The Olympic Peninsula near Joyce, Washington features varied terrain where temperate rainforests meet rocky Pacific beaches. Located about 20 miles west of Port Angeles, this region receives significant rainfall averaging 70-100 inches annually, creating lush vegetation surrounding camping areas. Winter temperatures typically range from 30-45°F while summer highs reach 65-75°F with occasional fog along coastal areas.
What to do
Beach exploration at Salt Creek Recreation Area: Located near Whiskey Creek Beach NW, this area offers shower facilities for 25 cents per 2 minutes. "One of the best places on Dyrt I've ever used. Clean, quiet, nice sites. 1 to 2 bars Verizon signal. I'd use again," notes a visitor to Lyre River State Forest.
Rainforest hikes at Olympic National Park: The Sol Duc area features accessible trails through ancient forests. "We absolutely loved the Sol Duc Falls hike which passes through the campgrounds. It is a very easy hike (we took a two year old and he walked 50% of it) and very rewarding. The coolest part was how much you felt like you were in a different world," shared one camper at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground.
Hot springs soaking: After hiking, relax in mineral pools near camping areas. "The pools are well maintained ($15 to get in), there's locker rooms with showers and there's also a diner. Down the road there's a short 1 mile hike to the falls!" reports a visitor to Sol Duc Hot Springs.
River access for fishing: Multiple campsites provide direct water access for anglers. "If you're a fisherman this is it! We drove thru scouting. It's beautiful 😍 the sites are nothing fancy but that is not what this is about," explains a visitor to Hoh Oxbow Campground.
What campers like
Elevated platform accommodations: Glamping close to Joyce, Washington includes various raised structures. "T5 is right on the ocean, they are dog friendly and hosts Rachael and Tim are great. We highly recommend Whiskey Creek. Nearby Port Angeles and Joyce General Store make it great!" shares a camper at Whiskey Creek Beach NW.
Waterfront tent platforms: Beachfront camping platforms provide security from ground moisture. "One of the amazing features for those camping at the shorefront sites (T9, T10, T12) are the elevated, 12×14 decks that serve as your tent pad; No need to worry about a tarp placement beneath the tent. Metal cleets are placed around the deck stucture that you can use as tie downs for your tent and fly," explains a visitor to Whiskey Creek Beach NW.
Old growth forest settings: Many campsites feature mature trees providing natural canopies. "This place is absolutely stunning. Huge, beautiful old growth trees surround campsites. Lots of great spots to choose from. Went in September and it was still pretty buggy and we got rained out but loved everything else about it otherwise," notes a visitor to Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort.
Rivers and creeks: Several campgrounds offer natural water features. "Very nice campground with creek side spots. Friendly hosts, easy self pay. Plenty of spots. Can't remember if it were the off season or not but there were hardly anyone there," mentions a camper at Hoh Oxbow Campground.
What you should know
Weather preparation: The Olympic Peninsula experiences significant rainfall year-round. "It is WA so plan on getting wet and muddy. Everything was constantly wet around Sol Duc. Plan and pack accordingly!" advises a camper.
Off-grid shower options: Some glamping facilities near Joyce have rustic bathing facilities. "There is a small, single shower hut apx. 30 yards from the tent site. It is an off the grid shower, but extremely clean, and has running hot water. The cost was $5.00 for unlimited use," notes a visitor to Whiskey Creek Beach NW.
Cell service variability: Mobile coverage varies significantly across camping areas. "AT&T service is decent, bounces between US and Canada towers though so be sure roaming is not an issue for your bill," explains a Whiskey Creek Beach visitor.
Reservation considerations: Many popular sites fill quickly during peak season. "The registration process for this campground is confusing, if you show up without reservations like we did. There's a board with info on it, but ultimately you need to drive back to the lodge where people go for hot springs soaks and register with them there," shares a camper at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Joyce General Store proximity: This well-stocked shop provides camping supplies and groceries. "Nearby Port Angeles and Joyce General Store make it great!" mentions a Whiskey Creek Beach NW visitor.
Kid-friendly trails: Several campsites connect to gentle hiking paths suitable for young children. "It's a very easy hike (we took a two year old and he walked 50% of it) and very rewarding," notes a Sol Duc visitor.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe local fauna from safe distances. "There's deer and elk that come through the camp," reports a visitor to Weekend Worrior Camping.
Water noise considerations: Coastal camping may include loud wave action. "Only one complaint, and it's not the campsites fault, is that at night the tide comes in extremely close to the campsites and the it is LOUD. Had trouble sleeping, but my partner slept like a baby," cautions a Whiskey Creek Beach NW camper.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many campgrounds have limitations on vehicle length. "This campground is well off the beaten track along the Strait of Juan de Fuca with views of mountainous Vancouver Island, BC. There are a variety of funky tent and RV sites and even funkier cabins. The uncrowded RV sites come with fire pit and table," explains a visitor to Whiskey Creek Beach NW.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require significant adjustment for RVs. "Site B1 is super unlevel. Gravel and dirt in this site is very loose as well," warns a Whiskey Creek Beach NW camper.
Hookup variations: Electrical services differ across campgrounds offering glamping near Joyce. "We had a 21 foot long campervan. Road and site grounds were well maintained. Bathroom was clean," notes a visitor to Mora Campground.
Limited RV spaces: During peak season, designated RV sites fill quickly. "Ultimately, there wasn't room for us at the non-hookup campground, and the RV sites were all booked. Recommend reservations for this place!" advises a Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort visitor.