Olympic National Park Boondocking Hotspots Nf
Address
Free Dispersed Camping -> No Reservations.
Best Review:
This site we stayed overnight is way up the mountain! We passed a lot of pullouts on the way up, but they were all right alongside the road, which isnt our vibe. We kept going up and up and FINALLY found an actual campsite set back from the road which was perfect! This ended up being right below the upper Mt. Elinor trailhead which is helpful if youre hiking it, and also because theres a vault toilet there.
Just be aware that if you do drive all the way to the top , its a long way. Maybe 20-30 mins each way from the bottom, depending on how fast you drive. This site has a gorgeous view of the Mt. Elinor ridgeline, and wide open sky in the other direction. A bit too far back to see much at the bottom, but if you are up high on your rig or something you can spot the lake and city lights.
The Kitsap Peninsula And Hood Canal
Staircase Campground: Just one hour north of Olympia, this campsite is surrounded by the ancient old-growth Douglas firs that dominate this side of the peninsula. It has 47 first-come, first-served sites and provides access to a variety of nearby hiking trails.
Hamma Hamma Campground: This shady site is first-come, first-served and situated on the shores of the Hamma Hamma River, about 20 miles from Hoodsport. Its near the Living Legacy Trail, an interpretive loop thats wheelchair-friendly for the first quarter mile.
Tips For Your Camping Stay
- Sol Duc Hot Springs Campground and RV can be booked online at recreation.gov.
- Log Cabin Resort RV & Campground offers reservations by phone at 888.896.3818
- Firewood may be collected at most sites when not available by concession.
- Bears, rodents, birds, and other scavenging wildlife are common. Be prepared to practice proper food storage in your trunk or animal-proof food storage locker.
- Vehicle camping is only allowed in authorized campgrounds in the park
If you would like to splurge with some time away from the RV, the park has numerous lodges and cabins available, as well.
Don’t Miss: Seacoast Camping And Rv Resort
Hoh Rain Forest And The Coast
Mora Campground: Close to the Quileute Indian Reservation at La Push, Mora Campground is first-come, first-served and just two miles from Rialto Beach on the Pacific Ocean. It has running water all year long and is a perfect home base for exploring this part of the peninsula.
Hoh Rain Forest Campground: With 88 first-come, first-served campsites situated in the middle of old-growth forest and alongside the Hoh River, this campground might best epitomize the Olympic Peninsula. From here you have access to several trails that lead around the river and through the forest.
Twin Harbors State Park: Once a military training ground, this 172-acre beachfront location near Westport now is home to more than 260 campsites of all varieties with access to trails, bird-watching, and other activities. Sites are reservable online up to nine months in advance.
Olympic National Park Boondocking Hotspots Campbell Tree Grove Campground
Elevation: 1109
Management: National Forest Service
Campbell Tree Grove Campground is open May to September. There are 16-29 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay 14 days at Campbell Tree Grove Campground.
Amenities:
Restrooms
Best Review:
The gates for the campground are closed right now, most likely due to COVID and reduced forest services, but there is a second road a bit past the main camp sign that goes down to a additional camping areas. Watch for poison oak. The camp requires a state recreational site pass, I didnt have one and it worked out okay!
You May Like: Where’s The Nearest Camping World
Staying Outside The Park
If youre looking for full-hookup RV camping outside of the park, here are some great additional options.
- Elwha Dam RV Park: Located less than 10 miles from the park entrance, this campground has 51 full hookup sites, along with cabins and tent space.
- Eagle Tree RV Park: Located in Poulsbo, WA. This park is about 1.5 hours from the park entrance and boasts 53 full-hookup RV sites.
- Skokomish Park at Lake Cushman: Located in Hoodsport, WA. This park boasts 30 lakefront campsites and provides great access to Olympic National Forest.
- Gilgal Oasis RV Park: Located about a half-hour drive from the Olympic National Park visitors center, this campground has 25 paved, full hookup sites.
- John Waynes Waterfront Resort: Located about a half-hour drive from the park, this campground has 31 full hookup sites.
Invest in a Good Sam Membership and save 10% on nightly stays at Good Sam Campgrounds.
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.
- Check the Campground Status Page to see the current conditions of each campground.
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
Also Check: Best Tent Camping In New Mexico
What To Pack For Your Visit To Olympic National Park
Here are the gears that you should bring with you if you are an outdoor enthusiast and planning for an outdoor expedition in Olympic National Park.
Rain jacket. You will use it for protection from drizzles and downpours while in the Pacific Northwest in Olympic National Park.
Park maps. You should download or have a detailed map while touring Olympic National Park to help in direction purposes, save you time, and prevent you from getting lost.
Tide Chart, Topographic map and watch. These gears will help you if you are planning to explore the coastline and the tide pools.
Sturdy, hard-soled water shoes. This will help your feet from getting hurt by sharp rocks and barnacles in Olympic National Park.
Hiking boots. The boots should have traction. The boots will help in keeping your feet dry and comfortable when hiking.
Binoculars. Olympic National Park is full of animal life. This gear will help you have excellent views of whales, seals, bald eagles and other animals while in the park.
Water bottles or hydration system. Although Olympic National Park tends to be wet while exploring the park, you may get dehydrated, and this may help prevent any headaches and severe conditions like heat cramps and heatstroke.
Headlamp. For easy visibility at night
Sunglass and sun hat. For protection against direct sunlight
For complete photos and videos of our trip visit our photos on our page
Backpack Through A Rainforest To Enchanted Valley
From waterfalls and wildlife to an old-growth rainforest, backpacking to Enchanted Valley in Olympic National Park is an incredible experience at 26 miles round trip.
From the Graves Creek trailhead located in the southwestern part of the park, you will follow the Quinault River through an old-growth temperate rainforest as you make your way 13 miles to Enchanted Valley. There are four backcountry sites along the way: Pony Bridge, ONeil Creek, Pyrites Creek and Enchanted Valley. There are pit toilets at ONeil Creek and Enchanted Valley campsites.
A three-mile valley full of waterfalls, this area is also home to active bears, so bear canisters are required as is an understanding of what to do if you encounter a bear along the trail. You can borrow bear canisters at the Wilderness Information Center or South Shore Quinault Ranger Station near Lake Quinault Lodge. Park officials suggest a $3 per canister donation helps to perpetuate the program and provide education materials.
Recommended Reading: Free Car Camping San Diego
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!
Olympic National Park Campsites Overview
The 15 campgrounds in Olympic National Park are managed mainly by the National Park Service. However, two campgrounds with more RV amenities are privately operated: Log Cabin RV Resort and Sol Duc Hot Springs RV Park.
All campgrounds that accept reservations can be booked via Recreation.gov except Log Cabin Resort, secured through Olympic National Park Lodges.
Its also important to note that plenty of campgrounds exist in the national forests and communities surrounding Olympic National Park.
Im covering those campground options separately at the end of this post!
Before diving into the details of each campground, heres a quick overview of the 15 campgrounds available inside Olympic National Park.
| Campground |
|---|
Recommended Reading: Camping World San Martin Phone Number
Where Should I Camp In Olympic National Park
www.myolympicpark.com
Date Submitted: 05/27/2019 06:16 AM
Average star voting: 4
Summary: personalized guide to help you decide where to spend the night, from car camping paradise and remote backcountry sites to a slice of RV heaven.
Match with the search results: Heres a personalized guide to help you decide where to spend the night, from car camping paradise and remote backcountry sites to a slice of RV . read more
Eastern Valleys + Hood Canal
Putting in on Bear Creek Inlet, Lake Cushman at Skokomish Park North Camp. Photo by Tyson Gillard.
Favorite:
Skokomish Park North Camp. Just outside of the park’s boundaries, the campground is ideally located on the eastern shore of Lake Cushman and has by far the largest and most private established campsites on the entire peninsula.
In the Park, From North to South:
Overflow Camping:
Lodging:
Read Also: Plastic Water Containers For Camping
How To Get To The Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park can be accessed using various means. You can use the following means to get to Olympic National Park.
If you have a car, you can use the I-5 corridor to get to this park or use any quieter state roadways that will take you to the Olympic Peninsula. Once you are at Olympic Peninsula, connect to Hwy 101 to get anywhere in Olympic National Park.
1. If you are using a car and you are in Olympia, you should take I-5, and it will take you to Hwy 101.2. In Tacoma, you should take State Route 16 to Bremerton and then take on State Route 3 north that will take you to State Route 104 and then to Hwy 101.3. If you are on Washington/ Oregon Coast, you will connect to Hwy 101 in Aberdeen.
1. When in Port Townsend, you can use State Route 20 to get to Hwy 101.2. In Kingston, use State Route 104 to get to Hwy 101.3. In Bainbridge Island, use State Routes 305,7 and 104 to get to Hwy 1014. The Hood Canal Bridge is along State Route 104, and the route may be closed periodically for boat traffic.
More Related Articles On Planetwarecom
Washington’s Parks: The best state and national parks of Washington attract millions of tourists to the state every year. Alongside a great selection of campgrounds, the best hiking trails of Olympic National Park provide plenty of adventures to explore by day. A crown jewel of the state, Mount Rainier National Park also has a great selection of top-rated hiking trails and amazing campgrounds. For more elevated adventures in Washington, the best hiking trails and top-rated campgrounds of North Cascades National Park enables exploration of this rugged environment.
Other Adventures in Washington: If you are new to the outdoors, you may want to begin by having a read through our articles on camping for beginners and hiking for beginners. The top-rated hiking trails in Washington can lead you down an adventurous path, and the state’s best campgrounds provide some pretty awesome places to pitch a tent. For even more natural attractions, Washington is also stacked with spectacular waterfalls and inviting hot springs.
Recommended Reading: Spread Creek Dispersed Camping Area Map
The Best Free Camping Near 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!
Other Campground On The Olympic Peninsula
Just because you want to visit Olympic National Park, doesnt mean you have to camp in the national park itself.
There are several amazing campgrounds near Olympic National Park. Many are just minutes outside of its boundaries. Some of these are small and remote to help you avoid crowds while others are full-blown RV parks.
Here are a few more of our favorite campgrounds on the Olympic Peninsula!
Read Also: Valley Of Fire Rv Camping Reservations
Things To Do In Olympic National Park
With so many distinctly different ecosystems, there is a vast range of activities to enjoy within Olympic National Park. Not only can you and go within the park, you can also go , boating, and tidepooling along the coastline.
The most popular tidepools to visit inside the park are at Kalolochs Beach 4, as well as Moras Hole-in-the-Wall. This family-friendly activity is best enjoyed in the summertime during low tides when you can catch programs led by rangers at each tidepool location.
Hiking in Olympic National Park
Forest: If youre interested in a lowland forest hike and , Mount Storm King is a great choice. Listed by Alltrails as the #1 top hike in Olympic National Park, the 4.1 mile out-and-back trail is a challenge with rock scrambling, inclines, and stunning heights.
Mountain: If you want a mountain hike, try Hurricane Hill via Hurricane Ridge. The first .5 miles are wheelchair accessible and the entire hike is paved offering panoramic views surrounded by wildflowers.
Rainforest: Finally, if youre looking to experience a rainforest hike, try Hall of Mosses Trail. Located within the Hoh Rain Forest, this lush family-friendly hike is dripping with mosses and stunning landscape. The towering evergreen giants and moss-covered maples create a magical fairyland.
Recommended Read:
Camping in Olympic National Park
If youre not up for camping and want a visit to Olympic National Park, we suggest booking at Eagles Perch over the Water.
Olympic National Park Washington Recreationgov
www.recreation.gov
Date Submitted: 08/21/2020 05:54 AM
Average star voting: 3
Summary: Explore Olympic National Park in Washington with Recreation.gov. With its incredible range of precipitation and elevation, diversity is the hallmark of Olympic National Park. Encompassing nearly a million acres, the park prot
Match with the search results: Camping & Day Use · Fairholme Campground · Hoh Rainforest Campground · KALALOCH · Mora Campground · SOL DUC HOT SPRINGS RESORT CAMPGROUND · Nearby Activities.. read more
Don’t Miss: Florida State Parks Rv Camping Map
Sol Duc Hot Springs Rv Park & Campground
Sol Duc Hot Springs RV Park & Campground is another privately operated campground in Olympic National Park. However, unlike Log Cabin Resort, you can make reservations via Recreation.gov.
This campground is tucked away in the Sol Duc Rainforest along the Sol Duc River. Campsites here cater to tent and RV campers, with some sites having full RV hookups.
Nearby, you can explore famous sites like Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, where you can soak in rejuvenating mineral hot spring pools. If youre interested in hiking, you can make the short drive to the Sol Duc Falls Trail or hike there from the campground via the Lovers Lane loop!
Sol Duc Campground is also close enough to Lake Crescent to make an easy day trip to explore this area too!
- Whats Nearby: Kalaloch Beaches, Kalaloch Creek Nature Trail, Kalaloch Lodge
South Beach Campground is one of the larger first-come, first-served campgrounds in Olympic National Park. It is located just down the road from Kalaloch Campground and provides close access to Kalaloch Beach 1s overlook and trail.
You have stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from the campground on the bluff. Like Kalaloch Campground, South Beach Campground has beautiful sunsets easily seen from the campground.
While there are flush toilets here, theres no drinking water. Youll need to bring your water. Thankfully, the general store and Kalaloch Lodge are only a short drive away.