Olympic National Park Camping

Looking for the Best Camping Spots in Olympic National Park? Whether you’re planning a tent camping trip, an RV adventure, or a backcountry trek, Olympic National Park in Washington State offers incredible campsites with breathtaking views of rainforests, mountains, and the Pacific coastline.

This guide covers everything you need to know about camping in Olympic National Park, including reservable campgrounds, first-come-first-served sites, RV camping, backcountry permits, pet policies, and essential travel tips to help you plan an unforgettable trip.

Best Campgrounds in Olympic National Park

Olympic National Park has 15 developed campgrounds and nearly 900 campsites available for tent camping, car camping, and RVs (without hookups). Some campgrounds accept reservations, while others are first-come, first-served.

Reservable Campgrounds

These campgrounds allow reservations during peak season (typically May – September).

1. Kalaloch Campground

   • Best for: Beachfront camping with ocean views.

   • Sites: 170 total. Some accommodate RVs up to 35 feet.

   • Amenities: Flush toilets, potable water, fire pits, picnic tables. No hookups.

   • Reservations: Available May – September; first-come, first-served during off-season.

2. Sol Duc Campground

   • Best for: Forest camping near hot springs.

   • Sites: 82 total, including 17 with electric & water hookups.

   • Amenities: Flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, RV dump station.

   • Reservations: Available March – October; first-come, first-served outside of peak season.

3. Fairholme Campground

   • Best for: Lakefront camping near Lake Crescent.

   • Sites: 88 total. Some sites fit RVs up to 21 feet.

   • Amenities: Flush toilets, potable water, food storage lockers, dump station.

   • Reservations: Available April – October; first-come, first-served in the off-season.

4. Hoh Rain Forest Campground

   • Best for: Camping in a lush rainforest surrounded by towering moss-covered trees.

   • Sites: 78 total. A few accommodate RVs up to 35 feet.

   • Amenities: Flush toilets, potable water, food storage lockers.

   • Reservations: Available June – September; first-come, first-served the rest of the year.

5. Mora Campground

   • Best for: Coastal camping near Rialto Beach.

   • Sites: 94 total, some fit RVs up to 35 feet.

   • Amenities: Flush toilets, potable water, fire pits, picnic tables.

   • Reservations: Available May – September; first-come, first-served in the off-season.

First-Come, First-Served Campgrounds (Arrive Early to Secure a Spot!)

These campgrounds do not accept reservations, so plan to arrive early, especially in the summer months.

1. Heart O’ the Hills Campground – Near Hurricane Ridge, 97 sites, open year-round.

2. Staircase Campground – Along the Skokomish River, 49 sites, open year-round.

3. South Beach Campground – Bluffside views of the Pacific Ocean, 55 sites, open May – September.

4. Graves Creek Campground – Quinault Rainforest, 30 sites, remote & primitive.

5. Ozette Campground – Lakeside camping near Ozette Triangle, 15 sites.

RV Camping in Olympic National Park

RVs are allowed in many campgrounds, but hookups are NOT available inside the park.

• Best RV-friendly campgrounds: Kalaloch, Sol Duc (some electric sites), Fairholme, Mora, and Hoh.

• Max RV length: Most sites accommodate 21 feet, but some can fit up to 35 feet.

• Dump stations: Available at Kalaloch and Sol Duc (fee required).

• Full hookup options: Log Cabin Resort RV & Campground (on Lake Crescent, outside the park).

Backcountry & Wilderness Camping in Olympic National Park

For those who want to camp off the grid, backcountry camping is available by permit only.

• Backpacking Permits: Required year-round (book online at Recreation.gov).

• Quota Areas: Some areas, like Hoh River Trail, Sol Duc, and Royal Basin, require reservations.

• Bear Canisters: Required in most backcountry areas (available for loan at ranger stations).

• Coastal Camping: Shi Shi Beach, Rialto Beach, and Ozette Triangle offer beachfront wilderness camping.

Pro Tips for Camping in Olympic National Park

• ✅ Arrive Early – First-come, first-served sites fill up fast, especially in summer.

• ✅ Book in Advance – Reservations for peak season open 6 months in advance on Recreation.gov.

• ✅ Pack for Rain – Olympic NP gets a lot of precipitation (up to 12 feet per year in the rainforest). Bring waterproof gear!

• ✅ Check Road Conditions – Some roads close in winter due to snow and storms. Visit NPS.gov for updates.

• ✅ Respect Wildlife – Do not feed animals and stay at least 100 yards from bears & 50 yards from other wildlife.

Final Thoughts: Best Camping Spots in Olympic National Park

Camping in Olympic National Park is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, hikers, and adventure seekers. Whether you’re tent camping in the Hoh Rainforest, RV camping at Kalaloch Beach, or backpacking along the rugged Pacific coastline, Olympic NP has the perfect campsite for you.

💡 Ready to plan your trip? Reserve your campsite now at Recreation.gov or arrive early for first-come, first-served camping.