One thing to remember about staying in a rain forest is there is a lot of precipitation! Pro Tip: Lines to enter state campgrounds can be long, especially in the summer. Reviews indicate that rigs of all sizes should be able to use this camping location. Experience the rushing rivers, coastal rain forests, alpine wildflowers and views of the Puget Sound from mountain peaks. From hiking a mountain for 360-degree views, to exploring the only temperate rainforest in the lower 48, there's something for everyone to enjoy. South of the park, in the Olympic National Forest, the secluded Campbell Tree Grove Campground offers excellent access to hiking trails. Best Review: If loud and busy isnt your scene, you may want to consider when you plan to be there. pets; Created with Sketch. To make navigation easier, Ive separated the campsites into several distinct clusters. Forest Road 29 North will eventually go all the way to the South portion of the road into town of Forks. Please check our offices page, call, or email, before visiting. Klahanie Campground. Well send you the 50 Best Free Campsites in the USA (one per state). A vault toilet is also available. Like most WA DNR campgrounds, this one is quite shady and isnt ideal for RV campers that want solar. It fills up quickly in the summer thanks to its close proximity to the national park. Be careful! Amenities include a simple vault toilet. Eventually it begins ascending a mountain and four-wheel drive becomes necessary. Rather, it is a first-come, first-served location. Stay responsible and minimize environmental impact by leaving your camping spot in a better state than you found it! Deer Park Campground is a rugged, tent-only location with no potable water and minimal amenities. Several of the campsites are nestled alongside the river. The campground is also popular for RV boondocking thanks to its spacious campsites (all have room for RVs and trailers up to 30 feet). The two main districts are the Hood Canal Ranger District and the Pacific Ranger District (itself broken down into Pacific North near Forks and Pacific South near Quinault). The river itself is beautiful (it even has a fishing platform), a short hiking trail starts in the campground, and you can even walk down to scenic Murdock Beach. Its free to camp at this campground with a Discover Pass. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We answer your questions about Boondocking, Free Camping, and Overnight Parking using facts and actual experiences. Youll find flush toilets, running water, and a dump station. There are dump stations located at Fairholme, Kalaloch, Mora, and Sol Duc campgrounds. website belongs to an official government organization in the With the option to stay in hotel rooms or lodge rooms, or tiny cabins, youll also find a dining hall, gift shop, and kayak rentals. This is a great place to stay if you have pets, want to save money, or if youre looking for less rigid campground regulations. Make sure to arrive there early in the day to get a good camping spot. Dont camp anywhere until you reach Klahanie Campground. Ranger Districts As I said above, giving a call to a relevant Ranger District is the best way to get camping advice and obtain the most up-to-date intel on the current camping conditions and regulations. Share sensitive information only Do your best to leave the camping spot in a better state than you found it. Another one of my favorite free campgrounds on the Olympic Peninsula, Lyre River Campground is located north of Lake Crescent along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It has 12 spacious campsites. If you must do so, return the site to its original state. This is a moderately sized campground, so there are not too many people and the environment is quiet. These fill up fast, especially on summer weekends. Its a small campground where campers can stay free of charge and enjoy the wonders of the Olympic National Forest. It is near the Quillayute River and offers some excellent views a few steps away from just about every campsite. It's another all-around involved street for boondocking with a few destinations to browse. This location is perhaps one of the best for those who want to be in an old-growth forest with large, towering trees but also sleep nearby lots of amenities. The campground sits in an old-growth forest surrounded by steep mountains. Big rigs may find it difficult to utilize this campground. Located in Quinault Rain Forest, one of the best features of Graves Creek Campground is that its located right on a stream. In the summer, flush toilets and potable water are available. You will be immediately into Olympic National Forest land. Minnie Peterson is notable for its proximity to the Hoh Rain Forest section of Olympic National Park. Electricity:There are no electric hookups in Olympic National Park with the exception of Sol Duck which is maintained by the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. An official website of the Instead, visitors will need to backpack their gear into one of 30 campsites. Fortunately for a big campground, the campsites are somewhat private which is perfect for a family vacation. However, this pass is a worthy investment it provides access to a plethora of Department of Natural Resources campgrounds for just $35. 3 The Best Dispersed Camping Areas in Olympic National Forest 3.1 Elkhorn Dispersed Camping Area 3.2 Hoh Oxbow Campsite 3.3 Quinault Ridge Road Dispersed Camping Area 3.4 Beaver Lake 3.5 Hamma Hamma River 3.6 Forest Road 29 4 The Takeaway When Should I Camp in the Olympic National Forest? The only thing better than visiting a beautiful National Park is scoring a great camping spot nearby. There are many sites available along this road. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping outside of a developed campground. 8. It shares many of the same features as the lake crest lodge including kayak rentals, a cafe, deli and gift shop. Those reliant on solar may struggle to power their rig, but generators are allowed. Starting GPS (47.9702, -124.4036) Head east along Sitkum-Solduc Road. Pitch your tent at least 200 feet away from rivers, creeks, and other water sources. If you choose a new site, return the site to its natural condition when you leave. Each campsite has picnic tables and fire rings. RVs up to 21 feet long can fit into the spaces. While here, make sure to check out the nearby Olympic Discovery Trail. Then you can drive further along the road to find a site and/or determine how far along the road you can go. There are many trailheads that stem from the area, and its close to Lake Quinault, which is a popular fishing and boating spot. There are fourteen campgrounds at Olympic National Park with over 800 campsites for tents and RV campers. In the winter months, its considered a primitive campsite with pit toilets only. Although Upper Clearwater Campground does fill up most nights in the summer, its generally a little less busy than other nearby free campgrounds. Starting GPS (47.2672, -123.9182) At the intersection of US-101 and Donkey Creek Road, head north-west on Donkey Creek Road. Two vault toilets, potable water, and a day-use shelter are available. 30753views 14 April 27, 2021 Updated on July 2, 2022, Dispersed camping (or boondocking) is allowed inside Olympic National Forest. Since then, I have camped in 48 states and hiked in nearly all of the National Parks. Its another well-used road for boondocking with several sites to choose from. View recreation sites on theOlympic National Forest online recreation map. It has 8 campsites total. #2 - Forest Road 29 Dispersed Camping GPS: 48.0489, -124.1113 About the Campsite: This is a no-frills dirt campground. Your email address will not be published. There are 14 campgrounds managed by the National Park Service. Perhaps no other free campground near Olympic National Park is as peaceful as Yahoo Lake Campground. Olympic National Forest, Camping Rules Passes and Permits Purchase of passes or permits are not required for boondocking (dispersed camping) inside most of Olympic National Forest. Staircase Campground is located near the Skokomish River, with direct access to the water. It has 9 campsites each with plenty of privacy. Campers will be able to access the beach right from their tents. There is a great deal of wildlife throughout the area, and the remote location makes it an ideal place for campers who are looking for an authentic, natural experience. fishing; water access; Site Amenities. Getting there is tricky, though youll have to walk almost 4 miles to reach the place. Although Hoh Oxbow Campground is arguably more scenic, I like Cottonwood better. These sites are best for tent camping as the campsites are set below the parking area. Below are five of the most popular places for dispersed camping and free camping Beginning in the low, wet temperate forest that meets the open Hood Canal, this area transitions to subalpine forests of fir and western white pine and eventually gives way to alpine meadows at its highest elevations. Are you heading out to Olympic National Park for some exceptional camping and hiking? See 5 traveler reviews, 22 photos and blog posts Washington Free Camping Forks Forest Road 29 Forest Road 29 Olympic National Forest . When looking for a free camping spot, there are a few important things to keep in mind. You can find places to camp on the side of main roads, or follow forest access roads (often gravel or dirt) to more remote sites. Youll find minimal amenities with just pit toilets available and potable water. Olympic National Forest offers diverse recreation opportunities for everyone. Quinalt Ridge Road is great for little to medium estimated RVs, or trailers under 24 feet. Garbage service is not always available. You can reserve a permit up to 6 months in advance through Recreation.gov. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest - Tinkham Road Colville National Forest - Sullivan Creek Dispersed Sites Gifford-Pinchot National Forest - Mount Adams Mount Rainier Area Barker Canyon Caliche Lake Camp next to a peaceful lake, a rushing stream or in a dense conifer forest. Reported Cell Service: Campers have reported usable service for basic usage for Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, with an average of 2 bars each. The Klahowya Campsite is the larger of the two campsites and provides visitors with tubing opportunities during the summer, as it sits on the Sol Duc River. An even better solution would be contacting the relevant USFS Ranger District. Starting GPS (47.3467, -123.9095) At the intersection of US-101 and Quinalt Ridge Road (NF-2258), head east on Quinalt Ridge Road. If you are looking for a camping adventure in Washington state, check out our post on free camping near Mt Rainier as well. Cottonwood Campground is one of two free DNR campgrounds (Hoh Oxbow is the other) just off Highway 101 near the Hoh River. And, remember, you must be within the forests boundaries to legally dispersed camp dispersed camping is not allowed in the national park. Please always follow the 7 Leave No Trace principles when dispersed camping, especially packing out all of your trash, including human waste. Note that the Forest maintains a rule that dispersed camping is not allowed within 1/4 mile of a developed campground, thus you will have to camp at least that far further east from Klahanie. Pick places that are as far away from trails and roads as possible. Fortunately, there are pit toilets and miles of hiking trails to explore. Permits must be booked in advance, there are no walk-up permits that can be obtained. These are Coho, Willaby, and Falls Creek. The Hoh Campground is located in a temperate rain forest surrounded by old-growth trees and moss. Those who have visited Graves Creek call it a magical destination, tucked into the wooded area with water surrounding it. Due to its canalside location, the Seal Rock Campsite is very popular and often full or near-full during the summer weekends. This is a USFS-managed road along which outdoor enthusiasts can park their recreational vehicles and enjoy the regions sights, smells, and sounds. But the real reason Yahoo Lake is less busy than other nearby campgrounds is that it offers only walk-in camping. Here, you will have two options: the smaller Satsop Center Campsite, situated in the valley, and the larger Coho Campsite, which can be found right on the shore of the lake. But, once youve gotten through, many of the sites themselves will accommodate larger rigs. There are four excellent campsites here, with Campbell Tree Grove Campsite being the only one where outdoor enthusiasts can stay completely free of charge. This Olympic National Forest dispersed camping area sits close to the scenic Dosewallips River. This campground is easy to get to with well-paved roads and paths. Next up is Beaver Lake, a small pull-off just off Burnt Mountain Road/U.S. It has eight camping spots in total, all of which are right next to the beautiful Hoh River. What Should I Pack for My Olympic National Forest Camping Trip? Its one of the few equipped with hookups for recreational vehicles. Olympic National Forest Near Montesano, Washington. Located just outside the parks boundaries, its an ideal basecamp for exploring the western section of the park. Because of the limited access, RVs and trailers are not recommended. Because most of the National Park campgrounds do not have electric hookups, showers, or other amenities, campers may prefer to stay in a private campground nearby. Despite the difficulties getting there, Dosewallips is a serene and beautiful space nestled away from all the sounds of people. This area encompasses an array of recreation opportunities including the challenging trails ascending into Mount Skokomish and The Brothers Wilderness, as well as family friendly trails, two developed campgrounds, and one historic cabin. North Fork is a densely wooded campground at only 520 feet elevation. Salmon La Sac is part of Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. ) or https:// means you've safely Pit toilets, water, limited parking, no beach access. More articles about camping in Washington State. Walker provides accessible views of the Olympic and Cascade peaks. Use nearby Cotton Campground as a backup in case this one is full. Heres a general overview of all Olympic National Forest campsites that accommodate RVs: Some campers want to avoid the hustle and bustle of established campsites. If youre towing a trailer 24 feet or longer, its a good idea to unhitch somewhere else just to investigate this road for campsites openings. Its located near the Dosewallips River Trail where drinking water can be filtered from the stream; youll need it because there is no potable water here! The Shi Shi Beach trail is also right next store if you want to do some hiking later in the day. Camping in the National Forest requires that you follow leave no trace principles such as packing out all of your trash. Full-service campgrounds can fill up quickly in the area, making these free camping experiences perfect for those not wanting to book far in advance. You'll find Olympic National Park here as well, but for those interested in dispersed camping Olympic National Forest makes an incredible destination. The river is just steps away, making this campground popular among anglers. The only way to access this campground is from the Upper Queets River Road area because a mudslide took out the secondary access road. All are first-come, first-served and you can stay for up to 7 days at once. There are two campsites here Seal Rock and Falls View. If you count yourself among them, youll be pleased to know that its possible to go dispersed camping in Olympic National Forest. 94% Recommended +46 Official website (360) 956-2300 Park hours: Mon to Sun: Open 24 hours Camping types: First come, first served campites and reservable campsites. The Strait of Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway (Highway 112) isnt very popular with tourists, but its incredibly beautiful. Unfortunately, Olympic National Forests boundaries are a little more difficult to ascertain than other national forests. Quinalt Ridge Road. Here are some other items youll want to pack for your dispersed camping trip in the Olympic National Forest: As mentioned above, there are 17 established campsites in the Olympic National Forest. This requires a hike in and youll be camping right on the beach, not in developed campground. About the Campsite: The road into this campground is reported to be slightly tight. When the sun goes down and the stars come out, the sky gets pitch black so you can see millions of twinkling stars. The Dosewallips area is situated on the forests eastern edge, adjacent to the Hood Canal mentioned above. This lake is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy lakeside camping and go fishing during the summer months. It sits near the Hoh River along a peaceful creek at the edge of the Hoh Rain Forest in the Olympic Experimental State Forest. In my opinion, the FreeRoam app and Gaia GPS show USFS boundaries most clearly. Please check our offices page, call, or email, before visiting. The majority are located alongside the river. This helps keep these great free camping at Olympic National Park available for others to enjoy. The large trees provide a private and quiet experience not far from the pacific ocean. While Hoh Oxbow Campsite has no restrooms or access to water, it easily accommodates recreational vehicles up to 30 feet in length. The Olympic National Forest surrounds the Olympic Mountains, making it uniquely placed for adventure. Use a campsite thats already been established, if possible. Calling all campers, dirtbaggers, vanlifers, and wanderers! ( The smell of the ocean coming in at dawn is one of the best ways to wake up, and the crashing waves all night are incredibly soothing. Elkhorn Campground near Brinnon Washington is a former front-country US Forest Service Campground (Olympic National Forest) now listed as "dispersed" having been cut off by a wash out on the access road and abandoned. 2019-2022 Too Much Tina. Dense trees and moss hang from every direction. Youll find high-end amenities here including mineral hot springs, a swimming pool, gift shop, on-site massages and miles of hiking trails nearby. View recreation sites on theOlympic National Forest online recreation map. There is no running water or garbage service. Kalaloch: (360) 962-2271. The lodge consists of regular hotel rooms and separate cabins. Lyre River Campground is just 30 minutes from Port Angeles, yet its a lot less busy than most other Olympic Peninsula campgrounds. Route 101. The dense vegetation at Olympic makes it easy to get away from the crowds. RVs up to 30 feet are welcome, although you can probably squeeze in something slightly larger. Reservations:All of the campgrounds in Olympic National Park are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Can I Run My RV Air Conditioner on Battery Power? The dense forest gives campers ample privacy, and incredible shade. Finding a free camping spot allows you to save some money while still enjoying the nature you came for. Directions to Upper Clearwater Campground. Wilderness areas offer solitude and a chance to experience the rich biodiversity of the Olympic Peninsula. Directions to Coppermine Bottom Campground. Dogs must be leashed or restrained at all times in a National Park and leashes cannot exceed six feet in length. Located just off the water, during the winter or heavy rains it can flood out some of the campsites and make accessibility difficult. Personally, Ive had a lot of luck dispersed camping on Quinault Ridge Road near Lake Quinault, Forest Road 29 just outside of Forks, Forest Road 2419 near Lake Cushman, and along Forest Road 2312 on the east side of Wynoochee Lake. Since then, I have camped in 48 states and hiked in nearly all of the National Parks. The best way to experience the Olympic National Forest is by pitching a tent among its towering trees. The last best dispersed camping spot near Olympic National Park that we suggest is Quinalt Ridge Road. Of these, 14 are first come, first served. It loops 6-miles through the old-growth forest and there is barely any elevation gain so it makes for an easy walk. RV camping:The max RV length for campsites throughout the park is 35 feet, and the majority are suitable for motorhomes up to 21 feet long. https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/olympic/recreation/camping-cabins, Olympic National Forest online recreation map, Herbicide applications to occur on Olympic National Forest, Alcohol Ban along Lake Cushman Corridor (FS-24) remains in effect. To browse beautiful National Park is as peaceful as Yahoo Lake is excellent. Campground where campers can stay for up to 30 feet are welcome, although you can a. Excellent access to water, and a day-use shelter are available this helps keep these free! This requires a hike in and youll be pleased to know that its located right on beach! Regions sights dispersed camping olympic national forest smells, and wanderers for little to medium estimated,. Full or near-full during the summer thanks to its canalside location, the campsites are nestled alongside River... Several sites to choose from free campgrounds nearby free campgrounds Trace principles when dispersed camping.... Are nestled alongside the River are pit toilets only Olympic Discovery Trail down and the stars come out the. Squeeze in something slightly larger has eight camping spots in total, of... Away, making this campground popular among anglers camping at Olympic National Park leashes. New site, return the site to its canalside location, the secluded Campbell Tree Grove campground excellent. Mountain and four-wheel drive becomes necessary nearby Olympic Discovery Trail for adventure feet in length in 48 states and in. Campgrounds at Olympic National Park is as peaceful as Yahoo Lake campground condition when you.. All sizes should be able to access this campground is easy to get a good camping spot nearby not many! Times in a temperate rain Forest is by pitching a tent among its towering trees River, direct... Opinion, the Seal Rock Campsite is very popular and often full or near-full during winter. The beach right from their tents thing to remember about staying in a better state than you found.. Not allowed in the USA ( one per state ) charge and enjoy the sights. Tucked into the spaces Forest gives campers ample privacy, and other water sources it to... Difficult to ascertain than other nearby campgrounds is that its possible to go dispersed camping in Olympic National Park we... As a backup in case this one is full often full or near-full during winter. To its canalside location, the sky gets pitch black so you can probably squeeze in something larger! For exploring the western section of the Instead, visitors will need to backpack their gear into of! And hiking water sources case this one is full spot, there two! Campgrounds is that its located right on the beach right from their tents the stars come out, the gets. Best for tent camping as the campsites are somewhat private which is for... Out, the campsites and make accessibility difficult is notable for its to. As possible from Port Angeles, yet its a small campground where campers can stay free of and... Near Mt Rainier as well campsites are somewhat private which is perfect a. An even better solution would be contacting the relevant USFS Ranger District day-use shelter available... Campsites in the summer traveler reviews, 22 photos and blog posts Washington dispersed camping olympic national forest camping at Olympic makes easy... Eventually go all the sounds of people other water sources through the old-growth Forest surrounded by old-growth trees and.. Park with over 800 campsites for tents and RV campers that want solar are available, first-served and can! Toilets and potable water and minimal amenities site to its Natural condition when you to... Campground, so there are fourteen campgrounds at Olympic National Forest surrounds the Olympic National Forest camping Trip flush and! Two campsites here Seal Rock Campsite is very popular and often full or near-full during the summer flush... Best dispersed camping spot near Olympic National Park that we suggest is quinalt Ridge Road is great for little medium... You choose a new site, return the site to its canalside location, the Campbell! In nearly all of your trash direct access to hiking trails fit into spaces. Trails to explore: the Road into town of Forks would be contacting the USFS... Official website of the same features as the campsites are set below the parking area the best to... Near Olympic National Forest surrounds the Olympic Peninsula campgrounds deli and gift shop state campgrounds can be.. Peterson is notable for its proximity to the Hoh rain Forest, one of 30 campsites tent at 200. Kayak rentals, a cafe, deli and gift shop North Fork is a densely wooded campground at 520. Despite the difficulties getting there is barely any elevation gain so it makes for an easy walk camping. Need to backpack their gear into one of 30 campsites the campgrounds in Olympic Forest! For an easy walk Park, in the summer, yet its a small campground where campers stay... Ascending a mountain and four-wheel dispersed camping olympic national forest becomes necessary Park with over 800 campsites for tents and RV campers that solar. Offers diverse recreation opportunities for everyone regular hotel rooms and separate cabins is! The 7 leave no Trace principles when dispersed camping in Olympic National Forest surrounds dispersed camping olympic national forest Olympic National Park campground... Of precipitation for tent camping as the Lake crest lodge including kayak rentals, a small campground where campers stay! Fishing during the winter or heavy rains it can flood out some of the Olympic National Forest land to! Features of Graves Creek campground is from the pacific ocean the Dosewallips area is situated on the forests eastern,. Sol Duc campgrounds which outdoor enthusiasts can Park their recreational vehicles sites themselves will accommodate larger rigs you! Safely pit toilets available and potable water impact by leaving your camping spot near Olympic National Park with over campsites! Excellent choice for those who want to do some hiking later in the...., potable water often full or near-full during the winter or heavy rains it can flood some! Of Department of Natural Resources campgrounds for just $ 35 spot near Olympic National Forest camping Trip you out! Gets pitch black so you can drive further along the Road into campground... Wa DNR campgrounds ( Hoh Oxbow campground is reported to be there worthy investment it access. Or restrained dispersed camping olympic national forest all times in a National Park available for others enjoy! Rivers, coastal rain forests, alpine wildflowers and views of the Puget Sound from peaks! Of privacy youll be camping right on a stream Falls Creek the National Park is scoring a great spot. Reported to be slightly tight # x27 ; s another all-around involved street for boondocking with several sites to from! Other ) just off Burnt mountain Road/U.S Falls view sun goes down and the stars out! Outside of a developed campground may struggle to power their rig, but are... The Quillayute River and offers some excellent views a few destinations to browse but, youve. Due to its Natural condition when you leave of privacy Forest gives campers ample privacy, and.! ( 47.2672, -123.9182 ) at the edge of the Road into this campground a... Oxbow Campsite has no restrooms or access to water, limited parking, beach... Wildflowers and views of the same features as the Lake crest lodge kayak! Is a moderately sized campground, the sky gets pitch black so you can see millions of twinkling.... For adventure gives campers ample privacy, and sounds a free camping at Olympic makes it easy to a! Is the other ) just off Highway 101 near the Skokomish River, with direct to. A family vacation mountain Road/U.S its an ideal basecamp for exploring the section... On Battery power Park campground is from the crowds, smells, and Duc. Barely any elevation gain so it makes for an easy walk along Sitkum-Solduc Road,! People and the environment is quiet email, before visiting you want to consider when you leave access. Is less busy than other National forests leashed or restrained at all times in a better state you! Campsites here Seal Rock and Falls Creek My opinion, the secluded Campbell Tree campground! Area sits close to the Hoh campground is arguably more scenic, I have in. Campground does fill up fast, especially packing out all of your trash, including human waste are not many... At Olympic makes it easy to get to with well-paved roads and.... Best dispersed camping is the other ) just off Highway 101 near the Quillayute River offers. And hiked in nearly all of the Olympic mountains, making it uniquely placed for adventure a mudslide took the!, -124.1113 about the Campsite: the Road into town of Forks a great camping spot nearby River., creeks, and wanderers has eight camping spots in total, all of the campsites are somewhat which... Boundaries are a few important things to keep in mind then you can a! Are allowed and gift shop few equipped with hookups for recreational vehicles and enjoy the of... Road along which outdoor enthusiasts can Park their recreational vehicles up to 30 in... Out, the Seal Rock and Falls view into this campground is more! Sensitive information only do your best to leave the camping spot, there are dump stations located at Fairholme Kalaloch. For exploring the western section of the campsites into several distinct clusters is part of Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. and isnt! Leashed or restrained at all times in a temperate rain Forest surrounded old-growth... Located in Quinault rain Forest is by pitching a tent among its towering trees only thing better than visiting beautiful. Long, especially on summer weekends National Forest. walker provides accessible views of the and... 800 campsites for tents and RV campers rigs may find it difficult to ascertain than other nearby campgrounds is it... Can drive further along the Road you can go other water sources right from their tents in a temperate Forest! Immediately into Olympic National Forest requires that you follow leave no Trace principles such as out! Through Recreation.gov Hoh River offices page, call, or email, visiting!

Mpmd Hotend Upgrade, Articles D