Olympic National Forest surrounds Matlock, Washington with multiple dispersed camping options along forest service roads. The area sits at elevations between 800-1,500 feet with dense evergreen forests and receives approximately 70-80 inches of rainfall annually. Tent camping near Matlock requires preparation for variable weather conditions, as temperatures can drop significantly at night even during summer months.
What to do
Hike to Wynoochee Falls: The trail system near Wynoochee Falls Campground offers multiple hiking paths suitable for various skill levels. One camper mentioned there are "lots of trails" and that it's "nice for kids on bikes, swimming, big grassy fields."
Wildlife viewing: The forests around Matlock provide habitats for various wildlife species. At FS-2292 Dispersed, a camper reported, "We stayed here and heard maybe 1 car the whole day/night. Granted, we found a pull off into the woods," offering excellent opportunities for quiet wildlife observation.
Kayaking on Lake Quinault: The day use area at Willaby Campground has facilities for water activities. A camper noted, "The day use beach area was great for launching a kayak, and has a boat ramp for larger vessels."
Swimming in summer months: Several camping areas offer swimming opportunities. One visitor to Wynoochee Falls Campground simply stated the location was "So much fun!" with good "swimming" options, particularly valuable during hot summer days.
What campers like
Seclusion and privacy: Many dispersed camping sites offer significant distance from other campers. At NF-2419 Dispersed Site, a camper shared, "Great avenue to get out into nature with various streams crossing the path of the service road. Truly magical place."
River access: Campsites near water features are particularly popular. A visitor to Graves Creek Campground mentioned, "Sites 1-5 and 17-20 are my favorites because they back up on the river."
Forest immersion: The dense forest provides a genuine wilderness experience. One camper at FS-2292 Dispersed reported, "Very far off the beaten path, every time I camp here I don't run into anyone. You're camping on the Ridgeline so it can be a bit windy."
Stargazing opportunities: Clear nights offer excellent celestial viewing. A camper noted seeing "an amazing view of the mountains, lake and stars" from their campsite, highlighting the minimal light pollution in the area.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many access roads require appropriate vehicles. At Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping, a camper advised, "This is a gravel road through the National Forest with a bunch of pull-offs where you can camp."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites lack amenities. A camper at Graves Creek Campground reported, "Don't understand why the restrooms are closed or even the water source by the bathroom," indicating the need to come prepared with supplies.
Weather preparedness: Rain can significantly impact camping conditions. One FS-2292 visitor mentioned, "The road was a little rough but my suv made it fine. No signal and got a little snow on the roof in the morning."
Cell service variability: Connectivity varies by location. A camper at NF-2419 noted, "I had 4g on my Tmobile," but many other areas have limited or no service.
Tips for camping with families
Choose established campgrounds: Sites with more facilities work better for children. A visitor to Willaby Campground mentioned, "You can hop on a great trail right from the campground that goes along a creek," providing convenient activities.
Pack extra clothing: Temperature fluctuations require layering options. A camper at FS-2292 reported experiencing "a little snow on the roof in the morning" even during warmer seasons, highlighting the need for warm clothing.
Plan water activities: Lakes and streams offer entertainment for children. One Wynoochee Falls visitor specifically noted it was "Nice for kids on bikes, swimming, big grassy fields," offering multiple recreation options.
Consider weekday visits: Popular sites fill quickly on weekends. A camper observed, "We drove in on a super busy weekend at the end of August (right before school starts and during this pandemic where everyone just needed to get out) but were able to get lucky and fund 1 site."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many forest roads restrict larger vehicles. At NF-2419, a camper warned the road "is a very busy road at all hours. 2 or 3 cars drive by all day and all through the night," making it less suitable for larger RVs seeking quiet.
Road clearance requirements: Unimproved roads demand higher clearance vehicles. A visitor to Rock Candy Mountain Trailhead cautioned, "It gets pretty steep going up the road. The right steep... Not suitable for anything wider than a class B."
Limited turnaround space: Forest roads often lack adequate room for large rigs to maneuver. One camper noted, "They wrote it on barely white enough for two vehicles to safely pass each other," highlighting the narrow road conditions.
Seasonal accessibility: Weather impacts road conditions significantly. A camper advised, "In my opinion this area is not suitable for winter camping," referring to the steep terrain and potential for hazardous conditions during colder months.
