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Best Dispersed Camping near Olympic National Park

83 Reviews

In Northwest Washington, you’ll find one of the most popular parks in the US, Olympic National Park. Located near Port Angeles, WA, this expansive park embodies the best of the PNW. If you want to enjoy camping in some of the best greenery in the country, this is the place you want to hike.

There are a number of developed campgrounds in the park, with just a few (Kalaloch, Sol Duc, Hoh, and Mora) offering summer reservations. With a variety of campsites throughout the park, you can find a spot that best fits your schedule and interests. Nine of these campgrounds are RV-capable, though Olympic has some rough roads that RV’s may struggle on. The best camping near Olympic is in the park itself though there are some dispersed options surrounding the park and a few small cities to stay in.

Map showing campgrounds near Olympic National Park, WashingtonExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Olympic National Park (38)

    1. Dispersed Camping NF 2918 — Olympic National Park

    16 Reviews
    Joyce, WA
    20 miles

    "I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and spent a lot of my childhood out here in the Olympic National Park. Coming back to this scenic area was a real treat!"

    "This is a nice small campsite right next to a river very close to Olympic national park."

    2. Cardlin Run — Olympic National Park

    2 Reviews
    Olympic National Park, WA
    12 miles

    "The have 2 signs posted, Discover Pass required and no campfires. This location has 1 designed campsite, which is completely out of view from the road. Quiet location, rains often...ie rainforest."

    "It’s first come first serve and dispersed camping. Stayed here a few days and only met a couple people. Dogs must be on leash and don’t do dishes in river or potty in river... gross."

    3. FS-2918 Dispersed Site

    9 Reviews
    Joyce, WA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 374-6522

    "We didn’t feel comfortable driving our class C into any of the nicer, more private spots off of this road due to large potholes, ruts, etc."

    "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..."

    4. Forest Road 2918 Dispersed Site

    7 Reviews
    Joyce, WA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 765-2200

    "I would not recommend attempting to get down here if your vehicle doesn’t have 4 wheel drive and high clearance."

    "Spot is great, it’s a little tight for a truck but tent camping would be easy. Reception was pretty good as long as you stay near the asphalt road"

    5. Upper Hoh Rd Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Olympic National Park, WA
    17 miles
    Website

    "The bluff it very steep into the river so watch how close you get to the edge. As a note, it is NOT on the national forest. It’s on the nature conservancy land."

    "And right by the entrance to the Hoh Rainforest so we can be at the trailhead at 5am with no hassle. Only room for one vehicle though."

    6. Hoh River Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Forks, WA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 956-2402

    "Camping right next to river. Tall bushes for shade. Need to drive over very bumpy dirt road to get to sites near river. Then need to drive over rocky road to get into sites near river."

    "Trying to find an open camping site next to the river was proving very difficult, but this semi-hidden pull off was perfect. There’s a fire ring and some extra firewood collected to the side."

    7. Dispersed South Shore Road

    3 Reviews
    Quinault, WA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 288-0203

    "Several campsites along the gravel road, we found the perfect secluded spot next to the Quinault River. Drove right into the hidden alcove in our stealth camper van."

    "There are about 5 sites hidden on the road. Please be careful the road is a mix of private land, national forest, national park. The sites can be easily found by their stone fire rings."

    8. Forest Service Road 2918 Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Sol Duc Hot Springs, WA
    19 miles

    "There’s multiple camping spots, multiple camp fire spots, and there’s a bench someone made from a fallen tree. it’s incredible. if you have a solar shower, this is the place to shower at!"

    "Lots of pull offs available on a Friday night around 6:30-7ish. Wasn’t super close to the river but could still hear from my site which made for the perfect background noise."

    9. Lake Angeles — Olympic National Park

    1 Review
    Port Angeles, WA
    19 miles
    Website

    "Super cool, isolated campground right next to Lake Ángeles. Only way to access is by hiking to it. Lots of bugs so make sure to bring bug repellant."

    10. Forest Service Road 29 Dispersed Camping Loop

    6 Reviews
    Beaver, WA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 956-2402

    "- 4 bars LTE with Verizon

    • several gravel roads with large open spots for decent solar/Starlink access
    • quiet, secluded
    • not super busy (2 other vans at the road I went down, but plenty of space for"

    "All of the other campgrounds near Olympic NP were full, so we checked this spot out that we found on Campendium. Just a simple loop that you can park along, no privacy from neighbors but very quiet."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Olympic National Park

37 Photos of 38 Olympic National Park Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Olympic National Park

83 Reviews of 38 Olympic National Park Campgrounds

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 10, 2024

    Dispersed South Shore Road

    Quilaut River-South Shore Road

    Several campsites along the gravel road, we found the perfect secluded spot next to the Quinault River. Drove right into the hidden alcove in our stealth camper van.

  • Andi F.
    Aug. 1, 2022

    Dispersed Camping NF 2918 — Olympic National Park

    Stunning rain forest with a river

    I grew up in the Pacific Northwest and spent a lot of my childhood out here in the Olympic National Park. Coming back to this scenic area was a real treat! We arrived very late at night and found a quiet spot up the mountain but moved in the morning in search of shade. We came upon a little dirt road off of 2918 near the river. We have a Jeep and I will say, it was needed for the area we found but if you have a high clearance whip, I recommend it highly. There are plenty of spots to stop on the paved areas too, but they are less ideal for my kind of camping. The spot we chose had three firepits: two up above and one down on the bank of the river. It's about 1/4 mile off the paved road and the river noise is enough to drown out the occasional passerby. We parked our Jeep along the road to let others know the area was occupied. I recommend doing so because you cannot see the dispersed area until you're right on top of it. We had a few people pull in looking to see if the area was taken. It can accommodate a group or a single party. Absolutely stunning, quiet area in the rainforest with trails and fresh water.

    PLEASE remove your trash when you leave. The previous occupants left a full large black trash bag. THIS IS A RAIN FOREST IN A NATIONAL PARK. Have some decency people.

    T-Mobile has 5G service in this area. Verizon is 1-2 bars of 4G.

  • Sam S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping

    Olympic National Forest - Dispersed Camping

    We camped near Vance Creek trailhead to do the Olympic Bridges bike ride the next morning. Since this is a national forest, dispersed camping is allowed. We picked the first spot we got to since it was getting kind of late. It wasn't the most ideal spot and I think further down the road has prettier and more remote options, but it made do. There were really huge flies but they did not bite. The only complaint was that there was more car traffic than I wanted very late at night into the early morning. One car even slowed down and yelled at our tent around 2am. We never felt unsafe but it was annoying. A lot of trash was left behind from previous camper. I would suggest finding alternative spots if you're looking for a more enjoyable night but if you are just there for an overnight, it is fine.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 22, 2021

    Dispersed Camping NF 2918 — Olympic National Park

    Great campsite, close to the park

    This is a nice small campsite right next to a river very close to Olympic national park. I arrived at night and had a little bit of trouble finding the site but it is immediately before the bridge on the right coming in and dips down into a little bit of a lower area on a dirt road that is about 20 feet long to the landing.

    I was driving a Toyota sienna with a 120 inch wheelbase and going over the edge down towards the sites I scraped the bottom of my car so be careful if you have a larger vehicle. There are three-ish sites down in the area next to the creek I would say to you could put a tent at two and maybe if you had a good sleeping pad you could place one on the third. You can hear the water from the site and it is quite peaceful and a great place to stay for the night.

    I have AT&T and there was no service at this location, my car has Verizon built-in and it was able to get a good enough service to browse Internet and stream videos. Going to include some pictures and videos with this review that show where the site is and some more details of what is available there.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 11, 2025

    FS-2918 Dispersed Site

    Lots of options

    We didn’t feel comfortable driving our class C into any of the nicer, more private spots off of this road due to large potholes, ruts, etc. Since we just needed a place for the night, we decided to just stay at one of the large pullouts, which was fine. We didn’t even need levels. 

    Obviously no amenities here, but we were pleasantly surprised that there wasn’t much trash to be found. 

    Cell service was good here. Be sure to find a spot in the National Forest, and not the National Park that’s adjacent, because you will definitely get a knock on the door if you try to stay overnight within park boundaries.

  • Ashley A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Forest Road 2918 Dispersed Site

    Great spot if you can get there!

    Perfect cozy little spot far enough from the road with views of the river! I would not recommend attempting to get down here if your vehicle doesn’t have 4 wheel drive and high clearance. We did it in an f150 and struggled with rocks and slipping on roots and the grade to get to the bottom is well over 12%. It was definitely worth the effort though!!

  • Lauren M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2022

    Dispersed South Shore Road

    Rainforest heaven!

    There are about 5 sites hidden on the road. Please be careful the road is a mix of private land, national forest, national park. The sites can be easily found by their stone fire rings. The site that is directly on the river was very popular. I ended up staying 2 nights at one of the last sites before it turns to private land. It was tucked away, walk in site, had a nice fire ring, nice tent pad area. It has a large rope so you can access the river. The scenery is breath taking. Down the road there are at least 2 waterfalls on the right. In the town of quinault there is a laundry mat/shower facility!

  • Chris
    Jun. 12, 2021

    Cardlin Run — Olympic National Park

    A night in the rainforest

    Going East on Upper Hoh Rd, a site is on the Left side, before the pay booth for Olympic NP. The have 2 signs posted, Discover Pass required and no campfires. This location has 1 designed campsite, which is completely out of view from the road. Quiet location, rains often...ie rainforest.

  • B
    May. 1, 2023

    Upper Hoh Rd Dispersed Camping

    Great spot by the river

    This is a killer camp site, we parked a 25 foot travel trailer here with a lot of room to spare. The bluff it very steep into the river so watch how close you get to the edge. As a note, it is NOT on the national forest. It’s on the nature conservancy land. The best googling I can do says it’s legal to camp here. Just FYI.

Guide to Olympic National Park

Dispersed camping near Olympic National Park in Washington offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of camping without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of sites available, you can find the perfect spot to unwind and explore the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Olympic National Park in Washington

Scenic river access for dispersed campers

  • The Hoh River Dispersed Camping area offers beautiful river views and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those looking to relax by the water.
  • Campers at Cardlin Run can enjoy a serene environment with easy access to the river, making it an ideal spot for fishing or simply soaking in the natural beauty.
  • If you're seeking a secluded experience, Dispersed South Shore Road features hidden sites along the Quinault River, providing a tranquil escape from the crowds.

Activities while free camping near Olympic National Park

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity of Upper Hoh Rd Dispersed Camping to various trails leading into the lush rainforest, offering breathtaking views and diverse wildlife.
  • For those interested in exploring the area, Forest Road 2918 Dispersed Site provides access to ATV trails and scenic drives, perfect for adventure seekers.
  • Campers at Lake Angeles can enjoy a challenging hike to the lake, where stunning views await, making it a rewarding destination for outdoor lovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping sites in Olympic National Forest?

Olympic National Forest offers numerous dispersed camping opportunities along forest service roads. Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping near Vance Creek trailhead provides accessible sites, though quality varies along the road. Dispersed South Shore Road features several secluded spots along a gravel road with some directly adjacent to the Quinault River. Look for established fire rings to identify legitimate sites. Most dispersed areas in Olympic National Forest require a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass. Vehicle size is an important consideration - some roads have large potholes, ruts, or narrow passages that may be challenging for larger RVs. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing more remote sites.

Is free camping allowed in Olympic National Park?

Free camping is generally not allowed within Olympic National Park boundaries, as most established campgrounds require fees. However, just outside the park in Olympic National Forest, free dispersed camping options exist. Dispersed Camping NF 2918 offers sites near a river close to the park entrance. Forest Service Road 2918 Dispersed Site provides free riverside camping, though high-clearance 4WD vehicles are recommended due to challenging access. Always verify land ownership, as the Olympic Peninsula contains a mix of National Park, National Forest, and private lands with different regulations. Some areas require a Northwest Forest Pass or Discover Pass depending on the managing agency. Be prepared to pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles at free sites.

Can I find dispersed camping sites in the Hoh Rainforest area?

Yes, dispersed camping is available near the Hoh Rainforest area, though not within the National Park section itself. Upper Hoh Rd Dispersed Camping offers spacious sites that can accommodate larger vehicles like travel trailers, though be cautious of steep riverbanks. Cardlin Run is located on Upper Hoh Road before the park entrance fee booth, providing a designed campsite completely hidden from the road. Note that some Hoh River area dispersed sites require crossing private property with small access fees. When camping near the Hoh Rainforest, prepare for frequent rain, and be aware that some areas prohibit campfires. Always verify land ownership carefully, as the region contains a complex patchwork of National Park, National Forest, and private lands.

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