Best Tent Camping near Neah Bay, WA
The Olympic Peninsula shoreline near Neah Bay harbors numerous primitive tent camping opportunities, with Shi Shi Beach and Cape Alava offering particularly remote coastal tent sites within Olympic National Park. Both locations require permits and feature tent-only camping zones along rugged Pacific shorelines. Campers must obtain a Makah Recreation Pass ($10) for camping near Neah Bay itself, while Olympic National Park backcountry permits are required for tent sites within park boundaries, including popular coastal locations like Second Beach and Sand Point.
Most tent campgrounds in this area require significant hiking to access, with Cape Alava and Shi Shi Beach accessible only via trails ranging from 2-4 miles in length. Campsites typically consist of small clearings in forest edges near beaches with minimal site development. Campfires are permitted at some locations using only driftwood collected from beaches, while prohibited at others. Bear canisters are mandatory for all overnight stays due to wildlife activity, and can be rented from ranger stations. Primitive toilet facilities exist at some locations, but campers should be prepared to practice Leave No Trace principles. According to one visitor, "You will need a permit and a bear canister which you can rent from the ranger station, but the payoff is a forever sunset."
Tent camping areas along this coastline offer exceptional solitude despite occasional weekend crowds during summer months. Most tent sites are tucked against forest edges providing protection from coastal winds while maintaining ocean views. The tent-only nature of these sites creates a more peaceful experience than developed campgrounds elsewhere on the peninsula. Sand Point and Wedding Rocks offer particularly secluded tent sites with direct beach access. Tide pools, sea stacks, and wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the region's primitive tent camping areas. Visitors frequently encounter eagles, seals, and occasionally whales from their tent sites. A recent review noted that "the views are amazing no matter which way you look, and you will not be disappointed by this amazing spot."