Yurt camping near Quinault, Washington includes options in dense rainforest settings where annual rainfall averages 140 inches, creating one of North America's most distinctive temperate rainforest ecosystems. The surrounding Olympic National Forest elevation ranges from 250 to 3,000 feet, with campgrounds situated primarily in the lower elevations for more moderate nighttime temperatures. Most yurt accommodations in the area remain open from spring through fall with limited winter availability.
What to do
Waterfall hikes: 1-3 miles round-trip from Falls Creek Campground: "There is a short, accessible path to waterfall. New, clean bathrooms. Water pump not on. Some mosquitos early/late day," notes Emily F., who visited in June.
Lakeside paddle sports: Rentals available at several shoreline locations. "The lake is just fabulous and offers great swimming and paddling. We were there at the end of March and all reservable sites were gone," reports JeffT from his stay at Falls Creek.
Ancient trees viewing: Self-guided tours near Willaby Campground: "About half the campsites are on the lake and if you can you want one of those ones!! We had site 10 and the view was amazing... ideally located by Olympic National Park with easy access to many hikes and just down the road from the Largest Sitka Spruce!" shares Kim B.
Hot springs soaking: Timed entry required at Sol Duc Hot Springs, typically priced around $15-20 per session: "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!" says Lucy about her Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground experience.
What campers like
Riverside campsites: Available at multiple locations throughout the Quinault region. At Hoh Oxbow Campground, one camper shared: "I came here on a solo trip (female) - stayed for a week in March of 2021... I felt mostly secluded at the spot I got right on the river, in the best of ways. Absolutely loved it and felt safe the whole time."
Yurt accommodations: Offered at select campgrounds during peak season. "We walked by the yurts, will definitely have to book those next time!" remarked Doris W. about the yurt camping options at Coho Campground.
Large campsite spacing: More common at forest sites than lakefront locations. At Coho Campground: "The sites were adequate in size and have picnic tables and fire rings. Reasonable privacy. The bathrooms were clean and things were generally well maintained," notes Norma Y.
Winter storm watching: Popular November-February along coastal areas. "I prefer winter camping here because its less crowded, and the storms coming in from the Pacific are nothing less than awe inspiring," shares Toby R. about Kalaloch Campground.
What you should know
Reservation timelines: Plan 6-9 months ahead for summer weekends. For Pacific Beach State Park: "Summer books up quickly, need to secure 9 months in advance. Cell service is very spotty and campground WiFi is as well," warns Dawn.
Road access limitations: Remote campgrounds require planning. "About half the campground is first come first serve. Reservations can be made on the other half. There is also a boat launch and a huge day use park... it is a 35 miles off of the highway. If you go, pack everything you need. There are no stores or gas stations once you hit the paved road," advises Jeff C. about Coho Campground.
Weather considerations: Rain gear essential even in summer months. "Prepare for rain as it will likely still rain in the summer with cooler evenings," notes Kayko S. about the typical coastal camping conditions.
Facility limitations: Most forest campgrounds lack showers. At Staircase Campground: "The campground is seasonal with its amenities. There are pit toilets and no water available during the off season. Flush toilets and potable water are available in the on season," explains Carrie J.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access activities: Varies by tide schedule at coastal sites. "When the weather is nice and wind is blowing, the campground comes alive with kites, windsocks and other wind related decorations being flown from most campsites. It's quite the experience," shares Rena L. about family activities at Pacific Beach State Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Morning hours best for spotting birds and small mammals. "Saw two bald eagles on the way in," reports Mat G. from his Staircase Campground experience.
Lakeside swimming: Safest at designated areas with gradual entry points. "This campground has a great (free) day-use area with a really nice beach for swimming/splashing and it doesn't get too busy," describes JeffT from Willaby Campground.
Bug protection: Essential May-September throughout the rainforest. "There were lots of mosquitoes, so come prepared. (Our experience in this campground inspired us to buy a screen house, which is well worth it. If we would have had it here, we would have avoided some of the dozens of bites we got.)" warns Norma Y. from Coho Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Reserve carefully based on actual measurements. At Rain Forest Resort Village: "The sites are mixed of grass some gravel and some mix of each. The site was level, but the tongue in the back up site, needed to come up a few feet... We had lots of room until others showed up. A bit close then. No sewer, so plan for that," advises Patrick J.
Dump station availability: Limited options throughout the region. "Only issue was that the closest dump site was an hour away. No internet or cell service," notes Amy about Rain Forest Resort Village.
RV length restrictions: Sites under 30 feet common at forest campgrounds. "While all the sites were a bit close on Loop A, we hardly even heard or noticed anyone. It was amazing to fall asleep with the Sol Duc river close by," shares Suzie L. about Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground.
Electrical hookup options: Available primarily at private campgrounds and select state parks. "Has three sections among the big trees. We had the joy of moving from campsite to campsite while we spent 3 nights. Sites vary in size. Some are tiny and cramped up to your neighbor and some are large and private," explains Marcus K. from Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground.
