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."
