Vashon Island was established as a city during the late 1700s when it was named after Captain James Vashon, a friend of the explorer Captain George Vancouver. The location of the island on South Puget Sound to its neighbor, Maury Island, made it a profitable hunting ground for early settlers. Early on, timber was the city's main source of commerce, but with the leveling of so many trees, the island was unable to sustain the demand over time, and farming became the main industry. In 1916, local landowners built an earth bridge (isthmus) between Vashon and Maury Islands.
The small island currently has over 10,000 residents and maintains a strong connection to farming. There are several small farms in operation that provide locals with eggs, milk, and organic produce. Visitors to Vashon Island enjoy the historic buildings that make up the city's center along with the natural areas that serve as estuaries and protected habitats for rare wildlife. Savory restaurants, such as Bramble House and Snapdragon, draw in travelers from around the country. The island also has several wineries, breweries, and cideries for sampling at places like Palouse Winery, Vashon Winery, Camp Colvos Brewing, and Dragon's Head Cider. For something a little different, you can attend the Vashon Sheepdog Classic that occurs once a year. The event takes place at Misty Isle Farms with local merchandise and food vendors.
The Miniature Show – Enjoy viewing tiny works of 2-D and 3-D art created by more than 80 artists from nearby cities at the Vashon Center for the Arts. The annual exhibition starts on December 3 and ends on December 24.
Heritage Museum Walking Tour – Visitors can learn about the history of Vashon on a self-guided walking tour through the original block that started the town. The ongoing exhibit runs from mid-December to the end of February and features 34 interpretive photo panels located in each business in the historic Vashon area.
Washington is home to three iconic national parks that are within three hours of Vashon Island. Olympic National Park is the closest to Vashon Island and is a recreational beacon for explorers. The contrast of the landscapes at the park provides endless opportunities for discovery in the tidepools at Ruby Beach and along the trails in the Hoh Rain Forest. The Hall of Mosses, Rialto Beach, and Mount Olympus are some of the highlights that draw visitors to the dense forests and sandy beaches of the Olympic Peninsula.
At Mount Rainier National Park, hikers can enjoy excursions up the active volcano and to destinations like Myrtle Falls and the Grove of Patriarchs. Exploration of North Cascades National Park leads visitors to beautiful sights such as Diablo Lake, a popular kayaking and canoeing destination, as well as Maple Pass, an area known for its incredible hiking trails and views of the North Cascades.
The closest state parks to Vashon Island are located near cities on the mainland. Notable parks that feature activities such as hiking, biking, and beachgoing include Dash Point State Park in Tacoma, Saltwater State Park near Seattle, and Manchester State Park near Bainbridge Island. Campgrounds with dump stations, picnic tables, and restrooms are available at Dash Point and Saltwater State Parks. Manchester State Park is a popular wedding venue and features two miles of hiking trails.
On the small island, there are several historic homes for visitors to explore: the Hillmar and Selma Steen House, the Smith-Baldwin House at Fern Cove, and the Schwartz-Bell Log House in Ellisport. Each location tells a story about the early inhabitants and their contribution to the development of Vashon. The Point Robinson Lighthouse is another significant landmark that was built in 1885 and overlooks the Puget Sound in a 10-acre park near Maury Island. The surrounding area features hiking trails and seaside picnic tables with breathtaking views that stretch from the East Passage to Tacoma.
Because of Vashon Island's location in Puget Sound, there aren't really any RV parks there. However, there are a variety of great RV parks and campgrounds located in the cities that border Puget Sound. If you travel a little over 30 miles to the east, you can stay at Vasa Park Resort, which is located on Lake Sammamish. It offers full hookups, WiFi, laundry and shower facilities, a boat launch, and lake and beach access.
Manchester State Park, approximately 17 miles from Vashon Island just south of Bainbridge Island, features 3,400 feet of saltwater shoreline. Popular water activities include diving, kayaking, and swimming. The park offers 35 standard campsites, 15 partial hookup sites, and two restrooms and showers. Lake Pleasant RV Park is a bit off the beaten path but is worth the slight detour. The northern orientation of this park to Seattle makes it an excellent place to set up camp as you visit the city and Vashon Island. Some of the amenities you'll find are full hookups, private shower houses, hiking trails, and a catch-and-release fishing pond.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Vashon Island, WA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Vashon Island?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Vashon Island from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Vashon Island?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
