Campbell Tree Grove Campground provides equestrian opportunities within Olympic National Forest terrain near Amanda Park. The forest access roads require navigation through mountainous terrain between 600-1,200 feet elevation. Sites generally remain open from late spring through September, with summer temperatures averaging 65-75°F during peak camping months. Forest regulations and seasonal conditions vary across campgrounds in the region.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: Collins Campground offers trails to scenic falls within walking distance. "There is a hike with a trailhead 2 miles from the campsite. We walked there and it was a milder way walk uphill to the trail head and then the .8 mile hike heads to a pretty waterfall which you can walk behind," reports Asia M.
Beach exploration: At Salt Creek Recreation Area, tide pools and beach access create opportunities for marine wildlife viewing. "The views are great. The sites are very tight, not much room," notes Lee L., who still rated the experience highly despite the compact camping area.
River wading: The Duckabash River at Collins Campground provides cool water activities. "The Duckabash river runs along most of the sites. There is a good amount of space between most campsites," explains Heartworn H., adding that they "hiked up river and found a lovely swimming hole, frigid, but beautiful."
What campers like
Forest seclusion: Porter Creek Campground provides woodland camping with river access. "Porter Creek Campground is primitive camping with over 12 sites available. Located in Capital Forest and upkept by DNR. The river is gorgeous and fun to explore!" writes Jessica A.
Olympic Peninsula gateway: Lyre River State Forest campground serves as an affordable base for exploring the broader region. "It's beautiful here! Clean sites, vault toilets, potable water, picnic tables, trash service... Pretty easy to get to Port Angeles (Safeway, Walmart), and right between several sections of Olympic NP," explains Emily U.
River-adjacent sites: Many campers appreciate the waterfront options at Collins. "We got an awesome river spot with our brand new set up. It rained but was a beautiful and oh so green area to camp," reports Kathleen J., who previously noted the "sound of the river right there" as a highlight.
What you should know
Weather preparation: Rain occurs frequently in the Olympic Peninsula forests. "When the downpour started, we drove back to the Lake Crescent lodge, ate lunch on their covered patio and did the Marymere waterfalls hike," shares Stephanie Z. about her stay at Littleton Horse Camp.
Water access limitations: Many forest campgrounds lack running water. At Littleton Horse Camp, "There is no running water - or any water source, so you have to pack everything in. You're also only 4 miles from the Fairholm camp store if you have to stock up on anything."
Road conditions: Forest roads deteriorate seasonally. For Porter Creek, "DNR would do well to post closure information so that apps like The Dyrt can more easily pick it up," notes Phoebe B., who arrived to find the campground closed early in the season.
Tips for camping with families
Equestrian camping opportunities: Screamin' Eagle Campground provides family-friendly sites with horse access. "We have gone and stayed in many of their sites. Very roomy sites and Richard the care taker is an amazing camp host! He has always made our stay wonderful," reports Erica G., who added it's "close to the beach and equestrian friendly."
Child-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds include play areas. At Salt Creek Recreation Area, one visitor "enjoyed the playground, tide pools and private site number 51. Always a great spot."
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about local wildlife safety. Near Porter Creek, "Several people came by to let us know there were raccoons raiding campsites," reports E V., highlighting the need for secure food storage.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Big Spruce Resort RV and Cabins, site location matters for bathroom access. "Our site is one away from from the toilet/bath house there are 6 combo rooms. There are 3 cabins, 12 full service sites, tent sites some w/ electric," notes Harold C.
Electrical reliability: Check power capacity when booking sites. At Screamin' Eagle, one camper noted: "Our circuit breaker kept tripping during peak times and interrupted our ability to run the coffee pot."
Leveling preparation: Forest campgrounds often have uneven parking. Rick M. appreciated at Screamin' Eagle the "level gravel parking sites" which made setup easier for their rig.
Ranger
