Article Summary: Camping in Olympic National Park, Olympic National Park Campgrounds
Olympic National Park is located in the United States of America on Washington state’s Olympic peninsula in the Pacific Northwest.
The park houses scenic ecosystems that vary from stunning peaks to jagged coastlines.
Anyone interested in camping in Olympic National Park should imagine a place where they can traverse one million acres of rainforest, coastline, and alpine terrain to lead to a thrilling adventure.
This article is the perfect guide for individuals wishing to stay in the best Olympic National Park campgrounds. The park boasts over 14 campgrounds throughout the national park giving campers a world of options regarding their camping needs.
For more information about each campground, keep reading our Olympic National Park Camping Guide.
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Table of Contents
Olympic National Park Camping Reservations
Only six campgrounds require reservations: Fairholme, Hoh Rain Forest, Kalaloch, Mora, Sol Duc Resort, and Staircase. Log Cabin Resort accepts reservations, but they are not required.
Reservations can be made at Recreation.gov for all campgrounds except Log Cabin Resort. They only accept reservations by phone at 888-896-3818. Reservations can be made 6 months in advance at 10 a.m. EST.
All other Olympic National Park campgrounds are first-come, first-served. You should claim these sites by mid-morning before they fill.
Things to Know Before Camping in Olympic National Park
You can check the status of each individual campground here and current park conditions here.
Entrance Fees
There is a fee to enter Olympic National Park. This is separate from all camping fees.
The cost is $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per person (on foot or by bicycle). Each entrance ticket is valid for seven days.
In order to save money, I would recommend purchasing a national parks pass. These cost $80 and are valid for a full calendar year (from the date of purchase) at all public lands in the United States. After you visit 3 national parks, it’ll have paid for itself. It also makes a great gift for national park enthusiasts! Learn more about park entry fees.
Firewood
In campgrounds where wood is not available for sale, visitors may collect dead and down wood (smaller than 6″ in diameter) within 100 feet of campgrounds and below 3,500 feet in elevation.
Food Storage
Many animals have unfortunately learned that campers are an easy target for food droppings or even free handouts. It’s very important to refrain from feeding wild animals.
Protect yourself and park wildlife by using the food storage lockers provided. Bears, rodents, birds, squirrels, and other common animals will be attracted to anything with a scent. You should place all food items in the lockers in addition to things like chapstick, sunscreen, trash, and dirty dishes.
You can also store these items in a locked vehicle if they are well hidden.
Showers and Electrical Hookups
Park-operated campgrounds do not offer showers or electricity. Log Cabin Resort offers showers and laundry. Sol Duc Resort and Log Cabin Resort both have water and electrical hookups.
Olympic National Park Camping Regulations
Per the National Park Service:
- Pets are permitted on a leash (up to 6 feet long) in campgrounds, picnic areas, and parking lots; Rialto Beach (for 1/2 mile to Ellen Creek) and the Kalaloch beaches; and Peabody Creek, Madison Falls, and Spruce Railroad trails only. Pets are prohibited in park buildings, all other trails, and in the wilderness. Pet excrement must be collected and put in trash receptacles.
- Feeding wildlife is prohibited for animal health and your safety
- Hunting or disturbing wildlife is prohibited in national parks
- All fireworks and explosives are prohibited in the park
- Visitors may possess firearms in the park in compliance with Washington State regulations. All firearms use, including target shooting and hunting, is prohibited within the park
- Per site limit is 8 people, wheels must be on the pavement where available
- The camping limit is 14 consecutive days in the park per year; Kalaloch Campground, Mora Campground, and Hoh Campground limit is 7 days during the reservation window through peak season
- Campground quiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Checkout time is 11:00 a.m.
- Vehicle camping is only allowed in authorized campgrounds in the park.
Campgrounds in Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park Campgrounds Map
The map above shows the location of all 15 Olympic National Park campgrounds. Additional maps of each campground/area are available in the descriptions below.
Deer Park Campground
- Season: June – mid-October, dependent on road conditions and snow melt
- Reservations: First-come, first-served
- Sites and Fees: 14 total sites, $15 per night
- RVs: Tents only
- Facilities: Pit toilets and no potable water
- Accessible: Yes
This campground is located 5,400 feet above sea level. Those who camp here benefit from scenic views of the Olympic Mountains.
It lies on the eastern side of the park, making it dry, hence giving campers a very conducive camping environment.
The campground has 14 campsites and has no source of water for use. Campers must carry in all the water needed for their stay. There are pit toilets in the campgrounds. Each site has its own fire pit with grates and a picnic table.
The campsites provide excellent day hikes from the Deer Park area, which comprises the 0.5-mile Rain Shadow loop, the 7.4-mile one-way hike from Deer Park to Obstruction Point, and the 4.3-mile hike to the junction with Gray Wolf River Trail.
Note that this area can only be accessed via an 18-mile steep and narrow dirt road. RVs are not permitted.
Dosewallips Campground
- Season: Year-round
- Reservations: First-come, first-served.
- Fees: No fee
- RVs: Tents only. No vehicle access.
- Facilities: Pit toilets and no potable water.
- Accessible: No.
As of 2022, the road to reach Dosewallips is washed out about 5.5 miles from the ranger station. Because of this, no services are provided in the area, including potable water and trash disposal.
The campground is walk-in only. It is not accessible by vehicle due to the washout.
Pets and bicycles are not permitted on trails but are allowed on the washed-out road. Fires are not allowed above 3,500 feet, however, stoves are permitted.
This is the perfect option for those looking for solitude. The area’s natural seclusion will provide a quiet escape from the crowds at Hurricane Ridge and Hoh Rainforest.
There are many hikes that begin in this area as well, but keep in mind that the washed-out road adds about 6.5 miles to each of these trails. Options include the Terrace Loop, an easy 1.2-mile loop through the forest above a river, and Lake Constance, a steep route (gaining 3,300 feet in 2 miles) that involves a lot of climbing and scrambling.
Fairholme Campground
- Season: April 22 – September 26 (at checkout time)
- Reservations: New for 2022! Online reservations are now accepted for the summer season. Reservations are available for May 25 through September 21, 2022. Campsites are first-come, first-served outside the reservation period.
- Sites and Fees: 88 total sites, $24 per night; the dump station is $10 per use
- RVs: Sites for 21 feet
- Facilities: Flush toilets and potable water
- Accessible: Yes
For a lakeside experience in Olympic National Park, one needs to go camping near the scenic waters of Lake Crescent.
This campground is much busier than the more secluded campgrounds of Deer Park and Dosewallips. If you enjoy amenities while camping, this is one Olympic campground for you.
The campground has 88 camping sites well equipped with fire grates and picnic tables. The campground is very favorable for camping in groups or families because it has amenities such as flush toilets. The campground also has sufficient water.
Nearby, you’ll also find the Fairholme Camp Store in case you need to stock up on supplies or firewood. The Lake Crescent Lodge and Log Cabin Resort offer boat rentals, additional lodging, and restaurants.
There are also many short hikes in the area. Marymere Falls is a popular option through an old-growth forest to a 90-foot waterfall.
Graves Creek Campground
- Season: Year-round
- Reservations: First-come, first-served
- Sites and Fees: 30 total sites, $20 per night
- RVs: Due to road conditions, RVs and trailers are not allowed
- Facilities: Pit toilets and no running water
- Accessible: Yes
For a relaxing stay in the rainforest along the creek, look no further than Graves Creek. The Quinault River area is also a popular starting point for many backcountry trips.
Heart O’ the Hills Campground
- Season: Year-round; walk-in only during heavy snowfall
- Reservations: First-come, first-served
- Sites and Fees: 105 total sites, $24 per night
- RV: Sites for 21 feet, a few for 35 feet; no dump station
- Facilities: Flush toilets and potable water.
- Accessible: Yes
If Hurricane Ridge is on your Olympic National Park itinerary, this campground may interest you more than others. It’s the closest camping to the popular attraction.
It is open year-round, though it may be inaccessible during heavy snowfall. It offers 105 sites for tents and small RVs. Some of the sites are pull-throughs for larger RVs.
There are flush toilets and potable water available at the campground. There is also a dump station, but it does not accommodate RVs over 35 feet. There are a few RV sites that will only fit vehicles up to 21 feet. No hookups are available.
This campground is also close to Port Angeles, the closest city to Olympic National Park. You could go out to dinner, shop, and more and still enjoy a rustic night outdoors.
Hoh Campground
- Season: Year-round
- Reservations: Online reservations are accepted for the peak summer season. All campsites are first-come, first-served in the off-season.
- Sites and Fees: 72 total sites, $24 per night
- RVs: Sites for 21 feet, a few for up to 35 feet; no dump station
- Facilities: Flush toilets and potable water
- Accessible: Yes
This campground places campers at the heart of the temperate rainforest. This unique and beautiful environment receives as much as 12 feet of annual precipitation!
It’s also close to the Hoh Visitor Center where park rangers can assist with trip planning and may be offering ranger programs.
Elk are popular in the Hoh Rainforest area. Remember to give them at least 50 yards of space. Never feed or approach wild animals.
The trail access from the Hoh Campground is a draw for many visitors. The popular Hall of Mosses loop is across the street. The Spruce Nature Trail and Hoh River Trail are both nearby as well.
Kalaloch Campground
- Season: Year-round
- Reservations: Online reservations are accepted for the peak summer season. Sites may be reserved up to 6 months in advance. All campsites are first-come, first-served in the off-season.
- Sites and Fees: 170 total sites, $24 per night; the dump station is $10 per use
- RVs: Sites for 21 feet, a few for 35 feet
- Facilities: Flush toilets and potable water
- Accessible: Yes for facilities; no accessible beach access trails
This oceanside campground is the largest in the park, and for good reason – it’s one of the most popular coastal campgrounds in Washington state.
Campground facilities include flush toilets and potable water.
Nearby services include Kalaloch Lodge and the Kalaloch Ranger Station (open summer only). The lodge has overnight accommodations, a restaurant, a gift shop, and a camp store.
Popular attractions nearby include Ruby Beach, Beach 1, Beach 4, and the Big Cedar Tree.
Log Cabin Resort, RV Park, & Campground
- Season: Late May – Late September
- Reservations: Please call 888-896-3818 to reserve a tent camping or RV site.
- Sites and Fees: 38 total sites, $25-$44 per night depending on campsite and amenities
- RVs: Sites for up to 35 feet. RV sites offer full hookups with electricity and sewer.
- Facilities: Restrooms with flush toilets and showers; potable water; laundry.
- Accessible: Yes
Located next to Lake Crescent, this stunning campground has beautiful lake views. In addition to accessible campsites, there are also options for bike-in tent camping. Their RV sites can accommodate vehicles up to 35 feet long and have full hookups.
If you prefer not to camp, the resort also has chalets, cabins, and a lodge.
More information on amenities and the check-in process is available on the Log Cabin Resort website.
Mora Campground
- Season: Year-round
- Reservations: Reservations are accepted for the peak season online at recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance. Campsites are first-come, first-served the rest of the year.
- Sites and Fees: 94 total sites, $24 per night; the dump station is $10 per use.
- RVs: Sites for 21 feet, a few for 35 feet
- Facilities: Flush toilets and potable water
- Accessible: Yes
Mora sits among trees near the Quillayute River and Rialto Beach, providing visitors with stunning views of natural beauty.
The campground is open year-round for your convenience and features 94 sites, one of which is accessible. Each campsite comes with a fire ring and grate. There are restrooms with flush toilets, one of which is accessible. Water refill stations and animal-proof food storage are available as well.
Mora Campground is near Rialto Beach, one of the most popular things to see in Olympic National Park. It’s also close to the town of Forks. Made famous in the Twilight series, the town provides services like restaurants, gas stations, and groceries for campers.
North Fork Campground
- Season: Year-round
- Reservations: First-come, first-served
- Sites and Fees: 9 total sites, $20 per night
- RVs: Not recommended for RVs and trailers
- Facilities: Pit toilets and no running water
- Accessible: Accessible vault toilet at the trailhead; campground not accessible
This campground is located in an old-growth forest and features 9 sites, each with a fire ring and picnic table. There is no running water at the campground.
Multiple trails begin in the area, including Maple Glade Loop and Irely Lake.
The Quinalt Rainforest is a popular place to see Roosevelt elk, the largest mammal in the park. It’s also a popular gateway to the wilderness. There are scenic loop drives in the area for those with less time.
Ozette Campground
- Season: Year-round; some sites flood in winter
- Reservations: First-come, first-served
- Sites and Fees: 15 total sites, $20 per night
- RVs: Up to 21 feet
- Facilities: Pit toilets, potable water
- Accessible: Yes
The Ozette Campground is located in a remote section of Olympic National Park. It appeals to travelers who want to have a remote camping experience because it’s in such an isolated area.
There is good access to portable water and restrooms at the campground (in the summer; facilities are limited in winter).
Trails at Ozette include Cape Alava, Sandpoint, and the Ozette Loop. All of them are boardwalk trails leading hikers through the forest to lakeside beaches.
In addition to hiking, this is a great campground for visitors interested in water-based activities. There is also a stunning view of Lake Ozette for campers to enjoy from your lakeside campsite.
Queets Campground
- Season: Year-round
- Reservations: First-come, first-served
- Sites and Fees: 20 total sites, $15 per night
- RVs: RVs and trailers are not recommended
- Facilities: Pit toilets, no running water
- Accessible: Accessible vault toilet only; campground not accessible
The Queets Campground is located in the Queets River Valley.
It’s a remote campground that is only accessible by a single-lane gravel road. This 11-mile road is a logging area, so watch for traffic including large trucks.
The campground has 20 sites, each with a fire ring and picnic table. There are pit toilets but no potable water at the campground.
Winter storms often damage the campground and area trails, so be aware of your surroundings during your stay.
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground
- Season: Late March to Late October
- Reservations: Recreation.gov
- Tent Camping: 82 total sites, $25+ tax if walk-in; $29+ tax if reserved; dump station is $10 per use
- RV Park: A gravel parking lot with 17 RV sites. Limited privacy in this area. Back-in spaces only. No pull-through sites are offered. Rates are $51+ tax.
- RV Camping: Campground sites can accommodate 21 feet, a few for 35 feet. The RV Park can accommodate vehicles from 26 feet to 36 feet.
- Facilities: The campground has flush toilets and running water. Restrooms are located in the campground only, which is ¼ mile away from the RV Park. The RV Park has water and electrical hookups.
- Accessible: Yes
This campground is a paradise for RVers and tent camping in Olympic National Park. The area includes many amenities, great access to park attractions, riverside camping, hot springs, and hiking trails.
Apart from camping, visitors can enjoy fascinating landscapes nestled with evergreen trees along the Sol Duc River.
Visit the Salmon Cascades in the fall and you might witness migration in action!
South Beach Campground
- Season: Late May – Late September
- Reservations: First-come, first-served
- Sites and Fees: 55 total sites, $20 per night
- RVs: Sites for 21 feet, a few for 35 feet
- Facilities: No potable water. Flush toilets available
- Accessible: Flush toilets are not wheelchair accessible. No handicapped-accessible beach access trails.
For panoramic ocean views, look no further than South Beach Campground. There is also easy beach access from the campsites here.
The campground is only accessible via a dirt road. There is no potable water, but it is available in the nearby Kalaloch Campground dump station.
South Beach Campground is only open in the summer months.
Staircase Campground
- Season: Year-round, but primitive in winter. Potable water and flush toilets are available during the summer season only.
- Reservations: First-come, first-served.
- Sites and Fees: 49 total sites, 5 are walk-in only; $24 per night
- RVs: Sites for 21 feet, a few for 35 feet.
- Facilities: Flush toilets and potable water during the summer season only. Pit toilets and no water in the off-season.
- Handicap Accessible: Yes
Campers here have a unique opportunity to spend the night under the stars, sheltered by Douglas firs which seem to stretch out endlessly. The Skokomish River also provides a nice atmosphere.
Nearby trails bring campers through old-growth forests to viewpoints overlooking the river and its rapids. Longer hikes will lead adventurers to alpine lakes.
What to Pack for an Olympic National Park Camping Trip
- Tent: Shelter is the most important element of any camping trip.
- Sleeping Bag: Keep yourself warm and cozy while you sleep soundly in one of these bags.
- Sleeping Pad: Don’t bust your back on the hard ground; use a pad.
- Pillow: An alternative to stuffing a dry sack with jackets? An actual pillow.
- Stove: I love the lightweight, easy-to-transport pocket rocket.
- Fuel: That pocket rocket won’t work without fuel and matches.
- Cookware: I prefer to purchase collapsible, reusable cookware, dishware, and utensils.
- Games: Test your national park knowledge with some trivia or keep it old school with some playing cards.
- Light Souce: A headlamp or a flashlight will do.
- First Aid Kit: It’s always good to be prepared in case you can’t find a first aid station.
- Sunscreen and Bug Spray: Even if it’s chilly, both of these items are important to pack for your camping trip. For sunscreen, pick something with an SPF of at least 15 that offers broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Insect repellent is also important to pack because there are many bugs in the park, especially at night when you’re trying to sleep!
- Food and Water: You’ll want snacks on hand to keep you fueled for adventures. Clif bars and trail mix are camping staples and necessities. For larger meals, dry some freeze-dried meals from Mountain House or Backpackers Pantry. You may want a cooler to store everything in. You can also purchase food at camp stores in and near the campgrounds if they are open when you visit. While most campgrounds offer potable water, it’s also smart to bring a few liters of your own.
- Hiking Shoes: Good hiking shoes are a must! I love my Hoka trail runners and my Keen hiking boots.
Pin Our Guide to Camping in Olympic National Park
The different campgrounds in Olympic National Park cater to a variety of camping needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for an RV campsite with all the amenities, or you’re happy roughing it in a primitive campsite without any running water, there’s something for everyone in this park.
With so much natural beauty to take in, from rainforest trails to rushing riverside camping, it’s hard not to love spending time camping in Olympic National Park!
This post features contributions from Sarah Duke of Momentum Adventure.
