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Olympic National Park Rv Camping

Olympic National Park Weather

Ep. 50: Olympic National Park | RV travel Washington State camping

Always check the weather forecast before starting your adventure to Olympic National Park. The weather is unpredictable. Here is a link to the NPS weather page for the park.

Be prepared. Check out these graphics for the average temperature and rainfall by month.

Olympic National Park Rainfall

Looking for things to do in Washington? Take a look at our Washington articles. Where are we going next? Dont miss an adventure, today.

When To Camp In Olympic National Forest

It is possible to camp year-round in Olympic National Forest, although the summer months from May September are the most popular. During the winter you can expect cold, wet days where camping may not be the most pleasant. Many of the USFS campgrounds also close seasonally, so your only option may be dispersed camping during the off-season.

The higher elevations also get snow in the winter, making a camping trip that much more difficult.

However, summers on the Olympic Peninsula are stunning. Youll enjoy the sunniest part of the year and long days. Campgrounds will be at their most crowded during July and August, but given the number of options youre almost always likely to be able to find a campsite.

Why Youll Love Falls Creek Campground At Olympic Tiol Forest

While your options for conveniences like running water or bathrooms will be limited, youll be in the middle of some beautiful country. You can look forward to miles of wooded bliss with trails to hike, rivers to wade through, wildlife to watch and beautiful starry night skies to behold. Prepare for an amazing experience out in ture.

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Planning A Camping Trip To Olympic National Park

An Olympic National Park camping trip is the perfect way to explore the park without driving too far to get back to your bed and kitchen. We recommend staying at least three full days to get the most out of your time in the national park. Then, of course, more time will allow you to go more slowly and see more of the park.

Once youve finished setting up at your campsite, spend a day exploring Hurricane Ridge, Lake Crescent, and Sol Duc Falls. Theres so much to see and do in these areas that you may even want to return during your visit. Also, be sure to check out Hoh Rainforest and Rialto Beach. And, we highly recommend hiking in Quinault Rainforest. The rainforests and beaches are outstanding and worth spending as much time soaking them in as possible.

Sol Duc Falls Campsite

Sol Duc Campground RV Park Olympic National Park

Sol Duc Falls is the crown jewel of this popular northwest region of the park. The nearby Sol Duc Falls Hot Springs also tends to draw a crowd. And for those looking into dipping their toes into backpacking, this iconic waterfall is the place to go.

The Sol Duc Falls backcountry campsite is just beyond its namesake feature, less than a mile from the trailhead. The path is relatively flat the entire way, with minimal undulation. This ease of access makes Sol Duc Falls a great introduction to backpacking.

This easy hike-in is often just an introduction for bigger backpacking trips. The route continues from Sol Duc Falls to access Deer Lake and the rest of the Seven Lakes Basin. This high-elevation landscape includes portions of the High Divide Trail â a true bucket-list backpacking route.

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Where Can I Camp Within Olympic National Park

Campground
Open year round, walk in only in snow $20
Reservations: Call 1-877-444-6777 or Book Online Open year round
Open year round, but may close in extreme winter weather $20
Reservations: Campground is first come, first served. RV Park can be reserved by calling 1-877-444-6777 or Book Online
– Amenities: Summer: Flush toilets and Running water, October-May: Pit toilets, no water

All About Camping In Olympic National Park

Is there anything better than wandering through a rainforest, swimming in a pristine alpine lake, or breathing in the crisp mountain air? When you go camping in Olympic National Park, youre only a few steps away from all of these amazing adventures!

Camping in Olympic is an enchanting experience. This guide is all about the frontcountry camping possibilities within the national park. I am excited to help you decide which campground is perfect for your needs!

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Rv Campgrounds In Olympic National Forest

Of the 17 campgrounds in Olympic National Forest, 12 allow for RV camping. Each campground has specific length limitations, so be sure to check that ahead of your trip if youre planning on camping in an RV. Additionally, a few campgrounds have hookups available, which weve outlined below:

  • Falls View Campground: 14 RV sites, including six pull through. Max length 35. No hookups.
  • Seal Rock Campground: Larger RVs can fit at the site near the Hood Canal. No hookups.
  • Collins Campground: 10 sites can accommodate RVs. No hookups.
  • Klahowya Campground: Max length between 30 40 depending on site. No hookups.
  • Hamma Hamma Campground: Max length of 21. No hookups.
  • Lena Creek Campground: No hookups.
  • Big Creek Campground: 53 RV sites. No hookups.
  • Falls Creek Campground: 21 RV sites. No hookups.
  • Willaby Campground: 19 RV sites. No hookups.
  • Brown Creek Campground: 12 RV sites. No hookups.
  • Coho Campground: 46 RV sites. No hookups, but dump station available.
  • Satsop Center Campground: 9 RV sites, six with full hookups.

Olympic National Park Camping Tips

Episode 113 RVing Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park camping trips are one of the best ways to stay in the park and explore. You can base yourself in one campground for the duration of your stay or try out a couple to gain access to different parts of the national park. So whether you enjoy outdoor recreation, are an avid bird watcher, or are looking for a quiet getaway, there are plenty of options in the national park.

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Kalaloch Campground At Olympic Tiol Park

Image Source:https://www.nps.gov/olym/plan…

In total, there are 15 Olympic Peninsula, Washington, campgrounds that are within Olympic tiol Park. They are spread out over a tremendous area, and each of them has their own availability, services and amenities. If you stay at Kalaloch campground, you will have all the necessary basic amenities.

Where To Stay After Your Camping Vacation

Mid-Range Hotels:

  • A wide variety of great hotels are located in Port Angeles, the largest city on the Olympic Peninsula, and the Olympic Lodge is a great example of the upscale accommodations to be found. Featuring fast access to Hurricane Ridge, the Olympic Lodge is well reputed for its superior service, gorgeous lobby, and the adjacent 18-hole Olympic Golf Course.
  • A few blocks away, the All View Motel is a family-run, mom-and-pop establishment featuring 20 rooms with either microwaves or kitchenettes.
  • For more local flavor, the Flagstone Motel is pet-friendly and only two blocks from the bustling downtown district of Port Angeles.

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Developed Campgrounds In Olympic National Forest

It can be a bit overwhelming to navigate all of your options for camping in Olympic National Forest. While weve included details on all the campgrounds in this guide, weve also highlighted some of our favorites below to help make your trip planning a little bit easier!

  • Best for Tent Camping: Dungeness Forks Campground
  • Best for RV Campers: Satsop Center Campground
  • Best for Solitude: Gatton Creek walk-in campground
  • Best for Families: Seal Rock Campground
  • Best Free Campsite in Olympic National Forest: Campbell Tree Grove Campground

Dosewallips Area Campgrounds

The Dosewallips area sits adjacent to the Hood Canal on the eastern edge of Olympic National Forest. Close to the town of the Quilcene, youll have two excellent campgrounds to choose from here. The Seal Rock Campground is one of the most popular in Olympic National Forest for its canalside location.

$20 $25/night depending on site Drinking water, flush toilets, showers, RV hookups

Interactive Maps To Use Offline

RV Camping in Olympic National Park RV Camping

Wilderness MapThis map is similar to the overall park map, but also includes wilderness campsite information. Permits are required to camp overnight in Olympic’s wilderness areas. Find more information on hiking and camping in the Olympic Wilderness on the Wilderness Trip Planner page.Washington State Highway MapThis map will help you plan your trip to and from the Olympic Peninsula.

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Forest Road 29 Dispersed Camping

GPS: 48.0489, -124.1113

About the Campsite: This is a no-frills dirt campground. While some of the roads leading into it can be narrow, they are paved and are not difficult to navigate. Reviews indicate that rigs of all sizes should be able to use this camping location. The camping area is located in a circle clearing amongst the trees.

Those with solar should be able to get a few hours of sunshine, depending on their location. There are no amenities or trash bins. Some campers have indicated a quiet, empty camping experience, with others sharing they found a crowded and loud location. Weekends and holidays likely draw a noisier local crowd, while weekdays may provide a quieter location.

Reported Cell Service: Campers have reported 4 bars service for both Verizon and T-Mobile. Campers often report no service for AT& T.

Olympic National Park Boondocking Vibes: 6/10 While the location and accessibility are great, there are enough reports of loud parties and uncomfortable situations that make this a place where timing is everything.

If loud and busy isnt your scene, you may want to consider when you plan to be there. If joining in on a party is your style, you might find yourself amongst new friends.

What You Need To Know About Camping In Olympic

  • Reservations for the most popular campgrounds are accepted up to six months in advance. Competition is fierce so if you want a chance of reserving a site, be sure to sign up exactly six months before the first night of your trip. If your desired dates are already full, check back often because people cancel!
  • First-come, first-served sites should be claimed by mid-morning. Plan your trip so that you can get to the campsite early before it fills.
  • You can only pay by credit or debit card.
  • There are no showers in any of the Olympic National Park campgrounds.
  • A maximum of 2 vehicles is allowed at each campsite .
  • There is a 14-day stay limit during the summer months , and Senior/Access Pass holders can get 50% off of the camping fee .
  • Each standard campsite only accommodates eight people. If you have a larger group, you will need to book two campsites or book a group campsite at Kalaloch or Sol Duc.

This article contains information on the frontcountry camping experiences that are available within Olympic National Park. In other words, it covers places you can get to with your car

If youre interested in hike-in backcountry camping options,

Getting Here

Take a look at the map of Olympic National Park to plan your trip. When you get to this page, look for the button that says park tiles in the upper left corner of the map. Click this button and select brochure map instead.

How to Get a Site

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Hoh Campground Hoh Rain Forest

The Hoh Campground provides the perfect base camp to explore the surrounding Hoh Rain Forest. This is one of the most popular areas of the park and an internationally renowned wonder of Washington.

As of 2021, all 78 sites at Hoh Campground are available to reserve during the peak season between June 6th and September 21st. Reservations are available six months prior to the booking date. The campground remains open throughout the rest of the year on a walk-up basis.

No RV hookups are available, but the sites do accommodate small RVs. All overnight guests have access to flushing toilets and potable water. No showers are available.

A short walk from the campground, the Hoh Rain Forest Visitors Center is a great place to start exploring the lush surroundings. Nearby, the Hoh River Trail, one of the best hiking trails in Olympic National Park, ventures deep into the lush landscape.

Dont Forget Your Passport

Olympic National Park | RV Lifestyle

Did you know that Olympic National Park is just a quick ferry ride from Victoria, British Columbia? Thats right. If you bring your passport, you can head to Canada for the day from the Olympic Peninsula. The Black Ball Ferry Line has several boats that depart from Port Angeles each day, taking passengers and their vehicles across the sound to Victoria. RVs are allowed on the ferry but taking your vehicle across can get expensive. A one-way standard vehicle ticket costs $70 USD and includes the drivers fare.

For a vehicle more than 18 feet in length, it costs $5.50 USD for each additional foot. If you plan to continue your vacation on Vancouver Island, it may make sense to bring your RV across. Just ensure you make reservations several days in advance to guarantee room for your RV. If youre just heading over for a day trip, consider parking your RV in the Black Balls lot and buying a walk-on ticket instead. Victoria is very foot-traffic friendly, and youll be able to explore much of the city without a car. You can always grab a cab or rent a bike once you are on the other side as well.

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Mt Tom Creek Campsite Hoh River Trail

Several backcountry campsites line the 17.4-mile Hoh River Trail. And like the Mt. Tom Creek campsite, the ones closest to the trailhead are excellent for beginner backpacking trips.

It’s a flat and less than a three-mile hike to reach the Mt. Tom Creek Campsite from the Hoh Rain Forest Visitor Center and trailhead. Upon arriving, visitors have several areas to choose from. The backcountry site stretches from near the trail turnoff all the way to the Hoh River, with several established sites in between.

For further adventures on the Hoh River Trail, the Five Mile Island campsite is five miles from the trailhead. The Olympus Guard Station campsite is just over nine miles from the trailhead and is a junction for deeper adventures into the park.

Olympic National Park Is The Pride Of The Olympic Peninsula And There Are 16 Official National Park Campgrounds With A Total Of 910 Camping Sites Olympic National Park Is Not The Only Park On The Peninsula There Are Also Campgrounds At Nearby Olympic National Forest Bogachiel State Park Dosewallips State Park And Sequim Bay State Park

Where can I find great campsites near Olympic National Park?

Olympic National Park Campgrounds Olympic National Park features 876,669 acres of pristine, forests, meadows, beaches, and rainforest. There are 16 campgrounds through the park.

  • Seasons: Altair: Closed Deer Park: mid June – mid October Dosewallips: open year round Graves Creek: open year round Heart Othe Hills: open year round Hoh: open year round North Fork: open year round, may close in winter Ozette: open year round, may close in winter Queets: open year round Staircase: open year round
  • Cost: Between Free – $43.00
  • Services: Most campgrounds have flush toilets and running water in summer, but convert to pit toilets and no water in the winter. There are no showers nor places to do laundry in the park. Most Campgrounds are near major trailheads.
  • Reservations: The only site that requires reservations is Kalaloch, which requires reservations in oder to aquire a site in the summer. Reservations can be made via: or 1-877-444-6777.

Olympic National Forest Campgrounds The Olympic National Forest is more than 2,132,300 acres and features 17 individual campgrounds. The National Forest predominately runs east and south of Olympic National Park, with the exception of the Klahowya Campgrounds, which lie just northwest of Olympic National Park, between Port Angeles and Forks. You will find more info HERE

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Can You Camp Anywhere In Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park has no lack of campgrounds. But with so many options, how do you choose where to set up home base to explore the park? Start by narrowing it down to one of the nine RV-friendly national park campgrounds, or one of the two Aramark campgrounds operating in the park: Fairholme, Heart O the Hills, Hoh, Kalaloch, Mora, Ozette, Sol Duc, South Beach or Staircase, Sol Duc Hot Springs RV & Campground and Log Cabin RV & Campground.

The Best Free Camping Near Olympic National Park

Sol Duc Campground RV Park Olympic National Park

Are you heading out to Olympic National Park for some exceptional camping and hiking?

The only thing better than visiting a beautiful National Park is scoring a great camping spot nearby. Finding a free camping spot allows you to save some money while still enjoying the nature you came for.

Weve got some great suggestions for you. Lets explore!

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The Best Olympic National Forest Camping

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more info.

Olympic National Forest located on Washingtons Olympic Peninsula is an incredible natural landscape with hundreds of thousands of acres to explore. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean, Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Puget Sound and made up of stunning temperate rainforest and soaring mountains, a visit here is sure to amaze. The best way to experience this wonderland is to plan an Olympic National Forest Camping trip.

There are 17 Forest Service campgrounds scattered throughout as well as many opportunities for free, dispersed camping in Olympic National Forest. Youll be able to camp next to stunning lakes, along the coast, or high in the mountains.

Regardless of your camping preferences, youre sure to find the perfect campsite for your trip. Weve put together this guide to help you pick the right campground for your next Olympic National Forest camping adventure!

Lets get started.

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