Tent camping options outside Elma, Washington primarily cluster on Forest Service roads and undeveloped areas within Olympic National Forest. The region sits at the eastern edge of the Olympic Peninsula, with elevations ranging from 300-1,200 feet in camping areas. Many sites receive 60-80 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush forest conditions with substantial undergrowth in most tent camping locations.
What to do
Hiking trails: Rock Candy Mountain offers easily accessible trails from the camping areas. "The trail next to it I don't know how far but, it's cool. The road up the Montana is dirt but some parts are very rocky," notes william T. about the Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead area.
Swimming access: Lake Quinault provides swimming opportunities during summer months. At Willaby Campground, "This campground has a great (free) day-use area with a really nice beach for swimming/splashing and it doesn't get too busy," according to JeffT.
Target shooting: For those interested in target shooting, nearby gravel pits maintained by the Department of Natural Resources offer designated areas. A camper at Sherman Valley State Forest mentions, "The campground is located in Capital Forest which is home to lots of hiking, mountain bike, equestrian, and ATV trails. There is even a near by gravel pit owned by the Department of Natural Resources and it is designated for target shooting."
What campers like
Solitude on forest roads: The best tent camping near Elma, Washington often involves remote locations on logging roads. A camper at FS-2292 Dispersed shared, "Very far off the beaten path, every time I camp here I don't run into anyone. You're camping on the Ridgeline so it can be a bit windy."
Natural clearings: Many dispersed sites feature small openings in the forest with room for tents. "We picked the first spot we got to since it was getting kind of late. It wasn't the most ideal spot and I think further down the road has prettier and more remote options," notes Sam S. about Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping.
Wildlife viewing: The surrounding forests host diverse wildlife. At Graves Creek Campground, one camper reported, "Saw a bear while visiting," highlighting the potential for wildlife encounters in this wilderness setting.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many camping areas requires navigating rough roads. Nicholas G. at FS-2292 Dispersed notes, "The road was a little rough but my suv made it fine. No signal and got a little snow on the roof in the morning but it was a good spot with a great view."
Seasonal challenges: Winter camping presents specific difficulties in this region. One camper at Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead cautions, "In my opinion this area is not suitable for winter camping... It gets pretty steep going up the road. The right steep."
Limited facilities: Most tent sites have no amenities. At Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping, a camper shares, "This is a gravel road through the National Forest with a bunch of pull-offs where you can camp. It was nothing special but very quiet and peaceful other than one or two cars that passed by."
Tips for camping with families
Best bathroom access: For families with children, select sites with toilet facilities. At Willaby Campground, you'll find "Flush toilets" which make extended stays more comfortable, especially with children.
Water sports opportunities: For family activities, consider Lake Quinault access. "We kayaked here from Boston Harbor on a beautiful summer week-end," notes a camper at Hope Island Marine State Park Campground, describing another water-based recreation area in the region.
Educational trails: Several campgrounds feature interpretive trails suitable for children. Near Graves Creek Campground, a visitor mentioned, "There is a one mile nature hike near the campground and several trailheads close by. And just down the road is the largest spruce tree in the world."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most forest service roads near Elma restrict large RVs. A Rock Candy Mountain visitor warns, "Not suitable for anything wider than a class B. In my opinion this area is not suitable for winter camping."
Parking challenges: Limited pull-off space affects RV camping options. "There are about four pull outs to set up for the night," according to Beamus R., describing the limited options at Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead.
Turn-around space: Forest roads rarely provide adequate turning space for larger vehicles. The narrow access roads make maneuvering difficult, with one camper noting Rock Candy Mountain Road is "barely wide enough for two vehicles to safely pass each other."
