About Camping Matt's YouTube

Our YouTube channel chronicles adventures across the Pacific Northwest, by land and sea.  Our mission is to grow a community passionate about RVs, camping, hiking, fishing, and discovering incredible places to explore. We hope to inspire others on their own adventures here in the PNW. 

 Tucked deep in Washington’s Cascade foothills, Pinnacle Lake Trail offers alpine views, mossy forests, and a rugged escape from the crowds. But this serene trail holds a dark chapter: in 2006, two hikers were tragically murdered, a mystery that remains unsolved to this day. Just down the road, Verlot Campground made for the perfect basecamp with riverfront views for baking my birthday cake in a camp oven.  

Follow along this week for Part 2 of camping and hiking in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest near Twisp, Washington. We start this episode with a remote hike to an alpine lake that delivers pristine views, peaceful solitude, and an unforgettable surprise - 17 goats!!  After the hike, Chef Troy transforms our campsite into a five-star dining experience with a sous vide (pronounced soo-veed) steak and lobster dinner finished with a blow torch!! 

Follow along this weel as Chef Troy and I explore Poplar Flat Campground, a quiet spot tucked deep in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest near Twisp, WA. This first-come, first-served site sits along the Twisp River and offers access to nearby hiking trails. The area shows signs of past fire activity, but regrowth is underway, and the views are wide open. 

In this catch & cook adventure, we hit the waters off Point Defiance in Tacoma, WA to reel in one of the most underrated salmon species out there. Pink salmon (aka “humpies”) get a bad rap, but are they really as bland and mushy as the rumors say? Follow along this week as we attempt to catch and cook to find out for ourselves. Not going to smoke this one! 

Follow along this week as we escape to Dash Point State Park, where forest trails meet salty sea breezes and e-bike adventures take center stage. Ride along the scenic paths with RAD Expand 5 Electric Folding Bikes. A perfect weekend getaway near Seattle. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more outdoor adventures!  

What started as a pinch turned into a feast! While crabbing in beautiful Sequim, Washington, one feisty Dungeness crab decided to fight back—and yes, it got me good. But we didn’t let that stop us. Fishing Buddy Gregg whipped up his world-famous crab cakes, and let’s just say… revenge never tasted so good.
 

Follow along this week on a scenic overnight camping adventure to Larrabee State Park, Washington’s oldest state park and one of the PNW’s best-kept secrets for camping, hiking, and jaw-dropping sunsets. This video takes you down the breathtaking Chuckanut Drive Scenic Byway, a winding coastal route with sweeping views of the Salish Sea and rugged forest cliffs—getting there is half the adventure!
 

Follow along this week as we set up camp beside one of Washington's most iconic coastal defenses! Fort Casey State Park isn’t just a scenic camping destination—it’s a living museum of military history. Located on Whidbey Island, this park lets you sleep mere steps away from towering gun emplacements, hidden bunkers, and majestic 20th-century barracks that once protected Puget Sound. I cook up some PNW crab and shrimp boil and watch the Ferries come and go right next to my campsite.
 

Get ready for e-bike trails, epic eats, and Pacific Northwest vibes! Join us as we dive into a camping adventure at Howard Miller Steelhead Park - complete with unbeatable views of the Skagit River, and yes… a ridiculous number of freshly made pizzas provided by Chef Troy.
 

Follow along on a forgettable spot shrimping trip in Stuart Island, Washington, where excitement turns to frustration after my second GoPro in two weeks takes a one-way dive into the deep blue. I managed to put together a story even though I lost the majority of the footage.
 

It's finally here – Washington State Spot Shrimp Season Opener! Join us as we head out to Hat Island near Everett, for an epic catch & cook adventure. We’re dropping pots, hauling up huge spot shrimp, and cooking of fresh tailgate style tacos. I also put a deep-water camera in one of the pots for the very first time and was able to get some cool views of the shrimp!
 

Join us for Part 2 as we celebrate Seattle's Opening weekend of Boating. After watching Seattle's Boat Parade and Windermere Cup the day before, we head home navigating the iconic Ballard Locks, transitioning from freshwater to Puget Sound. We then, make our way up and through the scenic Swinomish Channel, a gateway to La Conner and the San Juan Islands.
 

Join us for a day on the water as we celebrate Seattle's Opening Day of Boating, featuring the prestigious Windermere Cup 2025! This annual tradition unites rowers, boaters, and spectators for a spectacular maritime celebration, showcasing ornate boats, intense crew races, and the vibrant boating culture of the Pacific Northwest. 

Follow along this week for fun day at a Fishing Derby at Lake Wilderness in beautiful Maple Valley, Washington! In this video, we dive into the excitement of the annual derby as anglers of all ages compete to reel in the biggest rainbow trout. 

Follow along this week for a road trip on Washington’s scenic Highway 2 as we visit two beautiful roadside waterfalls: Eagle Falls and Deception Falls. These natural spots offer a peaceful break with impressive cascades and lush surroundings. Along the way, we stop by the Espresso Chalet, a small coffee stand that served as a filming location for the movie Harry and the Hendersons. 

Nothing beats waking up in the great outdoors to the smell of sizzling homemade breakfast sausage! Follow along as Chef Troy walks us through crafting his very own breakfast sausage links - ideal for camping trips. 

Follow along this week for a solo hike through the heart of Washington’s rugged wilderness to Dirty Harry’s Balcony. It offers the kind of views that makes you stop, breathe, and appreciate the wild wonder of the Pacific Northwest. 

This journey takes us to Ebey's Landing, a breathtaking destination that showcases stunning coastal views and is part of Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve—a tribute to the island's pioneering settlers. Along the way, we explore the picturesque town of Coupeville, one of Washington's oldest towns, steeped in maritime heritage and famously featured in the movie Practical Magic. 

We explore the breathtaking Pacific Northwest coastline and cast our lines from the renowned Westport Jetty. Despite an unexpected fishing gear mishap, Fishing Buddy Gregg turns the day around by whipping up a mouthwatering 'Catch & Cook' meal. Plus, we take a special detour to Aberdeen, WA, to visit the Curt Cobain Memorial Park, honoring the legendary frontman of Nirvana in his hometown.