Although Upper Hoh Road is close, traffic generally dies down by evening. Some pieces of outdoor gear are essential regardless of your camping location. There are several short day-hikes that explore the area. Reviews indicate that rigs of all sizes should be able to use this camping location. Of the 17 campsites described above, 12 accommodate recreational vehicles. Your reward for making the climb is some of the most outstanding mountain views in Olympic National Park. Camping in Olympic National Park itself is honestly amazing. National Forest campgrounds are more economical, less crowded and dispersed or backcountry camping is usually free. Official websites use .gov A .gov Campsites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 20 feet (perhaps slightly longer at the largest site). Then you can drive further along the road to find a site and/or determine how far along the road you can go. Nearly all of the campsites have potable water spigots. Since then, I have camped in 48 states and hiked in nearly all of the National Parks. Situated in the southeastern part of the Olympic National Forest, the Lake Cushman area features the only USFS-managed campsite in the region Big Creek Campsite. Its very secluded and a bit harder to get to, but it can provide some excellent experiences for those looking for a remote destination. Its another well-used road for boondocking with several sites to choose from. There is no garbage service. There are dozens of tiny campsites scattered throughout Olympic National Park for backpacking. Kalaloch Campground has flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station. Pick up an Olympic National Forest map at a ranger station. Youll find minimal amenities with just pit toilets available and potable water. The Hamma Hamma drainage is well-loved by locals and visitors alike. 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. Please be sure to leave the sites better than you found them, which means leaving no trash, even if you didnt put it there. The Dosewallips area is situated on the forests eastern edge, adjacent to the Hood Canal mentioned above. Out of the three campsites listed below, the Lena Lake one is probably the most beautiful (and also the only one thats free!). Some campers have indicated a quiet, empty camping experience, with others sharing they found a crowded and loud location. The Best Established Campsites in Olympic National Forest, The Best Dispersed Camping Areas in Olympic National Forest, Quinault Ridge Road Dispersed Camping Area, dispersed camping areas in Washington state, List of Dispersed Camping and Campsites in Great Locations, Free Dispersed Camping Near Denver The Ultimate Guide, Ultimate Guide to Free Dispersed Camping in Big Sur, Complete Guide to Free Dispersed Camping near Joshua Tree National Park, Free Dispersed Campsites Near Grand Teton National Park, RV hookups, showers, flush toilets, drinking water. Avoid setting up camp in a previously undisturbed area. The north portion of Forest Road 29 is often considered to be more friendly for larger RVs with pavement for a good portion until it turns to hard packed gravel. These include a robust tent, a sleeping bag that will protect you from the bugs and the cold, and even a set of comfortable camping chairs if youre staying with a group. In every direction, there are natural beauties to see from the ocean views to the beaches and the dense forests. 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. Mora Campground does require reservations during peak season, from June through September which can be obtained on Recreation.gov. The location may feel extremely remote, but there is a small town with a grocery store just 15 minutes away. The Campground is located adjacent to the West Fork Humptulips River in a beautiful temperate rain forest. Fortunately, there are pit toilets and miles of hiking trails to explore. Dispersed camping is allowed in certain locations in national forests, Department of Natural Resources and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands. This is one of the best ways to camp for free on the Olympic Peninsula, especially if you prefer primitive camping outside of a developed campground. Perhaps no other free campground near Olympic National Park is as peaceful as Yahoo Lake Campground. The dense trees give it a quiet and remote feel. The area Ive linked on the map above is the most popular due to its spaciousness. Kalaloch: (360) 962-2271. There are no reservations necessary here as it is a first-come, first-served location. The Kalaloch Campground has some of the most sought-after campsites in Olympic National Park those looking out over the Pacific Ocean. Sol Duc: Reserve at www.recreation.gov or call (877) 444-6777. Quinalt Ridge Road is great for little to medium estimated RVs, or trailers under 24 feet. Unfortunately, there are no amenities of any type at the Elkhorn dispersed camping area. Hi, I'm Kate! You can still camp for free in Olympic National Forest. This may be the best free camping near Olympic National Park. Every time you pay federal taxes, youre contributing to these lands. Some private campgrounds with quick access to the park include: Four lodges within the park are the perfect place to stay if you want a comfortable bed to sleep in, but still want to wake up right next to the trails. North Fork is the smallest campground in Olympic National Park. More articles about camping in Washington State. website belongs to an official government organization in the Stay at Coppermine Bottom Campground if you prefer to camp a bit off the beaten path. Campers enjoy Kalaloch Campground for various reasons. Getting there is tricky, though youll have to walk almost 4 miles to reach the place. pets; Created with Sketch. Olympic National Park Boondocking Vibes: 6/10 While the location and accessibility are great, there are enough reports of loud parties and uncomfortable situations that make this a place where timing is everything. Its located at the far southwest end of the Olympic Peninsula near Ocean Shores. Lyre River Campground is just 30 minutes from Port Angeles, yet its a lot less busy than most other Olympic Peninsula campgrounds. About the Campsite: The road into this campground is reported to be slightly tight. Fortunately for a big campground, the campsites are somewhat private which is perfect for a family vacation. Highway 101 is close so expect some road noise (most is drowned out by the river). Often ranger stations will have Bureau of Land Management maps indicating allowed access areas. . If you want to explore the North portion of the road, its best to follow the directions above, and start at US-101. Lets get right to the point theres a ton of free camping on the Olympic Peninsula. 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. There are dump stations located at Fairholme, Kalaloch, Mora, and Sol Duc campgrounds. One of the larger campsites in Olympic National Park is Sol Duc. South of the park, in the Olympic National Forest, the secluded Campbell Tree Grove Campground offers excellent access to hiking trails. The secluded forest setting is part of the Clearwater Corridor Natural Resources Conservation Area. Minnie Peterson is notable for its proximity to the Hoh Rain Forest section of Olympic National Park. This Olympic National Forest dispersed camping area sits close to the scenic Dosewallips River. The Campbell Tree Grove itself is a stand of old growth which illuminates the distinctive features of Olympic National Forest. Offices are now open at limited hours. The Quinault Ridge Road is situated just off U.S. Route 101. Closed About Want to visit a rain forest? Starting GPS (47.2672, -123.9182) At the intersection of US-101 and Donkey Creek Road, head north-west on Donkey Creek Road. This is a diverse natural region with a dramatic elevation change. While technically not a dispersed camping area, Hoh Oxbow Campsite undoubtedly provides its visitors with the feeling of being out there. No potable water or garbage service is available. ( Dispell the myths of boondocking and arm yourself with the laws and truths. ~ 1 hour, 25 minute drive time. Seal Rock Campground along Hood Canal offers boating and fishing access and nearby Mt. Seven Cedars Casino in Sequim offers free overnight RV parking (just make sure to register inside). There are a total of 78 sites at the campground and some are suitable for RVs up to 35 feet long. Evergreen conifers and hardwoods provide a beautiful wooded setting. The hike to Flapjack Lakes is for the stronger hikers, gaining over 3,000 feet in elevation. Additional options for RV boondocking can be had at the Walmart in Port Angeles as well as the Walmart in Sequim. Dont camp anywhere until you reach Klahanie Campground. This is a USFS-managed road along which outdoor enthusiasts can park their recreational vehicles and enjoy the regions sights, smells, and sounds. The only road in is a dirt road, though there are no large ruts to worry about navigating over. I dont think he paid for a campsite in his life. 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. All of the sites are first-come, first-served. There are many sites available along this road. Sadie Creek Campground has a vault toilet, ATV loading ramp, and horse hitching post in addition to the standard picnic tables and fire rings. The river is just steps away, making this campground popular among anglers. It is available year-round except for these times. While some of the roads leading into it can be narrow, they are paved and are not difficult to navigate. The Hoh Campground is located in a temperate rain forest surrounded by old-growth trees and moss. Located just outside the parks boundaries, its an ideal basecamp for exploring the western section of the park. In 2017 I moved into a Dodge Ram Van to travel the US and explore the outdoors. . The Olympic National Forest surrounds the Olympic Mountains, making it uniquely placed for adventure. Once here, youre greeted with 2 absolutely gorgeous campsites with very few other campers around. They took me camping every year from the age of three, and hiking was simply walking up hills! These sites are best suited for smaller vans and tents. Its found along State Highway 113 (Burnt Mountain Road), about four miles north of Sappho. The best sites back up to the river, creating a nice backdrop for visitors. Its a little different than other DNR campgrounds on the Olympic Peninsula. There are countless free dispersed camping opportunities inside this forest and 17 United States Forest Service campgrounds. Each site has picnic tables and fire rings. Whatever destination and activity suits you and your family best, hit the road in your RV for an action-packed time, interspersed with relaxation, and create a lifetime . Olympic National Forest offers diverse recreation opportunities for everyone. 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). Wilderness areas offer solitude and a chance to experience the rich biodiversity of the Olympic Peninsula. In a popular location, Heart O the Hills is the closest campground to Hurricane Ridge and Port Angeles. There are also electric hookups for RVs although that area of the campground looks more like a parking lot. Although the tranquility is nice, the shade makes Bear Creek a poor choice for boondockers who rely on solar. Mora is a forested campground on the coast. 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. Fairholme Campground is located next to Lake Crescent on the north side of the Olympic Peninsula in Olympic National Park. What Should I Pack for My Olympic National Forest Camping Trip? Pro Tip: Lines to enter state campgrounds can be long, especially in the summer. Amenities are minimal with flush toilets available in the summer only, vault toilets for the rest of the year, fire rings, picnic tables, and potable water. Lake Crest Lodge is on the north end of the park right on the shores of Lake Cresent. Your time in Olympic National Park wont be complete without then spending some time at Ruby Beach. As far as activities go, there are several trails nearby; although not directly from the campground. The area is very wooded and secluded, creating a peaceful experience for campers. Bear Creek Campground is located along the Sol Duc River. The river is also a desirable location for fishing. The Lovers Lane Loop Trail is one of the most popular trails. Below are five of the most popular places for dispersed camping and free camping The trek is 6.5 miles long so its not for the faint at heart. Head to the PNW's best kept secret: Big Creek Campground. This free Olympic Peninsula campground (with Discover Pass) is located next to the Clearwater River about halfway down Hoh Mainline Road. It is perhaps one of the best lakeside campsites in the park. All there is here is a 300 foot long pullout from the highway, with picnic tables at each end. 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. There are 9 sites available, all of which are back-in with a fire pit and table. 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. Description. Sadie Creek Campground is located along the Juan De Fuca Highway, just west of Lyre River Campground. There are no free campgrounds inside the park itself, but just outside is a jackpot of great sites. What is the Death Wobble in Trucks and Jeeps? Those interested in RV camping should check out the former of these two campgrounds. Is it Illegal to Live in a Tent in Your Backyard? Its another 13.9 miles to the campground. Is it Legal to Camp Anywhere in a National Forest? 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