The Olympic Peninsula's western coast features dense temperate rainforest that receives over 100 inches of annual rainfall, creating lush camping environments around La Push. Located at the mouth of the Quillayute River, this area serves as a gateway to Olympic National Park's coastal section, with campsites that range from primitive forest settings to oceanfront locations. Most campgrounds maintain year-round access despite seasonal weather changes.
What to Do
Beach exploration and tide pooling: At Mora Campground, visitors can quickly access nearby coastal attractions. "Very close to Rialto Beach with more privacy. Limited amenities, just a bathroom but very serviceable. Also a great choice is you have pups since dogs are not allowed at the Rialto beach area," notes Natalie B. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring tide pools at low tide.
Rainforest hiking: The temperate rainforest surrounds many camping areas with moss-covered trails. "This is a beautiful campground in the olympic national forest. very quiet with large trees and vegetation between each site," reports Smittie at Mora Campground. Most trails require leashes for pets and proper rain gear regardless of season.
Wildlife viewing: Marine mammals are frequently spotted from coastal campsites. At Quileute Oceanside Resort, one camper mentioned, "Saw 9 seals in the ocean the evening we got there. Such a pretty place, I can't recommend this highly enough." Morning and evening provide optimal viewing times for wildlife along the shoreline.
What Campers Like
River access: At Cottonwood Campground, campers appreciate the natural water features. "This has large sites and are fairly secluded from each other. Has a nice creek as well and is close to the hoh River," writes Nik B. The river provides swimming and fishing opportunities during summer months.
Private campsites: Many campgrounds in the area feature natural separation between sites. "Only a few sites and each is incredibly private. Absolutely beautiful space for tent camping or boondocking on the Olympic Peninsula," notes Stephanie E. about Cottonwood Campground. The native vegetation creates natural buffers between neighboring campsites.
Central location: Bogachiel State Park offers strategic positioning for exploring the region. "Our family had a lot of fun at Bogachiel! Some of the campsites lead right up to the river and were tucked away by the forest. Super small but so close to Forks and La Push," shares Kara C. Most attractions lie within a 30-minute drive of this centrally located campground.
What You Should Know
Weather considerations: The coastal climate brings frequent precipitation. "Prepare for rain as it will likely still rain in the summer with cooler evenings," advises Kayko S. about Kalaloch Campground. Waterproof gear remains essential year-round, particularly for tent campers.
Tide timing: Plan beach activities around tide schedules. "Make sure you go as the tide is going out. Tide pools are interesting to explore," advises Jennifer T. Incoming tides can block return routes from certain beach hikes, creating potential safety hazards for unprepared hikers.
Seasonal crowding: Summer brings peak visitation to all campgrounds. "This campground fills up fast. The access to the beach is easy, the beach is beautiful," reports Sheila M. Weekday arrivals provide better opportunities for securing sites at first-come, first-served campgrounds during peak season.
