Camping near Sekiu offers access to 62 miles of Washington's northwestern coastline where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets the Pacific Ocean. At elevations averaging 200-600 feet above sea level, campers experience moderate temperatures between 40-65°F year-round with frequent fog and rainfall contributing to the lush surrounding forests. Highway 101 and 112 provide the main access routes to both established campgrounds and primitive sites throughout the area.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls: Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground provides access to trails leading to waterfalls within Olympic National Park. "The Sol Duc Falls hike which passes through the campgrounds... is a very easy hike (we took a two year old and he walked 50% of it) and very rewarding. The coolest part was how much you felt like you were in a different world," notes Brendan A.
Explore tide pools: Salt Creek Recreation Area offers excellent tide pool viewing opportunities at low tide. "You can walk down to boat launch with wasn't too far from my site (80)," shares Asuka S., who visited Fairholme Campground and appreciated the marine life viewing. During low tide, visitors can observe starfish, anemones, and small crabs.
Beach walking: DNR Dispersed Campsite provides direct beach access where campers can take long walks along the shoreline. One visitor noted, "Beautiful sunset and sunrise" views from this free camping area with enough space for multiple vehicles. The beach extends for miles, making it ideal for extended exploration.
Fishing opportunities: Lyre River Campground caters to fishing enthusiasts. A reviewer explained, "The main draw is fishing. There's a fishing platform at the southern end of the campground and a number of beaches with deeper pools that trout and salmon like to hang around in. One crusty old-timer said that during runs the river is overflowing with fish, including the highly coveted Steelhead."
What campers like
Quiet forest settings: Bear Creek Campground offers secluded sites surrounded by moss-covered trees and ferns. "Mossy green trees, ferns, and lots of other vegetation all over the area," notes Bethany W., who appreciated the campground's natural setting. The established sites include fire rings and picnic tables with various spacing between neighbors.
Waterfront views: Multiple campers value the waterfront views at Mora Campground near Forks. "The campground is right by the lake and offers walk-in sites that are literally on the lake shore. The best site in my opinion is 72, which is not directly on the lake shore but has a great view and good tree coverage," shares Beatriz S., highlighting the premium lakeside locations at Fairholme Campground.
Access to marine wildlife: The coastal location provides opportunities to view marine mammals and birds. A visitor at Salt Creek Recreation Area enjoyed "sightings of whales, dolphins, otters, bald eagles" during their stay, making wildlife viewing a highlight for many campers.
Budget-friendly options: Many pet-friendly camping options near Sekiu have minimal or no fees. Dispersed Camping NF 2918 offers free sites where a camper reported, "We found a spot a bit further up, that looks to be a logging road that is no longer in use. It's closer to the road than I typically would like, but with the truck and trailer backed in, it was actually quite private."
What you should know
Weather preparedness: The Olympic Peninsula receives significant rainfall, especially from October through April. "Just a note: it is WA so plan on getting wet and muddy. Everything was constantly wet around Sol Duc. Plan and pack accordingly!" warns Brendan A. Even summer nights can be cold, with one camper noting, "First night said lowest was 45 but it definitely felt colder."
Toilet facilities vary widely: Lyre River Campground has basic but functional facilities. "Vault toilets, trash and water are available. There is no firewood, dump station, etc., available," notes Susan C. At Bear Creek, reviews consistently mention poor toilet maintenance, with one camper stating, "Bathrooms here are only for those with strong stomachs and lungs to hold your breath."
Reservations recommended: During peak summer months (June-August), established campgrounds fill quickly. A visitor to Sol Duc reported, "The registration process for this campground is confusing, if you show up without reservations like we did. Ultimately, there wasn't room for us at the non-hookup campground, and the RV sites were all booked."
Discovery Pass requirements: Several campgrounds require a Washington State Discovery Pass ($30 annually). "DNR managed campsite right off highway 101 about 20 minutes west of Sol Duc-Hot Springs Road. It has 9 campsites, first come first served (free with an Adventure Pass)," explains Steve C.
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Salt Creek Recreation Area offers family-friendly beach access with tide pools. "It's beautiful spot on the ocean on Makah tribal land, with bald eagles flying overhead. The campground is nice and clean and the staff is always lovely," shares Kaila R., who visits annually for the 4th of July.
Playground access: Salt Creek Recreation Area includes playground facilities for children. A visitor mentioned they "enjoyed the playground, tide pools and private site number 51" during their stay, making it particularly suitable for families with young children.
Short, rewarding hikes: Families with children can enjoy accessible trails. "There are some pretty hikes in the area too," notes Michael K. about the Sol Duc area, while another visitor appreciated "short walks around the campground and trails that connect to longer trails along the lake" at Fairholme Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe various wildlife species in their natural habitat. "Plenty of trails to walk on" according to one camper at Bear Creek, where kids can potentially spot small mammals, birds, and aquatic life in the Sol Duc River that runs alongside several campsites.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger vehicles: Mora Campground accommodates various RV sizes with specific limitations. "There are no hook ups but water is available with a dump station open only in the summer. Sites are accessible for rvs but the loops wind through large trees and many sites will not accommodate rvs due to an inability to pull far enough forward to back in to the space," explains a camper named "smittie."
Length restrictions: Multiple campgrounds have size limitations for RVs and trailers. "This location is NOT big rig friendly. The state recreation sign on the road does limit lengths to 20 feet and I had a hard time making the turn around at the end of the loop with my 22 foot trailer," warns Susan C. about Lyre River Campground.
Leveling considerations: Prepare for varied terrain at dispersed sites. At DNR Dispersed Campsite, a visitor mentioned they "found a spot just a few hundred feet off the main road that looked like an entrance/exit for logging trucks... It was level and had some gravel on it," highlighting the importance of finding stable parking for RVs.
Hookup availability: RVers seeking hookups should prioritize certain campgrounds. Salt Creek Recreation Area offers "terraced grassy campsites with hookups," while Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground includes electric hookups, water, and a sanitary dump, though capacity is limited.
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