Best Places to Camp In and Around Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park is a vast wilderness with close to a million acres to explore. There are endless possibilities here for nature lovers of all types. Whether you like climbing mountains, dramatic coastlines, or dreamy forest hikes, Olympic National Park has it all.

I’ve been visiting Olympic National Park for years, and my favorite way to stay in the park is by camping. I feel like camping gives you the best experience because it allows you to sleep to the sounds of nature, like the birds chirping or water running down a river beside you.

In this article, I’ll list the best places to stay in each section of the park, finding the perfect spot for every camper. There are plenty of options for RVers, solitude seekers, and some for people seeking modern amenities.

Best Time of Year to Camp in Olympic National Park

The best time of year to camp in Olympic National Park depends on many factors. If you’re looking for the least rainy time of year, then June through August will provide you with more sunny days than average. However, this is an incredibly busy time of year with about 500,000 visitors each month. There are also more restrictions during this time, as most campgrounds require a reservation and fill up quickly.

My favorite time of year to visit is either May or late September. This is the shoulder season when there are still minimal rainy days, but also when Hurricane Ridge is still accessible. In May, you get rushing rivers with the snow melting, the campgrounds haven’t gone to a reservation system yet, and there are significantly fewer visitors until Memorial Day. In September, the moody, fog-covered coastlines return, mushrooms are starting to peak, and finding a campsite is easier than in the summer.

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What to Expect When Camping in Olympic National Park

There are several types of campgrounds in Olympic National Park. The campgrounds run by the National Park are basic campgrounds with flush toilets, drinking water, and some offering dump stations. You will not find RV hook-ups, showers, or laundromats here. These are typically the most popular camping options within the park. They usually do require a reservation during the summer, with a couple remaining first-come, first-served year-round.

There are several private campgrounds within Olympic National Park that provide more amenities to their campers. They are usually able to provide a larger selection of RV parking with hook-ups; most have showers, and some have laundromats. They also allow non-campers to enjoy the amenities for a fee. These private campgrounds are the only source of showers within the National Park.

The Olympic National Park shares a border with Olympic National Forest, so there are many options for campgrounds run by the National Forest and the Department of Natural Resources. These campgrounds have the least amount of amenities, with only a pit toilet, picnic table, and fire ring. They are the easiest to get into, though, if you can’t make a reservation for the other sites. They are also more cost-effective, having a lower nightly rate or only requiring you to have a Discover Pass, which is the National Forest Pass for Washington State. There is a one-time fee of ~$30 for the year.

Reserving a National Park Campground

Most of the campgrounds run by the National Park Service require reservations in advance. Campsites become available in three different stages: 6 months, 2 weeks, and 4 days in advance. Any campsite that is unclaimed within 24 hours of the arrival date then becomes first-come, first-served. This allows last-minute campers to have a chance at finding a campsite.

All other privately owned or Forest Service campgrounds each have their own reservation systems, all linked below.

Understanding Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park can be driven as a crescent shape, making an out-and-back drive or as a full circle, making it about 300 miles round-trip. The majority of the park is encompassed by Highway 101. It’s a huge park with many side roads that lead you further into the wilderness, like Sol Duc, the Hoh Rain Forest, and Cape Flattery.

Many people underestimate just how long it takes to get to each location in the park. It’s not easy to see everything by just making one campsite your home base for the visit. I recommend choosing a couple of campgrounds during your stay so you can be more centrally located for different parts of the park.

Much of Olympic National Park is remote wilderness, with minimal amenities like gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores. There are a couple of main hubs throughout the park. Port Angeles is the gateway to the Olympics, located at the northeastern starting point for the park. Port Angeles has everything you are looking for: gas, groceries, and plenty of restaurants to choose from. Beyond that, you’ll find Forks. Forks is a small town located closer to the Hoh Rainforest and La Push, past Lake Crescent. Forks has one grocery store, two gas stations, and a handful of restaurants.

Beyond those two locations, gas and small stores are located in La Push and Amanda Park, near Quinault.

Destinations	Distance/Time
Port Angeles to Lake Crescent	22 miles, ~31 minutes
Lake Crescent to Sol Duc Valley	19 miles, ~29 minutes
Sol Duc Valley to La Push	52 miles, ~1 hour
La Push to Hoh Rain Forest	47 miles, ~1 hour and 15 minutes
Hoh Rain Forest to Kalaloch	39 miles, ~1 hour
Kalaloch to Quinault	33 miles, ~50 minutes
Quinault to Port Angeles	124 miles, ~2.5 hours

CHECK OUT: A Perfect 6 Day Itinerary for Olympic (For First Timers)

Should I Camp Inside or Outside the Park?

The majority of the Olympic Peninsula is considered Olympic National Park. So, even if you aren’t technically staying in the park, you’ll still be located on Highway 101 or on one of the spur roads that lead you deeper into the park. Where you choose to camp is going to be based on your necessities for your stay, like having full hook-ups, prioritizing solitude, or being close to your ultimate destination within the park.

Camping By Area

Port Angeles and Hurricane Ridge

Inside the Park:

Heart O’ the Hills Campground

The Heart O’ the Hills Campground is the closest campground to Hurricane Ridge. It’s located 5 miles up the Hurricane Ridge Road, just past the Entrance Station. This campground is run by the National Park Service and requires a National Park Pass to stay. One thing to note about this campground is that most of the sites here are not level.

• Dates: Open year-round, may close due to snow
• Reservations: Not required, FC/FS year-round. Self-register at the campground.
• Price: ~$24 per night
• Sites: 97
• Max RV length: Most sites accommodate 21 ft, some allow 35 ft
• Generators allowed: Yes, from 6 am-10 pm
• Amenities: Flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables. The nearest amenities, like gas and food, are in Port Townsend.

Outside the Park:

Salt Creek Campground

Salt Creek Campground is located 16 miles northwest of Port Angeles. This campground is run by the county. It’s in a beautiful setting, near tidepools and the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The campground features a popular day-use area with access to trails and picnic areas.

• Dates: Open year-round
• Reservations: Recommended. Reservable sites are available from February to October; a few sites are available for FC/FS during this time as well. All sites are first-come, first-served from November to January. Reservations must be made at least 7 days prior to arrival.
• Price: ~$45 to $55 per night
• Sites: 92 sites total. 40 sites with hook-ups, 52 sites without hook-ups. 2 ADA accessible sites.
• Max RV length: unspecified
• Generators allowed: unspecified
• Amenities: Restrooms, coin-operated showers, picnic areas, and a free dump station for campers

Lake Crescent

Inside the Park:

Fairholme Campground

Fairholme Campground is one of my favorite campgrounds in the park. Overlooking the lake and surrounded by old-growth forest.  This campground offers shaded campsites; some sites have views and lake access. It is located on the west end of Lake Crescent and is perfect for water activities. Fairholme Campground is run by the National Park Service and requires a National Park Pass to stay.

• Dates: May 23 – September 15
• Reservations: Required through recreation.gov
• Price: ~$24 per night
• Sites: 88 sites, including walk-in and ADA accessible sites
• Max RV length: most sites accommodate 21ft, some allow 35ft.
• Generators allowed: Yes, from 6 am-10 pm
• Amenities: Flush toilets, drinking water, a dump station for a fee of ~$10, and lake access. There is a small general store to get any snacks, ice cream, or general essentials. The nearest gas station is located 17 miles west, on Highway 101.

Log Cabin Resort

Log Cabin Resort is located on East Beach Road on the northeastern side of Lake Crescent. This is a picturesque resort, sitting right on Lake Crescent. They offer tent and RV camping as well as a variety of cabin rentals. There is a restaurant on site, serving 3 meals a day as well as some grab-and-go items. The nearest gas station and basic groceries are at the Shadow Mountain RV Park.

• Dates: May 2 – October 20
• Reservations: Yes, by calling 888-896-3818 
• Price: ~$55 to $65 per night
• Sites: 38 sites
• Max RV length: up to 35 ft
• Generators allowed: unspecified
• Amenities: Full restrooms with showers, coin-operated laundry, potable water, kayak rentals, and on-site dining.

Outside the Park:

Shadow Mountain RV Park

Shadow Mountain RV Park is an independently owned campground. It is located on Highway 101, east of Lake Crescent. This is a classic RV park with many recreational options like kayak rentals, a playground, mini golf, and a dog park. There is also a general store here, selling basic necessities as well as cooked meals, like hamburgers. There is a gas station here as well. They do allow non-campers to purchase showers for ~$5.00.

• Dates: Open year-round
• Reservations: Yes, through Airbnb
• Price: Ranges from ~$19 to $65 per night
• Sites: 33 sites, 14 are RV sites with full hook-up, 14 are no-hook-up RV or tent sites, 5 are tent-only sites with no utilities
• Max RV length: Most sites can accommodate vehicles under 30 ft; a couple of sites can accommodate vehicles under 75 ft.
• Generators allowed: Unspecified
• Amenities: Gas station, general store, kayak rentals, monthly RV parking

Camping in Sol Duc

Inside the Park:

Sol Duc Campground & RV Park

The Sol Duc Campground is a very popular campground in Olympic National Park because of its proximity to the Sol Duc Hot Springs and the Sol Duc Falls. There are many hiking trails nearby, as well as the Sol Duc River. One thing I will note about the RV park here is that it provides minimal solitude. The sites are all side by side in a gravel parking lot with only about 15 feet between vehicles.

• Dates: March 21 – October 29
• Reservations: Yes, through recreation.gov
• Price: ~$33 to $58 per night
• Sites: 82 total sites, 17 RV sites with hook-ups
• Max RV length: Most campsites can accommodate 21 ft, some can accommodate 35 ft. The RV park ranges from 26 ft to 36 ft.
• Generators allowed: Yes, from 6 am-10 pm
• Amenities: Flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, RV hook-ups (up to 35 feet), fire pits, and dump station.

Camping Near Cape Flattery and Neah Bay

Inside the Park:

Ozette Campground

Adjacent to Lake Ozette and the Ozette Triangle Trail leading to the coast. A beautiful lakeside campground for those looking for water activities inside the park. This is remotely located away from most other Olympic sites. It’s a great option for those wanting to avoid crowds. This campground is run by the National Park Service and requires a National Park Pass to stay.

• Dates: Open year-round
• Reservations: No, FC/FS. Self-register at the campground.
• Price: ~$20 per night
• Sites: 15
• Max RV length: up to 21 ft
• Generators allowed: Yes, from 6 am-10 pm
• Amenities: Minimal amenities. Vault toilets, fire pits, picnic tables

Outside the Park:

Hobuck Beach Resort

Hobuck Beach Resort is located right on the Hobuck Beach near Neah Bay. It is on the Makah Reservation, so you will need a Makah Recreation Use Permit to access the resort. They offer RV parking with beach access and plenty of tent camping spots in the meadow.

• Dates: Open year-round
• Reservations: No, sites are FC/FS only
• Price: ~$30 to $60 per night
• Sites: 10 RV sites with hook-ups, unlimited tent sites
• Max RV length: unspecified
• Generators allowed: Yes, from 8 am-9 pm
• Amenities: Full bathrooms with showers, picnic tables, beach access

Camping Near La Push and Rialto Beach

Inside the Park:

Mora Campground

An absolute gem, and my preferred campground in this area, located 2 miles from Rialto Beach and near the Quillayute River. A great place to make a home base while exploring the La Push and Forks area. Offers large, flat, and shaded campsites. This campground is run by the National Park Service and requires a National Park Pass to stay.

• Dates: Open year-round
• Reservations: Required May 23 – September 15, through recreation.gov. FC/FS outside of these dates.
• Price: ~$24 per night
• Sites: 94 sites
• Max RV length: Most sites accommodate up to 21 ft; some sites allow for 35 ft.
• Generators allowed: Yes, from 6 am-10 pm
• Amenities: Flush toilets, potable water, fire pits, dump station, and picnic tables.

Outside the Park:

Quileute Oceanside Resort

The Quileute Oceanside Resort is located right on the beach, with oceanfront RV spots as well as riverside spots. There is a field for tent camping as well. The perk of this campground is that you’re located right at First Beach in La Push, giving you incredible views of the water and wildlife. There is a general store and a gas station located on site.

• Dates: Year-round
• Reservations: Required, through their website
• Price: ~$38 to $82 per night
• Sites: 66+ sites available with a mixture of RV and tent camping
• Max RV length: unspecified
• Generators allowed: unspecified
• Amenities: Full bathrooms with showers available to purchase for ~$1, full hook-ups, and picnic tables.

Camping in the Hoh Rain Forest

Inside the Park:

Hoh Rain Forest Campground

The Hoh Rain Forest Campground is one of the most picturesque campgrounds in Olympic National Park. With views of the mountains, towering trees, and some riverside campsites along the Hoh River. This is a great option for those who want to spend more than an afternoon near the rainforest. The visitor center and hiking trails are closely located, so you don’t have to worry about finding parking in the lots. This campground is run by the National Park Service and requires a National Park Pass to stay. The nearest amenities, like gas and groceries, are found in Forks, 31 miles away.

• Dates: Open year-round
• Reservations: Required June 13 – September 8, through recreation.gov. FC/FS outside of these dates.
• Price: ~$24
• Sites: 78 sites
• Max RV length: Most sites accommodate up to 21 ft, a few allow for 35 ft.
• Generators allowed: Yes, from 6 am – 10 pm
• Amenities: Flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire pits.

Outside the Park:

Hard Rain Cafe Campground

Hard Rain Cafe Campground is a cute spot to stay right on the Upper Hoh Road. This campground is located 12 miles from the Hoh Rain Forest and 18 miles from Forks, where the nearest grocery store and gas station are. This is a privately owned campground, and the owners are very welcoming. The campground is close to several hiking trails and the Hoh River.

• Dates: March 15 – November 15
• Reservations: Yes, book online or call 360-374 9288
• Price: ~$33 to $44 per night
• Sites: 10 sites with full hook-ups, 10 tent sites
• Max RV length: Accommodates up to 40 ft
• Generators allowed: Unspecified
• Amenities: Full restrooms with showers, potable water, cafe with food served all day

Camping at Kalaloch

Inside the Park:

Kalaloch Campground

This campground is one-of-a-kind for natural beauty. Situated on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it’s the ideal spot for watching the sunset. The Kalaloch Campground is incredibly popular, so it’s advised to book your site well in advance. This campground is run by the National Park Service and requires a National Park Pass to stay.

• Dates: Open year-round
• Reservations: Required May 16 – September 25 at recreation.gov. FC/FS outside of these dates
• Price: ~$24 per night
• Sites: 170 sites
• Max RV length: Most sites accommodate up to 21 ft, a few allow for 35 ft.
• Generators allowed: Yes, from 6 am – 10 pm
• Amenities: Flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire pits, and a dump station.

South Beach Campground

South Beach Campground is located 3 miles south of Kalaloch, but is much quieter. This campground offers beachfront camping, making it very picturesque; however, there is minimal privacy here. This campground is run by the National Park Service and requires a National Park Pass to stay.

• Dates: Open mid-May – mid-October
• Reservations: FC/FS, self-register at the campground
• Price: ~$20
• Sites: 55 sites
• Max RV length: Most sites accommodate up to 21 ft, a few allow for 35 ft.
• Generators allowed: Yes, from 6 am – 10 pm
• Amenities: Limited amenities, flush toilets, no potable water

Camping in Quinault

Inside the Park:

North Fork Campground:

Located 3 miles from the Quinault Rain Forest Loop Road. If you are not planning to drive the loop, this campground is quite the detour. However, it is surrounded by nature and deep in the heart of the Quinault Rainforest. This is considered a primitive campground with limited amenities. This campground is run by the National Park Service and requires a National Park Pass to stay.

• Dates: Open year-round
• Reservations: FC/FS, self-register at the campground
• Price: ~$20 per night
• Sites: 9 sites
• Max RV length: RVs and trailers are not recommended
• Generators allowed: n/a
• Amenities: Vault toilets, no potable water

Graves Creek Campground

Graves Creek is located in the Quinault Rain Forest, 6 miles beyond the Quinault Rain Forest Loop Drive. The road here is gravel and not suitable for RVs and trailers. This would be an ideal spot for someone looking for solitude and a deeper nature experience. There are minimal amenities, but it is located near a stream. This campground is run by the National Park Service and requires a National Park Pass to stay.

• Dates: Open year-round
• Reservations: FC/FS, self-register at the campground
• Price: ~$20 per night
• Sites: 30 sites
• Max RV length: RVs and trailers not allowed
• Generators allowed: n/a
• Amenities: Vault toilets, no potable water

Outside the Park:

Falls Creek Campground

Falls Creek Campground is one of the most peaceful campsites in Quinault. It’s located right next to Falls Creek, with the best view of the falls. The campground is surrounded by rushing water on one side and Quinault Lake on the other side. It’s centrally located on the South Shore Road, a short distance from the Ranger Station and the starting point for many trails. Falls Creek Campground is run by the Forest Service.

• Dates: Open Memorial Day – Labor Day
• Reservations: Required for most sites through recreation.gov. Some sites are available for FC/FS.
• Price: ~$25 per night
• Sites: 21 drive-up sites and 10 walk-in sites
• Max RV length: Sites can accommodate up to 16 ft
• Generators allowed: unspecified
• Amenities: Flush toilets, potable water, and ADA accessible campsites and picnic tables

Essential Tips for Camping in Olympic National Park

• Be prepared for rain. Even in the summer, rain is common in Olympic National Park. If you are tent camping, make sure you have a waterproof tent or a tarp.
• Olympic National Park is a wildlife habitat, so it’s important that you keep your food and scented items stored properly at all times.
• Many of the campgrounds fill up quickly, so making reservations months in advance is recommended to ensure that you get the spot that you want.
• The National Park Campgrounds don’t always have level parking, so check the campsite details out before booking to ensure you get a level spot if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are campgrounds dog-friendly? While campgrounds around the park are dog-friendly, Olympic National Park does not allow dogs on the trails, making traveling with your pup a bit more challenging.

Is it safe to tent camp in Olympic National Park? Yes, I have tent camped all around the park many times. I feel like it’s the best way to experience the park.

Does wildlife ever enter the campground? Yes, especially deer. There are also elk and bears in the park, but they are seen less often in the campgrounds.

Will I have cell reception? Many parts of the park have limited cell service, so I always recommend downloading offline maps.

Are there group sites? Yes, most campgrounds in and around Olympic National Park offer group sites; some do charge an additional price per tent.

Where are generators allowed? All Olympic National Park Campgrounds allow generators.

Which campgrounds have hookups? Sol Duc Campground is the only National Park Campground with hook-ups. All privately owned RV parks and resorts have hook-ups.

Will my large RV fit in the campgrounds? Most campgrounds have a few options for up to 35 ft in length. If this is something you need, I recommend booking as soon as possible because these spots tend to book up quickly.

Which campgrounds have showers? None of the National Park Campgrounds have showers; however, most of the privately owned campgrounds have showers available for campers and can be purchased for non-campers. Shadow Mountain RV Park and Quileute Oceanside Resort are my go-tos for showers in the area. Both are renovated and have unlimited time.

Where can I get an ADA site? Most campgrounds in Olympic National Park have at least two ADA sites and ADA restrooms.

Where are the dump stations? Kalaloch Campground, Sol Duc Campground, and Fairholme Campground

Where is the most popular place to camp? Kalaloch Campground, Fairholme Campground, and the Hoh Rain Forest Campground are all very popular and fill up quickly.

Need Help Planning Your Trip?

Most travelers want to visit the most popular sites and still avoid the crowds. We created a step-by-step itinerary so you can visit the best places at the right times.