Olympic National Park is a true outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, offering a vast array of camping options to suit every adventurer’s needs. From the rugged backcountry to the well-equipped developed campgrounds, this iconic park provides a unique and unforgettable camping experience. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the diverse campgrounds of Olympic National Park, helping you plan your perfect getaway.
Developed Campgrounds: Comfort and Convenience
Olympic National Park boasts 15 developed campgrounds, each with its own distinct character and amenities. These campgrounds offer a range of facilities, including fire pits, picnic tables, and access to restrooms, but no RV hookups or showers. The recommended RV length for these sites is 21 feet, unless otherwise noted.
Reservations and First-Come, First-Served
Reservations are required for several popular campgrounds, including Kalaloch, Mora, Fairholme, Hoh Rain Forest, Staircase, and Sol Duc Hot Springs, from late May through late September. These sites can be booked in advance through the Recreation.gov website. The Log Cabin RV & Campground also accepts reservations by phone at 888-896-3818. All other campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s best to arrive early, especially on weekends.
Deer Park Campground: High-Alpine Splendor
Deer Park Campground, the only high-alpine campground in the park, offers breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan De Fuca. Located at an elevation of 5,400 feet, this campground features 14 sites, pit toilets, and no potable water. Firewood gathering is not allowed, and the campground is not suitable for RVs.
Backcountry Camping: Immerse Yourself in Nature
Olympic National Park’s vast wilderness offers numerous backcountry camping opportunities, including camping near alpine lakes, setting up tents above the high tide line on the beach, and sleeping in the lush rainforests. Permits are required for all overnight stays in the wilderness, and reservations can be made starting on April 15 at 7 a.m. PST on the Recreation.gov website.
Dosewallips Campground: Hike-In Adventure
Dosewallips Campground is the only developed, hike-in campground in the park and does not require a wilderness permit. To reach this primitive campground on the Dosewallips River, visitors must hike a 6.5-mile trail along the washed-out Dosewallips Road. The campground features pit toilets, but no potable water, and camping here is free.
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground: Soak and Explore
The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground offers RV sites with water and electric hookups, as well as proximity to the resort’s soothing geothermal pools. This campground is an excellent base for immersing yourself in the classic Olympic Peninsula rainforest, with its thick moss, ferns, and old-growth trees.
Seal Rock Campground: Coastal Charm
Seal Rock Campground is one of the few national forest campgrounds located on salt water, with harvestable oysters for public use. This campground features 41 tent/RV sites with tables, cooking grills, drinking water, toilets, and offers recreational activities such as swimming, boating, and nature trails.
Accessing Olympic National Park
Visitors can reach Olympic National Park via the I-5 corridor or by taking one of the quieter state roadways. Once on the Olympic Peninsula, travelers can connect to Highway 101 to access any destinations within and around the park.
RV and Campground Experience
For those seeking a more comfortable camping experience, the Sol Duc Hot Springs RV and campground offers 17 RV camping sites with water and electric hookups, as well as 82 tent camping sites with a comfort station featuring toilets and showers. The Log Cabin RV and campground provides 32 RV camping sites with water and electric hookups, and 5 tent camping sites with a comfort station.