Olympic National Forest elevations range from sea level to over 7,900 feet, creating varied camping environments from coastal rainforests to alpine settings. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing in higher elevations, while summer averages 60-70°F with reduced rainfall. Many forest roads remain unplowed and inaccessible during winter months.
What to do
Hiking with pets near waterfalls: At Campbell Tree Grove Campground, visitors can access numerous trails along the West Fork of the Humptulips River. "Right on the river, tons of near by hiking trails, bathrooms, fire rings, picnic tables and water," notes Jess G. The area requires preparation as one camper observed, "We drove past 3 piles of bear scat along the dirt road into the campground."
Hot springs access: At Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground, visitors can purchase timed entry to the hot springs for approximately $20 per session. "The pools are well maintained ($15 to get in), there's locker rooms with showers and there's also a diner. Down the road there's a short 1 mile hike to the falls," reports Lucy.
Lake activities: The Quinault region offers swimming, fishing, and paddling opportunities. "Lake was nice, Lake Crescent is much better if you're looking for a pretty lake to swim," notes Darrin R. who stayed at Rain Forest Resort Village. "The day use beach area was great for launching a kayak, and has a boat ramp for larger vessels," adds Rebecca M.
What campers like
Riverside sites: Falls Creek Campground offers sites adjacent to moving water. "There are small waterfalls and a creek running through the campground. You are walking distance from Lake Quinault," writes Holly A. Sites vary in proximity to water features, as another camper notes, "Sites right on the riverside. Water was high enough to do some laps on a whitewater kayak."
Seclusion in deep forest: Staircase Campground provides quieter camping opportunities. "The campsites were clean and quiet, despite the lack of privacy between most of them... the nearby Steilacoom River rushing past our campsite was a soothing sound at night," writes Amber H. The surrounding area offers significant wildlife viewing opportunities: "Saw two bald eagles on the way in," adds Mat G.
Wilderness camping: For those seeking minimal development, dispersed options exist. "We found the perfect secluded spot next to the Quinault River. Drove right into the hidden alcove in our stealth camper van," writes Robert N. about South Shore Road dispersed camping. However, conditions change: "The road out there is full of potholes. When you get to the turn, the road is closed... due to funding issues."
What you should know
Variable road conditions: Access to many Olympic campgrounds requires planning. "The road in is incredibly bumpy, we actually popped a tire on the way in," warns one Campbell Tree Grove visitor. Another adds that the "road in is very rough and alot of tree's down across road."
Seasonal facility changes: Coho Campground operates primarily during warmer months. "Coho campground is a wonderful spot but it is 35 miles off of the highway. If you go, pack everything you need. There are no stores or gas stations once you hit the paved road to the campground," advises Jeff C. Many campgrounds reduce services during shoulder seasons.
Weather preparation: Olympic Peninsula weather remains unpredictable. "Prepare for rain as it will likely still rain in the summer with cooler evenings," notes a Kalaloch visitor. Another camper adds, "It rained on us, but we made the best of it," reflecting the region's consistent precipitation patterns.
Tips for camping with families
Protected swimming areas: Willaby Campground offers family-friendly water access. "This campground has a great (free) day-use area with a really nice beach for swimming/splashing and it doesn't get too busy," notes JeffT. Lake sites provide additional options: "About half the campsites are on the lake and if you can you want one of those ones!"
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Olympic forests support diverse wildlife. "Woke up surrounded by a herd of Red Elk," reports a Hoh Campground visitor. Another adds that "the moss that grows everywhere makes you feel like you have entered a fairy tale forest."
Insect preparation: Summer months bring mosquitos to many areas. "There were lots of mosquitoes, so come prepared. (Our experience in this campground inspired us to buy a screen house, which is well worth it," shares Norma Y. about Coho Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Many Olympic campgrounds have limited space for larger vehicles. "Check out the parking space limitations carefully, because this campground was developed back in the day before the massive rig trend," advises Shari G. about Hoh Campground.
Hookup limitations: Most forest campgrounds offer minimal services. "No sewer, so plan for that," notes Patrick J. about Rain Forest Resort Village. Elliott B. adds that Coho has "46-different pull-through, back-in campsites" but recommends caution: "While the site might say it'll fit your vehicle, the roads are narrow and there are random boulders here and there which may impede your maneuvering."
Power availability: Electrical access varies widely among dog friendly campgrounds Olympic National Forest. "Had to buy 30 amp converter so we could plug in our 120 to charge our batteries," reports one RVer at Rain Forest Resort Village, while most forest service campgrounds offer no electrical hookups.
