Olympic National Park offers a wide range of camping options for state park touring enthusiasts, with 15 developed campgrounds and about 900 campsites throughout the park. From high-alpine campsites with stunning mountain views to coastal campsites overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the park’s diverse landscapes provide endless opportunities for outdoor adventure.
Deer Park Campground: Soaring Above the Clouds
Deer Park Campground is the only high-alpine campground in Olympic National Park, located at an elevation of 5,400 feet. This remote campground can only be accessed via a steep, winding gravel road, but the effort is well worth it for the exceptional views of the Olympic Mountains and the Strait of Juan De Fuca. While the campground lacks potable water, it offers pit toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits with grates, making it a popular destination for campers seeking a true wilderness experience.
Dosewallips Campground: The Hike-In Gem
Dosewallips Campground is the only developed, hike-in campground in Olympic National Park, and it does not require a wilderness permit to stay. Located on the Dosewallips River on the east side of the park, the campground can be reached via a 6.5-mile hike along the washed-out Dosewallips Road. While the campground has pit toilets, it lacks potable water, making it a true off-the-grid experience for adventurous campers.
Fairholme Campground: Lakeside Serenity
Fairholme Campground is situated near the clear, blue waters of Lake Crescent, offering campers the opportunity to enjoy the park’s stunning natural beauty. The campground features lakeside campsites and a nearby boat launch, making it a popular destination for water enthusiasts. Open year-round, Fairholme Campground has 88 campsites, including some that are ADA-accessible.
Hoh Rain Forest Campground: Immersed in the Lush Greenery
The Hoh Rain Forest Campground is located in the heart of one of the most famous attractions in Olympic National Park, the Hoh Rain Forest. With 72 campsites, including some along the Hoh River, this campground offers campers the chance to immerse themselves in the park’s lush, verdant landscapes. Open year-round, the campground has potable water and pit toilets.
Kalaloch Campground: Coastal Camping with Ocean Views
Kalaloch Campground is situated on the coast of Olympic National Park, offering campers the opportunity to enjoy the park’s stunning ocean vistas. With 170 campsites, including some with ocean views, Kalaloch Campground is open year-round and features potable water, flush toilets, and a dump station.
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground: Relaxation and Adventure
The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground is located near the park’s famous Sol Duc Hot Springs, providing campers with the opportunity to soak in the natural hot springs after a day of outdoor adventure. The campground has 82 campsites, including some with electric and water hookups, and is open from mid-March to mid-October. Amenities include potable water, flush toilets, and showers.
Staircase Campground: Riverside Serenity
Staircase Campground is located near the Staircase Rapids and offers 49 campsites, including some that are ADA-accessible. Open year-round, the campground has potable water and pit toilets, providing campers with a peaceful riverside experience.
For those interested in backcountry camping, Olympic National Park offers countless opportunities to explore the wilderness. Permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry, and reservations can be made starting on April 15 at 7 a.m. PST on recreation.gov.
Overall, Olympic National Park’s diverse range of camping options, from developed campgrounds to backcountry wilderness, make it a premier destination for state park touring enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in the park’s stunning natural beauty.
References:
– https://www.myolympicpark.com/where-to-stay-camp-eat/camping-rv/where-should-i-camp-in-olympic/
– https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/camping.htm
– https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/washington/national-park/olympic/all