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Cape Alava Campground — Olympic National Park

3 ReviewsAdd Review

A permit and bear canister are required before setting foot on the Cape Alava Trail, a roughly 3-mile hike across boardwalk and forest terrain to reach this hike-in campground on the Washington coast. Sites sit tucked into the tree line at the edge of the beach, each with a fire ring; firewood must be collected from beach driftwood only, and fire starters are worth packing since driftwood can be slow to catch. No trash receptacles exist anywhere on the route, so campers pack everything out. Pit toilets are on-site but basic. No pets are allowed. Nearby, Sand Point Camp Area anchors the southern end of the Ozette Triangle loop, making multi-night itineraries along this stretch of Olympic National Park coastline straightforward to plan. Wildlife including deer, eagles, seals, and potentially whales have been spotted from camp, and petroglyphs carved into coastal rocks are accessible along the route. Bring binoculars and a printed tide chart.

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Map & DirectionsCape Alava Campground is located in Washington near Neah Bay

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

48.16413778 N
124.73154218 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Cape Alava Campground

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5.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 26, 2021

Extravaventure!!!

Wow!!! This was such a magical adventure! You will need a permit and a bear canister (which you can rent from the ranger station) but the payoff is a forever sunset, the scent of healing salt air, the sound of eagle’s fledging their young, giant sea stacks looming in the tide and the alpha wave inducing white noise of gentle waves churning, all while Bambi grazes near your tent. You might even see seals and whales so bring binoculars. I hiked the 9.4 mile Ozette Triangle over two days. I started from my campsite at the Ozette Campgrounds and hiked out Sand Point Trail. Then I explored giant sea stacks and saw petroglyphs along the Ozette River to Sand Point Beach Travel Way. Mt campsite had a rustic pit toilet nearby, a fire ring (burn dead driftwood only!) and a view of a distant sea stack framed perfectly by giant trees. After spending the most restful magical night right on the cusp of the rainforest, I explored northward some (do this during ebb tide so you don’t get trapped between peninsulas) before I headed back along the Cape Alava Trail. I did not want this hike to end. I can see why these are some of “The Best 100 Miles in National Parks” as ranked by Backpacker Magazine. I will go back and include this as part of a seven day of Cape Alava to Shi Shi Beach.

Pro Tips:

  1. Take a picture of the current tide chart posted at the trailhead and know how to use it.
  2. There are wonderful restrooms at the the trailhead parking lot but there is not a single trash can or dumpster to be found anywhere. I love this! It is a reminder to truly Leave No Trace and pack out everything in an effort to reduce the drain on limited park resources to deal with garbage. So take two trash bags, one for you and one for your neighbor.
  3. Get a map and information sheet of the Petroglyphs before you go so you can enjoy this little treasure hunt!
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Cape Alava Campground — Olympic National Park by Kelly G., August 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Cape Alava Campground — Olympic National Park by Kelly G., August 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Cape Alava Campground — Olympic National Park by Kelly G., August 26, 2021
  • (27) View All
Reviewed Feb. 23, 2020

Ocean Solitude

This is one of several camping areas along this wild, beautiful stretch of coastline. They are a fairly easy hike from the Ozette trailhead, and make a nice triangle from Ozette to Cape Alava to Sand Point. There are very rustic pit toilets, so don't expect any glamping. However, the incredible beaches more than make up for the rustic conditions. You can see lots of wildlife and petroglyphs carved by the native people.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Apr. 22, 2018

Remote, with a beautiful view!

The campsites are an up and down 3 mile trek out to the beach, and are then tucked in the trees along the edge of the beach. Permits are required, and the restrooms are horrifying pit toilets. But the view the beach is simply stunning! The campsites are all fairly open and have nice fire pits. You are only allowed to pick up wood from the beach to burn, so be sure to bring good fire starter as it can be challenging to get the driftwood to burn.

Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Cape Alava Campground — Olympic National Park by Delaney M., April 22, 2018
  • Review photo of Cape Alava Campground — Olympic National Park by Delaney M., April 22, 2018
  • Review photo of Cape Alava Campground — Olympic National Park by Delaney M., April 22, 2018
  • (5) View All
Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is camping allowed at Cape Alava in Washington?

Yes, camping is allowed at Cape Alava in Olympic National Park. The campsites are located in the trees along the edge of the beach, offering stunning coastal views. Getting to these sites requires a 3-mile hike from the Ozette trailhead. Each campsite features a fire pit, and they're positioned to take advantage of the beautiful beach setting. This primitive camping experience provides the opportunity to enjoy one of Washington's most spectacular stretches of wild coastline.

Do I need reservations for camping at Cape Alava?

Yes, permits are required for camping at Cape Alava. You'll need to secure your wilderness camping permit before your trip, and you must carry a bear canister, which can be rented from the ranger station if you don't have your own. These requirements help manage the impact on this pristine coastal environment and ensure visitor safety. Contact Olympic National Park's Wilderness Information Center for current permit information and to check availability for your planned dates.

Where is Wedding Rocks campsite located near Cape Alava?

Wedding Rocks is located along the coastal portion of the Cape Alava trail system in Olympic National Park. While not a designated campsite itself, it's a notable landmark between Cape Alava and Sand Point. Hikers often encounter Wedding Rocks when completing the popular Ozette Triangle loop trail (Cape Alava to Sand Point). The area is known for ancient petroglyphs carved into the rocks. Camping is not permitted directly at Wedding Rocks but is available at the designated Cape Alava camping area nearby.

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