Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Forks? Find the best information on tent camping near Forks, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. You're sure to find the perfect campsite for your Washington tent camping excursion.
Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits in person at the Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles or the South Shore Lake Quinault Ranger Station. No reservations for South Coast. However, Second Beach is very popular in summer and can fill up.
Group Size Restrictions: Groups are limited to no more than 12 people. Associated groups of more than 12 must camp and travel at least 1 mile apart and may not combine at any time in a group of more than 12.
Food Storage Method: As of May 2013, all food, garbage and scented items must be stored, overnight and when unattended, in park-approved Bear Canisters along the entire Olympic National Park Wilderness Coast. Buckets or other hard-sided containers are no longer permitted.
Campsites: A few forested sites are available but mostly beach camping. Camping space can be scarce in summer.
Toilet Facilities: A pit toilet is located where trail meets beach.
Water Source: Two streams - Most coastal water sources have a tea-stained appearance. The light tan color originates from tannin leached from leaves. Cryptosporidium and giardia exist in coastal streams and rivers; therefore, always filter or boil water. Iodine is ineffective against cryptosporidium.
Contact Forks Outside for campsite set-up service: https://forksoutside.com
Wilderness Camping Permits are required for overnight stays at Shi Shi. Visit our Wilderness Backpacking Reservations page to learn how to obtain a permit. As of March 15, in alignment with the reopening of the Makah Reservation by the Makah Tribe, the coastal wilderness area north of Cape Alava (including Shi Shi Beach) has reopened. All food, garbage, and scented items must be stored—overnight and when unattended—in park-approved bear canisters along the entire Olympic National Park Wilderness Coast. A Makah Recreation Pass must be purchased in Neah Bay prior to arriving at any trailheads on the Makah Indian Reservation. Overnight parking for Shi Shi is permitted only at designated private parking lots. Utilize existing fire rings or build campfires on the beach to prevent damage to tree roots. Use driftwood only. Expect large crowds at Shi Shi Beach during summer months. There have been as many as 50 to 250 campers along Shi Shi Beach on busy weekends. Pets, use of weapons, and wheeled devices are prohibited on coastal beaches and trails.
Location and sites: Sites are scattered along the beach and in the forest. Toilet Facilities: Three pit toilets are available at Shi Shi Beach: one at the south end of the campsites in the woods at the park boundary; one behind the wooded campsites on south side of Petroleum Creek; and one near Willoughby Creek. Always use toilets. Water Sources: Petroleum Creek and Willoughby Creek. Most coastal water sources have a tea-stained appearance. The light tan color originates from tannin leached from leaves. Cryptosporidium and giardia exist in coastal streams and rivers; always filter or boil water. Iodine is ineffective against cryptosporidium. Stock: Prohibited on all park beaches and beach trails.
Dawleys Sol Duc River Campground 1070 Pavel Rd Beaver Wa. Our campground is along the Sol Duc River in a quiet primitive setting. We are right next to the Sol Duc River Hatchery. The tent Camping is 16 sites eight walk in an eight drive up. We are working on a few more sites down the river. We have 19 acres and we are currently expanding putting in primitive dry camping spots on the other side of the road. We sell firewood on site, $15 a bundle!
We have easy access to DNR trails that provide you with a way to take a float on your kayak down the river and exit at the hatchery. We are centrally located to the Olympic Peninsula destinations. Fishing, hunting, kayaking, mountain biking, back road driving, mushroom picking, fossil hunting, wildlife viewing, ATV trails hiking or simply do some stargazing. Beautiful lake pleasant, Beaver lake, Lake Crescent, Lake Ozette to hike to Ocean Beach trails. Lake Ozette is the largest freshwater lake in the state. Hoh River/Rainforest, Sekiu, Straits of Juan De Fuca Fishing, fossils, beachcombing, Lapush, Mora Mora, Quileute Pacific Ocean Beaches, Neah Bay for fishing out to Cape flattery short hike to view tattoosh Island and the furthest north west point on the continental United States. You still enjoy the temperate rainforest but you get away from the marine breeze and cold fog. Hope to see you come out and enjoy yourself and enjoy all that this beautiful place has to offer. Thank you!
Reviews can be found HERE
$35 / night
At CYCLE CAMP you will enjoy one of the most beautiful places in the country, the Olympic Peninsula. Hike spectacular trails to mountain peaks and waterfalls. Enjoy a picnic in a spectrum of wildflowers. The Olympic National park and the HOH Rainforest offer plenty of scenic trails and backroads to explore. Here you will find an abundance of wildlife such as elk, deer and bear. The American Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle reside in these mountains as well...an animal lovers-bird watching paradise.
$60 / night
With all campsites located near the shoreline of glacially carved Lake Quinault, visitors are sure to enjoy the beautiful shoreline and interpretive opportunities in the area. From old-growth trees in the surrounding rain forest to excellent fishing, Willaby Campground's location is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
The forest features 10 miles of hiking trails and many waterfalls within walking distance of the campground. Lake Quinault is part of the Quinault Indian Nation As such,You must have a fishing permit and or boat permit through the Quinault Indian Nation. Both may be purchased through local merchants. Lake Quinault Lodge offers boat and kayak rentals as well as a number of interpretive tours.
The forested slopes of Olympic National Park provide a scenic backdrop across Lake Quinault. Towering conifers including Sitka spruce, Douglas-fir, western hemlock and western red cedar provide dense shade for this beautiful setting. The forest floor is covered with lush rain forest plants including moss, ferns, false lily-of-the-valley and oxalis.
Nearby, Lake Quinault Lodge offers a restaurant and gift shop. Short trails in the area include the Big Spruce Tree Trail, Forest Service Nature Trail, Kestner Homestead Trail and the Maple Glade Trail. Explore the ocean beaches close-by as well as the National Fish Hatchery. For a more adventuresome day, drive up the valley to hike along the rivers or climb the 4,200 ft. Colonel Bob Peak for expansive views of the mountains and valleys on a clear day.
For facility specific information, please call (360) 288-2525.
Reserved sites must be occupied within 24 hours or the site will be forfetied for remainder of reservation.
$25 / night
Campsites: There are a few campsites off the beach in the forest but most camping is on the beach above high tide. During summer, camping space can be scarce! This is some of the best beach camping Washington has to offer.
Toilet Facilities: Pit toilet where the trail meets the beach.
Water Source: Most coastal water sources have a tea-stained appearance. The light tan color originates from tannin leached from leaves. Cryptosporidium and giardia exist in coastal lakes, streams, and rivers. Always filter or boil water. Iodine is ineffective against cryptosporidium.
Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits at the WIC in Port Angeles or the South Shore Lake Quinault Ranger Station. No reservations for South Coast.
Group Size Restrictions: Groups are limited to no more than 12 people. Associated groups of more than 12 must camp and travel at least 1 mile apart and may not combine at any time into a group of more than 12.
Contact Forks Outside for campsite set-up service: https://forksoutside.com
Campsites: Primary destinations are Third Beach, Scott's Creek, Toleak Point, and Mosquito Creek. These camp areas can be full or very busy in summer. Toilet Facilities: Pit toilets are available at Third Beach, Scott's Creek, Toleak Point, and Mosquito Creek. In other areas bury waste 6-8" deep and 200 feet from campsites and water sources. Water Sources: See topographic map for permanent streams. Most coastal water sources have a tea-stained appearance. The light tan color originates from tannin leached from leaves. Cryptosporidium and giardia exist in coastal lakes, streams, and rivers. Always filter or boil water. Iodine is ineffective against cryptosporidium.
Guide
Great spot! What a place.
Guide
It was fantastic not crowded, it was late in the season. Shutdown except for campground and pit toilets. Still a great place.
Traveler
Didn’t know what to expect. Needed a place to sleep on the way to the Hoh Rainforest. Site is free with a discover pass which is $30. The site was east to find off the road in the dark. There was only one other group of campers when we arrived, and they’d left by the time we got up. Lots of beautiful old trees draped in moss, nice fire pits, clean pit toilet. It drizzled almost the whole time which was what we were expecting mid October. 10/10 would come again!
I will say we were right off the road which could be more annoying in peak season.
Traveler
We drove right up. Notice said we needed a discover pass, which we didn’t have, nor did we have enough service to look up what it was. We winged it and and got the pass later in town. $30 for so many sites in WA so worth it. The sites were a bunch of drive ups in a ring with a pit toilet near by. Surrounded by trees and right on the way between Port Ángeles and Cape Flattery. Would do again!
Scout
Drove about 1 mile down the road and it was closed off. A couple of pull offs that were super muddy so didn’t bother. South Beach Campground just down the road is also closed.
Traveler
Such a beautiful view, hard to beat! clean bathrooms and everyone was very friendly. Lots of little trails straight to the beach. Great place to watch the sunset and have a quiet campfire
Scout
Sites are close to beach, beautiful. On the other hand are the sites spaced close together. The bathroom is not what you expected if you pay more than 75 dollar. You had even to pay for a shower.
LegendSweet little campground, maybe 10 sites, plus a hiker/biker area, just outside the Hoh section of Olympic National Park. It’s free but you must have the Washington State Discover Pass ($30/year). You’re right in the rain forest and everything is so lush and green and peaceful.
Site #4 is for handicapped use only, until after 6pm when it’s open to all users. So maybe something to check out if you’re don't need a handicapped spot and are arriving late and aren’t sure if there will be any sites. We arrived early afternoon on a Tuesday in mid September and there were 3 or 4 other campers here.
There is no water and no trash service. There is a pit toilet that was so nasty inside- yech. People had also left their garbage bags in the bathroom instead of taking it with them, so disappointing how selfish people can be.
The Verizon phone had absolutely zero reception (most of the area driving in and all of the National Park as well). I didn’t try the cell booster but I suspect it wouldn’t have helped. The ATT phone had weak reception, ok for some slow motion browsing and texting but not enough to stream.
You’re on a moderately busy road that leads to the National Park so there’s some road noise. Very little sun or open sky for solar power or starlink (we don’t have starlink so I don’t know if it would work here).
LegendThis campground is part of the Olympic National Park, it’s FCFS only, and very bare bones. There are flush toilets, but no sinks or showers or water spigots- don’t forget to bring your own water!
It’s $20/night, and you pay when you arrive after you select a site. You pay either via a QR code with PayPal or a credit card(if you have cell reception), or fill out your credit card information on a slip that you drop in a deposit box. No cash and no checks accepted. No campfires allowed at this time. The ATT phone had decent reception, the Verizon phone was very weak and basically unusable.
There is a row of sites along the edge that are the primo sites- full ocean view. Everyone else can make do with the ocean views they get from in between all the other campers. The waves are calm and steady all night, very relaxing and nice for drowning out generator sounds. There are trash bins but no recycling bins. Each site is attached to a numbered picnic table. If there’s no free picnic table then it’s not a site (we were confused by this big open area that would have easily fit us, but it wasn’t actually a site. Look for the picnic table).
There is a host on site. There are trails down to the beach, after climbing over driftwood and rocks, but otherwise no trails or hiking or anything else to do directly from the campground. We stayed one night.
Ranger
Wife found this place on internet.
You pay a $5 “road use” fee to access the property.
You drive down to a huge gravel bar solidly packed down.
There are many sites right next to the Hoh river, and it’s beautiful.
We talked to some great other campers and had a peaceful stay.
Scout
This is a stunning spot that can be accessed via the Badger Valley Trail, leading through alpine meadows and mobile executor descending steeply into Grand Valley.
Traveler
We are here in a 30 foot 5th wheel with no problem. But only maybe 3 sites could accommodate this size.
TravelerThis location was brought over from the iOverlander app. Follow the link for pictures.
DNR land from the Indian reservation to the highway. You can park anywhere along the road.
It has gorgeous sunset views on the beach. Very little nearby firewood, pick some up on your way. - Several houses along the highway have honor stands.
The only available reported cell service is Verizon and TMobile, but both can be patchy. Sometimes able to pick up Canadian cell providers from across the water.
ScoutAfter someone stole my original site at a campground, I stumbled across Allen’s (sand)bar. I was hesitant at first because it’s far back on someone’s property but I took a chance and found paradise! The water, the sunset, and a bunch of people minding their own business. I’m keeping this spot a secret, but incase you’re a SFT, I gotchu.
Details: you must be self contained (no tent camping) and you have to use the woods.
Scout
We had a secluded site which is perfect for a dog. It’s quiet in the park and there’s no major highway close by. The staff is great!
TravelerAfter two lovely nights earlier in the week I returned to the Heart O’the Hills campground for my last night of my trip. I found a site I liked, with Devil’s Club behind it and a cool empty tree stump with Salal around and above it. All was well so I thought. Until a couple came by, German maybe, saying I’m in their spot which they already paid for. It says clearly to leave something in a spot chosen which they didn’t. I didn’t know it’s needed to check the (confusing) registration board to see if a site has been taken. It’s a first come campground with no preregistration. Says on the sign to leave something to indicate a site is taken. Also I hadn’t paid yet as I first find an open site, set up everything and make food before too dark. They wanted me to leave the site. I said I really couldn’t. It would be too difficult physically to pack up and move. (Petite 66 yr old female here) Many sites were still available. They were going to see if I can pay for another site they’d take as I suggested. Instead they went to the onsite femi-Nazi attendant. She came to my site while I was still eating demanding that I leave. I said that it would be too difficult. She then threatened to call law enforcement. Clearly I was a criminal to her the way she aggressively verbally abused and threatened me despite me explaining what happened. I still said it would be too difficult for me to pack up and move. She huffed off to ask the couple if they are okay finding another site. If not I would have packed up and left the campground. She returned saying I can stay still aggressively asking why I hadn’t paid yet. I was waiting for the couple to let me know first!!! She basically yelled at me to go pay now. “RIGHT NOW!!!!”- like an unconscious parent ordering their child to do something. Jeez. What the F is wrong with some people? She needs to be head honcho in a military boot camp. Or a prison warden. I stopped at the visitor center on the way out and got contact info to report her. Totally unwarranted treatment of anyone. Very upsetting to be the target energetically of her inferiority complexes which she compensates by abusing and lording (trying to) over others. 😖
Guide
Wonderful spot to wake up next to a river. Need to be mindful of other campers in the area. Met a friendly dog. Looks like an ok place to float down the river 😉
Traveler
If you're on two wheels powered by legs or motor you won't find a more welcoming and unique environment. I've been here 4 times and from the first visit I knew I'd be back again and again. It has everything a motorcycle or bicycle camper could want. Bob Wishon runs this and you could not meet a kinder human. Stays are by donation and those fund a gathering /party the third weekend of every August. If you're anywhere remotely close on a bike, this IS the place to go.
Guide
We just spent the last three nights across the street from this location. There are a few spots for large RVs at this loop, but if it's full, you can go about 100 yards past this loop and across the street to this location (48.0512793, -124.1110441) and there's a lot of room in a large gravel area that is perfect for buses and coaches. We were about to settle for a muddy spot in this loop but luckily we scouted ahead with the toad and found the area across the street. Not as wooded and pretty as the loop area but plenty of level space still available.
Scout
Great camp ground, friendly and clean facilities. Showers are coin unfortunately. Bring a rain coat and boots because your camp will be wet constantly!
Guide
I usually only stay at the places identified as "Big Rig Friendly" but I gave this location a shot since a review said there were buses that found a spot... we tried it in our 40ft Class A and got pretty jammed up down a narrow road, trying to follow the directions in the comment. Disconnected the toad and ran around trying to find anything that would work but there was nothing for our size. I do not recommend trying if you're in a large Class A.
ScoutFirst come first serve. Nice little trail down to the river. Scary rollers bring TP
Scout
Camped here for the day hike up to Blue Glacier. The sites are small and somewhat close. Water access easy from streams before and after sites along the trail. Taking your camp gear up to the Glacier Meadows would be significantly more difficult, especially with the ladder.
After we returned from the glacier, we found that our site had mostly flooded from moderate rain. We looked at the few open spots left and found the same issue. Settled for a partially sloped spot just next to a site. Not a fun thing to do after dark after a long day.
Traveler
Wether you have a beach view or not your spot will be amazing! The beach access alone is worth the higher cost. Bring quarters for hot showers.
GuideThe coordinates for this location takes you into a road that is within the National Park. There is “No free camping” in the national park.
Across the road you’ll find the South Beach Camping. This is a FCFS open campground provided by NPS. It’s $20/night or $10/night if you have a reciprocal pass.
There’s toilets and a great ocean view and beach access.
If you choose to park down the access road, you could potentially be ticketed.
I did choose to stay 1 night at the campground. Pretty crowded by RV’s but was okay for a single night.
Traveler
This campground was so nice with several different options to pick from. Rachel was amazing at helping me find the perfect one for me and a reactive dog. Lots of trees and a short drive/walk to a river spot
TravelerThe road keeps going and there are many pull offs and forks. Right on the other side of the national park road. Found a spot right by the river.
Forks, Washington, offers a stunning backdrop for tent camping enthusiasts, with its lush forests and proximity to the breathtaking Olympic National Park. Whether you're seeking solitude or adventure, there are plenty of options to explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Forks, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Forks, WA is Second Beach — Olympic National Park with a 4.9-star rating from 9 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 75 tent camping locations near Forks, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
