The Campbell Tree Grove itself is a stand of old growth which illuminates the distinctive features of Olympic National Forest. The north portion of Forest Road 29 is often considered to be more friendly for larger RVs with pavement for a good portion until it turns to hard packed gravel. The campsites have a mix of flush toilets and pit toilets available depending on their location. From van life to RV living, my goal is to help you live a more adventurous life.READ MY STORY. Rather, it is a first-come, first-served location. Free Camping in the Cascades Perhaps no other free campground near Olympic National Park is as peaceful as Yahoo Lake Campground. Campbell Tree Grove Campground is found along Forest Road 2204, about 26 miles (nearly an hours drive) from the town of Humptulips. 30753views 14 April 27, 2021 Updated on July 2, 2022, Dispersed camping (or boondocking) is allowed inside Olympic National Forest. Since then, I have camped in 48 states and hiked in nearly all of the National Parks. You may stay 14 days at NF-011 road. It is easily accessible, but the drive feels like youre heading out to the middle of nowhere. An even better solution would be contacting the relevant USFS Ranger District. The Hoh Rain Forest is accessed by the Upper Hoh Road, off of Highway 101 . Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Clearwater Corridor Natural Resources Conservation Area, Olympic National Forest dispersed campsites. Hopefully, this guide has helped you choose an ideal location for your Olympic National Forest camping adventure. While its true that most of these places are simple pull-outs, they are all very close to Lena Lake trailhead as well as to the river itself. If you count yourself among them, youll be pleased to know that its possible to go dispersed camping in Olympic National Forest. Reaching this campground does require a 1.5 mile drive down a single-lane gravel road. It has 16 total campsites. Beaver Lake also like in the Pacific Ranger District, in the extreme north-west portion of the Forest. It is also located on the river, which makes for great experiences for all campers. The Sol Duc campground is open year-round and does require reservations. More articles about camping in Washington State. ( Highway 101 is close so expect some road noise (most is drowned out by the river). Nearby. Sure, its not free, but a night or two spent in the park is well worth it, especially on your first trip to the Olympic Peninsula. Those reliant on solar may struggle to power their rig, but generators are allowed. There is no garbage service. The Hoh lies on the west side of Olympic National Park, about a two-hour drive from Port Angeles and under an hour from Forks. This lack of privacy in addition to easy access to an extensive network of 44 trails (open to hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, ATVers, and more) typically draws a much more social crowd of campers than other free campgrounds. Its a great place for camping with dogs. Bear Creek Campground is about an hour from Port Angeles and just 15 minutes from Forks. If you enjoy selecting your own campsite, providing your own amenities, creating your own experience, and camping for FREE, then dispersed camping is for you! The campground is also popular for RV boondocking thanks to its spacious campsites (all have room for RVs and trailers up to 30 feet). Campers often report no service for AT&T. North Fork is the smallest campground in Olympic National Park. Best Review: Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. Youll need to make a reservation to stay at the three remaining campgrounds. Queets Campground is located near the Queets River. Some pieces of outdoor gear are essential regardless of your camping location. . Dont camp anywhere until you reach Klahanie Campground. Although Hoh Oxbow Campground is arguably more scenic, I like Cottonwood better. The 11 campsites are well spaced and most are quite private. connected to the .gov website. While it is dry camping, a pit toilet is useful for those not wanting to fill their black tank or are tent camping. Although the Washington DNR website suggests a max RV length of 30 feet, several sites have room for much larger rigs without disturbing others. The beach is just a short walk away from the overnight RV parking lot. This peaceful place is best for tent camping only. Directions to Upper Clearwater Campground. Those interested in RV camping should check out the former of these two campgrounds. Several of the campsites are nestled alongside the river. This can be done at Recreation.gov. There are trails that take off from the campground worth exploring, many of which run along the waterfront. Campsites come in a large variety, from flat waterfront spaces to steeper areas a short walk from the lake. The road in is Dirt and less than 10 miles from a paved road. At A Glance: The Best Olympic Campgrounds, Rules For Camping In Olympic National Park, Backpacking Permits In Olympic National Park, Free, Dispersed Camping Near Olympic National Park, Private Campgrounds Near Olympic National Park. In fact, Sadie Creek is much like a large gravel parking lot (although it is surrounded by quiet woods). To find out where you can participate in dispersed camping, it is best to contact the land manager directly. Firstly, spend a few hours hiking through the Hoh Rain Forest, one of the largest temperate rainforests in the United States. Instead, visitors will need to backpack their gear into one of 30 campsites. Six are open year-round, and several can easily accommodate larger recreational vehicles. Unfortunately, Olympic National Forests boundaries are a little more difficult to ascertain than other national forests. Since then, I have camped in 48 states and hiked in nearly all of the National Parks. The Kalaloch Campground has some of the most sought-after campsites in Olympic National Park those looking out over the Pacific Ocean. Make sure to arrive there early in the day to get a good camping spot. What is the Death Wobble in Trucks and Jeeps? Reservations:All of the campgrounds in Olympic National Park are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Hoh River is just steps away. Olympic National Park Boondocking Vibes: 9/10 This campground provides a quiet place to call home as you explore Olympic National Park. Because most of the National Park campgrounds do not have electric hookups, showers, or other amenities, campers may prefer to stay in a private campground nearby. The Klahowya Campsite is the larger of the two campsites and provides visitors with tubing opportunities during the summer, as it sits on the Sol Duc River. Weve got some great suggestions for you. Its especially popular with those planning to hike the nearby South Fork Hoh Trail. View the Drivin & Vibin Privacy Policy Here, The Best Free Camping Near Olympic National Park, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window). Be alert for other road users, ranging from heavy vehicles to bicycles, and check your speed accordingly. Reported Cell Service: Campers have reported usable service for basic usage for Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, with an average of 2 bars each. website belongs to an official government organization in the Youll travel over huge bridges and drive deep into the forest where deer and elk are abundant. And, remember, you must be within the forests boundaries to legally dispersed camp dispersed camping is not allowed in the national park. With a mix of old-growth rain forests, glacier-capped mountains, and Pacific Ocean coastline, theres an endless mix of things to do. However, do know there are countless Olympic National Forest dispersed campsites beyond my above recommendations. Not all free camping sites are equal in terms of accessibility, connectivity, and amenities. 3 The Best Dispersed Camping Areas in Olympic National Forest 3.1 Elkhorn Dispersed Camping Area 3.2 Hoh Oxbow Campsite 3.3 Quinault Ridge Road Dispersed Camping Area 3.4 Beaver Lake 3.5 Hamma Hamma River 3.6 Forest Road 29 4 The Takeaway When Should I Camp in the Olympic National Forest? This is especially apparent if youre coming from the hustle and bustle of the city. Only burn wood that is already dead and down, Always make sure your fire is DEAD OUT and cold to the touch before you leave it, Campfires are allowed below 3,500 feet when not otherwise prohibited by fire restrictions, Store your food & trash properly to keep bears and other wildlife out of your camp, Bury your poo & paper at least 6 deep and at least 200 feet away from any water source, Your dispersed campsite must be at least mile away from any developed recreation site, Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days within any 30-day period, Fireworks are always prohibited on National Forest System lands. Fairholme Campground is located next to Lake Crescent on the north side of the Olympic Peninsula in Olympic National Park. There's also the option to backpack in for several miles and find a quiet site away from any roads or people. There are countless free dispersed camping opportunities inside this forest and 17 United States Forest Service campgrounds. See 5 traveler reviews, 22 photos and blog posts Washington Free Camping Forks Forest Road 29 Forest Road 29 Olympic National Forest . However, this road ascends elevation, becomes more narrow and rocky, and more treacherous for larger RVs and trailers. Several campsites sit along the banks of the Clearwater River. Cell phone service:Mobile coverage is spotty throughout the park and youre unlikely to find a reliable connection at any of the campgrounds. The Quinault region of the Olympic National Forest is well-known for its ice-carved peaks, jeweled lakes, and alpine meadows. The Log Cabin Resort is another vacation destination on Lake Cresent. No potable water or garbage service is available. Related Post: The Best Dispersed Camping in Washington. Another option is to camp on the beach. Several campsites actually overlook the ocean (although these are booked well in advance). The campsites are much more private and also a lot more spacious. RVs up to 21 feet long can fit into the spaces. The river is also a desirable location for fishing. As far as Im aware, overnight parking is still allowed at both locations, although its always wise to call ahead to double check as rules can change in an instant. Because this is a remote campsite, it can be hard to get to, making it less commonly used. Olympic National Park. Jump to the free campsite you want to learn more about: Or, use our Olympic Peninsula dispersed camping map to browse the areas best free campsites. The atmosphere is peaceful and heavily forested. Most sites have tables, cooking grills, drinking water, toilets and offer recreational activities such as swimming, boating and nature trails. Starting GPS (47.2672, -123.9182) At the intersection of US-101 and Donkey Creek Road, head north-west on Donkey Creek Road. Please check our offices page, call, or email, before visiting. There are numerous locations for tents, 21-foot RVs, and a few 35-foot sites as well. These fill up fast, especially on summer weekends. Above all else, youll want to verify that the area is legal for public camping. Walker provides accessible views of the Olympic and Cascade peaks. Campsite Choose a campsite screened from roads and trails, and at least 200 feet from water Hike-in and boat-in sites are available as well as traditional vehicle camprounds. The next camping area in Olympic National Forest is located in its northwestern corner and it features two superb campsites Klahowya and Klahanie. Featuring the illest views and within close proximity to the Staircase entrance to Olympic Nat'l Park, Big Creek earns its newfound claim to fame. Another one of the most remote campgrounds in Olympic National Park is Dosewallips. All there is here is a 300 foot long pullout from the highway, with picnic tables at each end. When the sun goes down and the stars come out, the sky gets pitch black so you can see millions of twinkling stars. This is a moderately sized campground, so there are not too many people and the environment is quiet. The sites easily accommodate larger trailers and RVs, and the surrounding nature is impeccable. Located just off the water, during the winter or heavy rains it can flood out some of the campsites and make accessibility difficult. The forest allows camping just about anywhere and everywhere within its boundaries, though certain areas come with certain restrictions. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy). ~ 1 hour, 25 minute drive time. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Please always follow the 7 Leave No Trace principles when dispersed camping, especially packing out all of your trash, including human waste. The campground is maintained by the Sol Duc Hot Springs resort so its well-maintained and there are opportunities to visit the swimming pool, mineral pools, restaurant, and shop. Kate is the lead content creator for ParkedInParadise.com and has spent over two years living in a camper van conversion. Casino boondocking is another option for RVers. Quinalt Ridge Road is great for little to medium estimated RVs, or trailers under 24 feet. Finally, if you choose to stay, obey all posted rules and follow leave no trace principles. Closed Each site has picnic tables and fire rings. It is perhaps one of the best lakeside campsites in the park. The Strait of Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway (Highway 112) isnt very popular with tourists, but its incredibly beautiful. on official, secure websites. Because of its ideal location, it fills up quite fast, usually by early afternoon during the busy summer months. Campers should also be sure to follow all rules and remain respectful of other campers. North Fork is a densely wooded campground at only 520 feet elevation. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping outside of a developed campground. About half accommodate RVs up to 30 feet. Minnie Peterson has a vault toilet. Its very secluded and a bit harder to get to, but it can provide some excellent experiences for those looking for a remote destination. Annual Discover Passes can be purchased for $35. Reach the campground by driving east on Oil City Road from Highway 101 until you reach H-4060 Road where you turn left. There are so many experiences to take in while exploring Olympic National Park that it can be hard to decide what to do first. However, there are many options, and you should have no trouble finding a free camping spot in the forest. Its free to camp at this campground with a Discover Pass. This free Olympic Peninsula campground (with Discover Pass) is located next to the Clearwater River about halfway down Hoh Mainline Road. Minnie Peterson Campground is located in the same general area as Hoh Oxbow and Cottonwood campgrounds. As a matter of fact, these free campsites are yours. Camp next to a peaceful lake, a rushing stream or in a dense conifer forest. This trail crosses the entire Olympic Peninsula and is filled with views of majestic forests, pristine lakes, fast-flowing rivers, caped peaks, and ocean vistas. There are two campsites here Seal Rock and Falls View. When Should I Camp in the Olympic National Forest? Dispersed Camping; Group Camping; RV Camping . Tents and RVs up to around 30 feet are welcome. The area Ive linked on the map above is the most popular due to its spaciousness. connected to the .gov website. The Lake Cushman area is located in the southeast corner of Olympic National Forest and is very popular for camping and water recreation on the reservoir. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. However, it may not be the best choice if youre seeking solitude. Pit toilets, water, limited parking, no beach access. Klahanie Campground. However, all of those 12 campsites have fixed length limitations for RVs. Often ranger stations will have Bureau of Land Management maps indicating allowed access areas. If you find it crowded, just keep driving along the road until you find a nice place to pull off at. It's another all-around involved street for boondocking with a few destinations to browse. Calling all campers, dirtbaggers, vanlifers, and wanderers! Horseback riders may bring unleashed dogs if they are controlled by voice command. A little more than a mile in, turn right on to Forest Road 29 (FS-29). There are 64 camping spots here, all of which can accommodate RVs (up to 36 ft. in length), trailers, and tents. Therefore, checking the exact length limitation imposed by a particular camp before heading there with such a vehicle is crucial. There are no reservations necessary here as it is a first-come, first-served location. Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers that love to score the best site! This can make a camping trip quite arduous. These sites further up the road are suitable for cars, vans, pickup truck campers, and trailers under 20 feet. Its another 13.9 miles to the campground. Explore Enduring Connections to the Land RVs up to 30 feet are welcome, although you can probably squeeze in something slightly larger. Not interested in dispersed camping? Situated in the southeastern part of the Olympic National Forest, the Lake Cushman area features the only USFS-managed campsite in the region Big Creek Campsite. An old-growth forest surrounds the sites with towering trees and lush greenery. NF-011 road near blyn, WA is open all year. There are numerous dispersed camping sites you can pull into, some large enough for 40+ foot trailers while other small enough only for vans. Outside of peak season, the sites are first-come, first-served. Call the Cle Elum Ranger District: (509) 852-1100. Big Creek Campground is the sole USFS campground in this area and features 64 campsites that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 36 feet in length. Its located at the far southwest end of the Olympic Peninsula near Ocean Shores. This is a first-come, first-serve only campground. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest - Mountain Loop Highway Mt. Quinalt Ridge Road. Situated in the southeastern part of the Olympic National Forest, Skokomish Area is trendy with mountain bikers and hikers. Although the tranquility is nice, the shade makes Bear Creek a poor choice for boondockers who rely on solar. In a popular location, Heart O the Hills is the closest campground to Hurricane Ridge and Port Angeles. The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort maintains the Sol Duc campground and RV park. No potable water or garbage service is available. Lets get right to the point theres a ton of free camping on the Olympic Peninsula. fire ring; Pets. Located just 2-hours outside of Seattle, Olympic National Park is one of the most diverse parks in the US. As far as activities go, there are several trails nearby; although not directly from the campground. Be careful! For those seeking primitive camping, this location can be ideal. From hiking a mountain for 360-degree views, to exploring the only temperate rainforest in the lower 48, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Its surrounded by temperate rain forest, with a dense ecological expansiveness around it. The campground is beautiful, primitive, and relaxing. During the winter months, the campground turns into a walk-in only tent camping site because heavy snowfall is common. The area surrounding the Hamma Hamma drainage is comprised of several bioregions including alpine lakes, meadows, old growth forest, rocky mountain outcrops, and post-fire regenerative forests. Starting GPS (47.9702, -124.4036) Head east along Sitkum-Solduc Road. 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