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Your Guide to the Campgrounds of Olympic National Park

by Scott

Olympic National Park is known for amazing views, fantastic hiking and some of the last true wilderness in America, yet few know of all of the unique camping opportunities along the roads of the park. Spread around the region, camping in Olympic offers visitors a wide of variety of choices.

It can be tough to choose where to camp along the wind swept ridges at Deer Park, in the rainforests of the Queets, Hoh or Quinault, along the beaches of Kalaloch, LaPush or Ozette, or on any of the stunning rivers and lakes in Olympic.  In America’s most diverse National Park, everyone interested in camping will find what they are looking for in Washington State’s most popular National Park. Choose one, or choose them all and discover yet another reason to fall in love with the wilderness and beauty of Olympic.

CAMPING IN OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK

Altair

One of the many hiking trails near Altair Campground in Olympic National Park
One of the many hiking trails near Altair Campground in Olympic National Park

Altair Campground is closed due to a shift on the Elwha River after the removal of the dams. There is currently no plan to reopen the campground.

While you can’t stay here now, the region is home to amazing hiking, including a few of the more iconic destinations in Olympic National Park. Camping here gets you close to Olympic Hot Springs, Goblins Gate, Humes Ranch, and the new Elwha River Overlook trail.

Months Open: NEVER

Reservations: Not Available
Spots: 0
Amenities: None

Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/eyCWm

Deer Park

A view from the trails near Deer Park Campground in Olympic National Park
A view from the trails near Deer Park Campground in Olympic National Park

If you are craving stunning views along the ridges of the Olympic Mountains, camping at the highest campground in Olympic National Park will fill you up with panoramas. Deer Park is remote, offering next to zero services, and is only open seasonally. Because of the remote location, Deer Park is the must-stay destination for those needing a more rugged camping experience and stunning night skies. From here, hikes along ridges and summits clad with mountain goats and marmots are just a few miles away. You don’t need to hike though, the views visible from the camping area are already jaw-dropping enough. Do not skip this campground, as it is one of the best in America!

Months Open: July to September, snow permitting

Reservations: Not Available
Spots: 14
Amenities: Pit Toilets, No Water, No firewood

Cost: $15 a night
RV Friendly: NO
Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/n4fG4

Elwha

A view from near the Elwha Campground in Olympic National Park
A view from near the Elwha Campground in Olympic National Park

The Elwha Campground is closed due to a shift on the Elwha River after the removal of the dams. 

Camping along the Elwha River gets you up close and personal with a newly freed river. For over a century, the waters of this gorgeous river were blocked by two dams, but now they are free. Salmon have returned and the region is finally feeling wild again. The campground is simple and straight forward, but chances are, you won’t be in your tent or RV much, as there is far too much to see, hike and explore in the region. Miles of trails extend from the region, some crossing the park to the Quinault Rainforest, while others lead to old cabins, amazing river views and the gorgeous box canyon called Goblins Gate.

Months Open: NOT OPEN

Reservations: Not Available
Spots: None
Amenities: None

Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/8G8Cp

Fairholme

A view of Lake Crescent from near Fairholme Campground in Olympic National Park
A view of Lake Crescent from near Fairholme Campground in Olympic National Park

Fairholme is only open seasonally, and when it is open to the public, it can fill up pretty fast. Close to Lake Crescent’s best areas, visitors who stay at this well-maintained, clean and quiet campground have access to amazing views, hikes and experiences right out their tent flap.

Located at Lake Crescent, the second deepest lake in the state of Washington, campers can have an adventure climbing mountains, exploring waterfalls and walking around the amazing Lake Crescent. Fairholme is also close to Sol Duc, Hurricane Ridge and within a short days drive to Cape Flattery, the northwestern-most location in the contiguous United States. If you are looking for a great family-friendly campground, Fairholme is perfect.

Months Open: Open April to October
Reservations: Not Available
Spots: 88
Amenities: Accessible Restroom, Running Water, RV Dump Station

Cost: $20 a night

RV Friendly: Yes. 21’ ok
Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/XRGSj

Graves Creek

A view of Pony Bridge near graves Creek Campground in Olympic National Park
A view of Pony Bridge near graves Creek Campground in Olympic National Park

Camping in the Quinault Rainforest is something everyone needs in their life, and Graves Creek Campground along the Quinault River is one of the best spots to do it. Located at the end of a long dirt road, this area is full of elk, deer, and access to amazing hikes and views. Whether you explore the trail to Pony Bridge, take a backpacking trip to the Enchanted Valley or just drive the waterfall filled Quinault Loop each morning and evening in search of elk, deer and bears, Graves Creek will forever have a spot in your heart. What makes the area even better is that in the non-summer months, camp sites can easily be found right along the banks of the Quinault River!

Months Open: Year round, but primitive camping only Oct-May

Reservations: Not Available
Spots: 30
Amenities: Pit Toilets, No Water

Cost: $20 a night
RV Friendly: NO
Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/IwIKu

Heart O’the Hills

A view from Hurricane Ridge, just a few miles from Heart O the Hills Campground in Olympic National Park
A view from Hurricane Ridge, just a few miles from Heart O the Hills Campground in Olympic National Park

Located at the start of the long, steep drive up to Hurricane Ridge, Heart O’the Hills is a simple, straightforward campground. Just a few miles south of the busting city of Port Angeles, and a short drive to the Elwha River, Lake Crescent and Sol Duc regions, the main reason people stay at Heart O’ the Hills is to be close to Hurricane Ridge. 14 miles uphill, the jaw-dropping panoramas of Hurricane Ridge await you, as do glimpses of deer, marmots and the occasional black bear. This isn’t the prettiest campground in Olympic, but it is one of the most accessible for campers of every level.

Months Open: Open Year round, walk-in camping in heavy snow

Reservations: Not Available
Spots: 105
Amenities: Accessible Restroom, Running Water, RV Dump Station

Cost: $20

RV Friendly: Yes. 21’ ok, some spaces can accommodate up to 35’

Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/aUCWx

Hoh

A view along the Hoh River Trail in Olympic National Park
A view along the Hoh River Trail in Olympic National Park

If you are wanting to camp in one of the most famous rainforests in America, the Hoh River campground is awesome. Tucked in deep, lush rainforests, each campsite offers its own little slice of wilderness. In the summer, solitude might be hard to find in the campground, but with access to miles of trails that lead to destinations of every sort (Mount Olympus, Seven Lakes Basin, The Hoh River Trail, Hall of Mosses) it is easy to fall in love with this campground. Remember, this is a rainforest, so expect to get a little damp, even in our current drought. This is one of the wettest places in America.

Months Open: Year round

Reservations: Not Available

Spots: 88
Amenities: Flush Toilets, Running Water, RV Dump Station

Cost: $20 a night
RV Friendly: Yes. 21’ ok
Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/A3e8D

Kalaloch

A view from the Kalaloch Campground in Olympic National Park
A view from the Kalaloch Campground in Olympic National Park

Camping at Kalaloch is one of the best things you can do with your camping life. Sure, it isn’t rugged, but Kalaloch offers the absolute best beach views from a campground in America’s National Parks. Located on a high bluff along the western shores of the Pacific Ocean, Kalaloch is surrounded by fantastic hiking opportunities, tide pools filled with sea life, and dozens of areas to watch the prettiest sunsets. In the summer, Kalaloch can be crowded, prompting National Park officials to make it the only campground in Olympic that takes reservations. In the non-busy seasons, Kalaloch is mostly empty, making for a perfect off-season camping destination.

Months Open: Year Round
Reservations: Needed in Summer
Spots: 170
Amenities: Flush Toilets, year-round store, No showers, RV Dump Station
Cost: $18-$22
RV Friendly: Yes. 21’ ok, some spaces can accommodate up to 35’
Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/eCq5F
Check out the live webcam view.

Mora/LaPush

A view from Second Beach, just a short drive from the Mora Campground in Olympic National Park
A view from Second Beach, just a short drive from the Mora Campground in Olympic National Park

If you are hoping to camp near the stunning beaches around LaPush, Mora Campground gets you within a few miles of the breaking waves and sea stacks of the Olympic Coast. Stunning destinations like Hole in the Wall, Second Beach and Strawberry Bay Falls are a short drive away, and wildlife abounds all around. Deer are commonly seen, as are bald eagles, seals, the occasional whale and even a rare bear or two. While the campground isn’t along the ocean, that shouldn’t stop anyone from staying here, as adventure is just around the corner. If you love sunsets and sea stacks, stay at this campground that gives access to the splendor of the Washington Coast.

Months Open: Year Round
Reservations: Not Available
Spots: 95
Amenities: Flush Toilets, Running Water, RV Dump Station

Cost: $20 a night

RV Friendly: Yes. 21’ ok, some spaces can accommodate up to 35’

Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/KGval

North Fork

A view of the Quinault Rainforest along the trails near the North Fork Campground in Olympic National Park
A view of the Quinault Rainforest along the trails near the North Fork Campground in Olympic National Park

Rarely visited, the North Fork Campground along the Quinault River is another hidden gem in Olympic National Park. This small campground is located near the end of the road, but gives access to memorable and historical trails criss-crossing Olympic National Park. Whether you decide to just camp and enjoy the river, hike over First Divide and reach the Elwha River, or get high above the Quinault and Queets Rivers on the Skyline Primitive Trail, the North Fork gives hikers and nature lovers an overload of wilderness. Bears, deer, and elk are commonly seen in the area, and the region is close to the great sights of the Quinault Loop Drive!

Months Open: Year Round

Reservations: Not Available

Spots: 9

Amenities: Pit Toilet

Cost: $15 a night

RV Friendly: No

Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/yolpP

Ozette

A view of the beaches of Ozette near the Ozette Campground in Olympic National Park
A view of the beaches of Ozette near the Ozette Campground in Olympic National Park

Miles from any store or gas station, the Ozette Campground lets campers sit along this gorgeous, often overlooked lake. Rugged, often wet and occasionally muddy, staying at Ozette is for those looking to get away from it all and be close to the ocean. The amazing “Ozette Triangle” hike is just a stone’s throw away from your tent, making access to some of the most remote coastline in America an hour and a half walk along a wooden boardwalk. If camping here, be aware that raccoons are known to steal food in the Ozette area. They can be aggressive at times, buy they aren’t bad if you clean up your site and use a bear canister to store your food and toiletries. Do not leave anything out.

Months Open: Year round, but primitive camping only Oct-April

Reservations: Not Available
Spots: 15
Amenities: Pit Toilet, No water

Cost: $20 a night

RV Friendly: Yes. 21’ ok
Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/I46GJ

Queets

A view of the Queets River, downstream from the Queets Campground in Olympic National Park
A view of the Queets River, downstream from the Queets Campground in Olympic National Park

The Queets Campground is rarely visited, mainly because it is so remote and offers zero services. While that may scare most away, Queets is perfect for anyone looking for absolute solitude in the wilderness. Located in the least visited area of Olympic, the remoteness of the Queets, as well as access to one of the more impressive rainforests you will see, entices enough visitors to force Olympic National Park officials to keep the campground open. Located close to Kalaloch, Quinault, LaPush and the Hoh regions of Olympic, the Queets rainforest is one of the most isolated, beautiful sections of wilderness in Olympic. Trails in Queets are rarely maintained, making the area more populated with elk and bear than hikers and campers.

Months Open: Open to Primitive Camping Year Round

Reservations: Not Available
Spots: 20
Amenities: Pit toilet

Cost: $15
RV Friendly: NO
Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/AKqhF

Staircase

Hikers crossing the SKokomish River on the Staircase Loop Bridge near Staircase Campground in Olympic National Park
Hikers crossing the SKokomish River on the Staircase Loop Bridge near Staircase Campground in Olympic National Park

Once rumored to be closing, the Staircase Campground is now one of the more popular areas to stay in Olympic National Park. As the only campground accessible by car on the eastern side of the park, Staircase gets visitors right into the wilderness of the Skokomish River. Next to the wild and beautiful Skokomish River, the campground is located near amazing trails, both in and outside of the park. Out of the park, climb Mount Ellinor, Mount Rose or take a kayak trip on Lake Crescent. In the park, the campground is just feet from trails leading to remote mountains, high alpine lakes and breathtaking vistas such as Gladys Divide, Black and White Lakes, Cub Peak and of course, the Staircase Loop Trail. The campground is also close to Hoodsport, where plenty of amenities can be picked up, including a great cup of coffee.

Months Open: Year round, but primitive camping only Oct-May

Reservations: Not Available
Spots: 56
Amenities: Flush toilets and water only in summer months

Cost: $20 a night

RV Friendly: Yes. 21’ ok, some spaces can accommodate up to 35’

Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/W60iQ

Sol Duc

A view of Sol Duc Falls, just a short walk from Sol Duc Campground in Olympic National Park
A view of Sol Duc Falls, just a short walk from Sol Duc Campground in Olympic National Park

If camping near hot springs, incredible waterfalls, lake-filled basins and salmon sucked rivers is something you are interested in, camping at Sol Duc will leave you happy. Sol Duc is another area that can get quite busy, letting tens of thousands the chance  explore all different aspects of the park. Sol Duc Campground has 82 spots spread out over a few loops and has more amenities than most other destinations. When open, the lodge, restaurant, and hot springs offer a distraction from the silence and solitude of the Sol Duc area wilderness. Nowhere else in Olympic can you leave your tent in the morning, hike to amazing destinations and return home to soak in hot springs!

Months Open: Year round, but primitive camping only Oct-April

Reservations: Needed in Summer
Spots: 82
Amenities: Flush toilets and potable water available May to October, RV Dump Station

Cost: $20 a night
RV Friendly: Yes. 21’ ok, some spaces can accommodate up to 35’
Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/RTDTl

South Beach

A typical sunset view along the Olympic Coast near South Beach Campground in Olympic National Park
A typical sunset view along the Olympic Coast near South Beach Campground in Olympic National Park

Just south of the Kalaloch Lodge and Campground, South Beach Campground sits on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The campground is not as scenic as the others along the coast, but what it lacks in solitude and isolation, it makes up for in beach access, sunset views and close proximity to both the Quinault and Queets Rainforests. Access to the beach is just a few feet away, and campers will be able to walk all the way to Ruby Beach to the north along the sandy shores of the Kalaloch region beaches. This place fills up fast in the summer, so get here early on Fridays if you want a spot to watch amazing sunsets!

Months Open: Open May to September

Reservations: Not Available

Spots: 50
Amenities: Pit Toilet, No water, RV Dump Station
Cost: $15 a night
RV Friendly: Yes. 21’ ok, some spaces can accommodate up to 35’

Directions: http://goo.gl/maps/FFAuG

DISCOVER THE BEST ADVENTURES IN AND AROUND OLYMPIC!

Written by a local, with the aim of making everyone feel like a local, Doug Scott’s Olympic National Park Area Guidebook is sure to give you the best trip possible around Olympic!

Finally filling the void of stunningly beautiful and informational guidebooks, 52 Olympic Peninsula Hikes is the inspirational, locally written guide for which you have been searching.
Click here for more information

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