Best Tent Camping near Sol Duc Hot Springs, WA

Several tent campgrounds surround Sol Duc Hot Springs in Olympic National Park, Washington, including backcountry options at Lunch Lake and Boulder Lake. Both locations are accessible via hiking trails and require permits for overnight stays. These primitive tent sites are situated within the Seven Lakes Basin area of Olympic National Park, offering opportunities for hikers seeking backcountry experiences. Walk-in tent sites at Deer Lake provide another option approximately 4 miles from the Sol Duc Hot Springs trailhead.

Most tent campgrounds near Sol Duc Hot Springs lack amenities such as drinking water, showers, or trash service. Backcountry sites at locations like Lunch Lake and Olympus Guard Station include pit toilets, while others such as Boulder Lake have no facilities. Bear canisters are required at most backcountry locations, though some sites along the Hoh River Trail provide bear wires instead. Camping permits must be obtained from Olympic National Park visitor centers before setting up at these walk-in tent sites. Campfires are prohibited at higher elevation sites such as Deer Lake and Boulder Lake but may be permitted at lower elevation locations.

The backcountry tent camping experience offers significant solitude, particularly at sites farther from trailheads. Five Mile Island along the Hoh River Trail provides tent sites approximately 5 miles from the visitor center, making it accessible for first-time backpackers yet far enough to escape day hikers. Tent campers at higher elevations like Lunch Lake enjoy alpine settings with clear mountain lakes and panoramic views. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the region, with bears, mountain goats, and elk frequently observed. One camper noted about Lunch Lake, "This was one of my all-time favorite campsites. There were several backcountry sites, but only one other site was occupied the night we stayed, so it was really nice."

Best Tent Sites Near Sol Duc Hot Springs, Washington (111)

    1. Lunch Lake — Olympic National Park

    3 Reviews
    Olympic National Park, WA
    7 miles
    Website

    "This is not a campground, but one stop on the amazing Seven Lakes Loop or High Divide Loop backcountry trails. You can also do a one night out and back just to Lunch Lake."

    "We hike the High Divide Loop in 2 days and backcountry camped at Lunch Lake overnight. This was one of my all-time favorite campsites."

    2. Littleton Horse Camp

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

    $10 / night

    "Littleton Horse Camp is on the edge of the very popular Lake Crescent area of Olympic National Park."

    "We had a great stay, we stayed in the lower campsite #2 and it did not have the horse requirement so we nabbed it before 6pm."

    3. Elk Lake — Olympic National Park

    6 Reviews
    Olympic National Park, WA
    13 miles
    Website

    "This is a pretty simple camping area along the backpacking trail in the Hoh rainforest.

    The lake is small but lovely and means there is a pretty consistent water source."

    "The water access to the lake was a pain in the butt, and the lake is nothing special (no swim access or anything like that)."

    4. Five Mile Island — Olympic National Park

    3 Reviews
    Olympic National Park, WA
    9 miles
    Website

    "Plenty of privacy and picturesque views."

    5. Olympus Guard Station — Olympic National Park

    2 Reviews
    Olympic National Park, WA
    9 miles
    Website

    "We did a 2 night backpacking trip along the Hoh River Trail. We decided stay 2 nights at Olympus since there was still snow pack up the mountain."

    "It's still just as amazing backcountry campground nearly 10 miles into the backcountry of Olympic National Park with tons of spots to choose from and enough space that even in the busy summer months you"

    6. Boulder Lake — Olympic National Park

    1 Review
    Joyce, WA
    6 miles
    Website

    "The hike can be a bit grueling and since I've done it the road leading to the trailhead has been shut down, so plan on adding a few more miles to your hike to get to the lake (around 7 miles.)"

    7. Mount Tom Creek — Olympic National Park

    2 Reviews
    Olympic National Park, WA
    8 miles
    Website

    "But for first backpacking trip with little kids, a good option. The site is very leveled, well spaced apart, super close to a beautiful river, and easy to find shade and sun."

    "As easy as it is to get to this campground along the Hoh River Trail there are surprisingly few people here, most opt to go a little further up the trail to Five Mile Island or even further to Olympus"

    8. Deer Lake — Olympic National Park

    1 Review
    Olympic National Park, WA
    5 miles
    Website

    "Back country permit required. The lake is accessible by a couple of routes. There is a short but steep hike in from the Sol Duc area, so you could potentially do this as a day hike."

    9. Hoh River Dispersed Camping

    6 Reviews
    Forks, WA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 956-2402

    "Trying to find an open camping site next to the river was proving very difficult, but this semi-hidden pull off was perfect. There’s a fire ring and some extra firewood collected to the side."

    "Camping right next to river. Tall bushes for shade. Need to drive over very bumpy dirt road to get to sites near river. Then need to drive over rocky road to get into sites near river."

    10. Forest Service 2918

    3 Reviews
    Joyce, WA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 956-2402
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Tent Camping Reviews near Sol Duc Hot Springs, WA

1281 Reviews of 111 Sol Duc Hot Springs Campgrounds


  • Ashley Y.
    Jul. 10, 2017

    Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground — Olympic National Park

    Away we go in Olympic National Park!!

    If you camp anywhere in the Olympics let Sol Duc be your home base! 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! The soak in the Sol Duc Hot springs were amazing especially after a hike. We saw some great wildlife and wildflowers on this trip. Sol duc is about an hour from Port Angeles. Happy Adventuring! And remember to practice leave no trace ethics.✌❤

  • Steve C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 7, 2020

    Bear Creek Campground

    Decent “free” campsite

    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) with picnic tables, fire rings and a couple of fairly gross vault toilets. The sites can accommodate medium (~30ft) RVs but there aren’t any hookups. Primitive camping at it’s best. I stayed in site #8 which overlooks the Sol Duc River. There is a good bit of road noise being this close to the highway, but as a cheap spot to overnight close to Olympic NP it’s super convenient.

  • Jenn B.
    Jul. 1, 2018

    Fairholme Campground — Olympic National Park

    Lakeside Camping

    Great backup site if your beach camping plans get rained out. If you can get there early, grab a site on the water. $10 per person, per night. Campground has clean bathrooms, potable water, fire pits, picnic tables and bear boxes for food storage.

  • Josiah P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2018

    Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground — Olympic National Park

    Beautiful Sol Duc River

    Ample opportunities to view waterfalls, beautiful Sol Duc River, & wildlife. 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.

    If you hike in quietly, you have the opportunity to see Blacktail Deer & Roosevelt Elk.

  • Elliott B.
    Aug. 30, 2017

    Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground — Olympic National Park

    Ranger Review: Camping in the rain forest

    Campsite Review: This campground in the Sol Duc Valley is composed of several different loops and setups for every type of adventurer. In addition to the lodge with a general store and restaurants, there is an RV only parking lot which seemed a little different as it’s just a parking lot with hookups and a table at the end of each space. There was no separation whatsoever between them. However, the loops are more set into the fairytale-like forest and you feel much more like you’re actually in the rain forest. The campsites themselves seemed to all be kind of small, and a little close together but with nice flat areas, tables, fire ring, and lots and lots of underbrush you can’t really see your neighbors. We stayed at site 38 in loop A which had a nice tent spot set out under the trees along with a decent table and fire ring set back from what is basically a parking lot that was open to the road. When getting your site be careful about the exact size allotment if you’re in a larger vehicle, because these sizes didn’t seem correct. This site is listed as being a 35’ back-in, but it really is just a shared parking lot between this and the site next to it (37) across from the central restrooms. While the site might say it’ll fit your vehicle, the roads are narrow and there are a good number of trees and branches around which may impede your maneuvering if you’re in something large. Because our site and the one next to it have “spaces” for 2 vehicles each, we did have a few people whom would pull up park in the “lot” and then explore around the campground and loop at the board for available spaces which was a little annoying, but at least they aren’t walking through our site.

    The toilet facilities in Loop A were clean, but could have used a good once over. They seemed to have been maintained, just not super regularly and thankfully no guests had come in and destroyed them. There was hand soap but unfortunately the hand dryers were broken (which I normally like because of the reduction of trash, but dislike because of the increased noise they produce). You have some potable water/dish cleaning spigots, but nothing is there to catch the waste. There are also a couple of bear proof trash cans and the camp host sold fire wood (pricey at $8 a bundle). However, you can collect downed wood whenever the host isn’t selling wood.

    Amenities: standard picnic tables, fire rings, plus flush toilets, potable water, & bear/cougar proof trash cans |Prohibited: pets off-leash

    Nearby Hikes: Sol Duc Falls, exploring some old growth forest with a waterfall (highly recommended), Lover’s Lane, Ancient Groves, a self guided nature trail, & a couple lake trails

    You’re also just down the road from the Sol Duc Hot Springs, which is 3 different pools with the water pumped into them. At $15 a person, this seemed a little pricey, but you do get access to the showers, so if you’re really desperate it might be an option to clean up and then relax after some strenuous hikes.

  • Jennifer T.
    Aug. 18, 2018

    Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort Campground — Olympic National Park

    hot sulfur springs and all!

    March 23 - October 28, 2018 Located along the Sol Duc River in magnificent Olympic National Park, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is on the “edge of the backcountry in the heart of the Olympic National Park” with hot spring pools and access to many hiking trails.

    Recreation Opportunities:

    The resort's main lodge offers the front desk, gift shop, restaurant and access to three hot mineral-spring pools and swimming pool. Additional onsite amenities include a poolside deli and massage therapy.

    Olympic Peninsula Hiking Mineral Hot Springs & Pools Olympic Peninsula Fishing Overview RV Park Sites Campground Sites Booking & Rates Features & Amenities

    Restrooms Restrooms are located in the Campground only, which is ¼ mile away from the RV Campground. Public restrooms are not offered at RV Campground. Pool Access Pool admission is not included in camping rates. Guests may purchase hot spring pool access at the resort’s front desk Laundry No laundry facility offered. Camping Supplies All sites have fire rings with metal grates for grilling. Individual BBQ grills are not available. Ice is available for purchase at the resort’s front desk. Campfire Firewood is available from the Camp Host (site #39) and the Front Desk. Food Waste Storage Animal-Proof Trash Receptacles required.

    there are excellent hiking trails and views. You can sit on a rock and watch the salmon swim up river and jump 10 feet in the air to clear rocks. it is amazing. the resort is so nice and the sulfur pools are nice to relax in a night before bed.

  • Jason H.
    Mar. 24, 2021

    Lena Lake Campground

    Great spot

    A nice 3.5 miles ish hike from the parking area to campground. The campsites offers fire rings and has plenty of amazing views of the lake. Don’t forget to pack everything out and leave no trace.

  • Art S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 12, 2016

    Lena Lake Campground

    Lena Lake campground

    This is a hike-in campground down a 3.5 mile trail. It sees heavy use from locals on the weekend. There was plenty of room during the week when I was there. Lena Lake is quiet and serene and the perfect place to sit on a log and journal. Other people walked around the edge of the lake but care must be taken as it's a bit rugged. Follow the leave no trace principles and this place will be one to return to again for yourself and others.

  • Kelly G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2021

    Cape Alava Campground — Olympic National Park

    Extravaventure!!!

    Wow!!! This was such a magical adventure! You will need a permit and a bear canister (which you can rent from the ranger station) but the payoff is a forever sunset, the scent of healing salt air, the sound of eagle’s fledging their young, giant sea stacks looming in the tide and the alpha wave inducing white noise of gentle waves churning, all while Bambi grazes near your tent. You might even see seals and whales so bring binoculars. I hiked the 9.4 mile Ozette Triangle over two days. I started from my campsite at the Ozette Campgrounds and hiked out Sand Point Trail. Then I explored giant sea stacks and saw petroglyphs along the Ozette River to Sand Point Beach Travel Way. Mt campsite had a rustic pit toilet nearby, a fire ring (burn dead driftwood only!) and a view of a distant sea stack framed perfectly by giant trees. After spending the most restful magical night right on the cusp of the rainforest, I explored northward some (do this during ebb tide so you don’t get trapped between peninsulas) before I headed back along the Cape Alava Trail. I did not want this hike to end. I can see why these are some of “The Best 100 Miles in National Parks” as ranked by Backpacker Magazine. I will go back and include this as part of a seven day of Cape Alava to Shi Shi Beach.

    Pro Tips:

    1. Take a picture of the current tide chart posted at the trailhead and know how to use it.
    2. There are wonderful restrooms at the the trailhead parking lot but there is not a single trash can or dumpster to be found anywhere. I love this! It is a reminder to truly Leave No Trace and pack out everything in an effort to reduce the drain on limited park resources to deal with garbage. So take two trash bags, one for you and one for your neighbor.
    3. Get a map and information sheet of the Petroglyphs before you go so you can enjoy this little treasure hunt!

Guide to Sol Duc Hot Springs

Backpacking opportunities surround Sol Duc Hot Springs in Olympic National Park, with multiple wilderness campsites accessible via hiking trails. The area sits at an elevation around 2,000 feet, creating a temperate rainforest environment with annual rainfall exceeding 140 inches. Winter camping can be challenging due to road closures and snow accumulation at higher elevations, typically from November through May.

What to do

Explore alpine lakes: The Seven Lakes Basin loop trail connects multiple high-elevation lakes. At Lunch Lake, "This hike has it all: old growth forests, alpine lakes, wildlife, year-round snow. There are about a dozen sites around the lake, an outhouse, plus a ranger cabin," according to Harry H.

Tackle challenging hikes: For experienced backpackers, the trek to Blue Glacier offers rewarding views. A camper at Elk Lake noted, "We stopped here for the night before making the final push to Blue Glacier. It was a nice site. The water access to the lake was a pain in the butt, and the lake is nothing special."

Visit waterfalls: Several cascades dot the trails near Sol Duc. On the Hoh River Trail near Mount Tom Creek, Zach A. mentions, "Mineral Falls is a nice spot to walk up to (only a half-mile back) and the spots along the river make a great place to stop and have a snack!"

What campers like

Wildlife viewing: The backcountry offers numerous animal sighting opportunities. At Olympus Guard Station, campers appreciate the solitude 10 miles into the wilderness. Carly O. shared, "We did a 2 night backpacking trip along the Hoh River Trail. We decided stay 2 nights at Olympus since there was still snow pack up the mountain. We hiked in 10 miles the first day and the next day we left our stuff at our campsite and hiked up to Elk Lake and back."

First-come spots: When official campgrounds fill up, secondary options provide alternatives. Charlotte L. found Littleton Horse Camp to be "Quiet, clean close to Olympic NP. We had a great stay, we stayed in the lower campsite #2 and it did not have the horse requirement so we nabbed it before 6pm. The vault toilets were spotless, the campsite was quiet, and there are nearby hiking and biking trails that are wonderful!"

River proximity: Many sites offer streamside camping. At Hoh River Dispersed Camping, Julia F. reported, "Trying to find an open camping site next to the river was proving very difficult, but this semi-hidden pull off was perfect. There's a fire ring and some extra firewood collected to the side. Beautiful river access that feels secluded."

What you should know

Permit requirements: Backcountry camping permits must be secured before heading out. For Deer Lake, Danielle S. explains, "Back country permit required. The lake is accessible by a couple of routes. There is a short but steep hike in from the Sol Duc area, so you could potentially do this as a day hike. I saw some families doing this."

Limited facilities: Most backcountry sites offer minimal amenities. Kate I. notes about Five Mile Island: "This campground has 'ample' facilities, depending on your level of backpacking. There is not a problem finding a level tent pad, there are bear wires, and a pit toilet."

Weather considerations: The area receives significant precipitation year-round. Joshua W. reported about Elk Lake: "After we returned from the glacier, we found that our site had mostly flooded from moderate rain. We looked at the few open spots left and found the same issue. Settled for a partially sloped spot just next to a site."

Tips for camping with families

Choose appropriate distances: For tent camping near Sol Duc Hot Springs with children, select sites based on hiking capability. At Mount Tom Creek, Cassie C. suggests, "For first backpacking trip with little kids, a good option. The site is very leveled, well spaced apart, super close to a beautiful river, and easy to find shade and sun."

Pack for insects: Bug protection is essential during summer months. Danielle notes about Deer Lake, "My only complaint was that it was pretty buggy. I would definitely go back."

Consider day hikes: Some sites can be visited without overnight gear. Spencer J. mentions about Littleton Horse Camp, "Like others we ended up here after checking a number of other campsites that were full. The camp is usually for horse people but unoccupied spots are up for grabs after six."

Tips from RVers

Road conditions: Access roads to dispersed camping may challenge some vehicles. At Hoh River Dispersed Camping, Cassie C. warns, "Need to drive over very bumpy dirt road to get to sites near river. Then need to drive over rocky road to get into sites near river. The sites were well tucked away and cozy. Just make sure your tires can handle the bumps and rocks."

Alternative options: When formal campgrounds fill up, consider horse camps. Heartworn H. 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. Most campgrounds I planned to go to were not only completely full, but has so many cars and campers on a frantic hunt for a place to stay for the night."

Limited hookups: No electric or water hookups are available at most sites near Sol Duc Hot Springs. Christian M. noted about Hoh River Dispersed Camping: "Had a spot right next to the river with a fire pit. Logs provided just down the road for $5. My 03 Honda Accord made it there just fine."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Sol Duc Hot Springs, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sol Duc Hot Springs, WA is Lunch Lake — Olympic National Park with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Sol Duc Hot Springs, WA?

TheDyrt.com has all 111 tent camping locations near Sol Duc Hot Springs, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.