Hobuck Resort and Beach Area

I loved it here, but it’s not for everyone. The layout is pretty funky, with the tent/car camping area being a big field with no designated spots, so it ends up being packed with cars and campers everywhere like a music festival. There is an RV area and cabins for rent as well that look very nice. Wherever you are parked it is a short walk to the beach, hence the amount of surfers. It is first come first serve, but with how packed it was when I came on a Friday and Saturday, I don’t think they limit the amount of campers you just have to find a spot. It was $25 a night for the “tent” sites and then a $20 permit (lasts a year) to be on the reservation since it is Indian land. There are portapotties around the camping areas which are all clean, and then there is an actual bathroom with one toilet and one shower indoors and one outdoors. Everyone is very friendly so being squeezed together isn’t too much of an issue. But be prepared for people to park right next to you in the middle of the night looking for a spot. If you want to fit right in bring a surfboard, because these people all know eachother. Us rock climbers felt a little out of place but it was still fun! Very short drives to Cape Flattery and Shi Shi Beach! Also a few good few options in town.

So we were here July 1-3 2019. There are two different areas to this campground. One is a very large tent camping area with no hookups and about 1/2 mi down the road is the RV and cabin area this is a paved area right next to the beach. Really liked this RV camping area. Bathrooms are nice. Pads are relatively even, the beach is right there so ocean sounds all night. You do need a Reservation use pass for the number of days you are there and it has to be displayed in window. You can buy it at the same time of reserving and paying for your spot. These are first come basis I think there’s like 10 spots. 30/50 amp, water and sewer are really accessible. Our only complaint is the ATV /dirt bikers would ride their toys late into the night revving in the parking lot and just a bit rowdy and rude. There are also realllly nice little cabins on this property too. Don’t know prices but well set up and probably very reasonable for what you get. I think some are set to accommodate an Rv pulled next to them.

What is the most Northwestern campground in the lower 48 you ask? Hobuck Beach Resort just west of Neah Bay, Washington is located "where the Earth began" according to the local Makah Tribe. This campground/RV camp/ cabin resort has a little bit of everything for anyone at any price point. Spread over two sites about 3/4 of a mile from each other this is my go-to surf spot to really get away from it all. Found one of the few sunny weekends out on the Washington coast to try out my new Goal Zero Nomad 7 Plus Solar Panel.

Campground Review:

For the luxury-minded who enjoy an actual bed and roof over your head 10 cabins are available at the north site in the park and 16 cabins at the south site. Cabins have their own bathrooms and can sleep up to six people, prices change throughout the year so check the website link at the bottom of this review.

For those who's camping experience includes 4-6 wheels there are 8 sites with full hookups at the south site. I have included photos of the campground map to give people a better idea of the layout of the sites.

For the full-on dirtbags and for those who don't require water/electricity there is a beautiful open field to set up shop wherever your heart desires or you can find room. The tent area has no designated sites and operates as a kind of "organized chaos" with people pulling cars over dunes into pits and getting sandwiched in when others arrive, so be aware of where you set camp.

Handy cans are located in various areas around the resort and there is one fully operational bathroom in either area. With that being said there is also only one fully operational shower in either area and it can get crowded/gross depending on the amount of people staying there. Expect to either take an ocean shower or do it at strange hours of the day.

Try to be flexible when making the journey out to Hobuck. Cabins can be reserved (and should be in the summer) but all other sites are on a first come, first serve basis. A use permit is required to camp on tribal land and you can get that at either the store in town or the resort check-in station.

The real draw here is the surf, Hobuck has one of the more consistent sets in Washington and surfers come from all over the state to check out the waves. In the summer and possibly other times of the year there is a rental shack set up by North by Northwest surf that can rent you anything you heart desires. If they are not there check out the main shop in Port Angeles on your way out if you want to rent/buy anything. The surf is pretty safe with really mellow currents most of the year so a great place to learn to surf!

Other things to do include hiking to either Shi Shi beach to the south or Cape Flattery to the north, both are fairly easy and Cape Flattery is mostly a boardwalk to the point. Shi Shi beach allows for camping but a permit is necessary as it is Olympic National Park land. Other than that Neah Bay has a great museum explaining Makah history and the Ozette village site originally located further south. There is also killer seafood you can get either directly from people in their homes or from Washburn's in town as well as day tours and kayak rentals to do some exploring on your own! 4/5 stars, it looks like their setting up to build more facilities in the north site (maybe more showers). If so I would give 5 stars here!

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Makah nation is drug and alcohol free, I'm not sure if that carries over into Hobuck Beach Resort but PLEASE respect their wishes as you are guests on their land.

Check out Hobuck yourself: http://www.hobuckbeachresort.com/

Product Review:

As a Ranger for The Dyrt I occasionally get products to test in the field, since I spend time outdoors for both work and play this is great for me! This trip I decided to test out the Goal Zero Nomad 7 Solar Panel.

I was really worried about bringing a solar panel out to one of the grayest and wettest parts of the US but the weather gods had pity upon my soul and gave me clear skies for 3 straight days out at Hobuck Beach.

The Goal Zero Nomad 7 was great! It gave me enough power to keep my tablet, phone and portable batteries powered through the weekend. I was able to set it up on top of my car and tent and keep things charged while I went out to my morning and evening surf sessions. I really liked the kickstand and "solar intensity" indicator on the junction box showing you how much juice you have running to your devices so you can dial in maximum performance.

The construction itself is super rugged, I wasn't worried at all about the constant sea breeze and dew that was ever present out there. It was ready to go right out of the box and is super simple to use, just plug your USB charging device directly in and your good to go! Bonus points for having 2 carabiners included so you can hang the panel off a backpack and charge on the go. I'm definitely bringing this product out in the field for work this summer and any sunny day. 5/5 stars

Check out the product here: https://www.goalzero.com/shop/solar-panels/nomad-7-plus-solar-panel/

Words do not capture what it means to camp and explore this nation within a nation. First, you must have a pass to camp or do most recreational activities. The permit is $10 for the YEAR so save your pass (paper). You may purchase your pass at most retail outlets and you hang it from the rear view while on sovereign land. Do not miss the trail to Cape Flattery. You'll want a camera, hiking stick. Binoculars and perhaps something to keep you dry as it gets wet. The cape trail traverses various terrain and moderate difficulty. There are wood paths and bridges to help on particularly hairy parts. At the top of the trail, you may opt for a walking stick made by a tribal member. There are there for your use and are to be returned when done or leave $5. All honor system. Also, lots of wildlife at the pond at the top by RV turnout. The beaches, the town, all are worth seeing yet the cape trail is the MUST SEE! Nearby town of sekiu was also worth a look. The drive in alone is worth the trip and yes, bald eagles were seeing over the water. The actual site is a beach site with myriad camping options. If you like roughing it or have an elegant rig, this spot is right. Really at a loss for how blown away I a man by this experience. Some old and sacred spots inviting you to wonder.