315 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Port Angeles serves as a gateway to Olympic National Park with campgrounds near Port Angeles ranging from forested national park sites to coastal recreation areas. Heart O' the Hills Campground sits within old-growth forest just 15 minutes from downtown, offering tent and RV sites with basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. Salt Creek Recreation Area, located west of town along the Strait of Juan de Fuca, provides oceanfront camping with tide pools and beach access. Other notable options include Fairholme Campground on Lake Crescent, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground, and several state forest sites like Lyre River Campground where Washington's Discover Pass grants access.
Many Olympic National Park campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-served basis, particularly during off-peak seasons, though some accept reservations during summer months. As one camper noted, "We were able to get a site on a Friday by arriving before noon." The Washington Discover Pass ($30 annual/$5 daily) is required at state-managed sites. Cell service varies significantly, with better coverage at campgrounds closer to Port Angeles and limited connectivity in more remote locations. Weather conditions remain mild year-round near the coast but can change rapidly at higher elevations near Hurricane Ridge. Several campgrounds close seasonally, with Fairholme operating May through October and Deer Park accessible only from June to mid-October.
Campers consistently praise the region's natural diversity and proximity to attractions. "The campground is located close to Olympic National Park access out of Port Angeles. Continuing on the paved road upslope one can gain access to hiking trails or continue to the popular Hurricane Ridge," notes one visitor about Heart O' the Hills. Site privacy varies considerably, with some campgrounds offering spacious, secluded spots while others feature more compact arrangements. Waterfront locations like Salt Creek Recreation Area receive particularly high ratings for their scenic value and amenities. Several reviewers mention wildlife sightings, including raccoons at Salt Creek and various birds throughout the region. Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities, though shower availability is limited primarily to county parks and private RV resorts.
"The campground is located close to Olympic National Park access out of Port Angeles, WA."
"In the Olympic NP, close to Hurricane Ridge to the south, 15 min to town of Port Ángeles to the north. Camped in loop C. Had a beautiful private site. Old growth forest and hiking trails all around."
"Right outside of port angeles. Great stop before or after Vancouver Island or Olympic National park or in our case...both."
"If you’re lucky enough to get one of the reserved sites tucked back in the woods then you get a lot more of that nature feel."
from $45 / night
Check Availability"Elwha RV was a great spot located close to Olympic NP, water activities and Port Angeles. The campground was incredibly clean and well cared for. The staff was super friendly and helpful."
"Really friendly and helpful hosts, pretty little campground close to Port Angeles, would recommend if your wanting to whale watch with the guys at pugget sound express"
from $37 - $92 / night
Check Availability"Right smack in the middle of Olympic National Park we had access to not only the Hurricane ridge area but were close enough to spend a day at Kalaloch on our way home!"
"This site is listed as being a 35’ back-in, but it really is just a shared parking lot between this and the site next to it (37) across from the central restrooms."
from $40 - $65 / night
Check Availability"Shaded spots yet plenty of sun with picnic tables to have lunch with a view..plenty of trails to walk. Clean bathrooms. Had to pay for showers. Had a nice playground for kids."
"Just go for a walk out the spit to get a unique perspective of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. This is a USFWS refuge and campground,so if your into seabirds, this is the place to go."
"Convenient to Port Angeles."
"This location is close enough to Port Angeles that we went food shopping almost each day. Great wine tasting nearby, plus Hurricane Ridge and Dungeness Spit."
"Pros: beautiful lake view and access -free food storage containers, no need for bear canisters -plenty of trees at campsites for hammocking -walk in and drive in sites -choose your own site -proximity"
"This dense verdant rainforest is dripping with moss, lichen, Goliath trees, flowers, fungus, fauna, cloudy light beams straining to reach the forest floor, trails and oxygen; all adjacent the mysterious"
from $24 / night
Check Availability"This a great little spot outside of Port Angeles. It’s right on the river, and most spots have access to it. The spots seemed spacious. Not a ton of privacy between them."
"Tucked away from Highway 101 west of Joyce; it's a great place to settle down for a night or two, enjoy some fishing and visit some often overlooked locations on the OP."
"I was on the edge of the campground with views of the water. Sequim Bay State Park is a fairly small park with lots of sites and recreational areas."
"The bike trail runs through the campground and there is access to sports fields via a tunnel under the highway. There are a few short trails around a creek and the beach."
from $12 - $56 / night
Check Availability"Wish amazing views and great trails near by! Campground was clean and quiet. Early August was when I was there, and it was pretty busy! Try to get a spot early!"
"It didn't offer a ton of privacy, but all you have to do is look outside your tent to forget about that. This is probably the coolest campground I've stayed in. 10/10 would recommend!"
TravelerSuper cute and quiet. We were on our way when we booked online. And there was not the best service but we drove away quickly and got better service and did it and came back. You get emails on everything and you just need to send a photo of your ID, vehicle and vehicle license plate. And tada! You get, in find your spot. Check out is at 11. And check in is at 3.
GuideMy favorite place to hike and camp. There are so many great hikes, subalpine lakes to see, the Sol Duc River and Falls are so beautiful. There are waterfalls galore throughout the ONP that are just as majestic and beautiful as Sol Duc if you like hiking up. The hotsprings make a great relaxing treat at the end of a hike or weekend of camping. There is no such thing as a bad campsite here and the Host is so helpful. The ONLY con is availability, its always booked. As a local, we are lucky to scoop up a random day or two of a reservation space if we aim for early in the season. The most frustrating thing that seems to happen is no fault of the beautiful park, it's people that make reservations and don't bother to cancel them so someone else can utilize the space and then never show up so many campsites sit empty when they should be available for people that WANT to be there. Go visit if you can, it's definitely worth it.
GuideWe are locals, so it costs less than non-resident campers, but if you are looking for a camping trip where you can hike, tidepool, relax and enjoy amazing views....go to Salt Creek. It's a one of a kind, beautiful park. Cons: No Alcohol Allowed in the park and be aware of raccoons. It doesn't matter how well you hide your food or storage containers, they will try and get in.
ScoutIt was beautiful at Quary pond, but we had to move sites every day fue to others reservations that didn't even show up and the Rangers, were very persistent about is moving sites fast and that was exhausting work got myself at the age of ,62andy husband 64,other than that it was beautiful,,!
TravelerThis spot looked like one of the best but it was taken when we got in, we decided to keep driving, went almost 10 miles in and found many other spots, some small, some large, some just pull-offs in the side of the road. Very secluded, not a very busy road but people do drive fast. Paved one lane road.
ScoutClean and very pretty. Bathrooms are ehh but whatever.
RangerThis large campground has wooded sites with plenty of space. The grounds are meticulously maintained, pit toilets clean with clear roofing that lets in the light. Pit toilets, water, trash & garbage are dispersed throughout the campground. There are 4 flush toilets and showers, too. A 1.5 trail leads to the rocky beach.
GuideWe loved this spot! A little close to the road, but a nice little path to the beach made it perfect!!
GuideStopped here for one night - nice and quiet and close to the Hoh Rainforest
Port Angeles sits at the base of the Olympic Mountains with varied topography ranging from sea level to elevations of 5,000+ feet within a 20-mile radius. This dramatic elevation change creates distinct microclimates across nearby campgrounds. Most campsites near Port Angeles require a Discover Pass for state lands or National Park entrance fees, with primitive sites generally costing $20-30 per night and hookup sites $35-55.
Soak in hot springs: At Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground, you can access three mineral pools for $15-20 per person. "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!" notes Lucy.
Explore tide pools: Salt Creek Recreation Area offers exceptional marine wildlife viewing at low tide. "Great white noise. There are several ways to access a beach and tide pools during low tide!" shares Kier S. The rocky shoreline reveals starfish, anemones, and small crabs during morning low tides.
Visit historical sites: Lyre River Campground offers access to both natural and historical attractions. "Joyce has a great museum and general store with a bit of everything. South lies Lake Crescent which has untold number of hiking trails, beaches and amazing views of the Olympic Mountains," explains Zach A.
Winter camping options: Unlike many Olympic Peninsula sites that close seasonally, several campgrounds remain open year-round. "We camped here by chance over New Years. Beauty, Lush, Evergreens, Moss, Eagles, the mighty Lyre River, Steelhead Trout, a hike to through Aspen forests to view the San Juan," reports Stevie L. from Lyre River Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: The high-elevation Deer Park Campground offers exceptional night sky viewing. "That night it got so dark we were blanketed in stars and it was simply amazing," shares Meghan S. Light pollution is minimal due to the remote location at 5,400 feet.
Fresh produce access: Elwha Dam RV Park offers a unique amenity for campers. "They offer a community garden, so feel free to gather at no cost fresh veggies," notes Debra R. This unexpected perk provides fresh ingredients for camp meals during summer months.
Wildlife encounters: Deer Park lives up to its name with frequent wildlife sightings. "We also saw a lot of deer right by our tent," reports Noah L. The campground's high-alpine meadow setting attracts wildlife throughout the summer season.
Water recreation: Sequim Bay State Park Campground offers multiple water activities. "This Bay is absolutely stunning. The water is so clear, and there is so much wildlife in this park. I've never seen more starfish, and seals," explains Anthony S. The protected bay waters provide calmer conditions than open ocean beaches.
Road conditions vary significantly: Some campgrounds require navigating difficult access roads. "Scariest road I've ever driven on. Very narrow steep cliffs on the side. Please be careful of oncoming traffic when turning corners!" warns Ethan H. about Deer Park's 7-mile gravel road.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies across the region. "Tmobile had 2-3 of 5g so plenty good to download or watch movies," reports marcus K. at Elwha Dam RV Park, while other campgrounds have no service at all.
Reservation processes differ: Fairholme Campground operates on a first-come basis with specific timing considerations. "We stayed for two nights. On first night (Friday) we didn't get there until 730pm but there were not too many people and we were still avail to get one with water view," shares Asuka S.
Weather preparedness: Temperature variations can be extreme. "First night said lowest was 45 but it definitely felt colder. We had our winter sleeping bag but our friends said it was pretty cold," explains Asuka S. about Fairholme in spring.
Kid-friendly facilities: Dungeness Recreation Area offers specific amenities for children. "This campground is great for families and people with kids. There are playgrounds near the bathrooms. The bathrooms have showers, and are clean and accessible," notes Melissa J.
Educational opportunities: Crescent Beach & RV Park provides valuable marine education possibilities. "More sand dollars than I've ever seen on a beach in my life," shares anne P. The private beach access allows children to explore tide pools safely.
Short hiking options: Sol Duc offers accessible trails for young hikers. "We absolutely loved the Sol Duc Falls hike which passes through the campgrounds. It is a very easy hike (we took a two year old and he walked 50% of it) and very rewarding," explains Brendan A.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience road noise that might disturb light sleepers. "If you don't mind trading absolute silence for an absolutely great camp spot, then this might work for you. A lakeside site will cost you $20 and lumber truck traffic noise from the busy 101 less than 1000 feet away," warns Bill M. about Fairholme.
Space limitations: Many Olympic Peninsula campgrounds have tight sites. "Great view horribly tight. My rig fit in the spot, but once I put out both slides I was occupying the site next to mine," cautions Greg B. about Crescent Beach & RV Park. Measure your RV length accurately before booking.
Hookup availability: Heart O' the Hills Campground offers limited RV amenities. "There is cell reception here, which was a nice treat. Sites were all beautiful but in our RV we were glad to be able to drive around and pick one (rather than reserve one in advance sight unseen), because we need a level spot with at least some sun for our solar," explains Laura M.
Seasonal considerations: Sequim Bay State Park presents challenges for larger rigs. "The camping for RV's with hookups is iffy. It's very close to the highway and the sites are extremely close to one another. Our site in particular had hookups in all the wrongs places and a steep hill directly behind it," advises Amanda B.
Water access difficulties: While beachfront camping is available, accessing water can be challenging with larger RVs. "There's a dump station and water fill near the boat ramp," notes Laura M. about Fairholme, indicating the need to fill tanks before setting up at your site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities can I expect at Port Angeles campsites?
Amenities at Port Angeles area campgrounds vary widely depending on location and type. Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground offers a premium experience with access to hot spring soaking pools, making it perfect for relaxing after hiking. Fairholme Campground provides picturesque lakeside sites with basic amenities including toilets and picnic tables. Most developed campgrounds in the area feature potable water, flush or vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Some locations like Fort Worden offer both wooded and beach campgrounds with shower facilities. Reservations are recommended for most sites, especially during peak summer months. Cell service can be limited in many areas, particularly within Olympic National Park boundaries.
Is free camping available near Port Angeles?
Free camping options are limited near Port Angeles, but some opportunities exist. Sadie Creek Campground on DNR land offers primitive camping with minimal amenities at no cost. For backpackers, PJ Lake Backcountry Camping in Olympic National Park provides a free wilderness experience, though you'll need a backcountry permit (which has a fee). Olympic National Forest has some dispersed camping areas, but specific regulations apply. Most established campgrounds in the area charge fees ranging from $20-40 per night. Before heading out for free camping, check with the Olympic National Forest ranger office or Olympic National Park visitor center in Port Angeles for current regulations and site availability.
Where are the best campgrounds near Port Angeles?
Port Angeles is an excellent base for exploring Olympic National Park with several top-rated campgrounds nearby. Heart O' the Hills Campground is located close to Hurricane Ridge with beautiful mountain views and forested sites. For beach lovers, Salt Creek Recreation Area offers stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and is considered a hidden gem just outside Port Angeles. Other excellent options include Fairholme Campground on Lake Crescent, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground with its soaking pools, and backcountry camping at PJ Lake for those seeking a more remote experience. Most campgrounds in the area provide access to hiking trails and spectacular Olympic Peninsula scenery.
What RV camping options are available in Port Angeles, Washington?
Port Angeles offers several RV-friendly camping options with varying amenities. Elwha Dam RV Park provides well-maintained sites with full hookups, friendly staff, and is conveniently located for exploring Olympic National Park. Gilgal Oasis RV Park in nearby Sequim offers easy access to Hurricane Ridge and other Olympic attractions. For those wanting more structured amenities, Olympic Peninsula-Port Angeles KOA provides the expected KOA facilities. Within Olympic National Park, some campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs, though hookups are generally unavailable. Heart O' the Hills can handle some RVs but has size restrictions. Most RV parks in the area offer water, electric, and sewer hookups, with some providing WiFi, laundry facilities, and showers.
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