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    Home » Travel » US National Parks

    Published: Jul 29, 2020 · Updated: Aug 1, 2025 by JohnTillison · This post may contain affiliate links

    Ultimate Olympic National Park Camping Guide!

    There are so many options for Olympic National Park Camping trips it can be hard to decide which campground to stay in. 

    You can choose to camp near the beach, in the Hoh Rainforest, in a primitive campsite or near the Sol Duc Hot Springs. We love moving around the park and checking out different parts of the park. 

    There are two campgrounds that take reservations (the Kalaloch Campground and Sol Duc Campground). All of the other campgrounds are first to come first serve. You will definitely want to get to the campground early especially on summer weekends. 

    TL;DR Don’t have time to read the full article? Here are my top finds:
    🏨Hotels and Vacation Rentals
    📍Tours
    🐻 Save time! Buy your National Park Pass before your trip

    Olympic National Park Camping

    Camping in Olympic National Park is the perfect way to truly experience this gorgeous Washington State park. You can wake up in the heart of the park. The Olympic Peninsula is huge and you will want to plan what parts of the park you want to see so you don't spend your entire trip driving from site to site.

    Make sure to check out our complete Olympic National Park guide for all the information you need to have a great visit to the park. 

    Reservable Campgrounds 

    Kalaloch Campground

    Kalaloch Campground is located next to Kalaloch Beach and the perfect place to fall asleep with the sounds of the Pacific Ocean. There are supplies and groceries available just down the street at the Kalaloch Lodge. 

    Location: Off of Highway 101 on the Pacific Coast. 

    Open: Year-round

    Number of sites: 170

    Reservations?: yes, reservations can be made on Reservation.org or by calling (877) 444-6777 for the peak season (May 22, 2019 - September 08, 2019)

    Campground Amenities: Flush toilets, running water, picnic tables, a fire pit

    RVs allowed?: Yes, There are no hook-ups

    See more photos and information on the Kalaloch Campground.

     

    Sol Duc Campground

    Sol Duc Campground is the closest campground to the Sol Duc Hot Springs. This is the perfect campground to spend the day hiking and then come back and soak in the hot springs. 

    Location: Near the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. 

    Open: Year-round

    Number of sites: 82

    Reservations?: yes, Reservations are required for Sol Duc Campground during the busy season.  Reservations can be made on Reservation.org or by calling (877) 444-6777.

    Campground amenities: drinking water, flush toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables.

    RVs allowed?: Yes, there are no hook-ups 

    For more information and photos check out our post on Sol Duc Campground 

     

    Non-Reservable Campgrounds

    Deer Park Campground

    Deer Park Campground is the highest campground within Olympic National Park. Open seasonally depending on the weather. 

    Location:  

    Open: June - mid-October, depending on road conditions and snowmelt.

    Number of sites: 14

    Reservations?: No

    Campground amenities: Picnic Table and Firepit, Pit toilets, no potable water

    RVs allowed?: No

    Dosewallips Campground 

    Due to the road being washed out it is now a 6.5-mile hike into the Dosewallips Campground. 

    Location:  Located on the East side of the Olympic National Park.

    Open: Year-round, Walk-in 6.5 miles due to storm damage! 

    Number of sites: 30

    Reservations?: No

    Campground amenities: Fire pit and picnic table, Pit toilets, no water

    RVs allowed?: No

    Fairholme Campground 

    Fairholme Campground is located on Lake Crescent and is really popular when it is open. Make sure and arrive early to grab a killer camping site before heading out to explore the park. 

    Location: Lake Crescent

    Open: April 26 - September 30, 2019

    Number of sites: 88

    Reservations?: No, First come first served

    Campground amenities: Flush toilet, potable water, picnic tables, and fire grates. 

    RVs allowed?: yes, Sites for 21 feet. There is a dump station available for $10 a use

    See our post on the Fairholme Campground to see additional photos and information on this campground.

     

    Graves Creek Campground 

    Location: Near Lake Quinault

    Open: year-round

    Number of sites: 30

    Reservations?: No, First come first served

    Campground amenities: Pit toilet, picnic tables, and fire grates. There is no running water at this campground

    RVs allowed?: RVs and trailers not allowed

    Check out our full post on Graves Creek Campground to see more photos and details on this campground.

    Heart O' the Hills Campground

    Heart O' the Hills Campground is the closest campground to Port Angeles, Washington. It is located on the road leading up to Hurricane Ridge. This is a great campground to stay in to explore the northern portion of Olympic National Park. 

    Location: Near the road to Hurricane Ridge and Port Angeles. 

    Open: Year-round, During the winter this campground may be walk-in only. 

    Number of sites: 105

    Reservations?: No, First come first served

    Campground amenities: Pit toilet, potable water, picnic tables, and fire grates. 

    RVs allowed?: Sites for 21 feet, a few for 35 feet

    Check out our full post on Heart O' the Hills  Campground to see more photos and information on this campground

    Hoh Campground

    Have you ever dreamed of camping in the middle of a temperate rainforest? If you answered yes then the Hoh Campground is perfect for you. Surrounded by large trees covered in moss and home to a large herd of resident Roosevelt Elk. 

    Location: Heart of the Hoh Rainforest near the Visitor Center. 

    Open: year-round

    Number of sites: 78

    Reservations?: No, First come first served

    Campground amenities: Flush toilet, Potable water, picnic tables, and fire grates. 

    RVs allowed?: Yes

    RV Length: Sites for 21 feet, a few for up to 35 feet

    Check out our full post on the Hoh Campground to see more photos and information on this campground

    Mora Campground 

    If you are looking for easy beach access then you will love Mora Campground. Located a few miles from Rialto Beach you can enjoy being close to Forks and easy to get to amenities while enjoying a large campground. 

    Location: A few miles from Rialto Beach on the Washington Coast. 

    Open: Year-round

    Number of sites: 94

    Reservations?: No, First come- first served

    Campground Amenities: Flush toilets, potable water, fire pits, picnic table 

    RVs allowed?: Yes, Sites for 21 feet, a few for 35 feet, Dump station available

    Check out our entire post on Mora Campground to see more photos and site information.

    North Fork Campground 

    The North Fork Campground is perfect for campers who want to get away and enjoy a primitive campground. After traveling a dirt road to the campground you will find yourself surrounded by large trees covered in moss. Next, to the Quinault River, there is a ton of hiking trails to explore in this area. 

    Location: Near the Lake Quinault Ranger Station.

    Open: year-round

    Number of sites: 9

    Reservations?: No, First come- first served

    Campground Amenities: Pit toilets, fire pits, picnic table. There is no running water 

    RVs allowed?: Not recommended for RVs and trailers

    Check out our entire post on North Fork Campground to see more photos and site information.

    Ozette Campground 

    If you are looking to get away from it all and be close to both a lake and the Pacific Ocean then the Ozette Campground is perfect for you! You will be miles away from a gas station or grocery store so make sure and pack everything you need with you.

    The best part of this campground is you can wander the Ozette Triangle trail and explore the boardwalk leading to the beach. 

    ocation: Near Lake Ozette 

    Open: year-round, some sites flood in the winter and are closed. 

    Number of sites: 15

    Reservations?: No, First come- first served

    Campground Amenities: Pit toilets, fire pits, picnic table. There is no running water.  

    RVs allowed?: Yes, Sites for 21 feet

    Check out our full post on the Lake Ozette Campground to see site photos and videos. 

    Queets Campground 

    Queets Campground is perfect for those campers who want solitude and to truly escape from a ton of other people. The campground does not have any services so you will need to plan your trip and be prepared.

    Once you are out at the Queets Campground you have amazing access to the gorgeous Queets Rainforest! 

    Location: Off of Highway 101 towards the Queets Rainforest. 

    Open: year-round

    Number of sites: 20

    Reservations?: No, First come- first served

    Campground Amenities: Pit toilets, fire pits, picnic table. There is no running water in the campground.  

    RVs allowed?: No, not recommended for RV's or Trailers 

    Check out our full post for Queets Campground with campsite video and photos. 

    South Beach Campground 

    If you are looking for a beach getaway that is close to amenities but doesn't need a reservation then the South Beach Campground is perfect. Located just down Highway 101 from the Kalaloch Lodge the South Beach Campground has 55 non-reservable sites. You will want to get there early to grab a coveted spot in the campground. 

    Location: Off of Highway 101 just down from the Kalaloch Campground. 

    Open: May 17 - September 23. 2019

    Number of sites: 55

    Reservations?: No, First come- first served

    Campground Amenities: Flush toilets, fire pits, picnic table. There is no potable water in the campground 

    RVs allowed?: Yes, Sites for 21 feet, a few for 35 feet

    Check out our entire post on South Beach Campground to see more photos and site information.

     

    Staircase Campground 

    Staircase Campground is located near the Skokomish River and is surrounded by enormous Douglas Firs. This campground does not have reservations but does offer all the amenities you would expect from a reservable campground. You have access to flush toilets and potable water in the summer along with great ranger programs. The campground is located on the East side of the Olympic National Park. 

    From October to May the campground is still open but is primitive with no running water or flush toilet. 

    Location: 

    Open: year-round but primitive in the winter

    Number of sites: 49, 5 sites are walk-in only 

    Reservations?: No, First come- first served

    Campground Amenities: Flush toilets and potable water in the summer months!  Pit toilets and no water during the off-season. 

    Fire pits, picnic table 

    RVs allowed?: Yes, Sites for 21 feet, a few for 35 feet

    Additional Olympic National Park Information & Resources

    Olympic National Park Guided Tours

    Hoh Rain Forest and Rialto Beach Guided Tour in Olympic National Park
    ⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 9 hours |  🚌Check Rates and Availability

    The ancient forests, mountains, and rugged beaches of the Olympic National Park provide some spectacular hiking opportunities. On this tour, visit two of the most stunning natural spots - Hoh Rainforest and Rialto Beach - and enjoy short hikes at both destinations. With round-trip transportation, National Park fees included, and an optional packed lunch, everything is taken care of, so you can focus on admiring the views.

    Best of Olympic National Park from Seattle: All-Inclusive Small-Group Day Tour
    ⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 12 hours |  🚌Check Rates and Availability

    Have a special chance to explore Olympic National Park with a naturalist guide - and make your sightseeing logistics smooth and hassle-free on this small group tour from Seattle. With round-trip transit from your downtown hotel, getting to the UNESCO-listed park is made simple. From beaches to mountains to forests and beyond, experience the best of this spectacular landscape, seeing and doing more with your guide than you could alone.

    Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Olympic National Park
    ⭐️ Rating: 4.4 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours to 1 day | 🔊Check Rates and Availability

    Download this audio tour and you'll discover more on your Olympic National Park road trip. Hear fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, local tips, and directions play automatically, all based on your location.

    You'll be guided to all of the park's famous highlights as well as the lesser-known gems, including the most easily accessed mountain area in the park with superb views and hiking trails, a unique temperate rainforest where you can walk amongst the giant trees, and incredible beaches rich with tidepools.

    Where to stay when visiting Olympic National Park

    Olympic National Park Lodging

    There are multiple National Park Lodges within the park. Deciding on which lodge to stay in will largely depend on what part of the park you plan to explore because it certainly is one of those National Parks that you'll visit multiple times and still have something new to see (like we do!)

    Kalaloch Lodge

    🏨Ready to Book the Kalaloch Lodge -> Click Here

    • Season: Year-round
    • Location: Along Highway 101 on the Pacific Ocean

    The Kalaloch Lodge is a perfect place to stay while exploring the Olympic Peninsula and was indeed one of our favorite National Park Lodges we've ever stayed at. With well-equipped rooms and unbeatable views of Kalaloch Beach, you're sure to fall in love with this lodge.

    Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort

    🏨Ready to Book Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort -> Click Here

    • Season: Mid-April to the end of October
    • Location: Right by the Sol Duc Hot Springs

    The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is a rustic, serene property located by the hot springs. With a reservation at this resort, you'll also get access to swim in the hot springs, which was undoubtedly the highlight of our stay there. The property's prime location in the forested region also gives you easy access to the nearby trails, the Sol Duc Falls, River, and Valley.

    Lake Crescent Lodge

    🏨Ready to Book the Lake Crescent Lodge -> Click Here

    • Season: May to January
    • Location: Beside Lake Crescent, approximately 30 minutes from Port Angeles, Washington

    The Lake Crescent Lodge boasts phenomenal views of Lake Crescent and offers a variety of accommodating options like cottages, lodge rooms, single tavern cottages, and more for you to choose from. If you end up deciding on a cottage (like we did), you'll get a chance to catch the gorgeous sunsets over the lake from your front porch. You can also rent kayaks from the property to go kayaking on the lake.

    Lodging near Olympic NP

    Olympic NP borders multiple gateway communities including Port Angeles, Sequim, Port Townsend, La Push, Olympia, Forks, and Shelton.

    Lake Quinault Lodge 

    🏨Ready to Book the Lake Quinault Lodge -> Click Here

    At Lake Quinault Lodge, you can look forward to golfing on site, a terrace, and shopping on site. For some rest and relaxation, visit the sauna. The onsite family restaurant, Roosevelt Room, features American cuisine. In addition to a firepit and mini golf, guests can connect to free in-room Wi-Fi.

    Perch Small - Treehouse - Eagles Perch Over The Water 

    🏨Ready to Book Perch Small- Treehouse - Eagles Perch Over The Water -> Click Here

    Stunning Tree house looking over the Strait of Juan De Fuca is a total North-West Washington experience. It is made of cedar with rustic touches. Once you are inside you will never want to leave as the floor to ceiling window looks onto the straight and with constant moving landscape of cruise ships, wildlife, and bald eagles soaring across your window.

    Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor 

    🏨Ready to Book the Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor -> Click Here

    Take advantage of dry cleaning/laundry services, a fireplace in the lobby, and a bar at Red Lion Hotel Port Angeles Harbor. This hotel is a great place to bask in the sun with a beachfront location. Be sure to enjoy a meal at 48° North, the onsite restaurant. Free in-room Wi-Fi is available to all guests, along with a gym and a business center.

    Click on the map below to see additional hotel and vacation rental rates in the area.

    Olympic National Park Entrance Fee

    Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.

    Park Entrance Pass - $30.00 Per private vehicle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

    Park Entrance Pass - Motorcycle - $25.00 Per motorcycle (valid for 1-7 days from the date of purchase)

    Per-Person Entrance Pass - $15.00 Visitors 16 years or older who enter on foot, bicycle, or as part of an organized group not involved in a commercial tour.

    Annual Park Entrance Pass - $55.00, Admits pass holder and all passengers in a non-commercial vehicle. Valid for one year from the month of purchase.

    $75.00 for Commercial Van with 7-15 seats

    $100.00 for Commercial Mini-Bus with 16-25 seats

    $200.00 for Commercial Motor Coach with 26+ seats

    Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.

    $80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.

    2024 America The Beautiful National Park Pass

    Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

    National Park Free Entrance Days  -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.

    Additional Olympic National Park Resources

    Olympic National Park Lodging - Check out our complete guide of all the places to stay within the park including Lake Crescent Lodge, Log Cabin Resort, Kalaloch Lodge and Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. 

    Things to do in Olympic NP - Find out all of the top things to do in this great park.

    Free National Park Days - Check out the 5 days a year the National Park Service waives entrance fees.

    Most visited National Parks - Check out all of the top-visited parks in the United States

    Moon Olympic Peninsula Guide Book

    Olympic National Park trails map

    Check out all of the Washington National Parks along with neighboring Oregon National Parks, Idaho National Parks, National Parks in Hawaii, and National Parks in Alaska

    Make sure to follow Park Ranger John on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok

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    • Yellowstone National Park Tours
    • California Black Bears alsong Bass Lake on our California National Parks Road Trip
      California National Parks Road Trip to Sequoia, Kings Canyon, & Yosemite
    • campsite in Sunset Campground in Kings Canyon National Park
      Sunset Campground Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks
    • Lodgepole Campground Sequoia National Park
      Lodgepole Campground Sequoia National Park

    Filed Under: Camping, US National Parks

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