Tent camping near Ocean Shores, Washington provides access to diverse ecosystems within a 30-mile radius, from coastal beaches to temperate rainforest. The region receives approximately 70-80 inches of rainfall annually, creating lush vegetation and persistent moisture conditions at many campsites. Weather patterns can change rapidly, with morning fog common even during summer months.
What to do
Rainforest exploration: Upper Clearwater offers a trailhead directly across from its pit toilet for hiking adventures. "There used to be two trails, one leading down to the river and another that goes up to a creek that feeds into the river, but parts of both trails are washed out and blocked by tree fall. We hiked as far as we could along them, though, and it was a nice walk," reports one camper who visited in December.
Waterfront activities: The swimming areas at Lake Quinault provide cooling relief during summer months. A visitor to Gatton Creek Campground shared, "We had our own private beach and it was lovely. Hikes and trails nearby so lots of walking opportunities. Bring your kayak!"
Stargazing: Clear nights offer exceptional views of the night sky at elevation. At dispersed sites along Road to Snag Lake, campers report "Great view of the stars at night!" The area's minimal light pollution creates ideal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.
What campers like
Secluded spots: Many campers appreciate the privacy found at dispersed sites. One camper at FS-2292 Dispersed noted, "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."
Wildlife viewing: The Olympic Peninsula's diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife. A visitor to Graves Creek Campground mentioned, "Saw a bear while visiting," highlighting the importance of proper food storage at all campsites in the region.
Water access: Direct lake and river access ranks high among camper preferences. At Western Horizon Ocean Shores, a camper shared, "Loved how close this was to the shore. Just a 10 minutes stroll to the beach. The beach made a great spot to shoot some drone photos."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require driving on unpaved roads. A camper at Road to Snag Lake warned, "The road getting here is a bit rough with lots of washboard, steep grades and rocks. But it's fun."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed camping areas lack basic amenities. "No amenities, obviously, but there is a concrete pad from an old structure you can park on. Other sites have solid pack gravel covered by grass," noted a visitor to Road to Snag Lake.
Seasonal restrictions: Some forest roads close during winter. A visitor to Upper Clearwater found, "During the off season, it is closed for elk preservation," referring to the road beyond Yahoo Lake Campground.
Site surfaces: Camp pads vary significantly in comfort level. One camper reported about Gatton Creek, "The campsites have no grass or dirt and they are solid rock just like the beach - I'm talking large pebbles."
Tips for camping with families
Proximity to activities: Choose campgrounds with built-in recreational options. At Graves Creek Campground, "There is a beautiful (and freezing) swimming hole behind the campground, and this time of year its bursting with huckleberries," according to a summer visitor.
Arrival timing: Secure prime spots by arriving early, especially during peak season. For Willaby Campground, one visitor advised, "Quiet and first come first serve campground. Get there before noon to secure a spot."
Site selection: Research specific site numbers when traveling with children. Regarding Upper Clearwater, one camper recommended, "We took spot 1, which in our opinion is the best location right on the river. During the high season some of the other spots might be better, though, since spot 1 is close to the entrance and the pit toilet."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Many forest campgrounds cannot accommodate larger rigs. At Upper Clearwater, one RVer noted, "I would say bringing anything bigger than the smallest of trailers would be a challenge though."
Road clearance: Forest roads may have soft shoulders or narrow sections. A visitor to Upper Clearwater observed, "The road narrows considerably in a few places and with a soft shoulder. Large RV's and vehicles with trailers meeting each other in these sections will need to reverse to allow safe passage."
Site amenities: Campsite features vary significantly between locations. At Western Horizon Ocean Shores, a camper warned, "Not all the sites had picnic tables and fire pits, so make sure you get there early to snag the best site!"
