After an unbelievably scenic two-hour drive from Portland through Clatsop State Forest, up U.S. Route 101, and across the towering Astoria-Megler Bridge over the Columbia River, I arrive in the sleepy town of Long Beach, Washington. I’m a long way from my home in the Midwestern plains: The Long Beach Peninsula is known for its dreamy PNW vibes—imagine misty coastlines, chilly weather, and thick Western hemlock forests. 

My destination for the weekend is Campfield Long Beach, the region’s newest campground. A creation of Japanese outdoors brand Snow Peak, the experiential destination is the brand’s first in the U.S. and reflects design elements and cultural influence inspired by its other Campfield locations, including one property next to Snow Peak’s global headquarters in the remote town of Tsubame-Sanjo in Niigata, Japan, and others in Hokkaido, Osaka, and Yongin, South Korea.

I’d not seen many other camping destinations with access to so many amenities (like a camp store, on-site spa, luxe accommodations, etc.) that also promise to offer so much solitude and serenity in nature. I wanted to experience it for myself.

American vs. Japanese Camping Culture

At American campgrounds, campsites tend to serve one purpose: a “basecamp” to return to after a day spent offsite hiking, mountain biking, or fishing. Car campgrounds at state parks typically overflow with RVs, vibrant-colored tents, huge Blackstone grills, and the occasional TV streaming football. Although backcountry sites in national parks and forests are remote and quiet, they mostly host backpackers for short stays on multiday trips. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s also possible that the campsite can be a complete, immersive experience rather than a transient one.

The vibe of Campfield forces campers to slow down. You won’t find massive camp trailers or heavy-duty pickup trucks parked next to tent at this 25-acre location. Vehicles stay in the parking lot, and campers hike their gear down a boardwalk and gravel paths to their site. Here, you can stop and breathe; jumping from activity to activity is almost discouraged. The simple two-wheeled carts that the campground lends out help make the short trek easier.

Nestled in breezy meadows with plenty of evergreens, the property is reminiscent of Japan’s countryside and oozes with that country’s traditional camping culture, with the company hoping that a stay there will serve as an opportunity for visitors to embrace a deeper connection to nature and community. I pack my gear into a cart and head into the grassy meadow and pine-engulfed property. Suddenly, my world calms. Instant serenity. 

“Snow Peak Campfield views the campsite as a way to reconnect with nature and each other rather than a means to an end to access outdoor recreation activities,” says Savannah Frimoth, Senior Brand Communications Specialist at Snow Peak. “There’s this culture of community, meeting new people, and having a shared outdoor experience that brings us together — and closer to nature.”

En route to my campsite, I pass several groups of friends and families sitting around low-profile camp tables under large canopy shelters. Everyone looks cozy and comfortable. The experience at Campfield revolves around communal moments like this: preparing camp, cooking food (read: lots of food), and reconnecting with nature through activities like forest bathing and stargazing.

Instead of tent camping like I normally do, I stay in one of the campground’s 14 Jyubako micro-cabins. Floor-to-ceiling windows look over a tall grass meadow with moss-covered pines scattered about. I feel immersed in the outdoor experience, even though creature comforts of a bathroom, shower, and electric stovetop are just a few steps away. 

Visitors who prefer classic tent camping can glamp in a Snow Peak Tent Suite, which comes pre-set-up with gear by the company, including cutlery, chairs and a table, a fully stocked Iron Grill Table Camp Kitchen, and Takibi Fire & Grill. (The Jyubako cabins come outfitted with these items too.) Bring-your-own-gear is an option too, with open sites ready for visitors to pitch their tents. 

On-site, campers can relax in the Japanese-style Ofuro Spa built from sustainably sourced Japanese cypress trees. The facility features a pool-sized hot tub, sauna, and cold plunge pool similar to traditional Japanese ofuros. (This spa, sadly but understandably, lacks an actual hot spring like what you’d find in Japan.) Campers can also explore meadow trails or stop in the Campstore to shop more Snow Peak gear, order a coffee or local beer, or pick up thoughtfully curated Japanese treats like ramen, seaweed-wrapped onigiri, and a selection of bougie instant ramen. 

Once settled in, I start a bonfire and prep some hand-harvested oysters (from nearby Oysterville Sea Farms on Willapa Bay) to roast on the open fire. I crack open a bottle of sake and top my oysters with Momofuku Chili Crunch, both of which I picked up from Campfield’s camp store. After a long day, the sun sets over the meadow outside my cabin as a symphony of frogs, crickets, and birds chirp over the sound of the crackling fire.

If this is what Japanese camping culture is all about, I’m not sure I want to basecamp any other way.