A Family RV Adventure from Victoria to Great Wolf Lodge: Camping at American Heritage Campground
Family vacations have a way of becoming treasured stories—those adventures where the journey is just as memorable as the destination. Our recent trip from Victoria, British Columbia, to Great Wolf Lodge in Washington State was one of those stories. Instead of booking a hotel, we decided to make it more of an outdoor experience and spend two nights at American Heritage Campground, one of the best camping spots Washington has to offer for families traveling with kids.
The combination of water park fun, rv camping Washington State comforts, and a scenic ferry ride across the Strait of Juan de Fuca made for an unforgettable family getaway.
Meet the Family: The Andersons
To give you a clear picture of what this trip looked like, let’s introduce the Andersons, a family of four from Victoria who made the same journey.
- Parents: Mark and Sarah Anderson. Mark loves planning trips with a balance of relaxation and activities, while Sarah is all about finding the best value and family-friendly experiences.
- Kids:
- Ethan (9) – Adventurous and curious, always looking for the biggest slide, coolest trail, or next arcade challenge.
- Jack (3) – The youngest, full of energy, a little unpredictable, but always ready for fun (and snacks).
Like many families, the Andersons wanted a vacation that worked for everyone: outdoor time, fun for the kids, convenience for the parents, and enough variety to keep both children entertained.
Starting the Journey: From Victoria to Port Angeles on the Coho Ferry
The adventure began in downtown Victoria, where the family boarded the Black Ball Ferry Line’s Coho Ferry. This iconic ferry connects Victoria to Port Angeles, Washington, crossing the Strait of Juan de Fuca in about 90 minutes.
The ferry ride itself became part of the vacation. Ethan pressed his face against the window to watch seabirds dip into the waves. Jack toddled between his parents’ laps, thrilled by the movement of the boat. Sarah snapped photos of the BC coastline while Mark enjoyed the rare chance to relax mid-journey.
One important tip: book your ferry reservations in advance. The Coho runs on roughly three-hour intervals, which means missing your scheduled departure could mean a long wait with restless kids.
Port Angeles Pit Stops: Food and Fun Before the Road Trip
When they landed in Port Angeles, the Andersons had a little time to explore:
- Downriggers on the Water: Fresh salmon for Mark, chowder for Sarah, and fish and chips for Ethan (Jack happily shared fries).
- Welly’s Real Fruit Ice Cream: Ethan loved the strawberry swirl, while Jack’s chocolate cone ended up mostly on his face.
- The Arcade: A lifesaver before the drive—Ethan and Mark battled at air hockey while Sarah kept Jack busy with the pinball machine.
The Drive: Port Angeles to American Heritage Campground
From Port Angeles, the Andersons began the roughly three-hour drive south to American Heritage Campground near Olympia. They packed snacks and music to keep things smooth. Ethan doodled in his sketchpad, while Jack dozed in his car seat between snack breaks.
The drive was scenic, winding through evergreens, small towns, and open farmland—an easy prelude to the family camping adventure ahead.
Camping Made Easy: RVshare Delivery to American Heritage Campground
One of the highlights of this trip was how seamless the RV camping experience was, thanks to RVshare. Instead of towing or driving an RV themselves, the Andersons booked a family-friendly unit from a local owner who offered delivery and setup right at the campground.
When they arrived, the RV was already in place, fully hooked up with 30-amp electrical service, running water, and sewer. It was move-in ready—perfect for parents traveling with a 3-year-old.
At $120 per night for the RV plus $60 for the campsite, it was an affordable and stress-free way to experience rv camping Washington State.
American Heritage Campground: A Perfect Base for Families
Set among tall evergreens, American Heritage Campground felt peaceful and family-friendly. Spacious sites gave Ethan room to explore, while Jack was happy chasing pinecones and toddling around.
Amenities included:
- Full RV hookups
- Clean restrooms and showers
- Laundry facilities
- Play areas for kids
- Trails through the forest
Evenings became a highlight of the trip. Mark built the fire, Sarah organized snacks, and the kids roasted marshmallows (with Ethan helping Jack carefully hold his stick).
Campfire Stories: A Family Tradition
On their first night, Sarah surprised the kids with a new book: Memory Campfire Stories by Barbara Smith. As the fire flickered, she read aloud.
Ethan leaned in, wide-eyed at the adventurous tales, while Jack giggled at the sillier parts before curling up in Sarah’s lap. By the end of the trip, the book had become a family favorite, a tradition they planned to carry into future camping adventures.
Great Wolf Lodge: The Highlight of the Trip
Photo Credit: Hotels.com
Just a short drive from the campground, Great Wolf Lodge delivered all the excitement the kids had been waiting for.
- Ethan raced down the biggest water slides, proudly declaring himself “fastest in the family.”
- Jack splashed happily in the kiddie pools and loved the small slides made for toddlers.
Mark and Sarah alternated between joining in the fun and taking breaks in the cabanas. The weekday passes ($40 per person) saved the family nearly $160 compared to weekend pricing.
Dining was limited. The family tried on-site pizza (which Ethan rated “pretty good”), grabbed burgers at Fatburger, and noted that Olympia’s restaurant scene offered more variety for a future trip.
By the end of the day, both kids were exhausted, waterlogged, and smiling from ear to ear.
Golfing in Thurston County: A Parent’s Escape
Though this trip was all about family fun, Mark couldn’t help but notice Thurston County’s golf scene. With Great Wolf Lodge to occupy the kids, a parent could easily sneak in a round at courses like Tumwater Valley, Capitol City Golf Club, or Indian Summer Golf & Country Club.
It was an idea he filed away for next time.
Exploring Olympia and Surrounding Attractions
For families staying longer, Olympia offers plenty to explore:
- Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge – kid-friendly trails and wildlife spotting.
- Hands On Children’s Museum – interactive exhibits for kids.
- Downtown Olympia – coffee shops, restaurants, and unique boutiques.
Trip Costs: 2025 Prices
Here’s what the Andersons spent for a family of four (all in USD):
- Ferry (Victoria–Port Angeles return): $260 (2 adults + 2 kids, including reservations)
- Gas: $50
- RV Rental: $240 (2 nights at $120)
- Campground Fees: $120 (2 nights at $60)
- Great Wolf Lodge Day Passes (weekday): $160 (4 × $40)
- Meals: ~$100
Total: ~$930 USD for a family of four.
Recommended Gear & Books for Your Trip
- Memory Campfire Stories by Barbara Smith – Perfect family read by the fire.
- Telescopic Marshmallow Roasting Sticks – Fun and safe for kids.
- Portable Camping Lanterns – Handy for games and storytime.
Final Thoughts: Why This Trip Works
The balance of outdoor camping and resort excitement is what made this trip shine. Staying at American Heritage Campground, one of the best camping in Washington destinations for families, gave the Andersons the outdoor time they craved, while Great Wolf Lodge provided thrills for the kids.
From ferry rides and seafood stops in Port Angeles to marshmallows by the fire and waterslides at the lodge, every part of the journey delivered something memorable. For families looking into rv camping Washington State, this trip is proof that you can combine rustic camping with resort luxury—and come away with memories that last.
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