Tent camping near Clallam Bay offers access to both Olympic National Forest and National Park lands where summers are relatively mild with daytime temperatures rarely exceeding 75°F. The camping season typically runs from May through September, with July and August being the driest months for backcountry and beach camping. Winter storms can create dramatic conditions along coastal camping areas, making them inaccessible during winter months.
What to do
Explore tide pools at Cape Alava: Located within Olympic National Park, Cape Alava campground provides access to extensive tide pools. "You can see lots of wildlife and petroglyphs carved by the native people," notes one Cape Alava Campground visitor.
Hike the Ozette Triangle: This 9.4-mile loop connects Cape Alava and Sand Point with beach and forest sections. "You will need a permit and a bear canister (which you can rent from the ranger station) but the payoff is a forever sunset, the scent of healing salt air, the sound of eagle's fledging their young," shares a camper who completed the route.
Paddle Lake Ozette: Accessible for kayaks and canoes with designated boat-in camping areas. A visitor to Ericsons Bay mentioned, "We stopped at this boat-only campground for lunch on a triangle paddle of Lake Ozette. It's a nice wide beach that makes for easy landings."
Hike Mount Muller: The trailhead is accessible from Littleton Horse Camp, offering forest and mountain views. "The trailhead to hike Mt. Muller is on the way into Littleton Horse camp. I highly recommend hiking up to Mt Muller for a great uphill butt-burner with spectacular views alongside beautiful fauna and cedar trees," advises an experienced hiker.
What campers like
Private beach access: PRSRV Surf - Twin Beach offers "private, comfortably separated, campsites that can accommodate tents/Vans up to 23ft. Each site has its own fire-pit," according to a reviewer.
Spacious sites at forest campgrounds: Campers appreciate the room to spread out away from coastal areas. A visitor to Littleton Horse Camp noted, "The camp is intended for those with horses, but many people ended up car camping here due to a lack of anywhere else to go... There were about 5 groups of campers when I arrived in the afternoon."
River proximity: Campsites near water sources provide both recreation and practical benefits. "Great camping spots river next to the river. Extremely accommodating and cleanly site overseers. Fantastic location," writes a camper about their experience at Dawleys Sol Duc River Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The coastal areas offer chances to observe marine mammals. At Sand Point, one camper described, "We spent our first evening mesmerized by the seals on the rocks out in front of our camp and the eagles and blue herons flying overhead. We became the paparazzi of the tide pools."
What you should know
Permit requirements vary by location: Most Olympic National Park sites require advance permits and bear canisters. "You will need to register/reserve through the Port Angeles ranger station so you can't just show up and camp," explains a visitor to Sand Point Camp Area.
Water sources are limited: Many campsites lack potable water. "All the local rivers/streams have dried up at this time Sept. 2017 and you must hike back to obtain water from this point," shared one camper about the Ozette area.
Alternative options during peak season: When established campgrounds fill up, consider private campgrounds or horse camps. One camper noted about Littleton Horse Camp, "I discovered Littleton horse camp out of necessity. I dont usually make reservations when I camp which proved quite difficult when journeying through the Olympic Peninsula during peak season."
Weather considerations: Coastal fog and rain can roll in quickly even during summer. A Sand Point camper observed, "Sadly, we knew we would be retiring early this evening as we could see the fog rolling in over the Pacific and it slowly engulfed our camp. In typical Pacific Ocean fashion it quickly became wet and windy."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with easier beach access: Some coastal routes can be challenging with children. At Sand Point, parents "promised to go home and burn the books that told them the trails were easy for children, as they carried their tired children off the rocky beach."
Consider farm camping options: Misty Willows Farm and Camp provides amenities helpful for families. "They'll provide some water, and each site has its own toilet (privacy tent over a bucket, with wood shavings for 'coverage') and garbage can," explains a camper, making logistics easier for family groups.
Schedule around tides for beach exploration: Timing beach activities with low tides improves safety and access. One experienced camper recommended, "do this during ebb tide so you don't get trapped between peninsulas."
Pack extra layers and rain gear: Coastal weather changes rapidly and temperatures drop at night. A Sand Point visitor advised, "You're set back only a few feet from the rocky beach and therefore exposed to weather coming off the ocean, so be sure to plan accordingly with tent, tarp and appropriate clothing."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options in immediate area: Most sites near Clallam Bay accommodate smaller vehicles only. At Dawleys Sol Duc River Campground, one RVer shared, "I arrived with a travel trailer and was taken to an area that was still a work in progress, but offered dry camping in a private clearing amongst an incredibly dense forest."
Research vehicle length restrictions: Forest service roads may have tight turns and limited turnaround space. "We found Littleton Horse Camp. The camp is intended for those with horses, but many people ended up car camping here due to a lack of anywhere else to go," noted a camper seeking last-minute accommodations.
Prepare for boondocking: Water and electrical hookups are rare in this area. A visitor to Dawleys Sol Duc noted, "Found this gem in the forest that recently opened with gorgeous tent campsites. I arrived with a travel trailer and was taken to an area that was still a work in progress, but offered dry camping."
