When you think of Olympic National Park, you might think of forests, snow-capped mountains, or waves crashing against the shore. You are not far off. This place has it all. And, if you’re planning a trip to Olympic, one of the best ways to really take it all in is by camping.
But where are the best places to camp when you’re in this magical part of the world? Luckily, there are a few amazing places to stay. But with so many to choose from, figuring out where you can call home for a few nights begins to feel a little confusing. That’s why we’ve put this ultimate guide together! Below, you’ll find 11 of the best campgrounds and RV parks in Olympic National Park.
Heart O’ the Hills Campground
Heart O’ the Hills Campground is a great starting point for anyone heading into Olympic National Park. It’s just a quick five miles from Port Angeles, so you can easily stock up on supplies before heading in. But once you’re in the campground, it feels like you’re in another world, surrounded by forests and tall trees.
With 105 campsites, there is plenty of room for everyone, but it still doesn’t feel crowded. The amenities here are pretty decent, too, including flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, & fire rings at each site. However, there aren’t any RV hookups, and it’s not very well equipped for RVs over 35 feet. Smaller campervans will get by just fine, though.
One of the best parts about camping here is that you’re really close to Hurricane Ridge, one of the most accessible high-elevation spots in Olympic National Park. The views from the top are amazing, and you can see as far as Canada on a clear day. There are also plenty of surrounding hiking trails to explore. Just make sure you pack your snowshoes if you’re visiting during the winter!
This campground is also open all year round, but winter camping here requires a bit more preparation as services are limited during the colder months. Also, no matter what time of year you’re planning to visit, reservations are highly recommended, as it’s a very popular destination.
Graves Creek Campground
For campers who are all about getting way off the beaten path, Graves Creek Campground should be your go-to. Situated deep in the Quinault Rainforest, it’s far from the more trafficked areas of the park. This makes it just the spot for serious campers who don’t need many frills to enjoy their stay.
There are 30 campsites here, and since this is no-frills, the amenities aren’t anything to write home about. There are only vault toilets, and you’ll need to bring your own drinking water. But hey, isn’t it all about the adventure?! This campground is open year-round, but due to its remote location, it’s usually far quieter than any other campground within the park. And you don’t really have to make a reservation; all campsites are first-come, first-served.
In terms of your surroundings, the Quinault Rainforest is one of those places that will make you feel like you’re in a fairytale. The hiking trails add to this feeling, and the Enchanted Valley trail starts right from the campground, taking you through a magical route of ferns & tall trees. You’ll also pass waterfall after waterfall, and if you’re looking for something a little less intense, the shorter Quinault Loop Trail is a good choice.
Hoh Campground
If you’ve ever seen pictures of Olympic National Park, you’ve probably seen the Hoh Rain Forest. It’s one of the park’s most famous areas, and camping at Hoh Campground puts you right in the middle of this wonderland!
Located right along the Hoh River, this campground gives you easy access to some of the most iconic spots in the park. There are 88 campsites to choose from here, and while there are no RV hookups available, you’ve got the basics. This includes flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings. Just keep in mind that each site is relatively small, and only campervans up to 21 feet can fit in.
The Hall of Mosses Trail is a must-do while you’re here. Even though it’s only about a mile long, it will take you through some of the most beautiful rainforest scenery. Or, for something a little longer, you can also take the Hoh River Trail, which runs 18 miles all the way up to Glacier Meadows.
Also, this is a very popular campground, and sites are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. So, it’s a good idea to arrive early to claim a site. But once you’re here, you’ll find yourself surrounded by some of the most incredible hiking trails in the country.
Mora Campground
Dreaming of a beach-based camping vacation? Mora Campground should definitely be on your list. This campground is just a couple of miles away from Rialto Beach, one of the most iconic beaches in Olympic National Park. You’ll still be surrounded by dense forest but will also just be a short drive away from the Pacific Ocean.
Mora Campground has 94 campsites, so there is plenty of room for everyone. Like most campground sites in the park, there aren’t any hookups for RVs, but flush toilets, potable water, and fire rings are provided. It’s also a good place for larger RVs (up to 35 feet) to camp. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that while Mora Campground is open all year round, this part of Olympic National Park gets a lot of rain. So, keep an eye on the weather forecast before heading out and exploring the surrounding area.
There’s plenty to explore, too! The real reason people camp here is for easy access to Rialto Beach, which is famous for its sea stacks and its driftwood-covered shoreline. A short hike down the beach will take you to Hole-in-the-Wall, a sea-carved arch that’s best explored at low tide. And, if you’re into photography, this place is a must-visit, especially at sunset when the sea stacks are silhouetted against the orange skies.
Fairholme Campground
Fairhome Campground is on the western shore of Lake Crescent, one of the park’s most beautiful spots. You’ll find 88 campsites here, and while there aren’t any RV hookups, small rigs up to 21 feet are welcome here. Flush toilets, potable water, and fire rings are all provided. There’s even a little general store nearby where you can grab some snacks or rent a kayak.
It is seasonal, though, and is open from April through October. Like most of the campgrounds here, spots are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. So, if you’re planning a summer trip, you’ll want to arrive early to grab a space.
The lake itself is the main attraction here. On a sunny day, the water is so clear and blue that it almost doesn’t seem real, and you can swim, paddle around in a kayak, or just relax by the shore. Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, there are plenty of nearby hikes to choose from. These include the Marymere Falls Trails, which is an easy, family-friendly hike that takes you through a forest to an amazing waterfall. There are some more challenging hikes, too, such as the Mount Storm King Trail – but be warned, it’s a steep one!
Kalaloch Campground
Kalaloch Campground is one of the most popular campgrounds in Olympic National Park, and for a good reason. It’s perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, so you’ll fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves and wake up to the salty sea air.
That’s not the only reason it’s so popular, though. There are 170 campsites in total here, making it one of the largest campgrounds in the park. Many of these sites have amazing ocean views. So, if you’ve ever dreamed of camping right by the ocean, this is the place to be!
There are no hookups or dump stations, but you will have access to flush toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. RVs up to 40 feet are welcome to stay here. Also, Kalaloch is one of the few campgrounds in the park that accepts reservations during the summer. So, if you’re visiting between mid-June and early September, you can book your spot in advance.
The beach here is what really makes Kalaloch Campground special. You can wander along the shore, check out the tide pools, or just sit back and watch as the waves roll in. When you’re ready to explore a little more, a short walk will take you to the “Tree of Life”, a massive tree that is alive despite being suspended above an eroded cliff. And, if you’re lucky, you might spot some wildlife, as this stretch of coast is known for its bald eagles, seals, and whales.
Sol Duc Campground
If soaking in hot springs after a long day of hiking sounds like your kind of camping trip, you’re going to love Sol Duc Campground. This spot is located right near the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, which means you’ll have easy access to the hot springs pools.
Sol Duc Campground has 82 sites in total, and while there are no RV hookups, RVs up to 21 feet can stay here and take advantage of the facilities on offer. These include flush toilets, potable water, and fire rings. You can also make reservations to stay here, and this is highly recommended during the summer months. The site is open from April through October, so you may be able to grab a space without a reservation at either end of the season.
Before you head off for a relaxing soak in the hot springs, there are plenty of hikes to keep you busy. The Sol Duc Falls Trail is a must-do, and at a just 1.6-mile round trip, it’s an easy hike that takes you to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the park. There are a couple of more challenging hikes if you’re up for them, too, including the Seven Lakes Basin Loop, where you’ll find stunning views of alpine lakes and mountain peaks.
Queets Campground
Different camping enthusiasts have different tastes. If you’re the kind of person who seeks solitude from your camping experience, Queets Campground is about as remote as it gets in Olympic National Park. Located along the Queets River in the park’s southwestern corner, it’s far from the more crowded areas and is the kind of place where you can really disconnect.
Don’t let its remote location trick you into thinking there’s nothing to do here. The Queets River Trail is the main attraction, which is a quiet, peaceful hike that follows the river through old-growth forests. You may even find that you have it all to yourself, adding to the secluded feeling. It’s a pretty long trail (around 16 miles one-way), but you can turn around whenever you want. Also, this part of the park is great for fishing, and if you’re up for a real adventure, you can head out on the river in your kayak.
Its quietness is further enhanced by its size, and there are only 20 sites on offer here. Keep in mind that things are pretty primitive, though, and there are no flush toilets, no drinking fountains, and it’s best suited for smaller campervans and tent camping. It’s open year-round and sites are offered on a first-come-first-served basis. But if you’re craving an off-the-grid camping experience, this place is an absolute dream come true.
Log Cabin RV & Campground
If you’re looking for something a little less rustic but still close to the action, Log Cabin RV & Campground is a fantastic place to stay. This spot is based just outside the northern boundary of Olympic National Park (near Port Angeles). This makes it a super convenient base camp for exploring the region.
As a privately owned campground, Log Cabin offers way more in terms of comfort than the in-park options. You’ll get full RV hookups (water, sewer, and electricity), which is perfect if you’re traveling with a larger rig. They also have clean restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities on-site, so you can camp without giving up all the creature comforts.
Since you’re so close to Port Angeles, you’ll find that you’re only a short drive away from Hurricane Ridge and the Elwha River Valley. Both of these offer you some of the best mountain views in the park and several hiking trails. Some of these trails are good if you’re hoping to avoid crowds, too, including the Madison Falls Trail or the slightly longer Elwha River Trail.
Elwha Dam RV Park
Elwha Dam RV Park is just a few minutes from the Elwha River and about ten minutes from Port Angeles. This makes it another great option if you’re traveling with an RV and want some modern amenities. In fact, this campground has pretty much everything you could ever want.
You’ll find full hookups, WiFi, and even cable TV! So, if you’re planning a camping trip with kids or staying for a longer period of time, you’ll find the little luxuries here can make a big difference.
Elwha Dam RV Park is open all year round, and while reservations aren’t always necessary, it’s a good idea to book ahead in the summer as it’s a very popular place to stay. Along with the amenities we’ve already touched on, there are restrooms, hot showers, and laundry facilities – all of which are super handy after a day exploring Olympic National Park.
The biggest draw here is the nearby Elwha River. After the removal of the Elwha Dam, it has been restored to its natural state, making it a very popular spot for wildlife spotting, hiking, and fishing. You can also take the short, easy Madison Falls Trail from the campgrounds, which will reward you with a beautiful waterfall at the end.
Gilgal Oasis RV Park
Gilgal Oasis RV Park, a small, peaceful campground located just outside the town of Sequim, is the last spot on our list. This place is ideal if you’re looking for a quieter camping trip but don’t want to sacrifice convenience and modern amenities. And since you’re close to both the northern and southern sections of the park, you’ll have plenty of options for exploring.
A smaller, well-maintained RV park compared to Log Cabin and Elwha Dam, it has full hookups, free Wi-Fi, restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities, so it is a great family camping choice for long stays. Tent camping is welcome, too, so even if you want a bit of change, you can still stay here.
While you’re here, give Sequim a look, and if you come to visit during the summer, don’t miss the lavender farms. The town is actually known as the “Lavender Capital of North America,” and those fields in full bloom are simply breathtaking. Also nearby is the Dungeness Spit, with hiking trails to the end for ]views of the water and a chance to see seals and seabirds.
Final Thoughts
From the remote and peaceful Queets Campground to the beachside bliss of Kalaloch, each of the spots we’ve detailed above offers something special. And, with endless opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and soaking in the natural beauty of Olympic National Park, there’s no better way to explore everything than by spending a few nights in one of these incredible campgrounds.
If you’re itching to get out on the open road, why not make it easy and fun with a campervan or RV from Travellers Autobarn? With unlimited miles and a vehicle that’s perfect for your adventure, you can explore every inch of this stunning park and beyond, Whether you’re setting off from Seattle or making it part of a bigger road trip by taking a San Francisco road trip or visiting some of the other best campgrounds in the USA, we’ve got you covered!
Here are a few articles and road trip itineraries you might like.
Guide to the Best Campgrounds for Campervan in the USA
Guide to Free Camping in the USA
Los Angeles to Seattle Road Trip
About the Author
Bastian Graf
Bastian is the Sales & Marketing Manager here at Travellers Autobarn. He holds a Master of Commerce in Marketing and International Business Management, and 20+ years experience in campervan hire, road trips and travel.