27 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campsites near Ocean Shores, Washington range from shoreline campgrounds to dispersed options along the coast and in nearby Olympic National Forest. Willaby Campground offers tent sites with direct lake access on Lake Quinault, while Western Horizon Ocean Shores provides screened sites with privacy among pine trees just a 10-minute walk from the beach. Beach Bums Camp N Ranch provides a small collection of tent-specific sites closer to Ocean Shores proper, with only 10 sites available.
Most tent campgrounds in the Ocean Shores region feature basic amenities that vary significantly between established and dispersed options. Willaby Campground provides flush toilets, drinking water, and trash service, while dispersed areas like Road to Snag Lake require campers to pack out all waste and bring their own water. Sites at Willaby are set on compacted gravel or small pebbles that can be uncomfortable without proper padding. Walk-in tent sites at Gatton Creek Campground are particularly challenging, with one visitor noting that "the campsites have no grass or dirt and they are solid rock just like the beach - I'm talking large pebbles." Fire regulations vary seasonally, with some areas prohibiting fires during dry periods.
Areas farther inland from Ocean Shores offer deeper seclusion and access to rainforest hiking trails. The Lake Quinault region provides tent campers with several small campgrounds featuring waterfront access and proximity to rainforest trails. At Willaby, tent sites are tucked along a hillside with some overlooking the lake, providing a secluded experience despite being close together. As one camper described, "The spots are heavily forested, so they feel private even though they are close together." Gatton Creek offers just five walk-in tent sites directly on the beach with personal lake access. Many tent campers use these areas as bases for exploring the temperate rainforest, with several trails accessible directly from the campgrounds.
"Each site is screened by pine trees, giving you privacy in your own site. Not all the sites had picnic tables and fire pits, so make sure you get there early to snag the best site!"
"We were in site 15, right on Lake Quinault, and really enjoyed everything we saw and did here. "
"This beautiful lakeside camping spot is perfect for a weekend at Lake Quinault!"
from $25 / night
Check Availability"It was a concrete pad so set up for the teardrop was easy. We were the only campers that we are aware of; very quiet night. No trash on site."
"We tent camped at the very end of the road at the top. Unfortunately we could see nothing but clouds this visit, but I would still come back! No photos since it was so foggy and misty."
from $30 - $100 / night
Check Availability"First, the creek is clear and provides a peaceful white noise for falling asleep. I was in campsite #1 which is next to the creek, with easy-ish access."
"This campground is one our favorites close by spots."
"This 6 site campground is walk-ins only. On the south shore of Lake Quinault."
"Only five sites at this campground - first come first served - all are walk up and all are on a semi private beach on Lake Quinault with beautiful water for swimming and kayaking and fantastic trails directly"
"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."
"Pretty quiet and only saw 6 vehicles drive by. Lots of bugs."
"Bathroom, Internet, no water. Quiet. Legal. Safe. Beautiful."
"No water."
"We like when campsites are separated by something because it doesn't feel like we are right next to our neighbors."
"One thing I always look for when camping is great hikes nearby! The Chetwoot Campground has some great hiking nearby. There are some great campgrounds near Chetwoot, WA also."
TravelerWe camp near Ocean Shores almost yearly and have been at this State Park multiple times. Sites are large but very little privacy and it’s hard to beat the awesome proximity to the beach. However, every time we camp whether it’s April, the middle of summer or Fall, the mosquitos are always present. This time they didn’t seem to but super aggressive but they were certainly an impressive size.
GuideBeing a new visitor to WA, we wanted to spend our first night in the middle of nowhere and this did it.
A bit of a climb for our truck camper so 4x4 was handy. There were some lower tree branches but easy to (delicately) pull to the side to get by. The road is 1 lane, gravel but nicely maintained. Not many areas to pull over so go slow and prepare to back up if necessary.
It's first come, first serve with no hookups or trash service but there is a bathroom. There's a couple spots for a bigger truck camper like ours and a handful of secluded tent sites you can walk to from the parking area. The tent sites we saw had a fire ring (fire ban in place right now) and a picnic table all nestled in the trees and ferns. There's 1 main place to fish from and several little nooks as well. There's a LOT of old, picturesque trees/ stumps in the lake, hence the name. A gentleman we met said the lake is stocked and our son caught some rainbow trout (approx 8 inches) so we put them back to get bigger for the next person.
There's also paths to enjoy a walk through the trees.
As far as cell service, we had great Verizon signal and there's a cell tower over the top of the trees so that explains that. 🙂
You need a Discovery Pass to camp here but it's either $10 a night at various campgrounds around WA (so I read) or $30 for the annual pass.
Enjoy and please pack it in, pack it out. It was a really nice campsite so let's keep it that way. Thanks!
Snag Lake Campground (360) 577-2025 https://maps.app.goo.gl/VmQbRypN42ciJemCA
RangerThis is a great place. It's in Ocean shores/city WA. It is a private resort but public can stay as long as they have openings but the have over 300 camp sites. Most sites are decently paced very few are not. Has a pool during the summer months. Open year round. Close to the beach 4 miles from Ocean Shores, WA one way and 2miles from Ocean City, WA the other. Great shops good food in town many different activities going on most weekends throughout the summer. Thought it may be a little spendy for non members it worth it.
LegendCape Disappointment is a great spot for campers of all kinds. There are RV hook ups, tent sites, hiker/ biker spots, cabins, and yurts. Very easy access to the water as well.
The yurts are your basic state park round dome with sleeping arrangements for up to 5 people. It has a table, chairs, and indoor heat.
Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. There is a park store that has basic essentials and the ability to buy wood.
During the spring, the wind can be pretty intense so beware if you are tent camping.
RangerFirst off, let me say that I'm definitely no stranger to campgrounds filling up quickly. I frequently camp in Zion and Arches, and those campgrounds fill up super fast- but NOTHING fills up faster than the beach access sites at Kalaloch. We camped there on a Tuesday night in August (so summer, but not a weekend) and of the 8-10 beach access sites that were available when I looked the night before I booked (six months in advance), every single one of them was gone when I got on within 10 minutes of reservations going live. It was INSANE. So I had to scramble, and booked a couple of sites next to each other (since we were camping with a group that was too large for a single campsite). I've never experienced anything quite like the speed with which this campground filled up. If you want a beach access campsite, I would definitely recommend being right on time and being ready to go! One disclaimer I should give is also that I didn't spend an extraordinary amount of time in this campground. We arrived pretty late at night (in the dark, around 10pm) and left early-ish in the morning (around 830/9). and didn't have much time to explore around the campground. So my review might not be the most complete, but I'll give it based on the knowledge that I have. My biggest complaint (which is a common-ish one for me, but this campground was the worst I've experienced) was that the tent area was absolutely rock hard. I'm by no stretch of the imagination an incredibly strong woman, but I really struggled to get the stakes into the ground for our tent. In a wet coastal environment where you want to stay dry, staking out your tent and fly is important, and it was really frustrating trying to get those dang stakes into that hard ground, especially in the dark. Another small gripe, that may have been magnified by the fact that we had just stayed in the very secluded Newhalem Campground in the North Cascades the night before, was that the campsites we stayed in (A055 and A056) were pretty much right on the side of the road though the campground. We essentially parallel parked, and set up our tents maybe 15 feet from the road. The sites were a little small (in fact one member of our group sneaked farther back into the bushes to set up his tarp and sleeping pad in a little more seclusion and space) and being right along the road definitely made at least those sites not a place I'd want to relax in. This is likely one campground where the site you're in can make or break your experience. My last small gripe is going to sound outrageously vain, but the bathrooms were a little small, there was only one sink, and the only mirror was above the sink. I like to have a mirror to make sure my face is clean and my hair looks decent, but I don't necessarily need a sink. When I went to the bathroom in the morning a woman spent almost 15 minutes standing in front of the only mirror, washing her face and doing her hair. It would've been nice to have had another mirror so she didn't "hog" the sink and the only mirror. The GOOD THINGS about this campground are the accessibility to the amazing beach, nice paved roads (so no dust), and lots of greenery. The air felt very fresh and clean here, and it was a cool experience for those of us from the desert to sleep in a place with so much green! The bathrooms were also very clean (if small) and the campground's directions were straightforward and clear.
GuideMost campsites are woven in amongst old growth rainforest trees. Bathrooms are basic, no showers. Water spigots at bathrooms. Tent, rv camping allowed with some sites on the beach bluff overlooking the ocean. $22 for tent camping comes with fire ring and picnic table. There is a general store .5 miles away at the lodge.
GuideVery close to the beach but wind protected sites with lots of trees and bushes. Most sites have privacy. Showers are coin operated but work well.
TravelerCoho campground is a forested campground overlooking a large alpine lake. Lots of old growth forest, birds and squirrels live in the campground. The sites are large with a paved drive that can accommodate several vehicles and trailers. Large picnic tables and a fire pit on each site with an area for tents. No electric, water or sewer on the site. There are several flush toilets that are well kept. Bathrooms have an electrical outlet if you need to charge something. Faucets with drinking water. No showers. No cell service and starlink doesn’t work due to trees. Nearest gas station and stores about 35 minutes away. There is a boat ramp and a nice lake for kayaking. Several trails around the lake and campground.
LegendThis Olympic National Park Campground along the Washington coastal route is highly coveted, and frequently packed. If you’re lucky enough to get a reservation, or a cancellation (see the Dyrt Alerts), you’ll be treated to some of the best sunsets that the Olympic Peninsula has to offer, if you don’t mind a little traffic noise.
Many of the campsites are tucked away under the spreading canopy of trees and moss, and little sunlight filters in. While others face the ocean and have more expansive views of the sky. We were lucky to grab one of the latter and had plenty of open sky for solar power and satellite internet.
The bathrooms offer clean flush toilets and sinks, but no showers. The sites all have the typical picnic table and fire ring, but pay close attention to size limits within each site on recreation.gov because the sizes vary widely as does the space between sites.
Activities abound in this park of the park, road cycling, nearby hiking in the forest, or miles and miles and miles along the wide sand beach. The shore is quite shallow here so the tidal flats are very wide. Many different beach access areas within a short drive bring you to different types of beaches, some with sea stacks, stellar tide pooling rocks and backcountry trails. Head to the Kalaloch Lodge for a tasty dinner out!
Many NPS Park Ranger programs meet at these different beach locations. The Hoh Rainforest Visitor’s Center is about an hour and 20 minutes from the Campground. Also be aware of the traffic congestion at any of the visitor centers in Olympic NP, which can have you waiting for several hours to get into the park.
The nearest town with groceries, laundry and restaurants is Forks, about 45 minutes away, but the nearby Kalaloch Lodge served an excellent table, reservations suggested.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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."
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!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ocean Shores, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ocean Shores, WA is Western Horizon Ocean Shores with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Ocean Shores, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 27 tent camping locations near Ocean Shores, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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