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.
