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Established Camping

Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park

Closed For the Season

This campground is closed for the season from September 24, 2024 through May 28, 2025.

Staircase Campground, near Hoodsport, Washington, is a fantastic spot for families and nature lovers alike. With its riverside sites and the soothing sounds of rushing water, it’s a place where you can truly unwind and connect with the great outdoors.

This campground is known for its spacious sites, many of which are right by the river, offering stunning views and easy access for fishing or just relaxing by the water. Visitors have raved about the natural beauty, with one camper noting, “Waking up to the sight of the river right there was just lovely.” The campground is also dog-friendly, making it a great choice for those traveling with pets.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the surrounding area is perfect for hiking and exploring. The nearby trails lead you through old-growth forests and along breathtaking riverbanks. Just keep in mind that cell service is spotty, so it’s a great chance to disconnect and enjoy nature.

While amenities are limited, the vault toilets are clean and conveniently located. Campers have appreciated the first-come, first-served setup, which allows for flexibility in choosing your perfect spot. Whether you’re camping with kids or just looking for a peaceful retreat, Staircase Campground offers a memorable experience in the heart of Olympic National Park.

Description

National Park Service

Olympic National Park

Overview

Enormous trunks reach for the sky, lacy limbs stretch to the sun, grooved bark is sanctuary to tiny creatures in the vast cathedral of Douglas-firs that dominate the forests on this side of the Olympic Peninsula. Staircase is located in the southeastern corner of Olympic National Park, about a one-hour drive from Olympia, and two hours south of Port Angeles.__Staircase Campground has 49 sites, with a number of the sites along the North Fork Skokomish River. The access road to the Staircase area is unpaved and periodically closes due to unfavorable weather conditions such as snow. This access road, NF-24 is often closed completely from Nov. - May. Make sure to check the status of the road before planning your trip.

Recreation

A variety of hiking trails navigate through the Staircase area along the Skokomish River and the nearby forests. There are several short day-hikes that explore the area. Shady Lane trail is flat, and less than a mile to Lake Cushman. The hike to Flapjack Lakes is for the stronger hikers, gaining over 3,000 feet in elevation. Longer hikes, like the North Fork Skokomish River trail, can be done in a couple of days.

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_

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Location

Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Directions

Staircase Campground is accessed off Highway 101 at the city of Hoodsport, WA. You take North Lake Cushman Road for a number of twisting and turning miles. North Lake Cushman Road will end with the blacktop and become Forest Service Road, NP - 24. You will simply follow this road to the end.

Coordinates

47.515373 N
123.329668 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Unknown

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

19 Reviews

Reviewed Oct. 4, 2023

Best camp for kids

So many logs md paths around the campsite… our littles thought they had their own private park. Perfect stream nearby for a five and two year old to throw rocks

Site2
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Halley H., October 4, 2023
Reviewed Oct. 26, 2021

Great spot for van camping in the fall

Great campground by the river. We went in the fall and it rained non stop for two days. The road up is dirt/gravel for the last 5ish miles. Lots of potholes and bumps when we went, had to go very slow. We were in a camper van and got up the road no problem, just slow and bumpy. The nicer bathrooms were closed in the fall but the vault toilets were clean and close enough to our site. There were tons of open spots when we got there for first come first serve. There is no phone service here (even with a signal booster)

Site5
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Andrew B., October 26, 2021
Reviewed Oct. 15, 2021

Beautiful riverside campground

We absolutely loved this campground! Stayed during the week so there was plenty of availability. There are about 15 campsites right along the river out of 50 total. We were able to easily get a riverside spot during the week. My man spent most of his time fishing right from our campsite while I sunbathed and played with our dog in the water. Waking up to the sight of the river right there was just lovely and so nice falling asleep to the sound of rushing water at night. One of my favorite campground I’ve ever stayed at. We were at site 10 I believe and its one of the best in my opinion.

Site10
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Samantha H., October 15, 2021
  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Samantha H., October 15, 2021
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Reviewed Jul. 17, 2021

A Classic for a Reason

What is there to say about Staircase that hasn’t already been said? This one of a kind campground offers the most breathtaking river hike I’ve seen in a long while. The water is impossibly blue, the forests serene, and the site itself comfortable. Make sure to visit in the “on” season for full amenities, otherwise it’s pit toilets and hand sanitizer.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Grace , July 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Grace , July 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Grace , July 17, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Apr. 25, 2021

Lovely, wholesome experience

Overall, beautiful campground. You can hear the river from any site, and it is a force to be reckoned with. Lovely views on the way of Lake Cushman and the local old-growth forests. We popped a tire and had to change it on the way due to the poor conditions of the road, so be aware of that and always have a spare! It's FCFS and the sites were almost all vacant so we had lots of choices. Our site had a natural canopy from the trees over the firepit which was great because it drizzled pretty constantly throughout the visit. Dog and kid friendly, though no dogs on the Staircase Rapids and Shady Trails (bummer). The nearest store was the Hoodsport general store and that had anything you could possibly need. Generally the campsite and surrounding area was a great place to connect with nature and experience all the elements in tandem! We'll definitely have to visit again!

Site27
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Apr. 4, 2021

BeautifulViews

Campgrounds were spacious and this time of year it wasn’t crowded at all. No cell phone service at all. Bathrooms are primitive except for the summer season but overall they are nice. We stayed at campsite 6. 2-6 are waterfront.

  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Kali C., April 4, 2021
  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Kali C., April 4, 2021
  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Kali C., April 4, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Mar. 18, 2021

Gorgeous

One of the prettiest lakes in Washington. Can get pretty busy in the summer but mostly empty otherwise. Little to no cell service. lots of options for camping and backroads all around.

  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Lucy , March 18, 2021
  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Lucy , March 18, 2021
  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Lucy , March 18, 2021
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jan. 18, 2021

So gorgeous

Spacious secluded campsites along the gorgeous green glacial waters. We had a fantastic time this weekend and will definitely be back again and again!

  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Holly  ., January 18, 2021
  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Holly  ., January 18, 2021
  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Holly  ., January 18, 2021
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2019

Amazing!!

Great campsite! All walkuo sites so make sure to get there early. Saw two bald eagles on the way in.

Reviewed Jun. 21, 2019

Lovely

Great place quiet sound of the river roaring. Never super crowded

  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Tyler S., June 21, 2019
  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Tyler S., June 21, 2019
Reviewed Sep. 29, 2018

Quiet campground with lots to do

Beautiful old growth campground with multiple hiking trails. Decent privacy with larger campsites. We used the walk-in sites near the river bank during the off-season (=FREE!). Only 2 other campers during our stay, very quiet. Dogs allowed. Close to Mt. Elinor.

  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Natalie B., September 29, 2018
  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Natalie B., September 29, 2018
  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Natalie B., September 29, 2018
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Sep. 5, 2018

Very Much Worth It!

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!

Site11
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Kelsey M., September 5, 2018
  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Kelsey M., September 5, 2018
  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Kelsey M., September 5, 2018
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Aug. 19, 2018

Don't skip this one!

Great sites! Amazing trails. This is a beautiful park right on the ourskirts of Olympic National Park. The hiking here is fantastic! The camping is great too and they did have self check-in.

  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Brook Jorgensen ಌ., August 19, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 6, 2017

Best Labor Day ever!

The campsites were clean and quiet, despite the lack of privacy between most of them. The grounds were well-kept and there were plenty of things for children and families to do in the immediate vicinity. My family enjoyed it so much that we elected to stay another night. It was surprisingly empty over the Labor Day weekend last year, and the nearby Steilacoom River rushing past our campsite was a soothing sound at night.

Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Sep. 26, 2016

Fall colors

Well, it's fall and the evergreen state has more than green on its color wheel! The campground can be quite busy in the summer but the fall has its quite moments. The campground has plenty of space and options, whether you want to be by the river or not.

  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Ryan L., September 26, 2016
  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Ryan L., September 26, 2016
  • Not a bad sound to listen to all night.
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Reviewed Aug. 29, 2016

Another great campground

Medium size campground with around 50 sites. The sites are non-reservable and cost $20 per night. The campground is seasonal with its amenities. There are pit toilets and no water available during the off season. Flush toilets and potable water are available in the on season.

There is great hiking in this area and lots of wildlife can be spotted.

  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Carrie J., August 29, 2016
Reviewed Feb. 9, 2015

By the Fabulous Mt. Ellinor

Campsite by a nice river, with an easy attached hike to a large-bouldered river area, and right by the fantastically challenging and beautiful Mt. Ellinor hike. In fact, this campsite is a nice trail gateway to Olympic National Park. Ranger station as you drive in, different elevations for each set of campsites. A bit more secluded, but well worth the drive. Do it.

  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Bjorn S., February 9, 2015
  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Bjorn S., February 9, 2015
  • Review photo of Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park by Bjorn S., February 9, 2015
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park has water hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park?

    Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park allows vehicles up to 48 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park?

    There are 49 campsites at Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts