Lake Angeles — Olympic National Park

Lake Angeles Campground is a backcountry campground located next to Lake Angeles within Olympic National Park. It's only accessible via hiking and requires about a 4-mile trek from the trailhead with approximately 2,500 feet of elevation gain. The campground sits in an isolated area beside the alpine lake, offering a true wilderness experience within Olympic National Park's diverse ecosystem.

Lake Angeles Campground is a primitive backcountry site that requires a 4-mile hike with 2,500 feet of elevation gain to access. It has no facilities, requiring campers to pack in all supplies including water filtration equipment. Lake Crescent camping, in contrast, offers developed campgrounds accessible by vehicle with amenities like restrooms, picnic tables, and potable water. Lake Crescent sites are generally more family-friendly and accessible, while Lake Angeles provides a more remote wilderness experience for experienced backpackers.

The Lake Angeles trailhead is actually your starting point to reach the campground, not the other way around. The trailhead is located near Port Angeles, and from there you'll hike approximately 4 miles with 2,500 feet of elevation gain to reach Lake Angeles Campground. This is a backcountry campground with no road access - hiking in is the only way to reach it. Ensure you have a map, proper hiking gear, and are prepared for a moderately challenging uphill trek.

While Lake Angeles itself requires a backcountry permit from Olympic National Park (fees apply), there are limited dispersed camping options in the Olympic National Forest areas surrounding Port Angeles. These sites typically don't have facilities and operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Always check current regulations as dispersed camping rules change periodically. For budget camping near Port Angeles, also consider Salt Creek Recreation Area or some of the national forest campgrounds which offer more affordable rates than developed national park sites.