Olympic Peninsula RV parks around Clallam Bay, Washington offer year-round access with varying terrain and amenities. The region receives 100-140 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush forest conditions that surround most camping areas. Despite coastal proximity, many RV sites have limited ocean views and are situated along Highway 112 or connecting roads.
What to do
Explore Olympic National Forest: Short drives from Clallam Bay provide access to hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. "This park is so beautiful, located directly across from the ocean. All sites are a quick walk to the beach (1/2 mile private beach for guests. So awesome that it never gets crowded!) and behind the park are great views of snow capped mountains," notes a visitor to Crescent Beach & RV Park.
Visit coastal beaches: The area offers unique beach access points with distinctive features. A camper at Forks 101 RV Park shared, "Easily walkable into downtown Forks to see the Twilight stuff and a short drive to La Push with some exceptional beach views."
Check tide schedules: Timing matters for beach activities. "Important to get a tide schedule before heading to Hole in the Rock on Rialto Beach which is an hour and a half walk from the parking lot. The beach has small smooth rocks instead of sand so a fast paced walk is hard. If you don't pay attention to the tides, you could get in real trouble," warns a visitor staying near Forks.
What campers like
Fresh produce access: Some campgrounds offer unexpected food options. At Elwha Dam RV Park, "They offer a community garden, so feel free to gather at no cost fresh veggies" and "They offer free produce to the campers from their garden & free movie rentals."
Walkable amenities: Convenience of supplies matters in this remote region. A Forks 101 RV Park visitor noted, "This campground is conveniently located across the street from a grocery/outdoorsman store if you need anything while camping," while another appreciated, "Right on the road, hosts were very friendly. Full hook ups at a reasonable price. Quiet, stores and fuel very close by."
Off-season experiences: Winter and spring visits offer different advantages. "So rare to have such a clear view of the ocean right from your camp site. Truly incredible," reports a camper who visited Crescent Beach & RV Park during off-peak season.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly based on location and carrier. A visitor noted, "Cell service is there if you stand on one foot and constantly tap your head. Wifi was no better."
Space constraints: Many RV parks have tight spacing between units. According to a camper at Shadow Mountain RV Park and Campground, "The 'dispersed camping' is a joke. 19 dollars and the area they want you to stay in is not just 'next' to the highway. There are basically no trees in the way—it's less dispersed and more 'camping on the shoulder of a highway'."
Facility variations: Campground amenities differ widely. "Bathrooms and showers are clean. The laundry room is also clean but you will need quarters (you can buy them in the office). No checking in after 6pm so make sure you arrive before then to get codes for the restrooms and showers!" advises a camper about Forks facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Kitchen facilities: Some parks offer cooking options beyond your campsite. At Elwha Dam RV Park, "The kitchen is exceptional—they provide and allow you to borrow just about any kitchen utensil you might need."
Recreational options: Look for campgrounds with built-in activities. "They have a veggie garden to share, lots of outdoor activity areas and places to explore within walking distance. It's a great base camp for exploring the peninsula," noted one Elwha Dam visitor.
Family-friendly safety: Solo travelers with children report positive experiences in select locations. A camper at Hard Rain Cafe and RV Park mentioned, "This is a small RV park about 6 miles up the road from Forks. There is a small general store and cafe where you can grab a bite and some goods before heading deep into the Hoh. Rafting options are available for tour through the store."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose specific sites based on your needs. "If you have a dog, get one of [the sites with] a big grassy area in a circle of sites," advises an RVer at RV@Olympic, adding "Nice place for access to the northern part of Olympic."
Pre-arrival timing: Pay attention to check-in requirements. "No late check in, so get there before they close," warns a visitor about one park, while another notes, "Before you drive your rig in here, I highly recommend you drive up the road about 50 yards and park in the dump-station lot, then walk back and scout out where your spot is."
Level site challenges: RV parks in Clallam Bay and surrounding areas often require additional equipment. One reviewer explains, "My rig fit in the spot, but once I put out both slides I was occupying the site next to mine," while another mentions, "Pull through sites on grass, full hook ups."
