lunch: Great Diner Spot
Paul’s Restaurant in downtown Vancouver has typical diner food that ranges from homemade soups and salads to burgers, chicken dishes, sandwiches, and steaks, in addition to breakfasts. You can call ahead if you want to reserve a table.
Afternoon: Historic Airplanes at Pearson
See vintage aircraft at the Pearson Air Museum, part of the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site. View restored planes like the DH-4 Liberty and the JN-4 Curtiss Jenny inside the main hangar. Exhibits also educate visitors on the early days of aviation.
Evening: It’s Time for Pizza
End your second day in Vancouver at Nonavo Pizza. Pie options include chorizo, hazelnut, pesto, sausage, mushroom, and the old standby, pepperoni. As a special treat, get yourself a root beer float. If you come during happy hour, which is 5:00-6:00 p.m. every day, take advantage of the Margherita pizza and beer special.
Day 3 and Beyond in Vancouver
Didn’t have time to see all you wanted to in Vancouver? That’s no problem. Just extend your itinerary for one more day.
• Located within the Columbia River, and part of Oregon, Hayden Island is the only island community in the state. Spend some time wandering through the community here.
• Vancouver Lake Regional Park offers opportunities for canoeing and kayaking in Vancouver Lake, and visitors can also have picnics and go bird-watching.
Summer Activities
Get a taste of Hawaii in Vancouver at the 4 Days of Aloha festival. Take part in cultural workshops that include lei making and watch live performances of hula dancers. Held in August, the Craft Beer & Wine Festival is where to go to sip on various craft beers and listen to great music.
Indoor Activities
For more indoor attractions, take a quick trip down to Portland and make a full day of it. Take a tour of the Pittock Mansion, view the collection at the Portland Art Museum, and browse through the endless stacks at Powell’s City of Books, a must-see for any bookworm. Pick up some uniquely crafted donuts at Voodoo Doughnut to take back to your RV.
Vancouver, WA has its own charms and laid-back pace of life. If you’re looking for a place to visit that’s a little different from the typical big city, Vancouver fits the bill. Reserve your recreational vehicle today as you plan your Vancouver itinerary.