Quilcene is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Quilcene. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
"The drive up to this road is half paved and unpaved , not too bumpy. Big area for camp- dry camping. There was already a fire ring made, we opted out of having a fire."
"Not the most private spot if vehicles were to pass. the road looks like it’s used but no one around when we arrived. the road itself is a gorgeous drive and since it’s free it’s worth it!"
"Great avenue to get out into nature with various streams crossing the path of the service road. Truly magical place."
"Not many other campers' sites are well dispersed . Got to feed 3 Bluejays by hand with my oldest one of our new favorite memories."
"Gorgeous little spot off a national forest road. Stunning views, no light pollution or car sounds at night."
"No water. First come first served and this one goes quickly!"
"Great spot on the NF-2419, about a mile before the Mt Elinor lower trailhead. Plenty of space for a large vehicle"
"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."
$12 / night
"Simple, small, peaceful campground with pit toilets and potable water.
Mid week after Labor Day, I had my choice of sites arriving in late afternoon."
"We arrived little later around 6 p.m. And being such a nice day there were only few sites left."
"No signal and got a little snow on the roof in the morning but it was a good spot with a great view."
"Very far off the beaten path, every time I camp here I don’t run into anyone. You’re camping on the Ridgeline so it can be a bit windy."
"Very different, primitive camping. Small island with only 2 sites that I could find. According to the website there were supposed to be more. 1 vault toilet available, picnic table and fire ring."
"It's a short trip to the island, which is only accessible by boat. I was worried, with only four camping spots, that we wouldn't get one, but we ended up being the only people on the island."
GuideSeveral 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.
GuideWe 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.
RangerThere 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!
GuideGoing 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.
TravelerThis is a gravel road through the National Forest with a bunch of pull-offs where you can camp. It was nothing special but very quiet and peaceful other than one or two cars that passed by. Felt safe as a single tent camper
GuideThe 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.
TravelerGorgeous 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.
ScoutFairly large and level site with an amazing view. No water. First come first served and this one goes quickly!
TravelerGreat avenue to get out into nature with various streams crossing the path of the service road. Truly magical place. It is frequented by others so low privacy unless you camp away from the vehicle path. Grateful a place like this exists.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Quilcene, Washington, where nature enthusiasts can enjoy the great outdoors without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. With a variety of options available, campers can find the perfect spot to unwind and connect with nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for dispersed camping near Quilcene?
For most dispersed camping in the Quilcene area within Olympic National Forest, you'll need a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful pass displayed in your vehicle. At Cardlin Run — Olympic National Park, signs indicate a Discover Pass is required for overnight stays. Some areas like Hilltop Camp on Forest Road 2419 don't require specific camping permits, but you should still have the appropriate recreation pass. No advance reservations are needed for dispersed camping, as these sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Remember that specific regulations may apply depending on whether you're on National Forest or National Park land, as the boundaries can shift along the same roads.
What are the best seasons for dispersed camping in Quilcene?
Late spring through early fall (May to October) offers the best conditions for dispersed camping in Quilcene. Dispersed South Shore Road is particularly pleasant during summer months when you can enjoy the nearby Quinault River. Winter camping is possible but challenging - reviews for FS-2292 Dispersed mention some snow accumulation in December, and higher elevation sites like Forest Road 2419 typically require AWD/4WD vehicles in winter months. Summer provides the most reliable weather, though even then, be prepared for rain as this is the Olympic Peninsula. Fall offers beautiful colors and fewer crowds, but temperatures begin to drop significantly at night. Spring brings wildflowers but also muddy conditions on forest roads. Regardless of season, always check current forest conditions before heading out.
Where can I find dispersed camping areas in Quilcene, WA?
Quilcene offers several excellent dispersed camping options in Olympic National Forest. Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping features numerous pull-offs along gravel forest roads where camping is permitted. These sites offer quiet, peaceful experiences with varying levels of seclusion. Another popular option is NF-2419 Dispersed Site, which provides access to various natural spots with streams crossing the service road. Look for established sites with stone fire rings to ensure you're camping in permitted areas. Most dispersed sites in the area are first-come, first-served, so arriving early during peak seasons is recommended. Forest Service roads around Quilcene, particularly in the Mount Jupiter and Buckhorn Wilderness areas, offer numerous opportunities for dispersed camping.
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