Where to Camp in the Olympic National Park
Camping on the Olympic Peninsula is a beautiful way to spend your vacation time. Most campgrounds are densely forested and near Washington’s most pristine lakes, beaches, and trails.
The Olympic National Park is very large – if you’re looking for information on what areas to stay in, when to visit, and what to do in the area, check out this blog. If booking hotels and rental properties are more your style, check out our lodging suggestions here.
Want to skip to the campground recommendations? Click on a link below to jump to a section.
North – From Sequim to Sol Duc
Southeast – Hoodsport and Lake Cushman
Campground reservations
If you’re interested in camping, we recommend creating logins to reservation sites in advance and reserving campsites as soon as they go on sale. During the summer months, campsites are highly competitive and sell out immediately when they open for booking months in advance.
Consider visiting in the spring or fall if you’re willing to brave potential rain. During these seasons there are fewer crowds and campsites will be easier to come by.
If the state and national park run campgrounds are full, consider using Hipcamp to reserve a spot at a private campground (use code D3B06D to get $10 off your stay).
First-come, first-served campsites
Many of the campgrounds listed offer a small number of first-come, first-served campsites. To get one of these you’ll need to arrive early in the day on a weekday. Usually, by Thursday, all first-come, first-served campsites are reserved for the entirety of the weekend during the summer months.
Camping gear
If you’re from out of state, or don’t have camping gear, consider renting gear from Backcountry 40 Outfitters, a local company in Seattle, or REI. If exploring in a van is more your style, check out Indie Campers and Escape Campervans.
Campground basics
All campgrounds provide water, flush or vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits (more on these below). You’ll find what each campground offers in the amenities section.
Check in and out times vary but are generally around 2 pm for check in and 12 pm for checkout. All campgrounds have quiet hours that are usually around 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
If you’ll be pitching a tent, look for a tent pad at your campsite – it will be a flat square with a wood perimeter to pitch your tent on. They vary in size, and not all campgrounds have them. If your campsite does have a tent pad, you must pitch your tent there. If your campground does not have tent pads, find a space in your campsite that is relatively open and flat to pitch your tent.
When booking, pay attention to campsite size. Most campsites fit between four and six people comfortably.
Fire pits
Fire pits can only be used when there is not a burn ban in place. You can check here to see fire danger and burn bans throughout Washington state, but fire bans are usually in place between July and September.
If there is not a burn ban in place, please purchase local firewood to burn to prevent bringing in invasive pests. Collecting firewood around the campground is not allowed – this wood is an important part of the forest ecosystem.
Are the Olympic National Park’s campgrounds pet-friendly?
Many of these campgrounds are pet friendly, but most of the Olympic National Park is not. Check out this page to see where you can take pets within the park. You’ll find what campgrounds are pet-friendly under the amenities section for each location.
Northeast
Port Townsend
Port Townsend is an adorable Victorian town. It has a great, small downtown, with art galleries and restaurants, all within view of the Puget Sound. This is where you’ll be ferrying in and out of if you’re heading to or from the North Cascades National Park during your visit.
Outside the national park:
Fort Worden Historical State Park
Fort Worden was a military fort built for World War II. Nowadays, it’s a large park with fort remnants, walking trails, and great views only a few minutes' drive from downtown Port Townsend.
There are two campgrounds here, the Beach Campground, located right off the beach with sites with little privacy, and the Forest Campground, located on the southwest corner of the Fort. Both require a walk uphill to reach the best spot in the park — Artillery Hill. View a map of area here.
Amenities:
Pet friendly
Showers
Full hookups
Trailer dump for a fee
Moorage
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: 20 feet
Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 80
Typically open: Year round
Maximum length of stay: 10 days
Fort Flagler Historical State Park
Like Fort Worden, Fort Flagler is another Word War II fort. It’s located a half-hour drive from Port Townsend. Campsites here are near the beach with trails that head uphill to the fort remnants. Of the two forts, we like camping here more because it’s quieter, although less it’s convenient than camping at Fort Worden.
Amenities:
Pet friendly
Showers
Full hookups
Trailer dump for a fee
Moorage
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: 20 feet
Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 117
Typically open: Year round
Maximum length of stay: 10 days
North
Sequim
Sequim is just over a two-hour drive from Seattle, and a half hour east of Port Angeles and the entrance to Hurricane Ridge. It’s known for lavender farms, the Dungeness Spit, and the Olympic Discovery Bike Trail. Unlike most of the Olympic Peninsula, Sequim has great weather since it’s in Washington’s rain shadow.
Outside the national park:
This is a coveted campground for boaters since it has a dock and moorage on site. The beach is small, but it’s possible to see otters and seals from here.
Amenities:
Pet friendly
Showers
Full hookups
Trailer dump for a fee
Moorage
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: 45 feet
Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 76
Typically open: Year round
Maximum length of stay: 10 days
Port Angeles
Port Angele is just over three hours from Seattle. This is where many make their first stop while visiting the Olympic National Park. It’s home to Hurricane Ridge, the Olympic National Park’s largest visitor center, and a ferry to Victoria, British Columbia.
Within the national park:
You’ll find the Heart O’ the Hills Campground on the road leading to Hurricane Ridge, so expect traffic delays when reaching the campground. Arrive before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. to avoid the most traffic at the park entrance.
Since the campground is past the park entrance, you must also purchase an Olympic National Park or America the Beautiful parking pass to enter the area. Campsites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities:
Pet friendly
Showers
Water and electrical hookups
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: 35 feet
Accepts reservations: No
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 97
Typically open: Year round
Maximum length of stay: 7 days
Hurricane Ridge
Outside the national park:
This is one of our favorite places in Washington. We love stopping by to view the sunset or tide pool whenever we’re in the area. Tent campsites (loop A) sit atop the cliffs in the forest overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca, while RV sites (loop B) are in a meadow.
Amenities:
Pet friendly
Showers
Water and electrical hookups
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: 45 feet
Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 92
Typically open: Year round
Maximum length of stay: 14 days
Lake Crescent
Camp here to enjoy Lake Crescent’s crystal clear, bright blue water. Hike, bike, or boat all from your campsite!
Within the national park:
Located on the Northern side of the lake, you’ll be camping near the famous Devil’s Punchbowl on the Spruce Railroad Trail. We love the number of amenities this campground provides.
Amenities:
Boat rentals – paddle boats, stand up paddle boards, canoes, and kayaks
Coin operated laundry
General store
Showers
Electricity and water hookups
Pet friendly
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: Maximum of 35 feet
Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Tent and group sites only
Number of sites: 42
Typically open: Mid-May to late September
Maximum length of stay: No maximum stay
Rainforest at Lake Crescent
We love that the campsites at Fairholme are shaded and tucked away in the forest, but the lakeshore and dock are a short walk away.
Amenities:
Food lockers at some campsites, but not all
Water fill station (no hookups at campsites)
RV septic dump by payment
Coin operated showers
Boat launch
Fishing dock
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: No RVs or trailers
Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 84
Typically open: Late May to mid-September
Maximum length of stay: 7 days
View from Mount Storm King — our favorite hike on Lake Crescent
Lake Sutherland
Located east of Lake Crescent is the smaller Lake Sutherland. This lake is more populated, so it has more vacation rentals than campgrounds.
Outside the national park:
Campsites here are suitable for tents and vans. Each site includes a picnic table, two Adirondack chairs, a solo stove fire pit, access to fresh water, a shared portable toilet, and free showers. Plus, you can visit their mini farm on the property with goats, chickens, and emus!
Amenities:
Paid showers
Accessible campsites
Next door to Granny’s Cafe
RV and trailer length: No RVs or trailers
Accepts reservations: Yes
First-come, first-served campsites: No
Number of sites: 7
Typically open: March to November
Maximum length of stay: 7 days
Sol Duc
Sol Duc is in the heart of the Olympics. Stay here to be surrounded by lush rainforests, beautiful rivers, and visit the famous Sol Duc Falls.
Within the national park:
Sol Duc Hot Springs Campground
Sol Duc is very popular, so expect more crowds and less privacy here. Unlike staying in the lodge, when camping you have to pay a day-use rate to use the hot springs pools.
Amenities:
Sol Duc Hot Springs
Food lockers
Pet friendly
Water and electric hookups
Dump station
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: No RVs or trailers
Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 99
Typically open: Mid July to late October
Maximum length of stay: 7 days
Northeast
Neah Bay
Owned by the Makah Tribe, Neah Bay is the northwestern tip of the Olympic Peninsula. The beaches and cliffs are incredibly beautiful here. If you’re in the area, hiking to Cape Flattery is a must – it’s worth the drive even if you aren’t staying in the area.
Outside the national park:
This campground offers great views of the beach, although it is exposed to the wind and weather. RVs park in an open grass area, while camping is allowed anywhere within the large, fenced meadow. Day passes are available if you’re looking to explore without booking lodging.
Amenities:
Showers
Pet friendly
Full hookups
Dump station
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: Capacity for longer vehicles
Accepts reservations: No
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 10 RV sites, 200 undesignated tent sites
Typically open: Year round
Maximum length of stay: No maximum stay
East
Forks
Along with Port Angeles, Forks is one of the more popular locations to stay near the Olympic National Park. Staying here puts you within an hour’s drive to the Hoh Rainforest, the park’s best beaches, and Neah Bay.
Within the national park:
Camp here if you’re prepared for damp weather regardless of the season — you’re in the rainforest after all! This campground is also where the famous Hall of Mosses trail is located, just over an hour outside of Forks.
Amenities:
Food lockers
Pet friendly
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: 43 feet
Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 72
Typically open: Late May to late September
Maximum length of stay: 7 days
Located near Rialto Beach, Mora Campground has great forested campsites. It’s known for having fog in the summer months, so expect cooler temperatures. Find packing suggestions here.
Amenities:
RV dump for a fee (summer only)
Pet friendly
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: Only a few sites can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet. Most sites are not suitable for RVs. Roads are narrow with low tree branches and tight turns.
Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 94
Typically open: Late May to late September
Maximum length of stay: 7 days
Kalaloch
Home to the Tree of Life and the Kalaloch Lodge, stay here to camp near the Olympic National Park’s wilderness coastline.
Within the national park:
Choose between a campsite with a view of the ocean or opt for protection from the elements with a site in the forest.
Amenities:
Food lockers
RV dump for a fee (summer only)
Pet friendly
Accessible campsites (getting to the beach requires going down an uneven staircase)
RV and trailer length: 35 feet
Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 160
Typically open: Late May to late September
Maximum length of stay: 7 days
Southwest
Lake Quinault
Lake Quinault is in the heart of the Olympic National Park’s rainforest. The trees are huge, mossy, and everything is a bit damp. This area feels more tranquil than the more famous Hoh Rainforest but features similar scenery. If you visit, be sure to do our waterfall tour around the lake!
Within the national park:
Willaby Campground is our favorite place to camp at Lake Quinault. It’s small, the campsites feel private and tucked away in the forest, and some sites even have lake views. It’s very peaceful despite being along the main road to the lodge.
Amenities:
Pet friendly
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: 16 feet
Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 21
Typically open: Late July to late September
Maximum length of stay: 7 days
This campground feels similar to the Willaby Campground. It’s forested, near the lake, and has a trail to its own beach.
Amenities:
Pet friendly
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: 16 feet
Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 31
Typically open: Late July to late September
Maximum length of stay: 7 days
Like Falls Creek Campground, Gatton Creek is located in the forest, just off the shores of Lake Quinault. The campground is smaller and only offers first-come, first-served sites.
RV and trailer length: 16 feet
Accepts reservations: No
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 31
Typically open: May to September
Maximum length of stay: 14 days
Southeast
Hoodsport
Located on the Hood Canal, Hoodsport a 30-minute drive from the Staircase entrance to the Olympic National Park. The town is known for having a few great cafes and oysters. We recommend making the drive up to the Hama Hama Oyster Saloon (reservations required during the summer) or enjoying a meal at the fancier feeling, but still casual, Fjord Oyster Bank in town.
Outside the national park:
Potlatch State Park Campground
Potlatch Campground has forested campsites, across the road from a rocky beach. Locals love harvesting clams and oysters when in season with a permit.
Amenities:
Showers
Trailer dump for a fee
Pet friendly
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: 20 feet
Accepts reservations: Up to nine months in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 93
Typically open: Late July to late September
Maximum length of stay: 10 days
Lake Cushman
You’ll find Lake Cushman just outside of Hoodsport. It’s a local gem with crystal clear waters and beautiful mountains surrounding the lake. You’ll find spots to paddle board or hike along the northern side of the lake. Mount Ellinor is our favorite hike workout here.
Within the national park:
Staircase Campground is in the beautiful forests just beyond Lake Cushman. While you’re here, wander up the North Skokomish River on the Staircase Rapids trail and follow the trail on the river as far as you like.
Amenities:
Pet friendly
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: Tent and small rigs under 25 feet only
Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance
First-come, first-served campsites: Yes
Number of sites: 49
Typically open: Mid July to late September
Maximum length of stay: 7 days
Staircase Rapids trail
Outside the national park:
Owned by the Skokomish Tribal National, Skokomish Park is the only campground located on Lake Cushman. It has three boat ramps, a swimming area, and over 41,500 feet of shoreline. Kayak rentals are available, and they have a paid day-use area.
Amenities:
Showers
Full hookups
Boat launch for a fee
Boat rentals – kayaks and stand-up paddle boards
Pet friendly
Accessible campsites
RV and trailer length: Back in and pull through sites
Accepts reservations: Yes
First-come, first-served campsites: Unknown
Number of sites: 61
Typically open: Late March to December
Maximum length of stay: Unknown
Staircase Rapids trail
Dispersed camping
If you’re interested in dispersed camping, check out this blog with tips and information on dispersed camping in Washington. You’ll find dispersed campsites within the Olympic National Forest.
Search the blog for more adventures! Try searching for topics such as “hiking”, “waterfalls”, or “Oregon”.
