Staircase Campground - Olympic National Park

As I was driving out to the Staircase Area entrance of the Olympic National Park I wondered if it was worth it but oh how wrong I was! The drive is a little long along a dirt road that can be a little rough at times. The stretch along man made Lake Cushman is gorgeous. On Labor Day I was one of two campers in the campground which always makes me a little nervous in an area with large predators. The riverside sites are picturesque and I can imagine that the campground gets pretty full in high season. There are lots of little swimming holes but along the campground and a short walk away. The hiking trails are well maintained and pretty popular. I wish I spent more time there!

So worth it! 

It was pouring rain when I arrived, but the next morning it cleared for a couple of hours. The weather kept me from exploring as much as I wanted, however the campsite itself was worth it. I wish I had another day to spend hiking. I'll definitely return.

A lovely spot, even in the rain.

One of the first camp grounds when you get to Olympic NP. It’s is easy to find and has a couple of loops of decently spaced car camping spots. 
We got a spot along the river, a minute walk from the bathrooms. 
Lots of space and privacy. It wasn’t quite high season so the closest other campers were two camp sites away. 
At the camp site there are several trail heads to different hikes of various rigor. 
This was a magical place and the perfect introduction to Olympic National Park.  

Perfect taste of Olympic NP

Pros: Dog-friendly, spacious sites at Staircase with close proximity to Lake Crescent and several trails (no dogs allowed). 

Cons: Popular site, so may feel crowded. Closest town is Hoodsport (30min drive). Limited access for dogs on unpacked trails in ONP (but for good reason). Otherwise, no cons. 

Tips: FCFS campground, so if you want to land a highly coveted creek-side site, start your hunt around 11am for campers to check out. Don’t forget to visit a pull off site on the gravel road alongside lake crescent for a beer and a swim. You can purchase most gear + bear canister in Hoodsport. Take out at the local Mexican place is alright. Be smarter than we were and don’t sit on old tree trunks or else your butt will get sapped. Hike with your dog outside ONP at Big Creek, which is 11 min drive outside Staircase. 

Amazing Site at ONP

Lucked out with a dry Saturday night. Cold, 28 degrees. On the main loop the camp sites to the right are along the river with great access to the water. Stay away from the left side inner loop spots as they are tighter to each other, although, they are great for multiple groups looking to camp together.  
About a 20 minute drive to Mt. Ellinore and Mt. Washington if you’re looking for good hikes with great views. 

Staircase campground 

First time I heard of this place I had to go! The water is beautiful. Most all of the sites are pretty secluded which I like. Bathrooms were closed for the winter but had porter potty’s near ranger station. No wood sold here during winter either. Met some new friends and flew the drone around. Highly recommend 

Best I’ve ever seen

The campground was great. Lots of sites and secluded enough in the off season we had most of it to ourselves the second night we were there.

We took one star away because there is a stretch of forest road for about 2.5 miles before you get into the national park that is almost impassable due to massive potholes. We do a lot of backcountry backpacking so we’ve driven on many miles of forest roads but this was another level. The potholes were constant, deep, and there were so many of them they could not be avoided.

Great Spot, Bad Road

This is a nice little campground.  Mostly tent sites or really small campers. There are a few larger events sites. Nice trails right from camp. No dump. Flush toilets with running water. No electric. 

Trails right at campground 

a wonderful little campsite near Lincoln Creek. A two-mile route that follows the creek gives breathtaking vistas. The road leading to the campground provides breathtaking views of Lake Cushman and a couple excellent pullout locations for stunning photos. The campground features all the standard facilities you would anticipate from a campground in a national forest, such as fire rings, food lockers, garbage cans, and restrooms.

  

Cell: None