Lake Cushman Van Life: Dispersed Camping Under a Blanket of Stars

There's a certain magic in the final approach to Lake Cushman. As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and gold, the light filters through the dense evergreen forest, creating an ethereal glow. The air, thick with the scent of pine needles and damp earth, fills your lungs with a primal sense of belonging. And then, through a break in the trees, you catch your first glimpse of the shimmering lake – a vast, serene expanse promising adventure and tranquility. This time, Alex and I were ready for some serious Lake Cushman Camping, Van Life Pacific Northwest style!

We relied on the iOverlander app to pinpoint our secluded spot along the western shore. A word of caution: cell service can be spotty, so downloading offline maps is an absolute must. Trust us, nothing kills the vibe like being hopelessly lost on a forest service road! After a bumpy ride, we arrived at our slice of paradise, ready to settle in for three days of dispersed camping bliss.

Our Home on Wheels: The Sprinter Conversion

Our trusty steed, a converted Sprinter van, is more than just transportation; it's our cozy, mobile home. We spent months transforming it into the perfect adventure rig. The interior is lined with reclaimed wood paneling, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Our fold-down bed, complete with a memory foam mattress, ensures a good night's sleep after a long day of exploring. We rely on our Goal Zero Yeti 1500X power station and roof-mounted solar panels (you can check them out here: affiliate link to Goal Zero) to keep our Dometic portable fridge running, ensuring we always have cold drinks and fresh food. Organization is key in a small space, so we've creatively utilized every nook and cranny for storage, keeping our hiking and paddleboarding gear neatly tucked away.

Our Sprinter van conversion makes dispersed camping comfortable and easy

Day 1: SUP Bliss on Lake Cushman

Setting up camp was a breeze. Within minutes, our chairs were out, and we were admiring the view. The main event for day one? Stand-up paddleboarding! We unpacked our ISLE Explorer inflatable SUPs (highly recommend – super portable and easy to store: affiliate link to ISLE SUPs) and got them inflated in no time.

Paddling across Lake Cushman was an absolute dream. The crystal-clear water mirrored the surrounding snow-capped Olympic Mountains, creating a breathtaking panorama. The stillness of the lake, broken only by the gentle splash of our paddles, was incredibly calming. We spent hours exploring hidden coves and soaking up the stunning scenery.

SUPing on Lake Cushman offered incredible views of the Olympic Mountains

As the sun began to set, we paddled back to our campsite, ravenous after our aquatic adventure. Dinner was a simple camp stove-cooked pasta dish, enjoyed with a glass of wine as we watched the stars begin to pepper the darkening sky. The quiet solitude of our PNW Van Life Camping Spots was pure magic.

Day 2: Hiking to Staircase Rapids

Day two was all about exploring the trails. We decided to hike to Staircase Rapids, a popular spot within Olympic National Forest. The trailhead was a short drive from our campsite. The trail conditions were generally good, but we definitely recommend wearing waterproof hiking boots, as there were some muddy sections.

The hike itself was stunning. The air was filled with the sounds of the rushing Skokomish River, and the trail wound its way through a lush forest of ferns and moss-covered trees. It felt like stepping into another world. Reaching the Staircase Rapids was exhilarating. The sheer power of the water cascading over the rocks was truly impressive. We took plenty of photos and spent some time simply enjoying the raw beauty of nature. Remember to bring plenty of water on this hike! It's a moderate climb, and staying hydrated is key.

Day 3: Astrophotography Under the Milky Way

Day three was dedicated to one of our favorite pastimes: astrophotography. Lake Cushman, far from city lights, offers incredibly dark skies, making it an ideal location for stargazing. We timed our trip to coincide with the new moon phase, ensuring maximum darkness.

As night fell, we were treated to an awe-inspiring view of the Milky Way arcing across the night sky. The sheer number of stars visible was simply breathtaking. Capturing the stars reflecting on the lake's surface was a challenge, but the results were well worth the effort.

Here are a few tips for capturing astrophotography:

• Smartphone: Use night mode and a tripod for longer exposures.
• DSLR Camera: Use a wide-angle lens, a high ISO (e.g., 3200-6400), and a long exposure (e.g., 15-30 seconds). A remote shutter release can help prevent camera shake. Don't forget a high-lumen headlamp (a must-have for any camping trip, and a great one can be found here: affiliate link to headlamps) for navigating in the dark!

Lake Cushman offers stunning views of the Milky Way, perfect for astrophotography

The Less Glamorous Side: Bathroom Talk

Okay, let's talk about the less glamorous, but equally important, aspect of dispersed camping: the bathroom situation. While some dispersed campsites have vault toilets, ours did not. This means being prepared to handle your business responsibly. We always bring our own toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and a portable camping toilet system, like a Luggable Loo. Trust us, it's worth the investment for peace of mind and environmental responsibility.

Leave No Trace: Our Commitment

Our adventures are fueled by a deep love and respect for the outdoors, especially when Dispersed Camping Washington state. That's why we are passionate about adhering to Leave No Trace principles. This means:

• Packing out ALL trash, including food scraps and packaging.
• Properly disposing of human waste, using a wag bag or burying it at least 200 feet away from water sources.
• Respecting wildlife by observing them from a distance and never feeding them.

We believe that it's our responsibility to protect these beautiful places for future generations.

Our three days of Olympic National Forest Camping at Lake Cushman were an absolute dream. From paddling on crystal-clear waters to hiking through lush forests and stargazing under the Milky Way, it was an experience we'll never forget. We encourage you to explore the beauty of Lake Cushman for yourself. Just remember to be prepared, be responsible, and leave no trace.

Check out the latest from us on Instagram: @sarah.alex.vanlife

Share your own van life and dispersed camping experiences at Lake Cushman using the hashtag #LakeCushmanVanLife!