Best Tent Camping near Olympic National Forest
Olympic National Forest in Washington offers tent campers several backcountry and established campgrounds nestled within temperate rainforest terrain. Graves Creek Campground provides tent sites along the Quinault River with several riverside spots ideal for tent setups. Wolf Bar Campground, accessible via a 2.6-mile hike on the North Fork Quinault River trail, features primitive tent camping areas with established spots along the west bank of the river.
Most tent sites in this region lack potable water, requiring campers to filter from nearby rivers or bring their own supply. Graves Creek has limited facilities with only one vault toilet servicing approximately 30 tent campsites. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, with several reviews noting summer fire bans in effect. Tent camping areas often feature fire rings and picnic tables at established sites, though dispersed areas typically have minimal amenities. Access roads to many tent campgrounds include unpaved, potholed sections that can become challenging in wet weather. A review noted, "The road getting there is a bit narrow and bumpy which was made even more exciting by the fact that it was dark and rainy."
Tent-only sites along the rivers provide excellent sleeping conditions with natural white noise. "The creek is clear and provides a peaceful white noise for falling asleep," mentioned one camper about Graves Creek. Backcountry tent sites like those at Wolf Bar offer swimming holes directly accessible from camp—a welcome feature during summer months. Many tent camping areas have bear wires for food storage, particularly important as wildlife encounters are common. Tent campers should be prepared for mosquitoes and potentially coyotes or bears, especially in riverside camping areas. Sites with river access often feature clear water where campers report seeing trout and other fish. The old-growth forest setting provides significant shade and shelter for tent campers throughout most sites.
