Notable Campgrounds
- Best for beachfront camping: Kalaloch Campground offers direct beach access and front-row seats to ocean sunsets.
- Best for rest and relaxation: Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground features tent and RV camping right by a thermal hot spring.
- Best for nature lovers: Set up camp amid ancient trees at Hoh Campground, which offers easy access to the famous Hall of Mosses trail.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- Campsites can be booked up to six months in advance on the National Park Service (NPS) website. Reservations open at 7am Pacific.
- The park is very popular, especially in summer, so it’s wise to wake up early to secure your spot right when reservations go live.
- The park’s Log Cabin RV & Campground has its own reservation system.
- Kalaloch, Hoh, and Mora are the only reservable, NPS-run campgrounds, bookable in summer.
- All campgrounds (including Kalaloch, Hoh, and Mora) operate on a first-come, first-served basis outside of the reservable summer season.
When to Go
The best time to visit Olympic National Park is in summer, when the weather is warm and the chance of heavy rainfall is slim. This is also the busiest time, so if you're planning to reserve a campsite, make sure to do it well in advance. To beat the crowds, late spring and early fall are good alternatives; just come prepared for rainfall and cold weather.
Know Before You Go
- You can pick up camping supplies and gas in Forks, about a 40-minute drive from the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center.
- If your campground doesn’t sell firewood, then you’re permitted to collect dead wood for fires within 100 feet of your site, provided all pieces are under six inches in diameter.
- It's wise to download offline maps before you head out, as parts of the park and surrounding areas do not get good cell phone coverage.
- Make sure to check in advance for wildfire alerts and snowstorm- or landslide-related closures.
Olympic National Park RV Camping
Washington's Olympic National Park is a joy to visit by RV. You can easily explore different sections of the Olympic Peninsula and its 329-mile loop road, and an RV’s shelter means you’re always prepared for precipitation at the park’s famous rainforests. On the park’s coastal section, Kalaloch Campground’s RV sites feature picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, and a dump station. Hoh Campground, although it has no RV hookups, is a solid spot along the Hoh River to immerse yourself in a classic Olympic Peninsula rainforest with thick moss, ferns, and old-growth trees. Further north, the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground has RV sites with water and electric hookups, plus proximity to the resort’s soothing geothermal pools. For day-use access, find a basecamp at a private RV site or RV park with full hookups in the areas surrounding the park, such as Forks or Port Angeles.
Olympic National Park
Explore glaciers, hot springs, and rainforest in the jewel of Western Washington.
Spread out over close to a million acres on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, Olympic National Park is home to a wide diversity of natural features, from Pacific Ocean beaches to ancient forests. Mountaineers know the park for glaciated Mount Olympus, while hot springs fans can soak in the healing waters at Sol Duc Hot Springs. The most celebrated highlight is arguably the temperate Hoh Rainforest, known for its ancient groves of old-growth trees strewn with emeraldine moss. Plenty of great camping options exist in and around the area for those who want to spend the night, but sites fill up quickly in warmer months.
Spread out over close to a million acres on Washington's Olympic Peninsula, Olympic National Park is home to a wide diversity of natural features, from Pacific Ocean beaches to ancient forests. Mountaineers know the park for glaciated Mount Olympus, while hot springs fans can soak in the healing waters at Sol Duc Hot Springs. The most celebrated highlight is arguably the temperate Hoh Rainforest, known for its ancient groves of old-growth trees strewn with emeraldine moss. Plenty of great camping options exist in and around the area for those who want to spend the night, but sites fill up quickly in warmer months.
Activities in the park
18 campgrounds in Olympic National Park
A mile plus in the sky, Deer Park Campground (tent-only) is home to views unrivaled by all others in the park. Imagine it: peak after peak of the Olympic Mountains staring through your tent door while you sip an espresso and “What's that? The Salish Sea? I think so and over yonder, the strait of Juan De Fuca!” Can you say creme de la creme? Amenit Read more...
Did you lose your heart in the big city? Come and reclaim it at Heart O’the Hills Campground! Snug in the old growth forest this busy site still allows for privacy so bring your honey or your friends. Hang loose around camp or take a wildflower-filled hike on at nearby Heather Park Trail. This year-round site can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet, but Read more...
Gear up for a backpacking adventure to Dosewallips Campground! No better way to get back in touch with the natural world and your organic self than to take a trip far away from the comforts of home. Drive down Dosewallips Road until the wash out and begin your 5. 5 mile journey into the wilderness and into yourself. Be mindful and anything you pac Read more...
Expect a fantastical, unique, and otherworldly experience getting to sleep in America’s most popular rainforest at Hoh Campground. Get a site year-round along the Hoh River, put your feet up, and listen to the magical music all around you. Rain or no rain make sure to do the Hall of Mosses trail. It may be cold and it may be wet, but remember adve Read more...
Tucked into the northern regions of Olympic National Park, this campground is the perfect launching point for tent campers and RVers to take a picturesque day hike with the family to photo-worthy Sol Duc Falls, as well as for longer adventures: both the High Divide Trail and the Seven Lakes Basin can be accessed from a nearby trailhead. Whatever t Read more...
Nestled deep in the Elwha Valley, Elwha Campground lies on the banks of a swift river by the same name. Take the ride down any time of year and find your home away from home. Water and flush toilets only stick around for the summer, so should you visit another season make sure to come prepared. RVs are recommended to stay under 21 feet at this cam Read more...
Here’s the plan for your weekend at Sol Duc Group Campground. Gather 23 of your closest friends and head to the old growth rainforest in the Sol Duc Valley. Once your pad is stylin’, strap on your day pack and hoof it to Sol Duc Falls for a little sweatin’ and scenery viewin’. As the sun sets, make your way to Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort and pay Read more...
Sit down, chill out, and roll those shoulders back at Queets Campground where the forest glows green. Primitive and open all year, the Queets Campground is not suited for RVs and sits on the Queets River. It is the last (motorized) stop before the almighty Queets River Trail that passes through lush rainforest and large meadows. It’s gorgeous baby Read more...
Olympic’s best kept and most wild secret, the Staircase Campground is located in a vast cathedral of ancient forest just a stone’s throw from the Skokomish River. It may not be the ends of the earth, but it embraces all that is wild and timeless in a world that is forever hurried. The Staircase hides in the southeastern corner of Olympic National Read more...
Don’t you just wish there was a place where there was a massive blue lake holding out its arms out to you in a welcoming embrace for you jump in and puddle cuddle? Well, here it is! Fairholme Campground sits on the west end of Lake Crescent, the second largest lake in Washington. About 18 miles west of Port Angeles, it’s clear blue waters are th Read more...
Experience wild Olympic at its finest in one campground. The location of Graves Creek Campground puts it at the center of remote rainforest hikes, waterfalls a plenty, and wildlife such as deer, elk, and black bear. Want the best site? Try nabbing one along the mighty Quinault River. This primitive site is open year-round, but there is no drinking Read more...
Along the muddy banks of the Elwha River lives a campground named Altair. Altair Campground is vibrant and lush and as green as gardeners thumb. Break out the hammock or pitch a tent it’s all good here with views of the river. Altair isn’t fancy, but it has everything you need from running water to flush toilets. Take a memo of some nearby notable Read more...
Taste the rainforest at North Fork Campground. Towering in at a modest 520 feet elevation, this campground is small but sweet with under ten sites in a temperate rainforest setting. Wet your primitive camping whistle any time of year. Read more...
Let the rugged Pacific surf lull you to sleep at the quiet and unassuming South Beach Campground. Hike on the beach as the sun sets into the ocean and then head back to your site to bask in the glow of the RV park. Granted, you won’t find much shade or privacy here, but you will find flush toilets, fire-rings, and pretty cool neighbors. Oh, and di Read more...
Like making beach teepees out of driftwood? Jurassic sea stakes? The roar of the majestic Pacific? Then grab your pack, get in your car, and take the trip to Mora Campground. . . now. Located just 2 short miles from Rialto Beach this is a must for any nature lover. Awesome activities include, but are not limited to hiking to Hole in the Wall and S Read more...
Beg, borrow, and steal your way to Kalaloch Campground soon because this one can’t be missed! On a bluff overlooking the rugged Pacific Ocean nestled into a towering coastal rainforest, this popular campground just might turn you into a professional camper. Explore the vast shoreline and tide pools, hike the forested trails, or just relax at your Read more...
Ozette Campground from A to Z: Always beautiful campground escape for great hikes. Ok we made it halfway there but make it all the way to Ozette Campground for primitive camping and pristine views of the lake year round. Read more...
Leave all your bells and whistles at home when coming to Kalaloch Campground because whatever ya need, they got it! Some say it’s the best beach camping on the West coast, so prepare yourself for some camp luxe. Sunsets to die for, nearby hikes, and stretches of beach to explore are only the tip of the iceberg at Kalaloch. They have all your campi Read more...
Why can't I see these campgrounds when I search with dates?
Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
The best time to visit Olympic National Park is in summer, when the weather is warm and the chance of heavy rainfall is slim. This is also the busiest time, so if you're planning to reserve a campsite, make sure to do it well in advance. To beat the crowds, late spring and early fall are good alternatives; just come prepared for rainfall and cold weather.
Know Before You Go
Olympic National Park RV Camping
Washington's Olympic National Park is a joy to visit by RV. You can easily explore different sections of the Olympic Peninsula and its 329-mile loop road, and an RV’s shelter means you’re always prepared for precipitation at the park’s famous rainforests. On the park’s coastal section, Kalaloch Campground’s RV sites feature picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, and a dump station. Hoh Campground, although it has no RV hookups, is a solid spot along the Hoh River to immerse yourself in a classic Olympic Peninsula rainforest with thick moss, ferns, and old-growth trees. Further north, the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground has RV sites with water and electric hookups, plus proximity to the resort’s soothing geothermal pools. For day-use access, find a basecamp at a private RV site or RV park with full hookups in the areas surrounding the park, such as Forks or Port Angeles.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get a campsite in Olympic National Park?
To get a campsite in Olympic National Park, you can either reserve a site in advance or arrive at a first-come, first-served campsite. Reservations can be made for some campgrounds through Recreation.gov during the peak season (usually from May to September). Other campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis and do not require reservations. Be sure to check the specific campground you're interested in for reservation requirements and availability. Keep in mind that fees, amenities, and stay limits may vary depending on the campground.
How much does it cost to camp at Olympic National Park?
Camping fees at Olympic National Park vary depending on the campground. Most campgrounds charge between $15 and $22 per night for a standard campsite. Some campgrounds, like Kalaloch and Sol Duc, accept reservations and may have slightly higher fees, while others are first-come, first-served. For more information on camping options in Olympic National Park, visit Hipcamp.
What town should I stay in when visiting Olympic National Park?
When visiting Olympic National Park, there are several towns you can choose to stay in, depending on your preferences and the areas of the park you plan to explore. Here are some popular options:
Consider your interests, the areas of the park you'd like to visit, and the type of accommodations you prefer when deciding which town to stay in during your visit to Olympic National Park.
Can you camp anywhere in Olympic National Park?
No, you cannot camp anywhere in Olympic National Park. Camping is allowed only in designated campgrounds and specific backcountry sites with a valid permit. The park offers various campgrounds, such as Kalaloch, Mora, Sol Duc, and Hoh Rainforest. For backcountry camping, you must obtain a Wilderness Camping Permit and follow the park's regulations to protect the environment and ensure a safe experience for all visitors.
Is camping free in Olympic National Park?
Camping in Olympic National Park is not free. There are several developed campgrounds within the park that require fees, which typically range from $15 to $22 per night, depending on the campground and time of year. You can find more information about camping in Olympic National Park on Hipcamp. If you're planning to camp in the park's backcountry, you'll need a wilderness camping permit, which also comes with a fee.
What is the best time of year to camp in Olympic National Park?
The best time of year to camp in Olympic National Park is during the summer months, from June to September. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions, with warmer temperatures and less rainfall. The park's high elevation areas become more accessible, and the snow in the mountains starts to melt, revealing stunning landscapes and wildflower meadows. However, be aware that summer is also the peak season, so campgrounds may be busier. To avoid crowds, consider visiting in late spring or early fall, but be prepared for cooler temperatures and occasional rain. For more information on camping in Olympic National Park, visit Hipcamp.
How do I get a campsite reservation at Olympic National Park?
Securing an Olympic National Park campsite reservation is usually a challenge due to the park's popularity. Camping trips typically need to be planned months in advance and even then, available campsites can book up within minutes. The good news is that you have other options for last-minute Olympic National Park campsite reservations. Try snagging one by setting up a free Hipcamp alert for any Olympic campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.
When should I reserve camping in Olympic National Park?
Most Olympic National Parkcampsite reservations open up months in advance. However, it's notoriously difficult to secure an Olympic National Park reservation even if you plan ahead, as campsites are often booked up within minutes. To increase your chances of snagging a campsite, set up a free Hipcamp alert for any Olympic campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.
Public campgrounds (book externally) —