If you're looking for a place to pitch your tent near Olympic National Forest, look no further. You can find tent campsites by type, including drive-in, walk-in, and even hike-in for a backpacking adventure. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
With all campsites located near the shoreline of glacially carved Lake Quinault, visitors are sure to enjoy the beautiful shoreline and interpretive opportunities in the area. From old-growth trees in the surrounding rain forest to excellent fishing, Willaby Campground's location is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
The forest features 10 miles of hiking trails and many waterfalls within walking distance of the campground. Lake Quinault is part of the Quinault Indian Nation As such,You must have a fishing permit and or boat permit through the Quinault Indian Nation. Both may be purchased through local merchants. Lake Quinault Lodge offers boat and kayak rentals as well as a number of interpretive tours.
The forested slopes of Olympic National Park provide a scenic backdrop across Lake Quinault. Towering conifers including Sitka spruce, Douglas-fir, western hemlock and western red cedar provide dense shade for this beautiful setting. The forest floor is covered with lush rain forest plants including moss, ferns, false lily-of-the-valley and oxalis.
Nearby, Lake Quinault Lodge offers a restaurant and gift shop. Short trails in the area include the Big Spruce Tree Trail, Forest Service Nature Trail, Kestner Homestead Trail and the Maple Glade Trail. Explore the ocean beaches close-by as well as the National Fish Hatchery. For a more adventuresome day, drive up the valley to hike along the rivers or climb the 4,200 ft. Colonel Bob Peak for expansive views of the mountains and valleys on a clear day.
For facility specific information, please call (360) 288-2525.
Reserved sites must be occupied within 24 hours or the site will be forfetied for remainder of reservation.
$25 / night
Located in the Quinault Rain Forest, relax near a serene stream at Graves Creek Campground.
This heavily used walk-in campground is accessed by hiking 3.5 miles on Lena Lake Trail #810. This backcountry primitive camping area is located along the west-shore of Lena Lake a large 55 acre lake in the Hamma Hamma drainage at 1,800 feet elevation. There are two pit toilets available on the west and north shores. Camp in designated sites located on either side of the lake. This area is heavily impacted by high visitor use! Campers must be familiar with Leave No Trace principles. Pack out all trash, camp within developed sites, and respect other visitors. From the campground there is access to The Brothers Wilderness via The Brothers Trail #821 which ends at The Brothers Base Camp. Wilderness regulations apply within The Brothers Wilderness. View a Lena Lake Campground vicinity map (.pdf)
$5 / night
At 5,400 feet in elevation, Deer Park boasts mountain views and starry skies. With a steep and winding gravel access road, Deer Park is not RV accessible.
Gatton Creek Campground is located on the south shore of Lake Quinault next to Gatton Creek, a small rainforest stream. Campsites and the picnic units are located along the shore of the lake with views across the__water to the forested slopes of Olympic National Park.The area provides opportunities to swim and use non motorized boats nearby.__There are 5 walk-in campsites that accommodate tents. There are also 3 picnic units. Nearest boat ramps are located at Willaby and Falls Creek Campgrounds.Access__Gatton Creek Trail #888 from the trailhead across from the campground along South Shore Road.
Dispersed camping is the term used for camping outside of a developed campground. If you enjoy selecting your own campsite, providing your own amenities, creating your own experience, and camping for FREE, then dispersed camping is for you!
Campsite
Choose a campsite screened from roads and trails, and at least 200 feet from water Use a campsite that’s already been established, if possible. If you choose a new site, return the site to its natural condition when you leave Pets
Your animal friends are welcome to accompany you on your dispersed camping adventure! Fires
Only burn wood that is already dead and down Always make sure your fire is DEAD OUT and cold to the touch before you leave it Campfires are allowed below 3,500 feet when not otherwise prohibited by fire restrictions Trash
Store your food & trash properly to keep bears and other wildlife out of your camp Whatever you pack in, PACK IT OUT! Human Waste
Bury your poo & paper at least 6” deep and at least 200 feet away from any water source
Guide
The road was a little rough but my suv made it fine. No signal and got a little snow on the roof in the morning but it was a good spot with a great view.
Traveler
Gorgeous little spot off a national forest road. Stunning views, no light pollution or car sounds at night. It’s December so of course it’s a bit cold at night and I’d recommend at least AWD to get up here. Will be back.
Guide
Great spot! What a place.
Traveler
Didn’t know what to expect. Needed a place to sleep on the way to the Hoh Rainforest. Site is free with a discover pass which is $30. The site was east to find off the road in the dark. There was only one other group of campers when we arrived, and they’d left by the time we got up. Lots of beautiful old trees draped in moss, nice fire pits, clean pit toilet. It drizzled almost the whole time which was what we were expecting mid October. 10/10 would come again!
I will say we were right off the road which could be more annoying in peak season.
Traveler
We drove right up. Notice said we needed a discover pass, which we didn’t have, nor did we have enough service to look up what it was. We winged it and and got the pass later in town. $30 for so many sites in WA so worth it. The sites were a bunch of drive ups in a ring with a pit toilet near by. Surrounded by trees and right on the way between Port Ángeles and Cape Flattery. Would do again!
Scout
Drove about 1 mile down the road and it was closed off. A couple of pull offs that were super muddy so didn’t bother. South Beach Campground just down the road is also closed.
Traveler
Such a beautiful view, hard to beat! clean bathrooms and everyone was very friendly. Lots of little trails straight to the beach. Great place to watch the sunset and have a quiet campfire
Guide
Not a bad find that doesn't require any permit of any kind which was great! Would stay here again I pitched a tent which was nice and found a spot right by the river.
Guide
You are supposed to have a Washington State Discovery pass to stay here, also they want you to fill out self registration once you arrive, fyi there are no pens onsite to do so.
This was a nice spot to stay the night, clean, nice picnic tables and fire pits, one pit toilet.
LegendSweet little campground, maybe 10 sites, plus a hiker/biker area, just outside the Hoh section of Olympic National Park. It’s free but you must have the Washington State Discover Pass ($30/year). You’re right in the rain forest and everything is so lush and green and peaceful.
Site #4 is for handicapped use only, until after 6pm when it’s open to all users. So maybe something to check out if you’re don't need a handicapped spot and are arriving late and aren’t sure if there will be any sites. We arrived early afternoon on a Tuesday in mid September and there were 3 or 4 other campers here.
There is no water and no trash service. There is a pit toilet that was so nasty inside- yech. People had also left their garbage bags in the bathroom instead of taking it with them, so disappointing how selfish people can be.
The Verizon phone had absolutely zero reception (most of the area driving in and all of the National Park as well). I didn’t try the cell booster but I suspect it wouldn’t have helped. The ATT phone had weak reception, ok for some slow motion browsing and texting but not enough to stream.
You’re on a moderately busy road that leads to the National Park so there’s some road noise. Very little sun or open sky for solar power or starlink (we don’t have starlink so I don’t know if it would work here).
LegendThis campground is part of the Olympic National Park, it’s FCFS only, and very bare bones. There are flush toilets, but no sinks or showers or water spigots- don’t forget to bring your own water!
It’s $20/night, and you pay when you arrive after you select a site. You pay either via a QR code with PayPal or a credit card(if you have cell reception), or fill out your credit card information on a slip that you drop in a deposit box. No cash and no checks accepted. No campfires allowed at this time. The ATT phone had decent reception, the Verizon phone was very weak and basically unusable.
There is a row of sites along the edge that are the primo sites- full ocean view. Everyone else can make do with the ocean views they get from in between all the other campers. The waves are calm and steady all night, very relaxing and nice for drowning out generator sounds. There are trash bins but no recycling bins. Each site is attached to a numbered picnic table. If there’s no free picnic table then it’s not a site (we were confused by this big open area that would have easily fit us, but it wasn’t actually a site. Look for the picnic table).
There is a host on site. There are trails down to the beach, after climbing over driftwood and rocks, but otherwise no trails or hiking or anything else to do directly from the campground. We stayed one night.
Scout
Just about 10 miles north of highway 12 near Elma. Got a great site right by the river. Nice toilets & showers (in old building so was pleasantly surprised!) wifi by information center, cell coverage limited (1 bar t-mobile with Weboost)
Ranger
Wife found this place on internet.
You pay a $5 “road use” fee to access the property.
You drive down to a huge gravel bar solidly packed down.
There are many sites right next to the Hoh river, and it’s beautiful.
We talked to some great other campers and had a peaceful stay.
Scout
This is a stunning spot that can be accessed via the Badger Valley Trail, leading through alpine meadows and mobile executor descending steeply into Grand Valley.
Traveler
We are here in a 30 foot 5th wheel with no problem. But only maybe 3 sites could accommodate this size.
Ranger
Came to stay 4 nights and camp with family.
Sites are nicely sized but any rig over 25foot would have trouble getting into.
Absolutely no cell service.
In Site 25 we had enough of an opening to get Starlink to work ok.
In the reserved loops bathrooms are flush toilets and kept clean.
Forest is thick
There is a dump site which says it costs $5.
Potable water throughout.
ScoutAfter someone stole my original site at a campground, I stumbled across Allen’s (sand)bar. I was hesitant at first because it’s far back on someone’s property but I took a chance and found paradise! The water, the sunset, and a bunch of people minding their own business. I’m keeping this spot a secret, but incase you’re a SFT, I gotchu.
Details: you must be self contained (no tent camping) and you have to use the woods.
Scout
We had a secluded site which is perfect for a dog. It’s quiet in the park and there’s no major highway close by. The staff is great!
TravelerAfter two lovely nights earlier in the week I returned to the Heart O’the Hills campground for my last night of my trip. I found a site I liked, with Devil’s Club behind it and a cool empty tree stump with Salal around and above it. All was well so I thought. Until a couple came by, German maybe, saying I’m in their spot which they already paid for. It says clearly to leave something in a spot chosen which they didn’t. I didn’t know it’s needed to check the (confusing) registration board to see if a site has been taken. It’s a first come campground with no preregistration. Says on the sign to leave something to indicate a site is taken. Also I hadn’t paid yet as I first find an open site, set up everything and make food before too dark. They wanted me to leave the site. I said I really couldn’t. It would be too difficult physically to pack up and move. (Petite 66 yr old female here) Many sites were still available. They were going to see if I can pay for another site they’d take as I suggested. Instead they went to the onsite femi-Nazi attendant. She came to my site while I was still eating demanding that I leave. I said that it would be too difficult. She then threatened to call law enforcement. Clearly I was a criminal to her the way she aggressively verbally abused and threatened me despite me explaining what happened. I still said it would be too difficult for me to pack up and move. She huffed off to ask the couple if they are okay finding another site. If not I would have packed up and left the campground. She returned saying I can stay still aggressively asking why I hadn’t paid yet. I was waiting for the couple to let me know first!!! She basically yelled at me to go pay now. “RIGHT NOW!!!!”- like an unconscious parent ordering their child to do something. Jeez. What the F is wrong with some people? She needs to be head honcho in a military boot camp. Or a prison warden. I stopped at the visitor center on the way out and got contact info to report her. Totally unwarranted treatment of anyone. Very upsetting to be the target energetically of her inferiority complexes which she compensates by abusing and lording (trying to) over others. 😖
Traveler
Travel Inn RV Resort offers a welcoming and convenient option for travelers seeking a comfortable stay. Located in a serene environment, this resort provides essential amenities such as full hookups, clean restrooms, and recreational facilities. Whether you're looking for a short getaway or an extended stay, Travel Inn RV Resort ensures a pleasant experience with its friendly staff and well-maintained grounds. For those planning a trip and needing to sort out documentation like an NBI clearance, it's essential to schedule an NBI online appointment for renewal for clearance in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles. By doing so, travelers can focus on enjoying their stay at the resort, knowing their paperwork is in order.
Guide
Wonderful spot to wake up next to a river. Need to be mindful of other campers in the area. Met a friendly dog. Looks like an ok place to float down the river 😉
Traveler
If you're on two wheels powered by legs or motor you won't find a more welcoming and unique environment. I've been here 4 times and from the first visit I knew I'd be back again and again. It has everything a motorcycle or bicycle camper could want. Bob Wishon runs this and you could not meet a kinder human. Stays are by donation and those fund a gathering /party the third weekend of every August. If you're anywhere remotely close on a bike, this IS the place to go.
Guide
We just spent the last three nights across the street from this location. There are a few spots for large RVs at this loop, but if it's full, you can go about 100 yards past this loop and across the street to this location (48.0512793, -124.1110441) and there's a lot of room in a large gravel area that is perfect for buses and coaches. We were about to settle for a muddy spot in this loop but luckily we scouted ahead with the toad and found the area across the street. Not as wooded and pretty as the loop area but plenty of level space still available.
Scout
Great camp ground, friendly and clean facilities. Showers are coin unfortunately. Bring a rain coat and boots because your camp will be wet constantly!
Guide
I usually only stay at the places identified as "Big Rig Friendly" but I gave this location a shot since a review said there were buses that found a spot... we tried it in our 40ft Class A and got pretty jammed up down a narrow road, trying to follow the directions in the comment. Disconnected the toad and ran around trying to find anything that would work but there was nothing for our size. I do not recommend trying if you're in a large Class A.
ScoutFirst come first serve. Nice little trail down to the river. Scary rollers bring TP
Scout
Camped here for the day hike up to Blue Glacier. The sites are small and somewhat close. Water access easy from streams before and after sites along the trail. Taking your camp gear up to the Glacier Meadows would be significantly more difficult, especially with the ladder.
After we returned from the glacier, we found that our site had mostly flooded from moderate rain. We looked at the few open spots left and found the same issue. Settled for a partially sloped spot just next to a site. Not a fun thing to do after dark after a long day.
Nestled in the heart of Washington, Olympic National Forest offers a stunning backdrop for tent camping enthusiasts. With its lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems, it's a perfect escape for nature lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Olympic National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Olympic National Forest is Willaby Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 20 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Olympic National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 113 tent camping locations near Olympic National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
