Olympic NP Awaits: Your Guide to Spring 2024 Camping

Olympic National Park has many camping options inside of the Park’s borders, making it easier to get around the park during your stay. There are a primary three, including Kalaloch, Sol Duc, and Mora, that accept reservations at the grounds and only during the summer.

All of the campgrounds allow pets that are on leashes up to six feet long. It is best to use a dog harness on animals that are a bit more difficult to control. Pets are not allowed on any park trails or in the backcountry, though.

There are a variety of camping options in the Olympic National Park. Some of the sites are entirely equipped with electric and water hookups, while others are more limited. At those that are located close to general stores, you can buy firewood.

Otherwise, use a small camping axe to utilize dead wood on the forest floor close to your campsite. It depends on whether you want an RV site or are looking to bring a tent.

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Campgrounds in Olympic National Park

Kalaloch Campground

Type : Tent / RV
Open : Year-round
Cost : $22 per night
Reservation : Yes

Kalaloch Campground is one of the three that take reservations during the summer. It books out far in advance, so if this is where you want to stay on your trip, then look into it as soon as you know.

This campground is located on the coast in the southwest of the Olympic Peninsula. It is on a bluff right next to the Pacific Ocean. Some of the campgrounds open up to give the campers a beautiful view of the ocean below them. The campsites are not directly on the beach.

The ground extends back away from the ocean and into a coastal forest luscious and green from the annually high rainfall the area receives. It is one of the busiest, most visited places in the entire park. There are both nonelectric and electric sites available, with picnic tables and fire pits at most sites. There is a dump station, bathrooms, and even a fish cleaning station available on the grounds.

Hoh Campground

Type : Tent / RV
Open : Year-round
Cost : $24 per night
Reservation : No

Hoh Campground allows you to be surrounded by beauty in the heart of a native Washington rain forest. Here, you surround yourself with the ancient trees and are next to a sparkling river.

The campground is open all year for those that like to explore no matter the weather. It is always first-come, first-served. There are a total of 78 sites available, a mixture of them being for RVs and others for tents. RVs sites fit those up to 21 feet, with a few for those up to 35 feet long.

There is no dump station here, so be sure to pack out all of your refuse. There are flush toilets and potable water accessible in this campground. It is handicap accessible. There are no showers on this site.

Mora Campground

Type : Tent / RV
Open : Year-round
Cost : $20 per night
Reservation : Yes

Mora is one of those campgrounds that offer reservations during the peak season, typically mid-April through mid-September. That is new for 2020 since the park began to see more and more visitors. During the rest of the year, the sites are first-come, first-served.

This campground is situated right in a beautiful coastal forest with a few sites that give you views of the Quillayute River. It is only two miles from the popular Rialto Beach. There are 94 total sites and a dump station that is $10 per use.

There are RV sites that are equipped to handle 21 feet and some of which can handle 35 feet long trailers. The facilities include flush toilets and potable water, and the campground is handicap accessible.

Ozette Campground

Type : Tent / RV
Open : Year-round
Cost : $20
Reservation : No

Ozette is one of the smaller campgrounds located in the park with only 15 total campsites, a mixture between tent and RV sites. The RV sites only have the capacity to hold 21-foot long trailers. Keep in mind that some of these sites flood during the winter, so it is generally best kept for the other seasons of the year.

This campground only allows first-come, first-served campers and never takes reservations. It is right next to Lake Ozette, which is why it floods during the winter season. It also makes it a good site for water activities and those who prefer to camp along a lake.

The facilities at this campground include pit toilets and a hookup to potable water. It is handicap accessible. The majority of it is located in the forest that surrounds the lake. There are also hiking trails closeby for the adventuresome.

Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground

Type : Tent / RV
Open : March to October
Cost : $28 – $50
Reservation : Yes

Sol Duc Hot Springs is the site of one of the most popular resorts in the area. The resort has been built over the only location of hot springs in the park. It remains open during the summer for families and individuals alike who want to experience the relaxation of a hot spring pool.

The campground is located behind the resort at the edge of the backcountry that leads into the heart of this National Park. It is also right next to the Sol Duc River and gives you access to many nearby hiking trails.

There are 62 campsites available for reservation out of 82 tent sites. All 17 of the RV sites are reservable. There are electric and non-electric sites available. There are flush toilets, drinking water, a general store, picnic tables at most sites, and fire pits on the site.

Staircase Campground

Type : Tent / RV
Open : Year-round
Cost : $20 per night
Reservation : No

Staircase campground gives you the opportunity to camp next to the Skokomish River. Most of the campsite is located within the old-growth forest surrounding this river. It is also the locations of summer ranger programs if you come with your family.

Although the campsite is open year-round, during the winter, it is left as a very primitive site. The potable water hookups and the flush toilets are only available during the summer. It is best to bring a shovel or be prepared to use a pit toilet.

There are 49 sites total, 5 of which are walk-in and are easier to do with backpacking gear than hauling it all up. The sites for RVs can hold between 21 and 35 feet regarding trailer length. The campsite is entirely handicap accessible.

South Beach Campground

Type : Tent / RV
Open : July through September
Cost : $15
Reservation : No

The South Beach campground is positioned along a bluff that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and provides incredible panoramic views for anyone who enjoys being near large water bodies. It also gives campers access to the nearby beach, although you do not camp directly on it.

All of the 55 sites available are only open for first-come, first-serve claims, never for reservation. This is one of the few campsites in the park that is not open all year, and it is kept relatively primitive for some people.

There are RV sites that can hold a range of 21 to 35-foot long trailers. There is no access to potable water on this site, although flush toilets are available so long as the campsite is open, typically from early July to late September.

Willaby Campground

Type : Tent / RV
Open : April through October
Cost : $25
Reservation : Yes

Willaby Campground is situated on Lake Quinault’s shoreline, giving most visitors a view of the lake bordered with a backdrop of stunning mountain views. All of the campsites are very close to the shoreline so that you get a view of whichever site you pick.

Extending away from the shores of the lake is a rain forest that surrounds most of the shoreline. This area gives you plenty of access to trails and paths through the forest and around the lake. It is also a good location for fishing, although you do need a fishing permit.

There are 21 campsites in this campground. It includes a potable water system and has a barrier-free flush toilet with camp tables at individual sites. There is a boat ramp accessible here and fire rings at most campsites.

Hamma Hamma Campground

Type : Tent / RV
Open : N/A
Cost : N/A
Reservation : No

Hamma Hamma campground is located along the shore of the Hamma Hamma River. It is on the edge of the National Park, known better for its proximity to Hamma Hamma Balds Natural Area Preserve, also on the Peninsula.

To get there, it is easiest to drive from Hoodsport, Washington, down Highway 101. The drive up to the campground is on a compact gravel road. It is surrounded by a mostly evergreen forest and mostly in the shade.

There are a total of 15 campsites at the Hamma Hamma Campground. They will accommodate both tents and RVs up to 21 feet long. There are tables and fire rings available for use, along with a vault toilet.

Graves Creek Campground

Type : Tent
Open : Year-round
Cost : $20 per night
Reservation : No

Graves Creek might not sound very becoming for an overnight stay, but then you would be wrong. This campground is sheltered away in a serene area, allowing you to relax near a stream in the Quinault Rain Forest.

All of the sites at this campsite are first-come, first-served all year round. There are 30 total sites, and it is one of the few sites that do not allow RVs and trailers typically, although you should verify this when you go. It is mostly down to road conditions in the area at the time.

This campground is open all year, and it isn’t more primitive during the winter since there are not many facilities to pare down. All year, you have access to pit toilets, and there is no running water at all at the site. It is handicap accessible.

Deer Park Campground

Type : Tent
Open : June to mid-October
Cost : $15 per night
Reservation : No

Deer Park Campground is one of the few campgrounds in the park that isn’t surrounded by lush forest growth or bordering on some waterfront. Instead, it is located at a point in the mountains that is 5,400 feet in elevation. It is one of the best spots for stunning mountain views and the starry skies at night since the thinner air makes them easier to see.

Since the roads up to this campground are steep, winding, and only gravel access, it is not RV accessible. Only tents are allowed, although the tent size doesn’t matter. All of the sites on the campground are first-come, first-served. There are only 14 total sites available.

The facilities at this campground are pretty minimal since it is out-of-the-way compared to many other campgrounds in the park. It is handicap accessible, but there are only pit toilets available and no potable water. That means you need to fill up your water bottles with plenty of water.

Dosewallips Campground

Type : Tent
Open : Year-round
Cost : No fee
Reservation : No

Dosewallips Campground is a walk-in only campground that is often used by backpackers in the park. It is a wonderful spot to experience secluded tent camping away from the hustle and bustle that often makes up the rest of the park.

There used to be an access road leading up to it. However, it is now washed out 6.5 miles away from the campground and is no longer accessible by vehicle. All of the reservations are first-come, first-served for those willing to walk into it.

It is not technically a part of the backcountry, although it isn’t vehicle accessible, so you don’t have to get a permit to camp there. There are still pit toilets available but no potable water, and it is not handicap accessible.

Camping Tips for Olympic National Park

Always be ready for the rain. Olympic National Park has several of the most significant temperate rainforests in the lower 48 states. That should give all the visitors a clue that they are likely to encounter a good deal of rain, no matter what time of the year they choose to visit. Always bring rain gear, preferably both waterproof pants and a rain jacket.
Take advantage of both the ocean and the mountains. This park offers a wide diversity of sights to see and natural areas to interact with across the Peninsula. Try to take advantage of the Pacific Ocean and the areas that feature beautiful glacial lakes. Don’t forget about the mountains either, and take a night or two to set up under the stars high in elevation.
Pack bug repellant. One thing that this area isn’t known for is its bug-free nature, available for your enjoyment. Expect swarms, especially since it is so rainy and damp in many areas. This doesn’t have to impact your trip if you are prepared. Make sure to pack bug nets and spray with you to protect you and your family.
The weather varies more than you might expect. From the bottom elevation at sea level to the tops of mountains extending more than a mile above that, the weather and temperature vary dramatically. Unless you go during the short summer months, be prepared with winter gear if you go higher in elevation.
Bring a bear canister. If you intend on camping outdoors even one night at the park, bring along a bear canister. Some of the campsites will be equipped with them, while others require to pack them in yourselves. Don’t ignore this since it will help to protect you and everyone around you.
If you want to reserve a site, do it at least four months in advance. This National Park is vastly popular. Don’t make the mistake of underestimating that and be ready to reserve a campsite four months in advance, or more if possible.

Camping in Olympic NP: The Spring 2024 Camping Guide