In addition, most of the campgrounds managed by the Forest Service close during the colder part of the year. Cottonwood Campground is one of two free DNR campgrounds (Hoh Oxbow is the other) just off Highway 101 near the Hoh River. Dispersed Camping; Recreation. No potable water or garbage service is available. Featuring the illest views and within close proximity to the Staircase entrance to Olympic Nat'l Park, Big Creek earns its newfound claim to fame. 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. This is especially apparent if youre coming from the hustle and bustle of the city. Another thing worth mentioning is that a few of these places feature RV hookups. Horseback riders may bring unleashed dogs if they are controlled by voice command. All there is here is a 300 foot long pullout from the highway, with picnic tables at each end. It is near the Quillayute River and offers some excellent views a few steps away from just about every campsite. All campgrounds in the forest are on a first-come-first-serve basis with overnight fees ranging from $5 to $20. At the campground, youll find flush toilets, but no potable water. Route 101. Directions to Upper Clearwater Campground. The 7 campsites are all shaded and quite private. RVs up to 30 feet are welcome, although you can probably squeeze in something slightly larger. Staircase Campground is located near the Skokomish River, with direct access to the water. Minnie Peterson Campground is located in the same general area as Hoh Oxbow and Cottonwood campgrounds. While most have relatively private campsites, Sadie Creeks 6 campsites are a lot closer together and much less private. Its another well-used road for boondocking with several sites to choose from. 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. About the Campsite: The road into this campground is reported to be slightly tight. A vault toilet is also available. Instead, visitors will need to backpack their gear into one of 30 campsites. Offices are now open at limited hours. Olympic National Park Boondocking Vibes: 8/10 This is a nice quiet location that has more amenities than most free campgrounds. United States. However, all of those 12 campsites have fixed length limitations for RVs. The Kalaloch Creek Nature Trail is nearby and runs for about a mile into the forested areas. From van life to RV living, my goal is to help you live a more adventurous life.READ MY STORY. And, remember, you must be within the forests boundaries to legally dispersed camp dispersed camping is not allowed in the national park. website belongs to an official government organization in the There are several short day-hikes that explore the area. Youll need to make a reservation to stay at the three remaining campgrounds. Avoid setting up camp in a previously undisturbed area. Upper Clearwater Campground is a very peaceful place to camp near Olympic National Park. Because this is a remote campsite, it can be hard to get to, making it less commonly used. This place is an excellent option if youre road-tripping around the Olympic Peninsula. Hoh Oxbow Campground is one of my favorite places to camp on the Olympic Peninsula, free or otherwise. You will, however, be rewarded for your hike with breathtaking views of pristine wilderness. Olympic National Forest offers diverse recreation opportunities for everyone. It has eight camping spots in total, all of which are right next to the beautiful Hoh River. Reported Cell Service: Campers report having adequate service (3-4 bars) for Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. Its located at the far southwest end of the Olympic Peninsula near Ocean Shores. You must access the campground via a gravel forest service road, but this is generally well-maintained and suitable for all vehicles. It is my grandparents fault. Closed Dispersed camping is available throughout Olympic National Forest. The trek is 6.5 miles long so its not for the faint at heart. Shady Lane trail is flat, and less than a mile to Lake Cushman. Please be sure to leave the sites better than you found them, which means leaving no trash, even if you didnt put it there. Use nearby Cotton Campground as a backup in case this one is full. The atmosphere is peaceful and heavily forested. Free, Dispersed Camping Near Olympic National Park Private Campgrounds Near Olympic National Park Lodging At Olympic National Park At A Glance: The Best Olympic Campgrounds Best for RV camping: Fairholme, Kalaloch, Mora, Sol Duc Best ocean views: Kalaloch, South Beach Most secluded: Hoh, North Fork, Ozette, Queets Free campsite: Dosewallips You can still camp for free in Olympic National Forest. Nature is quickly reclaiming the facility leaving only a handful of sites offering primitive hike and bike in tent camping . Youll find flush toilets, running water, and a dump station. Perched on a bluff near the Pacific Ocean, it is peaceful and relaxing. 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. The river is also a desirable location for fishing. There are many trailheads that stem from the area, and its close to Lake Quinault, which is a popular fishing and boating spot. Hopefully, this guide has helped you choose an ideal location for your Olympic National Forest camping adventure. 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. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. It is perhaps one of the best lakeside campsites in the park. The last best dispersed camping spot near Olympic National Park that we suggest is Quinalt Ridge Road. An old-growth forest surrounds the sites with towering trees and lush greenery. Salmon La Sac is part of Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The Lake Cushman area can get very crowded during the summer weekends. Reported Cell Service: Campers have reported 4 bars service for both Verizon and T-Mobile. 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. Kalaloch, Mora, and Sol Duc are the only campsites that accept reservations ahead of time. 5 Dispersed Camping Sites in Olympic National Forest. To be honest with you,we hate paying for camping. About 7-8 miles in, its gets bumpy and rutted. In the winter months, its considered a primitive campsite with pit toilets only. The only way to access this campground is from the Upper Queets River Road area because a mudslide took out the secondary access road. Finger Lakes National Forest Camping Rules. There is no dump station here, but youll find flush toilets and potable water. It sits near the Hoh River along a peaceful creek at the edge of the Hoh Rain Forest in the Olympic Experimental State Forest. Additional options for RV boondocking can be had at the Walmart in Port Angeles as well as the Walmart in Sequim. Dispell the myths of boondocking and arm yourself with the laws and truths. But the real reason Yahoo Lake is less busy than other nearby campgrounds is that it offers only walk-in camping. Your animal friends are welcome to accompany you on your dispersed camping adventure! Developed campgrounds in Olympic National Park range from $14 to $24 per night. Please always follow the 7 Leave No Trace principles when dispersed camping, especially packing out all of your trash, including human waste. Dont camp anywhere until you reach Klahanie Campground. Evergreen conifers and hardwoods provide a beautiful wooded setting. To make navigation easier, Ive separated the campsites into several distinct clusters. Share sensitive information only Official websites use .gov A .gov However, do know there are countless Olympic National Forest dispersed campsites beyond my above recommendations. The location may feel extremely remote, but there is a small town with a grocery store just 15 minutes away. But staying overnight at one of these sites requires a wilderness permit. Important changes to booking windows: To better serve visitors, Hoh Campground will be releasing campsites in a series of three staggered block releases by loop.These block releases will be 6 months in advance, two weeks in advance, and 4 days in advance. Amenities include a simple vault toilet. What about Reservations, Fees, and Permits? This is a moderately sized campground, so there are not too many people and the environment is quiet. The Hoh lies on the west side of Olympic National Park, about a two-hour drive from Port Angeles and under an hour from Forks. Lake Cushman Area Campgrounds. Cell phone service:Mobile coverage is spotty throughout the park and youre unlikely to find a reliable connection at any of the campgrounds. Copyright ParkedInParadise.com | Disclosure: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Campers have reported plenty of trees providing privacy between neighbors. View recreation sites on the Olympic National Forest . Several campsites sit along the banks of the Clearwater River. Dogs are allowed on DNR-managed land on the Olympic Peninsula on a leash. 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. This small, walk-in only campground is free to spend the night, but getting there can be a challenge. This region as a whole is very popular with free campers, too. Bordered by Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Pacific Ocean and containing spectacular mountains and magnificent temperate rainforests, the Olympic National Forest is among the most scenic landscapes in the United States. Its one of the few equipped with hookups for recreational vehicles. The best way to experience the Olympic National Forest is by pitching a tent among its towering trees. (165) No Service. Although the tranquility is nice, the shade makes Bear Creek a poor choice for boondockers who rely on solar. Any site large enough for your rig is free and legal for camping. Then scout out your desired location to ensure you and your equipment can safely navigate the terrain. Lets check out a few of the camping sites available to you so you know where to set up camp while in the area. I love this small, quiet campground because of its location right next to the Lyre River just before it empties into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Casino boondocking is another option for RVers. Free Dispersed Camping -> No Reservations. There are also electric hookups for RVs although that area of the campground looks more like a parking lot. Campers often have the most success arriving on a Sunday morning as weekenders are leaving. To get there, you must drive up 9 miles of steep gravel road which is only open from June through October. A key to remember here is that, as a popular location, it can fill up fast and does not take reservations. However, there are many options, and you should have no trouble finding a free camping spot in the forest. View the Drivin & Vibin Privacy Policy Here, The Best Free Camping Near Olympic National Park, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window). You may stay 14 days at NF-011 road. Much of the access road is unpaved but its never very rough or bumpy. The Strait of Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway (Highway 112) isnt very popular with tourists, but its incredibly beautiful. Explore Enduring Connections to the Land The Olympic Peninsula is home to great free camping if you know where to look (and now you do!). Outside of peak season, the sites are first-come, first-served. There are dozens of tiny campsites scattered throughout Olympic National Park for backpacking. If you get lucky, a few riverside campsites are available! In the summer, flush toilets and potable water are available. 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. United States. The campground is beautiful, primitive, and relaxing. No reports of excessive trash in this location. The location is first-come, first-served, and has 20 total campsites, which are best used for tent camping. Its popular with campers and those interested in recreational activities on the reservoir. Do your best to leave the camping spot in a better state than you found it. The Hoh River is just steps away. Fortunately, there are pit toilets and miles of hiking trails to explore. When the sun goes down and the stars come out, the sky gets pitch black so you can see millions of twinkling stars. There's also the option to backpack in for several miles and find a quiet site away from any roads or people. Stay responsible and minimize environmental impact by leaving your camping spot in a better state than you found it! Next up is Beaver Lake, a small pull-off just off Burnt Mountain Road/U.S. Its found along State Highway 113 (Burnt Mountain Road), about four miles north of Sappho. The Hoh Campground is located in a temperate rain forest surrounded by old-growth trees and moss. If you count yourself among them, youll be pleased to know that its possible to go dispersed camping in Olympic National Forest. Use a campsite thats already been established, if possible. Hike-in and boat-in sites are available as well as traditional vehicle camprounds. Vault toilets are available. No amenities are available except for vault toilets. Its a family-friendly trail that leads directly into the Olympic National Park. National Forest campgrounds are more economical, less crowded and dispersed or backcountry camping is usually free. This campground has one vault toilet. Out of the three campsites listed below, the Lena Lake one is probably the most beautiful (and also the only one thats free!). fishing; water access; Site Amenities. For those who get to the campsite early enough, there are some riverside campsites available just along the Hoh River. Seal Rock Campground along Hood Canal offers boating and fishing access and nearby Mt. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Not only is it just one of three that offers reservations in the summer (the other two are Sol Duc Campground and Mora Campground), but Kalaloch Campground is also steps from the beach. Campsite Choose a campsite screened from roads and trails, and at least 200 feet from water This campground is easy to get to with well-paved roads and paths. The Hamma Hamma drainage is well-loved by locals and visitors alike. Some campsites will accommodate small RVs and trailers (up to around 24 feet). Hands down, my favorite campground in Olympic National Park is Kalaloch Campground. Minnie Peterson is notable for its proximity to the Hoh Rain Forest section of Olympic National Park. 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? LockA locked padlock Because of how popular it is, it does require reservations from May through September. What is the Death Wobble in Trucks and Jeeps? 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. The river is just steps away, making this campground popular among anglers. You may want to scout your location before towing to it, especially if your rig is on the larger side. That said, it receives limited sunlight (not best for RVs with solar) and has poor cell reception. There are larger sites to be found here, and decent cell signal from Verizon and T-Mobile (none for AT&T). She has traveled through 48 US states and writes about van life, camping and RV living. Related Post: The Best Dispersed Camping in Washington. Its also the least shady of all the DNR campgrounds on the Olympic Peninsula, making it ideal for boondockers with solar power. South Fork Hoh Campground has vault toilets. The Dungeness Area, located in the northeastern part of the Olympic National Forest, is the driest place in this region. Starting GPS (47.2672, -123.9182) At the intersection of US-101 and Donkey Creek Road, head north-west on Donkey Creek Road. Several of the campsites are nestled alongside the river. Another one of the most remote campgrounds in Olympic National Park is Dosewallips. Some pieces of outdoor gear are essential regardless of your camping location. While its true that most of these places are simple pull-outs, they are all very close to Lena Lake trailhead as well as to the river itself. Sitting on the Duckabush River, the Collins Campsite is one of the best options for campers wishing to immerse themselves in this regions sights, smells, and sounds in solitude. LockA locked padlock The lodge consists of regular hotel rooms and separate cabins. The Hoh is one of the finest remaining examples of temperate rainforest in the United States and is one of the park's most popular destinations. The Klahanie Campsite, on the other hand, is surrounded by an old-growth forest and provides easy access to the town of Forks. The rest can accommodate tents and RVs up to 35 feet. Bear Creek Campground is about an hour from Port Angeles and just 15 minutes from Forks. 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