Tent campsites near Hoodsport, Washington offer varying degrees of elevation gain, from roadside pull-offs to backcountry spots requiring substantial hiking. The Olympic Peninsula's typical summer temperatures range from 65-75°F during day and 45-55°F at night, with rainfall averaging less than 2 inches monthly between July and September. Winter camping remains available at lower elevations, though roads to higher-elevation sites often close from November through May.
What to do
Hike to mountain views: Upper Lena Lake provides panoramic views after a challenging climb. According to one camper at Upper Lena Lake, "This was my first backpacking trip. It was brootal but way beyond worth the exhaustion. Watch out for bees! Be prepared to climb!" The trail often has snow through mid-June, with another reviewer noting, "We went in mid June and hit snow about 1 mike past Lena Lake."
Feed local wildlife: Forest areas near Hoodsport offer opportunities to interact with birds. At NF-2419 Dispersed Site, one camper shared, "Got to feed 3 Bluejays by hand with my oldest one of our new favorite memories." Wildlife sightings are common throughout the area's forests.
Explore abandoned mines: Historical sites add interest to wilderness hikes. One camper at Camp Pleasant mentioned, "In this area, there is actually a hidden entrance to an abandoned mine, which is hidden with only a small handful of locals knowing the exact location. There is some local history here."
What campers like
Stream access: Multiple camping areas feature water access. At Camp Pleasant, a camper described, "The neatest feature is that there are several sites located on a little island in the river itself." Another noted they "spent several hours alternating between reading and staring at the river from my tent that evening and morning."
Berry picking: Seasonal wild berries enhance camping trips. A Camp Pleasant reviewer mentioned, "There were ripe blueberries right beside my campsite," while campers at Enchanted Valley enjoy "an abundance of huckleberries and blueberries" along with "massive old growth, elk, bears...waterfalls."
Low traffic on weekdays: Campsites offer significantly more solitude midweek. At FS-2292 Dispersed, a camper noted, "Very far off the beaten path, every time I camp here I don't run into anyone." Weekdays provide better opportunities for quiet experiences, with some campers mentioning minimal vehicle traffic.
What you should know
Potable water limitations: Most dispersed sites require bringing your own water. At Graves Creek Campground, a reviewer observed, "Don't understand why the restrooms are closed or even the water source by the bathroom?" Another noted, "There is no potable water, so make sure to bring what you need or filter from the Quinault River."
Tent setup challenges: Some established campgrounds have surfaces that complicate pitching tents. One Graves Creek camper mentioned, "The site was large and had a couple of cool amenities. It was nice to have tables at each site, but the paving made staking a tent impossible."
Bear safety requirements: Multiple campgrounds require proper food storage. At Enchanted Valley, "Bear canisters are a must here as it is in prime bear country," while Camp Pleasant has a "NPS provided bear wire" though it may sometimes be "out of service" requiring campers to find suitable trees for hanging food.
Tips for camping with families
Gradual introduction to backpacking: Start with shorter trails. At Lena Lake Campground, a camper suggested, "The hike to lower Lena Lake is good for a day trip but rather short for an overnight backpacking trip in my opinion." Another noted it's "good for beginner and intermediate hikers as a potential introduction to the Olympic peninsula."
Cell coverage verification: Coverage varies significantly by carrier and location. A NF-2419 camper reported, "I had 4g on my Tmobile," which can be important for families needing to stay connected.
Wildlife education opportunities: Multiple locations offer wildlife viewing. Enchanted Valley "is home to a herd of Elk as well as deer, bears and other wildlife," providing chances to teach children about wilderness safety and animal habitats from a distance.
Tips from RVers
Road condition awareness: Many forest service roads have limitations. One camper at NF-2419 advised, "We saw people driving various types of vehicles so most will make it up. My 2011 Ford Flex made it up no problem." However, roads to Graves Creek require caution as it's "about 6 miles of unpaved road before you reach the campground."
Vehicle size restrictions: Not all camping areas accommodate larger vehicles. At Graves Creek, "no trailers and RVs are allowed out here due to the narrow gravel roads and small spaces," while many forest service roads like FS-2292 are better suited for SUVs or trucks with higher clearance.
Alternative parking arrangements: Some areas require planning for larger vehicles. A camper at Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping mentioned, "We camped near Vance Creek trailhead to do the Olympic Bridges bike ride the next morning," demonstrating how RV campers often use trailhead parking for overnight stays while exploring by other means.
