15 Best Campgrounds in Olympic National Park

There aren’t many places in the world where you can visit four regions with such different ecological zones as Olympic National Park on the Pacific coast of Washington state.

You can go from the Pacific coastline zone to an alpine area, into a temperate rainforest, and across the mountains to a dry climate forest on the east side. Each region offers its own adventures and opportunities to camp.

1. Log Cabin Resort RV & Campground

Log Cabin Resort and Campground offers something for everyone at Olympic National Park. This campground is located next to Lake Crescent where you can enjoy a variety of water activities, hiking, biking, and nature watching.

Lake Crescent is a glacier-created lake that is stunningly beautiful with its blue-green clear water. You can bring your own kayak or canoe or rent one from the Lodge. Lake Crescent offers fishing for Beardslee and Crescent trout which are found nowhere else.

Amenities and Facilities

• Fire rings and picnic tables at each campsite
• Comfort stations with toilets and showers are located throughout the camping area
• A laundry with coin-operated machines
• RV sites with full hook-ups including electricity and water
• Tent sites with improved tent pads
• A general store that sells a variety of camping gear, clothing, beer, wine, ice, and other comfort items
• A restaurant is also on site.

Operating Season

This campground normally operates from May 21 through September 30. However, seasonal weather, fire conditions, or other events may cause the operating hours and dates to change. You should contact the Lodge or check the website at this link for up-to-date information.

Reservations

No online reservations are available for Log Cabin Campground. To make your reservations, call 888.896.3818. To see the current reservation policies and procedures, visit the Log Cabin Campground website by clicking this link.

2. Sol Duc Hot Springs RV Park and Campground

Sol Duc RV Park and Campground offer a unique opportunity for visitors to this area. In addition to the normal park activities of hiking, biking, nature watching, and fishing in the river, you can enjoy the mineral hot springs that bubble to the surface. The soothing mineral waters are said to have healing properties and have been visited for thousands of years.

Amenities and Facilities

• The tent camping areas are equipped with restroom facilities
• You can visit the hot springs pool area for an additional fee
• Every campsite has a fire ring with metal grill grates.
• The resorts front desk will sell ice and a few other camping supplies
• Firewood is available from the camp host at Space #39 and at the front desk.
• Bear-proof food receptacles are required in the tent camping area
• 17 RV sites are available on a large gravel parking lot and include water and power with 50 Amp connections
• A sump station is located on-site in the RV park

Operating Seasons

Sol Duc RV Park and Campground usually open on March 25 and close on October 29 each year. During off-season times, primitive camping is available provided the road is open. For more information about the current status of this campground, click here to visit the website.

Reservations

Reservations for campsites at Sol Duc Campground are available through the National Park Service reservation system online at this link.  Here you can see current availability, all campsites and RV sites, fees, and make your reservations.  Reservations may be made up to 6 months in advance of your arrival date.

Related Read: Best Time to Visit Olympic National Park

3. Hoh Campground

There aren’t many places in North America where you can visit a temperate rainforest and spend a few days surrounded by old-growth forests and moss.

Hoh Campground offers camping and hiking in a truly unique environment. The highlights of a visit to Hoh Campground are hiking trips to Mount Olympus, Seven Lakes Basin, the Hoh River trail, and the Hall of Mosses.

Amenities and Facilities

• This is mostly a tent camping area. Small RV may fit into the campsites, but it is wise to check with the reservation system for size limits before you arrive.
• Flush toilets are available year-round in the campground.
• Potable water is available for camper’s use however there are no RV hookups nor is there a dump station.
• There is a visitors center at the campground
• Some campsites are handicap accessible

Operating Seasons

This campground is open year-round. However, weather, fire, and other conditions may force temporary closures of the campground. Check the Olympic National Park website for more current information by clicking here.

Reservations

All of the campsites at Hoh Campground are reservable through the National Park Service reservation online system.  You can access the reservation system at this link. The reservation website will have information about availability, dates, and the current status of the campground.

4. Heart O’ the Hills Campground

Credit: Yaz Obara / Flickr

This campground in the heart of the old-growth forest for which Olympic National Park is known is a treasure trove of new experiences and adventures.

If you are lucky, you will hear the call of the marbled murrelet. This is a seabird that makes its home in the forest of the Hart O’ the Hills area. This endangered species issues a raucous call that is hard to miss, but it is rare even for those who look diligently to find this bird.

Amenities and Facilities

• 105 improved campsites
• A ranger station/entry station is open during the summer months
• Each site has a picnic table and a fire ring with a cooking grate.
• Restrooms with flush toilets are found around the campground.
• Potable water is available at the campground but not at each campsite.
• Animal-proof food storage containers are provided

Operating Season

Heart O’ the Hills campground is open year-round, and fees are collected. The campground may be accessible on foot during heavy snowfall periods. Campsites are not reservable and are available on a first-come-first-served basis.

Related Read: 21 Unique Camping Destinations! Near Me! | U.S.A

5. Deer Park Campground

For the more adventurous we suggest a visit to Deer Park Campground. This campground is located at an elevation of 5,400 feet and offers stunning views and great nighttime star viewing.

This is an excellent base location to enjoy the many day hikes through the Deer Park area. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the half-mile Rain Shadow Loop or stretch your abilities on the 5.5-mile one-way Elk Mountain trail that takes you up 2,249 feet of elevation gain.

Amenities and Facilities

• 14 campsites are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
• Potable water is not available at this campground.
• Fire pits, picnic tables, and animal-proof food storage are located at each campsite.
• Pit toilets at the campground are available during the camping season

Operating Season

Deer Park Campground is usually open from June to Mid-October. However, the road may not be clear of snow or may suffer washouts during the rainy season which makes the campground inaccessible. Check with the Olympic National Park website at this link for the most current information about the status of this campground.

Reservations

The campsites are Deer Park Campground a first come first served. No reservations can be made in advance for these spots. There is a $15 per night camping fee for using this campground.

6. Fairholme Campground

Another great campground from which to launch your exploration of the Lake Crescent region is Fairholme Campground. This campground puts you close to the Lake Crescent area best attractions.

The outdoor experiences at Fairholme include some of the best waterfall viewing in Olympic National Park or exploring Sol Duc, Hurricane Ridge, and nearby Cape Flattery.

Amenities and Facilities

• 88 reservable campsites. 2022 is the first year that Fairholme campsites are reservable. Make your reservations early for this popular area.
• Some of the campsites will accommodate RVs and travel trailers up to 21 feet in length.
• Potable water is available at the campground.
• Flush toilets are open during the regular camping season
• Some campsites are handicap accessible.

Operating Season

The campground is usually open from April 22 through September 26. However, unseasonal weather can affect the opening and closing dates. Check the Olympic National Park website for the current status of this campground by clicking here.

Reservations

New for the 2022 season, Fairholme Campground has been added to the National Park Service Reservations system.  You can reserve your campsite up to 6 months prior to your arrival date by accessing the reservation website at this link.

7. Graves Creek Campground

Credit: Joshua Hudson / Flickr

Your trip down the 14-mile gravel road to Graves Creek Campground takes you to the heard of the Quinault Rain Forest and the Ranger Station. Once you arrive, you will find yourself in a magical place.

The highlight of a back-country trip from Graves Creek Campground is the 13-mile East Fork of the Quinault River trail and the discovery of Enchanted Valley at the end.

Amenities and Facilities

• The only amenities and facilities you will find at Graves Creek are the pit toilets.
• No RVs or travel trailers are permitted on the narrow and winding gravel road that leads to the campground.
• No potable water is available at the campground. Campers are discouraged from drinking from the stream or other water sources.

Operating Season

Graves Creek Campground is open year-round. The weather may make the road impassable so check conditions before you start toward the campground. Remember that this is a rainforest and during the rainy season, this area gets more rainfall than any other part of the United States. Go prepared for wet weather.

Reservations

This campground has 30 campsites. You cannot make reservations for these sites. Access if on a first-come-first-served basis. If you decide to camp in the backcountry, you will need a backcountry permit.

8. Kalaloch Campground

If mountains and rain forest aren’t your first choice, try coastal camping on the Pacific Northwest coastline. There are beaches to explore and the Pacific Ocean if you want to take a dip. Both are easily accessible on foot from Kalaloch Campground. Don’t miss a visit to the storied “Tree of Life” which grows precariously from the clings below the campground.

Amenities and Facilities

• The campground is furnished with flush toilets that are open year-round.
• For RVs and travel trailers, a dump station is located in the campground.
• 170 campsites make this the largest campground in Olympic National Park and the most popular.
• There are no showers or RV hookups. Potable water is available at the campground.
• A general store operates close to the campground.
• RVs are limited to 35 feet or less.

Operating Season

Kalaloch Campground is open year-round. High season is generally considered late spring to early fall. The weather can change rapidly, and the campground may be closed during some weather events. Check at the Olympic National Park website for campground status by clicking this link.

Reservations

You can reserve a campsite at Kalaloch Campground during the summer camping season. Campsite reservations are made on the National Park Service Reservations site. Reservations may be made up to six months in advance of your arrival date by visiting this link.

9. Mora Campground

Credit: Amy Meredith / Flickr

Mora Campground is in close proximity to some of the most stunning beaches and coastal vistas of the Pacific Northwest. This campground puts you close to such popular destinations as Hole in the Wall, Second Beach, and Strawberry Bay Falls. If you are lucky, you may even see one of the majestic bald eagles that call the area home.

Amenities and Features

• This campground is open year-round.
• Flush toilets are scattered throughout the campground.
• Potable water is available to campers in the campground.
• RVs less than twenty-one feet in length are welcome at Mora Campground.
• There are no hookups for RVs available.
• An RV dump station is located within the campground.

Operating Season

Mora Campground is open year-round. There are 94 campsites some of which are handicap accessible. The weather may cause temporary closures of the campground so check with the National Park Website for up-to-date status at this link.

Reservations

During the summer season from June 6 to September 21, you can reserve campsites at Mora Campground through the National Park System Reservations website. To make your reservations click this link. For the rest of the year, campsites are on a first-come-first-served basis.

10. North Fork Campground

Credit: Pirinx Travels / Flickr

If you are looking for a bit of solitude in the forest, consider a trip to North Fork Campground. This small camping area is quite remote and hides along the Quinault River. Few people visit this campground so you may find yourself alone even during the busiest seasons in the park. From North Fork Campground you can hike over the First Divide or choose the Skyline Primitive Trail.

Amenities and Features

• There are only 9 campsites at this campground which means you won’t be bothered with many people or much noise.
• Vault toilets are available at the campground.
• There is no potable water at the campground.
• There is no RV or travel trailer access to the campground.
• No trash service is available. Campers must pack out all trash and disposables.

Operating Season

North Fork Campground is open year-round. Seasonal weather and wildfires may force this campground to close at certain times. For more information about the current status of this campground, visit the Olympic National Park website by clicking here.

Reservations

Campsites at North Fork Campground are on a first-come basis year-round. No advance reservations can be made for this campground. However, this is one of the most remote and smallest campgrounds in the park and doesn’t get a lot of use. We do suggest that you make backup plans if you choose to visit North Fork Campground.

Related Read: 25 Fun & Free Things to Do in Forks, WA

11. Ozette Campground

Credit: Spiral Cage / Flickr

Ozette Campground sits on the northwest edge of the Olympic Peninsula. This is one of the most remote campgrounds in the entire Olympic National Park.

Water sports such as paddling, kayaking, and canoeing are the great draws to Ozette Campground. Fishing in Ozette Lake can be hit or miss but is well worth a try. For hiking, you don’t want to skip the Ozette Loop Trail that starts and ends near the campground.

Amenities and Facilities

• This campground is open year-round during the rainy season the road can be treacherous with mud and can get very rough.
• Pit toilets are available in the campground.
• There is no potable water at this campground
• RVs are permitted, but you should check the condition of the road before attempting the trip.
• It is recommended that food stuff be kept in bear canisters to prevent pilfering by wild animals, especially raccoons.

Operating Season

This campground is open year-round. However, the pit toilets may be locked during the winter months. During the rainy season, access may be difficult due to the condition of the road and campsites. Check on the Olympic National Park website for current conditions by clicking here.

Reservations

All campsites at Ozette Campground are on a first-come basis. If you want to ensure your campsite, arrive early to stake your claim. Despite the remote nature of this campground, it is popular and does fill up during the season. Make backup plans if you are planning a visit and intend on staying in the area.

12. Queets Campground

Credit: recreation.gov

For a primitive camping adventure, consider a visit to the Queets Campground. This is an extremely remote area and one of the least visited parts of the Olympic National Park. If you want solitude and the chance to experience the best of Olympic National Park in its unspoiled splendor, Queets Campground is a prime choice.

Amenities and Facilities

In short, there are no amenities or facilities at Queets Campground other than vault toilets. This is primitive camping and as close to backcountry camping that is vehicle accessible that you will find. While you can drive into this campground, be sure to check on the road conditions before you head in. More information about this campground can be found by clicking this link.

Operating Season

Queets Campground is considered a year-round campsite. Be aware that heavy rainfall in the area can leave the campsite flooded and the road nearly impassable.

Reservations

There are no reservable campsites in Queets Campground. This remote area is probably the least visited part of Olympic National Park, and the campground here often goes unused. There are 20 campsites in the camping area so you should not have trouble finding a place to pitch your tent.

13. South Beach Campground

Credit: Kevin Marquez / Flickr

Back to the pacific coastline for our next camping experience. South Beach Campground sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The views out over the Pacific are unmatched. Beach access is available from the campground.

You will be amazed at the sunset views from the bluffs and the campground is near the Queets and Quinault rainforests. On the beach you can walk all the way to Ruby Beach to the North.

Amenities and Facilities

• Pit toilets serve the campers in the campground.
• There is no potable running water in the campground.
• An RV dump station is available.
• RVs are welcome at this campground and some sites can handle RVs and trailers up to 35 feet.

Operating Season

South Beach Campground is usually open from May until September. Check with the Olympic National Park website for more information about the actual opening and closing dates at this link.

Reservations

The National Park Service doesn’t take reservations for campsites in the South Beach Campground. All camping is on a first-come-first-served basis so plan on arriving early to ensure that you can get a good campsite.

14. Staircase Campground

If you are basing your tour of Olympic National Park out of Olympia, Washington, Staircase Campground is the closest camping area you can access. The campground is canopied by enormous Douglas Fir Trees and is highlighted by the North Fork of the Skokomish River.

Hiking trails abound in this area and include the hike to Staircase Rapids, Wagonwheel lake and many of the overlooks that give you impressive vistas of the park.

Amenities and Facilities

• This campground features flush toilets accessible to campers in the campground during summer months. In the off season, pit toilets can still be used.
• Potable water is available in the campground during the summer months
• RVs can utilize this campground. Most campsites will accommodate RVs and trailer less than 21 feet. A few may be available for RVs up to 35 feet
• There are no hookups for RVs or travel trailers in this campground.
• An RV dump station is located in the campground.

Operating Season

This is a year-round campground. However, the only services and facilities available during the winter months are the pit toilets. Weather and fire conditions may cause this campsite to close temporarily. For current information about the conditions and status of the Staircase Campground, visit the Olympic National Park website by clicking here.

Reservations

None of the 49 campsites at Staircase Campground can be reserved in advance. This is a first-come campground so plan on arriving early to get one of the campsites. This is a very popular campground so be sure you have backup plans made before your visit.

Related Read: 25 Best Waterfalls in Washington State

15. Dosewallips Campground

Credit: Mike Dole / Flickr

All of the other campgrounds in our list feature drive-up camping. The Dosewallips Campground is a walk-in camping area. The road to the campground washed out and you must make a 6.5-mile trek to access the campsites.

This isolation makes this one of the most pristine areas in Olympic National Park. You are almost guaranteed the most secluded camping experience you could dream about.

Amenities and Facilities

Other than pit toilets, there are no other amenities or facilities at Dosewallips Campground. There is no potable water available, and campers are discouraged from drinking from local water sources.

Even though this is considered a year-round campground, inclement weather occurs often and can leave you stranded in deep snow in the winter or torrential rain in the spring and summer.

Operating Seasons

You can access Dosewallips Campground year-round if you are brave enough. This is a truly backcountry experience since the road washed away. Weather can change rapidly so be prepared for almost anything.

Reservations

You cannot make reservations for a campsite at Dosewallips. All areas are first-come-first-served. However, due to the walk-in status of this campground, it is rarely utilized, and you will often find yourself alone in the area. For more information about the current status of Dosewallips Campground, check the National Park Website at this link.

Olympic National Park – Unique Among Parks in the United States

Spend a week at Olympic National Park and you can visit the beach, an alpine meadow, a temperate rain forest, and a dry climate forest. This makes for a unique opportunity to experience so much in so little time. Almost anyone can find a camping experience to suit their tastes in Olympic National Park.