Fairholme Campground, near Port Angeles, Washington, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of [Olympic National Park](https://thedyrt.com/camping/washington/near/olympic-national-park). With its stunning views of Lake Crescent and the surrounding lush rainforest, it’s a place where nature truly shines.

This campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites, with some located right by the water. Visitors often rave about the breathtaking night skies, perfect for stargazing, and the peaceful atmosphere that comes from being tucked away in the woods. One camper noted, “Watching the night sky lit with stars above the lake is amazing.” 

While the campground has basic amenities like flush toilets and drinking water, it’s worth mentioning that there are no showers or electric hookups. Campers appreciate the clean facilities and the chance to enjoy campfires, although fire bans can occur. The close proximity to the lake means you can easily stroll down for a swim or a kayak adventure. 

For those eager to explore, the Fairholme Campground Loop Trail is a short, scenic hike that leads you away from the campground into the heart of the forest. Plus, the drive around Lake Crescent is dotted with pullouts for those picture-perfect moments. Just keep in mind that during peak season, finding a spot can be a challenge since it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Fairholme Campground offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure that keeps campers coming back year after year.

## Overview

 The reservation season the 2025 summer season for Fairholme Campground is May 23, 2025 - September 15, 2025. Important information about booking windows: To better serve visitors, Fairholme Campground will be releasing campsites in a series of three staggered block releases by loop. These block releases will be 6 months in advance, two weeks in advance, and 4 days in advance. B loop campsites and the majority of the walk-to sites will be available for reservation 6 months in advance. C loop campsites and most of the remaining walk-to sites will be available for reservations 2 weeks in advance. A loop campsites and walk-to site 85 will be available for reservations 4 days in advance. The campground may open on a first-come, first serve basis during the spring depending on weather before the reservation season. Fairholme Campground is located next to Lake Crescent on the north side of the Olympic Peninsula in Olympic National Park. The campground sits in an old-growth forest surrounded by steep mountains. Fairholme Campground features walk-in lakefront campsites and several drive-in campsites that provide views of Lake Crescent. The campground is large and set amidst a peaceful forest that thrives on the region's high annual rainfall. Rain or shine, it is one of the most visited areas of the park. 
## Recreation

 Numerous day hiking opportunities are available near the Lake Crescent area. Please follow the link to Olympic NPS page for more information - Lake Crescent Area Brochure - https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/lake-crescent-area-brochure.htm Paddling and boating opportunities are available within minutes from the campground. Lake Crescent boat launch is located adjacent to the campground. Please follow the link to learn more - Boating - https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/boating.htm Fairholme Olympic Discovery Trailhead is located about 2 miles west of Fairholme Campground on US Highway 101. Bicycling, road cycling, and hiking are available at this access point. Please follow the link to learn more - https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/olympic/recreation/bicycling/recarea/?recid=80688&actid=26 
## Natural Features

 Lake Crescent, a cold, clear, glacially carved lake, owes its existence to ice. Its azure depths, which plummet to 624 feet, were gouged by huge ice sheets thousands of years ago. As the ice retreated, it left behind a steep valley that filled with the clear blue waters of Lake Crescent. 
## Nearby Attractions

 Olympic National Park has much to explore, including temperate rain forests, ocean shores, sub-alpine mountains, lakes and more. The towns of Port Angeles, Forks, and Beaver are within a 30 to 60-minute drive. Fairholme Campground is along the shores of Lake Crescent, which is a big attraction for visitors to the park. Additionally, access to the Sol Duc Valley, with its popular Sol Duc Falls trail and Sol Duc Hotsprings Resort nearby. A moderate drive from the campground also provides access to the Marymere Falls and Mount Storm King trails. Fairholme Campground is a good base camp to explore Olympic National Park, as it is located between Port Angeles (Hurricane Ridge) and popular western locations such as Rialto Beach, Hoh Rainforest, and Kalaloch/Ruby Beach. 
## Charges & Cancellations

 A $10.00 service fee will apply if you modify your reservation or change your stay dates. Cancelling your reservation prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time two nights before your stay will incur a $10 cancellation fee. Camping reservations cancelled the day before and day of arrival incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee If you need to cancel or modify your reservation after 12:00 am Eastern Time on the day of arrival you must contact campground staff. [Recreation.gov Rules and Reservation Policies ][1]

[1]: https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies

Fairholme Campground — Olympic National Park

Looking for the best campgrounds near Sol Duc Hot Springs, WA? Sol Duc Hot Springs is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Sol Duc Hot Springs. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Sol Duc Hot Springs

The Best Camping Near Sol Duc Hot Springs, Washington

If you don't mind trading absolute silence for an absolutely great camp spot, then this might work for you. A lakeside site will cost you $20 and lumber truck traffic noise from the busy 101 less than 1000 feet away.

Revision: We actually left this site after spending a few hours here...It was way too noisy and the sites were way too exposed to feel private...Awkward eye contact, anyone? 

Great spot, but noisy

We really had a wonderful time at Olympic National Park!  We stayed here, at the Fairholm campgrounds, and after this great experience we will definitely be back (already checked out other camping options since we like to experience new things during our trips!).  We were pleased with the central location of this campground.  We were warned that later in the summer it gets more busy and less tranquil, so we were happy to be there beginning of summer/end of spring.  The site was medium sized and since there were not campers on either side of us, it felt secluded, but I could see it feeling a bit less private with both sites next to it being used. I think next time we come, we will opt for something a little less busy, but overall it was a nice place to stay.

lake site

My wife and I love it here. It's very peaceful and right by the lake. You can SUP or Kayak, or walk over and hike to waterfalls. Great place to get away.

Beautiful spot by the lake

These sites are situated right next to Lake Crescent. They are open from May to October and have fairly standard amenities that you would find in other primitive sites. There are picnic tables as well as fire rings at every site. There are tent sites as well as RV sites. The entire Olympic National Park area is beautiful! Be sure to give this site a stop if you want to stay in the park.

Beautiful campsite

No reservations but it’s a medium sized campground so you have an ok shot at getting a spot if you come in the afternoon in summer. There are a lot of sites right on the water which means more mosquitoes but also more amazing views. Lots of places to swim nearby and you can rent canoes right on site to explore the water. Don’t expect the water to be warm basically ever but it’s still nice to swim and splash around. Didn’t see any exceptional wildlife.  


Olympic National Park

While staying in the Olympic National Park we visited hurricane Ridge which was quite spectacular. It was the middle of June and there was still snow on its peaks. The views from the top were unreal. Me and my uncle did a hike up there and came across some deer. The top had a great visitor center, with friendly staff with tons of knowledge. 

Hurricane Ridge

This campground is along the lake in the northmost part of the park. It’s not very deep into the park so there aren’t as many day hiking or challenging hikes as in some other parts of the park, but there are still many trails you can explore from the campground. The campground is densely wooded and feels wonderfully PNW (mosquitos and all). There are no reservations here. 


Olympic National Park lakeside camping 

Fairholme is a fantastic campground on the shores of Lake Crescent. Absolutely beautiful but the problem is everyone knows it! I would definitely go back but get there earlier to get a better spot.

Fairholme in the summer

We got in on a Saturday evening when the forecast had not called for rain, but it was a steady downpour. Some folks were bailing while we set up! We got probably the crumminess site in the whole campground (beggars can't be choosers)-- very tiny, right across from the bathrooms and site reservation board. And yet we had a perfectly enjoyable stay! The bathrooms were extremely clean and the campground was immaculately kept. We saw the two hosts on a few occasions, sound rounds and continually cleaning up. They were very pleasant. The bathrooms were lit all night, but the light didn't really bother us. We managed a fire because of the how thick the tree foliage was and cooked our dinner and got warmed up. We fit in two tents and a hammock! Lake crescent is just below the campground, there are walk in sites on the shore. We took a walk down to the small swimming area and took an evening dip. The lake was gorgeous, like glass, and the swim was refreshing. There's a small general store right on the hill by the swimming beach that rents kayaks and paddle boards. The store also has a very nice selection of food, alcohol, and camp supplies. I was impressed! This campground posts at the entrance if they are full, has potable water and wash areas, and very clean restrooms. Lovely!

Forested lakeside nook

This campground is classic PNW beauty near the water and among the trees. The campground is basic and sites are relatively close together, but the lush greenery gives good privacy. There is much to do within about a half hour drive, or you can enjoy short walks around the campground and trails that connect to longer trails along the lake. Sunrises are lovely and there is a lot of wildlife. Very “in touch with nature” feeling to this well-maintained and standard NPS campground. Highly recommended.

Olympic National Park 

Fairholme was the first campground that I stayed in on mt Bicycle trip from Vancouver to San Francisco.

We arrived relatively late in the afternoon so there weren't many spots available so we took a small site that was one of the last remaining. It had been raining quite a lot so the ground was saturated. There was no way escaping a spongy floor anywhere. Saying this it was a beautifully lush camp ground right next to the water so we could hardly complain

The facilities were rather basic (toilet block) but that is what we were after. It was cheap and did the job for a Bike tour.

Cosy and Green but wet!

The campground is private and has lakefront campsites. Nice in the summer for swimming and boating

Fairholm Campground

We've stayed here a couple times. Love the walk-in tent sites by the lake, they’re a lot quieter than in the upper loops. Convenient to lots of trails, hot springs &amp; the ocean.

Great location by the lake 

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.

Lakeside Camping

This is our all time favorite stop in the Olympic national forest. Lake crescent is gorgeous and crystal clear through and through. On a hot day enjoy a day on the lake. Jump in from the boat dock or swim in the swimming area. Rent a canoe or kayak from the general store just up the steps from the lake and have a fun few hours around the lake. The store sells firewood and drinks and some interesting literature about the lake. Drive the road past the campground to a trailhead for the railroad bridge trail. It's a few miles from this side of the lake so make sure you pack a lunch and lots of water. Spend the day jumping in from the bridge at the end of the trail.

Great lake crescent adventure

There are walk in sites close to the water. Some that chose to set up right near the water, but I chose a walk in site with a great view and had my kayak parked right below at the lake. The walk itself was not bad at all! and if you so choose, there are plenty of normal sites too. Check it is at 11am and it's first come so get there when others are leaving- it did fill up. price is $20/ night and there are flush toilets and sinks with running water in the bathrooms. On Clear lake and close to SolDuc!

Teal Blue

Fairholm is a picturesque campground on the edge of Lake Crescent in a very easily accessible part of Olympic National Park for weekend getaways from Seattle and local adventures in from Port Angeles. Because the lake is pretty and easy to get to, this camp ground is POPULAR.

There are 3 loops + walk in lakeside side, but the actual size of the camp ground is small. Sites are very small and right next to one another. There is no privacy and no feeling of being out in the woods. The convenience here during the crowded month is simply proximity to Lake Crescent.

All sites here are first come, but there is not an in/out or campground host system for any of the ONP campgrounds like I've experienced in other national parks. The only way to know if a site is opening is to drive around in circles and/or to simultaneously check the reservation board to see if anyone was leaving. It's a bit of a free for all and not a very relaxing 'in the woods experience'

Sites are all equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, and there are large bathrooms, running water, and even a camp store nearby. Fires were allowed in fire rings even though there is a summer burn ban in the park.

I'd probably give this campground a much higher score (like all the other reviews) if it during any other time of the year when it wasn't absolutely crazy.

If you arrive there during a busy time, an alternative is Littleton Horse Camp, an unmarked National Forest campground 4.4 miles just past Fairholm, turn right on the fireroad. This is where we moved to.

Summer Weekend: The Walmart Parking Lot was Less Crowded with Campers

Neighboring Lake Crescent, Fairholme includes lakeside campsites and a nearby boat launch. The views of the lake are spectacular. Note that site access is only first come first served.

Beautiful Lakeside Campground

My wife and I loved this campsite because of the surrounding views and Lake Crescent is just, wowza! I remember that reserving a site was super competitive and it got crowded at night. I’m pretty sure it’s first come, first served so get there early to ensure a site! We spent a day hiking and a day on the lake- it was the perfect stay.  Def explore your hiking options, as there are so many. We highly recommend renting a kayak and exploring different parts of the lake. Bring your fishing pole!! 

Lake Crescent is wowza!

Large campground located on Lake Crescent. Many secluded spots.

Campground on Lake Crescent 

This site has some fantastic well put together trails. They are well marked, well defined, and the area is spectacular with lots of vibrant green and brown colors from the moss, grass, and trees. This particular hike that I did here called the Marymere Falls was beautiful as the trail opened up right to it. Highly recommend you visit. Watch out for nettles though.

Breath Taking views

This campground is one of my favorites even though it is pretty hard to score a spot. The upper area seems to have a lot more RV’s. It has amazing walk in spots right on the lake. It is a truly beautiful lake. I kept my kayak at the spot and just carried it down to a launch spot. There is a small market out on the main road. The facilities were basic but well kept. Super forested camp ground so privacy was pretty good.

Beautiful Campground

We stayed for two nights. On first night (Friday) we didn’t get there until 730pm but there were not too many people and we were still avail to get one with water view. There were many sites right by water open but having a puppy with us we figured to stay little fat from water. It’s $20 a night, and depending on which loop your site is in pay station differs (it’s all right by bathroom) one of the book we have says this place offers shower but we did not see one. 

Size of the site was pretty big. There were 4 of us plus dog we had 3 tents (4p and two 2p tent) still had enough room for us to have cooler around etc. first night said lowest was 45 but it definitely felt colder. We had our winter sleeping bag but our friends said it was pretty cold. View of lake was beautiful and you can walk down to boat launch with wasn’t too far from my site (80).  Some people had hammock but some sites like ours had trees too far from each other so if you’re thinking about hammock make sure you get a set with decent tree for your needs. 

There is not many pet friendly hikes sadly. But there are plenty of short hikes near by for those without. If you go back to where the ranger station is there is hike for waterfall which is pretty easy and towards the end there is stairs but very easy hike.

Sites were busy on Saturday there were definitely more cars and people. Even there is quiet hours some people got loud pass midnight which woke me up. Please be considerate of others! (Sites were close to see each other but can’t hear conversations or anything) 

Check out time is 11am. Sunday wasn’t too cold at all didn’t need my jacket in the morning to go use bathroom and we only started fire to cook, actually had few logs left over.

I wish I had my kayak or something. Water is definitely cold to swim but would love to be out there. View of stars by the boat launch at night was beautiful as well. 

I think it was pretty quiet and not too clamped considering it’s only the second weekend after they open for the season. Would love to go back there in the summer hopefully there isn’t too many people lol

Beautiful lake

fairholm campground is very well maintained and hidden in the trees just off of the lake. There are multiple bathrooms but no showers, dock for swimming and a store located on the campground.

Great place for the family 

The campground is right by the lake and offers walk-in sites that are literally on the lake shore. The best site in my opinion is 72, which is not directly on the lake shore but has a great view and good tree coverage. All sites have a fire pit, tent pad, and picnic table. There are very clean bathrooms close to all sites and clean running water. The campsites are very close together and can be next to RVs. Walk-in sites are less likely to be next to RVs.

Really nice.  Another beautiful lake. Went paddle boarding.  Water was soo clear no wind. Gorgeous 
Nice sunny spot for our tent. 

Lakeside gem

Great car camping situation. Able to rent kayaks at the lake. Little convenience shop too! 

Beautiful 

We showed up at the campsite around 11am on Sunday. We were afraid of not getting a good spot because it was first come first served, but going early on a Sunday we absolutely no problem finding an amazing spot!! We were able to fit three tents on our campsite. Our neighbors were not too close to us and felt like we had privacy. I truely believe we had the BEST site at the camp ground 72!! Highly recommend!! 

 Beautiful and plenty of spots!

Camped 2 nights - Thursday and Friday - after Labor Day. The sites are first come, first serve and it was pretty full by 3pm that Thursday (which surprised us). Never the less we snagged a great walk in site, #70, with views of the lake a short scramble down to the lake, and woods on one side. I loved this place - only down side was road noise across the lake at night. Will definitely be back!

Beautiful lake views!

I stayed here for two nights, and enjoyed some great hikes in the surrounding area, and even popped over to Lake Crescent lodge to watch the sunset on their porch with a cocktail. The campsite was crowded, but rightfully so. It's right on the shores of the Lake, the facilities are clean, and the sites are nice. Not much privacy as the sites are small. There's a nice little convenience store at the entrance to the campground for marshmallows and beer and sunscreen other necessities. Definitely looking forward to comping back.

Beautiful campsite on the shores of the lake

So, the campground is fine and has a swimming beach. What you want is one of 6-9 walk-in sites on the water. They are amazing. Steep but short walk to the sites. First come first serve.

In my top 3

Such a wonderful camp area, nice and wooded but some spots still right on the lake. Love the lake, great swimming and hiking right there. Fun to go by lodge for dining and could rent kayak and such. Lived in Forks and would camp here all the time.

Love

This is by far my favorite campsite I’ve been to in WA. Lake Crescent itself is one of the most beautiful places, but the camp spot we landed made it all the better. There’s plenty of RV and car camping spots, but we chose a walk in spot right on the water and WOW!! We had the end spot so we were basically alone, but it was conveniently only 40 yards away from the little store and kayak rental shop that’s outside of the campground. Sites range in size so there’s something for everyone. Would go back over and over! 

Lake Crescent campground

I arrived on a Thursday around noon and it was already full. I could see why people might like it because it’s right by the lake. But, while walking/driving around trying to find a site, I could hear the road noise. Also not much privacy for most sites. Very busy campground and I was glad to have found a site at another campground close by. This campground had the feeling of a circus.

Busy

Fairholme sits above Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park. The lake is a clear, deep blue lake. So pretty. The campground sits on the side of a hill, so if you’re in an RV, van, or tent trailer, bring your levelers. The sites for camping are awesome...some are right on the lake. All the other sites are up on the hill, forested, with no views of the lake. All sites are a short walk to the lake though, which was nice. We stayed one night here. We stayed on Thursday and were able to get a spot by arriving at 11:30 am. 

Beautiful Lake - Average Campground

Clean facilities, well spaced sites, and a stunning lake - all ruined by incessant truck traffic noise.

Nice but really noisy.

This was a great campground with lots of spots. We camped in front of the lake which was beautiful and unique. The big drawback for us is that the tent spots close to the water are near the highway and it’s very noisy. There’s a lot of truck traffic and it’s quite loud. I imagine that the spots farther from the water are less noisy but we didn’t try those out. 

Beautiful views but a bit noisy

This is a great campground by Lake Quinault.  There are walk in spots right by the lake and you can go down to the dock to catch quiet early mornings and beautiful sunrises.  

Beautiful Sunrises over Lake Quinault

A lot of space with a lot of campsites on the shore of Lake Crescent. Great lush launching point for so many ONP adventures. 

Great Lush Location 

We stayed at a beautiful drive-up spot that overlooked the lake. Neighbors seemed closer than if we were in a spot on the interior and away from the water.. but the view is definitely worth it. We will definitely be back!

Bathrooms were well spaced throughout the campground and clean. 

Beautiful lake views 

A beautiful campground with campsites right on the water. Well kept. Our spot was a little on the small side but you could walk down to the lake. 

Beautiful spot!

Showed up late (around 9pm) and there were still plenty of good camp sites. We got one right on the water, which is the prettiest lake I've ever seen.

Absolutely amazing

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 to lake keeps the campground cool in the summer months

Cons:
-campsites very close to one another
-horrible road noise at all hours
-lots of bugs (bring bug spray!)

Great Location, Horrible Road Noise

90 sites, and thurs-Sunday they are claimed by 8am. The lake sites are all walk in down steep hills, the drive in sites are very close together with little to no privacy. 

Three bathrooms. No cash needed. Hosts don’t sell wood, it’s a 5 mile drive to a local who sells out of their front yard. Closest store is 13 miles East on mountain road. 

Beautiful but Crowded

I like the location of the campground which is next to lake crescent. Watching night sky lit with stars above the lake is amazing.

Cannot burn fire due to fire ban.

Star gazing over the lake

It was really cool honestly! I went during Memorial Day weekend and got one of the last spots on Saturday morning! It was really packed since it was the holiday weekend but it was very pretty otherwise. The lake being right there is super cool. Walking distance from anywhere on site. 

Awesome campground!

After moving to the PNW, I remember my first drive up to the national park with big plans of seeing all the famous beaches. Instead I came around the corner on the 101 and was treated to the view of the magical Lake Crescent. Right then and there it became my favorite place in the state. I’ve been regularly camping at Fairholme for a few years now and I LOVE this place. Road noise kind of sucks at night because of how close you are to the highway, and GOOD LUCK finding a spot during the summer months as this place doesn’t take reservations and is strictly FCFS, but if you manage to get a trip in during the off season, you won’t be disappointed. The walk in sites down on the lake are totally worth all the trips back and forth to the car carrying gear, and it gets surprisingly empty during the cool season. One visit that I made in October, I practically had the place to myself. This campground is a serious gem. 

Love this place.

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 Lake Crescent. The easy to access Fairholm Campground Loop Trail is only .7 miles long but routes away from the grounds and is very secluded. The drive around the lake is beautiful with many pullovers for taking pictures and exploring. I encourage you to visit the general store and read the book The Lady of the Lake for a bit of spooky history. Dine at Crescent Lodge for simply amazing food and then hike Marymere Falls (more strenuous) or stay low and explore the natural area. I love this place and it’s vibe so much I think I’d like to be a camp host here someday. 

Robert Frost would be inspired here

Love camping in the national parks. Has 3 restrooms with electricity and flowing water. Campsites close together and noises echo. Not a lot of privacy. Fantastic view of the moon at night and stars!! Came on friday around 8:30 pm and less than half campsites available. Arrive as early as possible.

Great location except

A relatively quiet campground. Zero cell service with Verizon and Sprint. There is one outlet in the bathroom, flush toilets and running water. 

Good location, nestled in the woods

This is a beautiful campground with 4 loops- I would say loop D is most accessible for RVs. The entrance to B was steep and we didn’t even want to risk it. Cell service is spotty here so you have to rely on the boards with info about open sites (if you don’t have reservations). Hosts were gone by the time we visited in mid September and the ranger station was something like 7 miles away. So, I’d recommend reservations. There’s a dump station and water fill near the boat ramp. The campground is gorgeous and lush, very green and peaceful.

Beautiful

Spent 3 nights at site B36. While tucked in the trees, sites weren’t very private. Most other campers were respectful of others, but on our last night we dealt with a family that wanted to party hard apparently well into the night. I know, you get what you get at large campgrounds. The toilets were flush and generally clean. Some trails ran down by the lake. Great location for visiting the areas on the north side of Olympic National Park. 

Photos of Fairholme Campground — Olympic National Park

Real photos from real campers