Staircase Campground — Olympic National Park

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

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)

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Beautiful

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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.

Great spot a few hours from home. My sons and I loved it

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.

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.

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.

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.