Best Campgrounds near Sol Duc Hot Springs, WA

Camping near Sol Duc Hot Springs encompasses a range of options within Olympic National Park's temperate rainforest environment. The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground serves as the primary established camping area, situated along the Sol Duc River about an hour from Port Angeles. Nearby alternatives include Fairholme Campground on Lake Crescent and several Washington Department of Natural Resources sites that require only a Discover Pass. The area's camping options provide access to both the mineral hot springs and numerous hiking trails, including the popular Sol Duc Falls trail. As one visitor noted, "The surrounding forest is pure magic, emerald green and full of old growth evergreen trees."

The Sol Duc area operates seasonally, with most campgrounds open from late March through October. Weather conditions vary significantly, with frequent rainfall typical of the Olympic Peninsula rainforest environment. Campers should prepare for wet conditions even during summer months. The RV campground at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort offers full hookups but spaces are notably tight. According to reviews, "The RV lot is really crowded with sites about 15 feet apart." Cell service is limited throughout the area, and advance reservations are strongly recommended during peak summer months when facilities often reach capacity.

Camping styles vary across the region, with distinct experiences available. The tent camping loops at Sol Duc are set within the forest with more privacy than the RV area, though sites remain relatively close together. For those seeking more solitude, dispersed camping options exist on nearby Forest Service roads, including the FS-2918 sites. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound throughout the area, with Roosevelt elk, blacktail deer, and seasonal salmon runs in the Sol Duc River. Bear-proof food storage is required at all sites. Access to the hot springs pools requires an additional fee beyond camping costs, but provides a unique opportunity to relax after hiking the surrounding trails.

Best Camping Sites Near Sol Duc Hot Springs, Washington (237)

    1. Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground — Olympic National Park

    67 Reviews
    Sol Duc Hot Springs, WA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 896-3818

    $33 - $58 / night

    "If you want an industrialized visit you can stat at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. Alternatively there are hike in hot springs above the Elwha River."

    "Right smack in the middle of Olympic National Park we had access to not only the Hurricane ridge area but were close enough to spend a day at Kalaloch on our way home!"

    2. Fairholme Campground — Olympic National Park

    52 Reviews
    Sol Duc Hot Springs, WA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 565-3130

    $24 / night

    "Pros: -beautiful lake view and access -free food storage containers, no need for bear canisters -plenty of trees at campsites for hammocking -walk in and drive in sites -choose your own site -proximity"

    "This dense verdant rainforest is dripping with moss, lichen, Goliath trees, flowers, fungus, fauna, cloudy light beams straining to reach the forest floor, trails and oxygen; all adjacent the mysterious"

    3. Hoh Campground — Olympic National Park

    44 Reviews
    Sol Duc Hot Springs, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 565-3130

    $24 - $48 / night

    "Steps away from the rainforest trailhead, so a great one night stay to hike the trails. It's a rainy place as you can imagine. Washington State itself sure is."

    "It's beautiful, the hosts are welcoming, and it's in Washington!! What more could you need?"

    4. Salt Creek Recreation Area

    51 Reviews
    Joyce, WA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 928-3441

    $45 / night

    "Like a number of Washington State Parks, the plug-in sites are in a large field, with very few trees around and kind of look like a lot of other standard RV parks with three or so levels of close parking"

    "We live on the nearby Kitsap Peninsula and this campground is our favorite Washington campground. The views are amazing and the crashing waves are the perfect soundtrack."

    5. Lyre River Campground

    25 Reviews
    Joyce, WA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 374-6131

    "Tucked away from Highway 101 west of Joyce; it's a great place to settle down for a night or two, enjoy some fishing and visit some often overlooked locations on the OP."

    "You do need a Washington State Park Discovery Pass ($11.50 daily), otherwise it is free. Beautiful spot, fell asleep to the sound of the river."

    6. Dispersed Camping NF 2918 — Olympic National Park

    14 Reviews
    Joyce, WA
    6 miles

    "This is a nice small campsite right next to a river very close to Olympic national park."

    "We found a spot just a few hundred feet off the main road that looked like an entrance/exit for logging trucks. But as it was after hours it wasn’t a problem to park there."

    7. Heart O' the Hills Campground — Olympic National Park

    43 Reviews
    Port Angeles, WA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 565-3130

    "This is a beautiful campsite tucked into old growth Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar.  It's dark and cool. "

    "The campground is located close to Olympic National Park access out of Port Angeles, WA."

    8. FS-2918 Dispersed Site

    9 Reviews
    Joyce, WA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 374-6522

    "Close to Olympic NP. Many other campers here as well. Definitely would come back here and I recommend to anyone debating on where to camp outside the park. And it’s free!"

    "We didn’t feel comfortable driving our class C into any of the nicer, more private spots off of this road due to large potholes, ruts, etc."

    9. Crescent Beach & RV Park

    20 Reviews
    Joyce, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 928-3344

    "This park is so beautiful, located directly across from the ocean. All sites are a quick walk to the beach (1/2 mile private beach for guests. So awesome that it never gets crowded!)"

    "Our campsite was huge, located in a cute little copse where we set up a cozy hammock and soft string lights. We had a birds eye view of the beach, which made it even more beautiful."

    10. Klahowya Campground

    13 Reviews
    Beaver, WA
    12 miles
    Website

    "We passed by two great looking spots (one with RV hookups) before settling on site 7, which is situated right next to the river."

    "My family and I came up to camp at crescent lake.  We got out of town a little late and main campsites at lake were full.  A short 9 mile drive west from the lake we found this little gem.  "

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Showing results 1-10 of 237 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Sol Duc Hot Springs, WA

1327 Reviews of 237 Sol Duc Hot Springs Campgrounds



Guide to Sol Duc Hot Springs

Camping near Sol Duc Hot Springs, Washington, offers a fantastic blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. With lush forests, stunning waterfalls, and hot springs, it’s a perfect getaway for nature lovers and families alike.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the nearby trails, including the scenic paths leading to Sol Duc Falls. One camper mentioned, “We stayed here and enjoyed the location. Easy to hike to the falls, spend time at Lake Crescent or go up the Elwah” at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground.
  • Hot Springs: Don’t miss the chance to soak in the natural hot springs. A visitor noted, “The spring itself is nice, so bring your swimsuits, and the park itself is beautiful and well worth the hassle of staying there” at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One reviewer shared, “Elk came through the campsite, which was cool” while staying at Hoh Campground.

What campers like:

  • Beautiful Scenery: Campers rave about the stunning views. A review from Kalaloch Campground states, “This campground was in the perfect location... it’s a short walk to the beach.”
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peaceful environment. One camper at Mora Campground said, “Quiet campground... it was close to Forks so you can check out all the Twilight items in the town.”
  • Convenient Amenities: Campgrounds like Salt Creek Recreation Area offer clean facilities and easy access to the beach, making it a hit with families.

What you should know:

  • Reservations Recommended: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground advised, “Make sure to do both! This site is also near Crescent Lake, so it’s a great place to stay if trying to do both!”
  • Limited Privacy: Some sites can be close together. A review of Heart O' the Hills Campground mentioned, “The sites were pretty tight... not too level but there were plenty of bigger rigs that were just fine.”
  • No Showers at Some Campgrounds: Be prepared for basic facilities. A visitor at Hoh Campground noted, “Not super private and no showers. Overall a good stay for what it is.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like playgrounds. One family at Salt Creek Recreation Area said, “The playground in the main campground area is also great for kids.”
  • Plan for Activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. A camper at Mora Campground mentioned, “Moss-covered trees and a beautiful setting... you can purchase firewood at several houses along the drive into the campground.”
  • Arrive Early: To secure a good spot, especially during peak season. A visitor at Kalaloch Campground advised, “Get here early!”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have tight spots. A review of Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground noted, “It is so tight you can share dinner dishes with your neighbors next door.”
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need amenities, choose campgrounds that offer them. A camper at Fairholme Campground mentioned, “Has 3 restrooms with electricity and flowing water.”
  • Be Prepared for Road Noise: Some sites are near highways. A visitor at Hoh Oxbow Campground said, “You could still hear the occasional big rig passing in the night.”

Camping near Sol Duc Hot Springs, Washington, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of activities and beautiful scenery. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy your time in nature!

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Sol Duc Hot Springs campground?

Sol Duc Hot Springs campground offers several amenities, with the main attraction being access to the hot springs pools at the adjacent resort. The campground features picnic tables, fire rings, and restroom facilities. Nearby at the resort, campers can find a general store for supplies, dining options, and shower facilities. One of the biggest perks is the proximity to numerous hiking trails, including the path to Sol Duc Falls. The campground is open seasonally, typically from late March through October. For a different experience nearby, Falls Creek Campground offers beautiful creek-side camping with basic facilities including showers, though it's a bit further from the hot springs.

Does Sol Duc Hot Springs have an RV park or RV-friendly camping options?

Yes, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground does accommodate RVs, though the spaces are quite tight. The RV lot can feel crowded with sites approximately 15 feet apart from each other. Each RV site includes a picnic table and fire ring. For a less crowded alternative, Hoh Oxbow Campground can accommodate medium-sized RVs (around 30 ft) and is located directly off Highway 101, a short drive from Sol Duc. While the Sol Duc location offers convenient access to the hot springs, campers seeking more spacious RV accommodations might want to consider other options in Olympic National Park.

Where are the campgrounds near Sol Duc Hot Springs?

The main option is Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground — Olympic National Park, located along the Sol Duc River in the heart of Olympic National Park. Another nearby option is Bear Creek Campground, a DNR-managed site about 20 minutes west of Sol Duc-Hot Springs Road off Highway 101. For those willing to venture a bit further, Fairholme, Heart O' the Hills, and Hoh campgrounds are all within the Olympic National Park region. These campgrounds provide strategic bases for exploring various parts of the park, including the hot springs, waterfalls, and hiking trails in the area.

Is there a map of Sol Duc Hot Springs campground?

Yes, maps of Sol Duc Hot Springs campground are available through multiple sources. At the campground itself, maps are provided at the entrance kiosk when you check in. The campground consists of several different loops with various setups for different types of campers. For advance planning, official maps can be found on the Olympic National Park website (nps.gov/olym) under the Sol Duc area section. Additionally, Kalaloch Campground and other Olympic National Park campgrounds use similar mapping systems. The Sol Duc maps show the layout of camping loops, proximity to the hot springs resort, and nearby trail access points.