Established Camping

Second Beach — Olympic National Park

9 Reviews

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National Park Service

Olympic National Park

Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits in person at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles or the South Shore Lake Quinault Ranger Station. No reservations for South Coast. However, Second Beach is very popular in summer and can fill up.

Group Size Restrictions: Groups are limited to no more than 12 people. Associated groups of more than 12 must camp and travel at least 1 mile apart and may not combine at any time in a group of more than 12.

Food Storage Method: As of May 2013, all food, garbage and scented items must be stored, overnight and when unattended, in park-approved Bear Canisters along the entire Olympic National Park Wilderness Coast. Buckets or other hard-sided containers are no longer permitted.

Campsites: A few forested sites are available but mostly beach camping. Camping space can be scarce in summer.

Toilet Facilities: A pit toilet is located where trail meets beach.

Water Source: Two streams - Most coastal water sources have a tea-stained appearance. The light tan color originates from tannin leached from leaves. Cryptosporidium and giardia exist in coastal streams and rivers; therefore, always filter or boil water. Iodine is ineffective against cryptosporidium.

Contact Forks Outside for campsite set-up service: https://forksoutside.com

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Park in a lot, walk to your site.
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Kelly M.

Ranger

Reviewed Sep. 29, 2018

pitch that tent on the sand. now you live at the beach!

it just doesn't get better than sleeping on sand. It is a short approach hike (< 1 mile) through lush forest to get there. Tons of wildlife- assorted marine mammals, tide pools, and a few eagles! There are natural bridges and other cool rock formations including tall cartoon like islands just offshore. Bring your own water!

Shay F.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 28, 2018

Beach Camping Is Mostly Rad

I love beach camping. Bring your TP and follow LNT principles. Also, bring your bear cans. Just like every other beach around here, if you don't store your smelly goods in the can the ranger will make you trek it to your car. It's a mile from the parking area to the beach. Hauling a cooler over a mile is not a fun way to spend your time.

I felt a little sketchy about leaving the car up by the road, but nothing was left in it and it turned out fine.

Our weekend was wet and windy. Sand pelting you in the face windy. We brought a tarp so we were able to make a drift wood covered shelter to hang out in. Beats the tiny tent for hours of sitting.

The next morning was nice. Still cloudy, but no wind. Surfers came out to play. Fun view of Rialto Beach and Hole in the Wall. Lots to explore.

Month of VisitOctober

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Kate S.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 17, 2018

Breathtaking and Peaceful

This is about a mile plus hike to the beach from the parking lot where you can set up camp and continue to hike on. In July, it was pretty busy, but with the ocean waves and driftwood, you can find a spot away from the sights and sounds of other campers. Truly beautiful.

Month of VisitAugust