Kalaloch Campground - group — Olympic National Park
Christophe J.
Reviewed Jul. 27, 2020

Amazing Oceanfront Camping

I camped Kalaloch the second week of July 2020.  It was amazing.  Here are some pointers:

It's pronounced Ka-LAY-loch.  It's derived from the Native Quinault meaning "easy place to land" - as in "beach with no rocks".  It's not Scottish Highlands, though it sounds like it.

I made advance reservations on the Recreation.gov website which illustrated this is one of the most difficult-to-land campground reservations in the country.  Still, even at late notice, there are cancellations.  I could only find single nights at different campsites which meant I had to move (tent camping) every day but it gave me a good overview.  Highs were 59 degrees but I didn't feel chilly; I think the sand holds heat.

There is a walk-up cue line each morning in front of the rangers office in the parking lot starting about 9am taking a wait list for the current night.  First come, first served. They ask you to return about noon to see if you've made it in and pay.  Even though the campground was fully booked online they did manage to squeeze in a few each day.  Any later in the day and I'm not sure you would have made it in though it of course depends on the season.  Seven days max stays allowed and yes they do watch.

Obviously, the oceanfront sites are the most in-demand and hardest to land.  People book (and pay) these months in advance and it is maddening to watch them sit empty overnight when the bookers don't show or cancel.  I would say about 50% of visitors (week I was there) used RV's of one size or another; great for avoiding bad weather.  Take a tarp to cover your tent in case of heavy rain. Campsitephotos.com shows every site at Kalaloch which is great.

The awesome beach is the star of the show, however.  Accessed by fairly easy stairs, the words huge, wild, immense, spectacular might be used for starters.  Even though the campground totally sold-out, I walked each day for miles without meeting others.  I would highly recommend walking all the way North to Brown's Point to explore; it's a long way and yes, it's worth it.  BE SURE TO READ TIDE TABLE posted on the board in the parking lot.  You need to round a few points to get to the good stuff and need to know the incoming tide schedule.  Plan in advance: DON'T round those points in an incoming tide. 

I thought the most northern camp ring (D Loop) the most appealing but they all are good.  Try to avoid camping closest to the highway, you will regret it. The A loop teens are all terrific sites.  Camp rangers were friendly and kept place clean.  Lots of families and aural drama (of course) but you're there for the beach.  Walk South to the Lodge for ice cream cones in the general store (a mood-lifter).  World's largest pine tree north on the highway 101 amusing.  Ruby Beach was crowded with a steep trail and I opted for North Kalaloch areas.  Dogs must be on leashes on the beach. Verizon service only on beach halfway out while standing on one foot...

Road to Forks long and twisty; no special need to go.  If Kalaloch is full, popular oceanfront South Beach (no reservations) might be avail but get there early. Discuss ocean safety with your family and take seriously rip tides, floating logs (deadly), and dangers of not following tide tables.  Sneaker waves are known to randomly come high up on beach, especially during winter.  Never turn your back on the ocean

Enjoy this hugely-beautiful place where the solids turn to liquids.  It is ethereal and I've never seen such amazing sunsets: almost out-of-body experiences.  So glad it’s a National Park. TuskPDX

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  • Review photo of Kalaloch Campground - group — Olympic National Park by Christophe J., July 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Kalaloch Campground - group — Olympic National Park by Christophe J., July 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Kalaloch Campground - group — Olympic National Park by Christophe J., July 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Kalaloch Campground - group — Olympic National Park by Christophe J., July 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Kalaloch Campground - group — Olympic National Park by Christophe J., July 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Kalaloch Campground - group — Olympic National Park by Christophe J., July 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Kalaloch Campground - group — Olympic National Park by Christophe J., July 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Kalaloch Campground - group — Olympic National Park by Christophe J., July 27, 2020
  • Review photo of Kalaloch Campground - group — Olympic National Park by Christophe J., July 27, 2020
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  • Review photo of Kalaloch Campground - group — Olympic National Park by Christophe J., July 27, 2020