Best Tent Camping near Quilcene, WA
Tent campsites in the Olympic Peninsula near Quilcene, Washington range from established forest sites to remote backcountry locations. Elkhorn Campground offers primitive tent sites accessible by hiking trails, while Lena Lake Campground provides walk-in tent camping with a 3.5-mile hike from the parking area. Both locations are situated within the lush forests of Olympic National Forest, providing tent campers with immersion in the region's diverse ecosystem.
Most primitive tent areas require campers to pack in their own water, as drinking water is not available at these locations. Tent sites typically feature fire rings, though seasonal fire bans are strictly enforced during dry periods. Vault toilets are available at Lena Lake Campground, but Elkhorn lacks toilet facilities entirely. The access road to many backcountry tent sites becomes challenging after rainfall, with one review noting that "the road itself doesn't have proper gravel size variation, which forms miles worth of something that feels like rumble strips." Bear canisters are recommended for food storage at all tent campsites in the area.
Tent camping areas near Quilcene offer exceptional access to hiking trails and water features. The forest canopy provides ample shade for most tent sites, creating comfortable camping conditions even during warmer months. A review on The Dyrt described Lena Lake as "quiet and serene and the perfect place to sit on a log and journal." Many tent campsites are positioned near creeks or lakes, providing both scenic views and convenient water sources for filtering. During weekdays, tent campers often find greater solitude, with significantly more crowding on summer weekends. The primitive nature of these tent sites appeals particularly to backpackers seeking a base camp for exploring the surrounding wilderness areas, with many using these locations as starting points for longer backcountry excursions.
