The Olympic Peninsula's western coastline near Sekiu, Washington sits at the convergence of rainforest and ocean, receiving over 100 inches of annual rainfall. Temperatures rarely exceed 75°F even in summer months, creating mild camping conditions year-round. Tent campers will find a mix of coastal and forest sites with varying levels of accessibility across Olympic National Park and nearby public lands.
What to do
Tide pool exploration: Shi Shi Beach offers exceptional morning tide pools filled with colorful marine life. The beach requires a 2-mile hike from the trailhead after reaching the parking area. One camper noted, "In the morning the tide pools were amazing! Colorful starfish and sea anemones everywhere. I highly recommend visiting and spending the night!"
Hiking to petroglyphs: Wedding Rocks provides access to ancient native carvings along the coastline between Cape Alava and Sand Point. This site requires advance permits through the Port Angeles ranger station. A visitor described it as "a sacred place" where "one really cool nearby feature is a series of petroglyphs carved by native people in a nearby stone."
Beach walking: Cape Alava Campground serves as a starting point for coastal exploration. The 3-mile hike to reach these campsites rewards with wildlife viewing and solitude. According to one camper, "The campsites are an up and down 3 mile trek out to the beach, and are then tucked in the trees along the edge of the beach. Permits are required, and the restrooms are horrifying pit toilets. But the view the beach is simply stunning!"
What campers like
Private beach camps: Many tent campers appreciate the spacing between sites at Sand Point Camp Area. One camper described finding "an amazing spot! Driftwood stairs led off the beach through the seagrass and into a clearing which was perfect to hang our hammocks and, to make things even better there was a mini driftwood wall built up making a camp kitchen with bench and flat stump for your stove."
Wildlife viewing: The best tent camping near Sekiu, Washington offers excellent opportunities to spot marine mammals and birds. A camper at Sand Point recalled, "We spent our first evening mesmerized by the seals on the rocks out in front of our camp and the eagles and blue herons flying overhead. We became the paparazzi of the tide pools."
Scenic sunsets: The west-facing beaches provide unobstructed views of Pacific sunsets. One visitor to Sand Point witnessed "the most epic coastal sunset to date! It painted the sky in shades of yellows and pinks melting into intense reds and purples. It was magical!"
What you should know
Multiple permits required: Most coastal areas require wilderness camping permits from Olympic National Park plus tribal recreation passes for crossing reservation land. For Dawleys Sol Duc River Campground, a private campground option, no special permits are needed but reservations are recommended during peak season.
Water planning: Many campsites require carrying in water or filtering from limited sources. A camper at Shi Shi Beach advises: "You will need to pump your own water from one of two water sources on the beach. Make sure you bring a pump and not the little tablets that you drop into your water, that does not work on this water according to the rangers."
Weather preparedness: The coastal fog can roll in quickly, creating wet conditions even during summer. Pack appropriate shelter and clothing layers. A Sand Point visitor noted, "In typical Pacific Ocean fashion it quickly became wet and windy, so off to bed we went."
Tips for camping with families
Choose accessible sites: Misty Willows Farm and Camp offers easier access for families than the hike-in beach sites. A recent visitor shared, "Willow was amazing and hospitable as a host. We chatted and she helped us reserve the spot that she recommended for our group... They'll provide some water, and each site has its own toilet (privacy tent over a bucket, with wood shavings for 'coverage') and garbage can."
Consider beach access difficulty: Many beach entry points involve steep descents that may challenge younger children. Parents camping at Sand Point "promised to go home and burn the books that told them the trails were easy for children, as they carried their tired children off the rocky beach."
Plan shorter adventures: For day trips rather than overnight stays, Littleton Horse Camp provides a good base camp within 15 minutes of Lake Crescent and shorter hiking options. A visitor noted it was "hidden away from the crowds, but still super close and convenient to all of the ONP activities and hikes on the eastern part of the peninsula."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: For small RVs under 23 feet, PRSRV Surf at Twin Beach accommodates tent and van camping with private, separated sites. Each location includes a fire pit though seasonal fire restrictions may apply.
Consider backup locations: During peak season, many designated campgrounds fill quickly. Littleton Horse Camp sometimes serves this purpose, as one RVer explained: "I discovered Littleton horse camp out of necessity. I dont usually make reservations when I camp which proved quite difficult when journeying through the Olympic Peninsula during peak season."
Private alternatives: Dawleys Sol Duc River Campground offers more spacious sites for small RVs. A camper described it as "a private campground that feels like a spread out state park. Lots of space at the sites and sites are spread out. Porta potties are clean. Wood for sale. Location is great!"
