Best Campgrounds near Neah Bay, WA

Neah Bay, Washington sits at the northwestern tip of the Olympic Peninsula, where campers find a mix of coastal and forest camping options managed by tribal authorities and the National Park Service. Hobuck Resort and Beach Area, operated by the Makah Tribe, offers tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabins just steps from the Pacific Ocean. Nearby Shi Shi Beach in Olympic National Park provides primitive beach camping accessible via a moderately challenging hike. The region includes both drive-in options like Cape Motel and RV Park within Neah Bay itself and backcountry experiences at Cape Alava Campground, where tent campers can experience the westernmost point in the contiguous United States.

Tribal land regulations require special permits for camping and recreation in the Neah Bay area. The Makah Recreation Pass ($10) is mandatory for visitors accessing tribal lands, including routes to popular destinations like Cape Flattery and Shi Shi Beach. As one camper noted, "To backpack overnight on Shi Shi Beach you will need a Makah Recreation Pass. It was $10 and we purchased it at the Washburn General Store in Neah Bay." Weather conditions can change rapidly along this exposed coastline, with frequent rain and wind even during summer months. Cell service is virtually non-existent throughout the area, and services are limited to basic supplies in Neah Bay. Campers should arrive with full gas tanks and all necessary provisions.

The coastal camping experience draws visitors seeking tide pools, surf opportunities, and pristine beaches. At Shi Shi Beach, campers report exceptional wildlife viewing in the intertidal zones. "In the morning the tide pools were amazing! Colorful starfish and sea anemones everywhere," shared one visitor. Hobuck Beach Resort attracts surfers with what locals describe as "one of the more consistent sets in Washington." The Makah Nation maintains alcohol-free policies on tribal lands, and visitors should respect these regulations. Camping areas fill quickly during summer weekends, particularly at Hobuck where the tent camping area operates as "organized chaos" with no designated sites. Winter brings stormy conditions that appeal to storm-watchers but require proper equipment and preparation.

Best Camping Sites Near Neah Bay, Washington (102)

    1. Hobuck Resort and Beach Area

    18 Reviews
    Neah Bay, WA
    3 miles
    Website

    $20 - $50 / night

    "Hobuck Beach Resort just west of Neah Bay, Washington is located "where the Earth began" according to the local Makah Tribe."

    "The bathrooms and water source was close by. All campsites were walking distance to the sandy beach but be ready for a slightly sandy beach site."

    2. Shi Shi Beach — Olympic National Park

    15 Reviews
    Neah Bay, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 565-3100

    "Shi Shi Beach was beautiful and you MUST go to Cape Flattery via Neah Bay. Find the time!

    Shi Shi is part of Olympic National park."

    "The drive to Shi Shi (pronounced Shy Shy) Beach was amazing. WA 112 is a fun, winding road with breathtaking views of the ocean."

    3. Ozette Campground — Olympic National Park

    17 Reviews
    Neah Bay, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 565-3130

    "We grabbed our beverages, our chairs, and walked the short path from our campsite to the shore of Ozette Lake. "

    "Upon arrival, we grabbed our beverages, our chairs, and walked the short path from our campsite to the shore of Ozette Lake."

    4. DNR Dispersed Campsite

    6 Reviews
    Neah Bay, WA
    6 miles

    "This location was brought over from the iOverlander app. Follow the link for pictures.

    DNR land from the Indian reservation to the highway. You can park anywhere along the road."

    "Big pull off with access to the beach. Big enough for a few rigs.

    No signs posted day use or no camping. perfect for the night!

    Dry camping.

    Some road noise but stops around 10pm."

    5. Lost Resort at Lake Ozette — Olympic National Park

    6 Reviews
    Neah Bay, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 963-2899

    $25 / night

    "That means you can always find a place to spend the night, although it may mean pitching your tent in the lawn area behind the office/store."

    "Nice stop when hiking or driving down the coast on 101. It has a shower, nice little store and restaurant while still maintaining the outdoor vibe. Quiet and relaxing."

    6. Mora Campground — Olympic National Park

    51 Reviews
    La Push, WA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 565-3130

    $18 / night

    "This campground is close to forks Washington. We were able to get a spot at 5:30 in the afternoon."

    "Campsites were easy to locate, in an accessible loop, and the cleanest facilities I've seen - plus, each site is surrounded by a good deal of treeline to give you a bit of privacy."

    7. Washington Beach Pulloff

    2 Reviews
    Neah Bay, WA
    5 miles

    "Peaceful with no one around. Drive onto the beach and overlook Canada and the ships passing. Near road so a little noise, but still private."

    8. Cape Motel and RV Park

    1 Review
    Neah Bay, WA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (360) 645-2250

    9. Cape Alava Campground — Olympic National Park

    3 Reviews
    Neah Bay, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 565-3130

    "The campsites are an up and down 3 mile trek out to the beach, and are then tucked in the trees along the edge of the beach. Permits are required, and the restrooms are horrifying pit toilets."

    "the scent of healing salt air, the sound of eagle’s fledging their young, giant sea stacks looming in the tide and the alpha wave inducing white noise of gentle waves churning, all while Bambi grazes near"

    10. Sand Point Camp Area — Olympic National Park

    2 Reviews
    La Push, WA
    17 miles
    Website

    "This is one of several very rustic dispersed campsites along a ruggedly beautiful stretch of Washington coast that are accessible only by hiking in."

    "> We packed up late on a Friday evening to make the trek to the Ozette Loop on the northern coast of Washington state, roughly a 4.5 hour drive from Seattle."

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Recent Reviews near Neah Bay, WA

730 Reviews of 102 Neah Bay Campgrounds


  • Edi M.
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Dispersed Camping NF 2918 — Olympic National Park

    Littleton Horse Camp

    Chill dispersed campsite. Northwest Forest Pass is needed to camp. I couldn´t count exactly how many sites there were, but my best guess would be around 8-10. About half of the sites were walk-in, but we secured a site with our car. 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. The campsites are also sufficiently removed from the highway that it´s not possible to hear any car noise, which was good. I would stay here again!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Lyre River Campground

    Rustic Gem

    This tiny creekside campground is beautiful! Enough vegetation to make most of the spots fairly private and each one has its own corraled picnic area with a firing although there are no outdoor flames of any type permitted right now, summer of 25. Definitely NOT big rig friendly. The turnaround has a large tree in the middle and required me to do three small backups with my trailer which is 22‘8“ tongue to tail. (Not to toot my own horn, but I am really good at getting in and out of small spaces.) The grounds are immaculate and the camp Host is more than happy to help you get into your spot! There is centralized freshwater available and vault toilets and a trail that goes down to the Strait Juan de Fuca adjacent to the campground. A Washington state discovery pass is required, but it is well worth the money! There is day use access to the creek but traffic was minimal the week. I was here in early September.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Dispersed, just off 101

    Good dispersed

    Right off 101 and secluded. Overgrown but good spot to camp for a night or two for free!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Lyre River- State Forest

    Great Location!

    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.

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Washington Beach Pulloff

    Gross!

    This is indeed a spot you could pull a rig onto the beach.

    However there is so much trash and toilet paper in this space you probably don’t want to.

    Better options available

  • Barbara G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Lyre River Campground

    Worth the drive and with it to get there early to get a spot

    Beautiful, well kept campground. Free with WA Discovery pass. FCFS only and only 11 sites. Dogs allowed on leash. Path with boardwalk in places is very pleasant.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Washington Beach Pulloff

    Drive right onto beach and overlook canada

    Peaceful with no one around. Drive onto the beach and overlook Canada and the ships passing. Near road so a little noise, but still private.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Shadow Mountain RV Park and Campground

    Don't pick the dispersed camping

    Okay, I'm sure the more expensive paid sites are fine. But the 'dispersed camping' is a joke. 19 dollars and the area they want you to stay in is not just 'next' to the highway. There are basically no trees in the way— it's less dispersed and more 'camping on the shoulder of a highway'.

    They do say it's next to the highway in the listing, but I think they misunderstand what dispersed camping is generally understood to be.

    Did it seem safe? Not really. It was unclear whether the field above the building was an option for dispersed campers, but some people appeared to have given up and had set up there.

    I will give them credit for having laundry facilities and hot showers, though they seem to be intended largely as an additional cost to tack on.

    Overall? Go elsewhere.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Hard Rain Cafe & RV Park

    Hard Rain RV park is cool

    Funky little place outside the Hoh Rainforest is private, clean, funky, and easy access to the park.


Guide to Neah Bay

Camping opportunities in Neah Bay occupy the northwestern tip of the Olympic Peninsula with elevations ranging from sea level to 200 feet. Shoreline campsites experience frequent fog patterns year-round, with particularly dense marine layer formations in summer mornings and fall afternoons. Winter temperatures average 35-45°F while summer ranges from 55-70°F with wind conditions intensifying coastal weather effects.

What to do

Explore tide pools at Cape Alava: Trek the 3-mile Cape Alava Trail to access the westernmost point in the contiguous United States. "You might even see seals and whales so bring binoculars. I hiked the 9.4 mile Ozette Triangle over two days... We explored giant sea stacks and saw petroglyphs along the Ozette River to Sand Point Beach Travel Way," shared Kelly G. after camping at Cape Alava Campground.

Visit the Makah Museum: Learn about tribal history while staying in Neah Bay. "Everyone is kind and there is a lot to learn about the history of this land. Check out the Museum too!" advised Ruby W. from Hobuck Resort and Beach Area.

Wildlife viewing on Ozette Lake: Paddle the protected waters near camping areas. "Upon arrival, we grabbed our beverages, our chairs, and walked the short path from our campsite to the shore of Ozette Lake. No sooner had we settled in to watch the evening's color change than scores of water fowl claimed their nightly roots and an otter swam by on its way into its home in the grass," reported Shari G. from Ozette Campground.

What campers like

Beach camping privacy: Find secluded spots along stretches of undeveloped coastline. "You can camp in the woods so you will be somewhat protected by the trees, or you can set up your tent right on the beach. Either way you will wake up each morning to glorious views and the wonderful smell of saltwater in the air," wrote Megan C. about Sand Point Camp Area.

Dark skies for stargazing: Areas beyond Neah Bay offer exceptional night sky viewing. "Absolutely loved how dark it was at night which made for incredible stargazing," noted Krista B. about camping at Ozette.

Rustic amenities with convenience: Some campgrounds balance remoteness with necessities. "The campground has a little camp store that's open into the early evening most days and serves full meals as well as coffees, espressos and has a pretty well stocked shop with camping necessities. Firewood is available for sale on an honor system even if the store is closed," explained Stephanie Z. from Lost Resort at Lake Ozette.

What you should know

Permit requirements: Multiple access permits needed for different areas. "To backpack overnight on Sand Point you will need two permits, you'll want to bring cash to pay for parking, and you'll need a bear canister. You can pick up the bear cannister and your first permit in Port Angeles at the Olympic National Park Visitor Center," explained Megan C.

Water access limitations: Some campsites have restricted water availability. "All the local rivers/streams have dried up at this time (Sept) and you must hike back to obtain water from this point," cautioned a camper at Sand Point Camp Area.

Beach camping logistics: Prepare for weather exposure along coastal sites. "Sites are not numbered. Be sure to check that your site has a flat spot for your tent footprint if you're tent camping," advised Stephanie Z. about Lost Resort at Lake Ozette.

Tips for camping with families

Choose child-friendly trails: Some coastal hikes challenging for young children. "While walking the beach we talked to a few parents who promised to go home and burn the books that told them the trails were easy for children, as they carried their tired children off the rocky beach. They said the strip of beach between Sand Point and Cape Alava is a deep pebble covered beach, littered in giant rocks and driftwood one must scramble over," observed Megan C.

Alternative activities for rainy days: Weather patterns change rapidly. "If visiting in June, make sure you have bug spray, being close to the lake and coast you will need it!" advised Christina L. about Lost Resort.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Schedule around optimal viewing times. "We did not want to be on the beach too late so we checked the tide schedule before going. We spent four hours there watching wildlife. Tons of birds and marine life," shared Kelsey Z. from Hobuck Resort.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV site availability: Reserve RV spots well in advance. "There are 10 RV spots and cabins available on beach and full campgrounds for tents/trailers 1/4 mile down if you don't want to be on the ocean," noted Jennifer C. from Hobuck Resort and Beach Area.

Utility connections: Hookups vary widely between campgrounds. "There are no hook ups but water is available with a dump station open only in the summer. Sites are accessible for RVs but the loops wind through large trees and many sites will not accommodate RVs due to an inability to pull far enough forward to back in to the space," explained a camper at Mora Campground.

Cell service and connectivity: Limited throughout the region. "No tv, wifi or phone service so this is a perfect park to relax and get away from the world," noted one camper about Mora Campground.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds located in Neah Bay?

Hobuck Resort and Beach Area is one of the premier camping destinations in Neah Bay, located at the northwestern-most point of the contiguous United States. This versatile resort offers camping, RV sites, and cabins on a beautiful beachfront setting. For those seeking more seclusion, Lyre River Campground provides a quieter alternative in the vicinity. It's a hidden gem for car campers on the Olympic Peninsula with fishing opportunities and serves as a great base for exploring the Neah Bay area.

Do I need any special permits for camping in Neah Bay?

Yes, you need a Makah Recreation Pass to camp in Neah Bay and access tribal lands, including the trail to Shi Shi Beach. This permit costs approximately $10 and can be purchased at local businesses in Neah Bay, such as the Washburn General Store. If camping at Klahowya Campground or other Olympic National Park sites, you'll need to pay standard national park camping fees. For Washington DNR sites like Hoh Oxbow Campground, a Discover Pass ($30 annual) is required. Always check current permit requirements before your trip as they may change seasonally.

Is RV camping permitted in Neah Bay?

Yes, RV camping is permitted in Neah Bay. Cape Motel and RV Park offers dedicated RV sites with amenities including water and toilets, making it convenient for RV travelers. The area also has other RV-friendly options like DNR lands that accommodate larger vehicles with some sites being big-rig-friendly. Most RV sites in the area are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is recommended, especially during peak summer season when the Olympic Peninsula campgrounds fill quickly.

What camping options are available near Cape Flattery from Neah Bay?

Shi Shi Beach — Olympic National Park offers incredible backpacking and camping opportunities near Cape Flattery. The beach features stunning sandy stretches, tide pools, and dramatic coastal views. The trail to Shi Shi is a relatively flat hike with the final quarter-mile requiring rope assistance down a steep incline. For a lake experience instead of coastal camping, Ozette Campground — Olympic National Park provides a serene alternative with easy access to Lake Ozette and beautiful shoreline views, making it another excellent base for exploring Cape Flattery.