Dispersed camping opportunities near La Push, Washington extend beyond the immediate area with multiple free sites within 30-45 minutes of driving distance. The Olympic Peninsula's temperate rainforest climate receives about 100 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush, mossy landscapes but often muddy camping conditions. Cell service varies significantly by carrier and specific location throughout the region.
What to do
River fishing access: At Upper Hoh Rd Dispersed Camping, campers enjoy direct river access with mountain views. One visitor noted, "Unbelievably picturesque and serene. The sound of the river, chirping of the birds, views of snow capped mountains, forests and streams- I mean it's amazing!"
Hiking preparation: Use the camping areas as a starting point for Olympic National Park trails. A camper at Dispersed Camping NF 2918 shared, "The perfect location for exploring Olympic NP. The longest we drive was about an hour and a half to the Hoh Rainforest."
Beach exploration: Some sites offer beach access for tide pool investigation and sunset viewing. At the DNR Dispersed Campsite, visitors report "gorgeous sunset views on the beach," though they caution "very little nearby firewood, pick some up on your way."
Wildlife watching: Bald eagles and other wildlife can be spotted from riverside camping areas. A camper at South Fork Calawah River mentioned, "Site friends and I stayed at was just past the bridge about 2 miles in... a Bald Eagle nest right across from where we stayed!"
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: Many campers appreciate the quiet, tucked-away feeling of these forest sites. A visitor to Morgan's Crossing Dispersed described it as "Nice and secluded right on the river! The road coming back is definitely rough but was fine in our F-150."
Natural surroundings: The mossy rainforest setting creates a distinctive camping experience. One camper at Forest Service Road 29 described the area as having "very pretty, quiet, mossy forest" though mentioned it was "a bit buggy, but not the worst."
Cost savings: Most dispersed camping in this region remains free. A camper noted about the Hoh River area: "This is a killer camp site, we parked a 25 foot travel trailer here with a lot of room to spare. The bluff it very steep into the river so watch how close you get to the edge."
Cell connectivity: Surprisingly good connectivity exists at certain sites. At Forest Service Road 29 Dispersed Camping Loop, a camper reported "4 bars LTE with Verizon" and another mentioned "great cell service" noting "All of the other campgrounds near Olympic NP were full, so we checked this spot out."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many access roads require higher clearance vehicles. At one Hoh River site, a camper warned, "Need to drive over very bumpy dirt road to get to sites near river. Then need to drive over rocky road to get into sites near river."
Seasonal logging activity: Timber harvesting affects some camping areas. A camper at South Fork Calawah River noted, "Logging season was in full swing when we stayed, so lots of trucks hauling off the mountain started early."
Local traffic: Some sites experience unexpected vehicle traffic. At Camp Creek Olympic Discovery Trailhead, a camper mentioned the area "is shielded from the road, which barely had any cars on it" but clarified "you cant camp at the trail head, its on National Park land."
Land ownership considerations: Some sites require crossing or using private land. Morgan's Crossing Dispersed had a camper note, "This is a small section right before getting to the river. We just happen to like how flat this spot is and still being extremely close to the river without being right in it."
Tips for camping with families
Safety considerations: When camping with children, select sites away from fast-moving water. At Morgan's Crossing, a camper observed the site had "three firepits: two up above and one down on the bank of the river. It's about 1/4 mile off the paved road and the river noise is enough to drown out the occasional passerby."
Beginner-friendly spots: Some locations offer easier access for families new to dispersed camping. A visitor to Dispersed Camping NF 2918 shared, "The approach was surprisingly easy too! I have the smallest lil hatchback boi, and it made it easily the 5 minutes down the gravel road to reach the camping area."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for potential wildlife sightings. At South Fork Calawah River, a visitor observed "Pretty campsite just 15 minutes outside of Forks. Definitely used mainly as a local hangout spot" and mentioned "Great little hikes around the site."
Space for activities: Some sites offer more room for children to explore safely. At DNR Dispersed Campsite, campers report "Big pull off with access to the beach. Big enough for a few rigs" and note "Plenty of room to tent camp on beach."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: RV campers should scout sites before attempting access. At Hoh River Dispersed Camping, a camper advised, "Camping right next to river. Tall bushes for shade. Need to drive over very bumpy dirt road to get to sites near river."
Larger rig options: Some areas accommodate bigger vehicles better than others. At Forest Service Road 29, an RVer noted, "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... and there's a lot of room in a large gravel area that is perfect for buses and coaches."
Solar considerations: Power management matters for extended stays. A camper at Forest Service Road 29 mentioned, "several gravel roads with large open spots for decent solar/Starlink access" and "easy to find level spots."
Navigational challenges: RVers should plan routes carefully. One camper at Dispersed Camping NF 2918 cautioned, "be careful not to go too far, as the road gets a little dicey higher up the mountain."
