River noise fills the air at this free dispersed area along the Hoh River in Olympic National Forest, where sites sit close enough to the water that campers can hear the current from their tents. The access road is the first thing to reckon with: a bumpy, rocky dirt track that rewards patience but can challenge low-clearance vehicles. One reviewer in a sedan made it through by driving carefully, though noted a section where the underside of the car could scrape. Trucks and camper vans have reported no issues.
Sites cluster near a boat launch, which brings an occasional early-morning noise source. One reviewer noted a boat trailer launching around 6 a.m., so light sleepers should factor that in. The river runs fast through this stretch, which makes fishing less productive but gives the area a distinct character. Tall bushes provide natural shade, and several sites have fire rings with driftwood or collected wood nearby. Cassie C. sums up the access simply: "Need to drive over very bumpy dirt road to get to sites near river."
Sites fill up on a first-come basis and can be occupied by morning on busy weekends, so arriving early matters. Starlink works at the site, according to at least one camper. The surrounding corridor along the Hoh has several nearby options if this area is full, including Upper Hoh Road Dispersed — Olympic NF just to the north and Hoh River Dispersed — Maple Creek Road less than a mile southeast. Campers who want free, no-frills dispersed spots around Olympic National Forest and don't mind a rough road in exchange for direct river access will find this area a workable base.
Description
Dispersed camping is the term used for camping outside of a developed campground. If you enjoy selecting your own campsite, providing your own amenities, creating your own experience, and camping for FREE, then dispersed camping is for you!
Campsite
Choose a campsite screened from roads and trails, and at least 200 feet from water Use a campsite that’s already been established, if possible. If you choose a new site, return the site to its natural condition when you leave Pets
Your animal friends are welcome to accompany you on your dispersed camping adventure! Fires
Only burn wood that is already dead and down Always make sure your fire is DEAD OUT and cold to the touch before you leave it Campfires are allowed below 3,500 feet when not otherwise prohibited by fire restrictions Trash
Store your food & trash properly to keep bears and other wildlife out of your camp Whatever you pack in, PACK IT OUT!
Human Waste Bury your poo & paper at least 6” deep and at least 200 feet away from any water source
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHoh River Dispersed Camping is located in Washington near Forks
Coordinates
47.812207932628795 N
124.1217292753273 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 8/6/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 26 usersLast on 8/6/26- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 8/6/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 8/6/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 26 usersLast on 8/6/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 7 usersLast on 8/6/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Hoh River Dispersed Camping needs a permit.
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 43 min from Olympia, WA
- 3 hrs 11 min from Bremerton, WA
- 3 hrs 38 min from Seattle, WA
- 3 hrs 40 min from Mount Vernon, WA
