As a year-round campsite, there are tent and RV pads for motorhomes up to 21 feet, and just a couple for 35 foot RVs. Outdoor Scott is a member of the Amazon affiliate program, and we may receive a small commission at no cost to you if you shop there after clicking links on our site. In the winter months, its considered a primitive campsite with pit toilets only. Another one of my favorite free campgrounds on the Olympic Peninsula, Lyre River Campground is located north of Lake Crescent along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It is also located on the river, which makes for great experiences for all campers. Guided kayaking tours are available in the area as well so there is no shortage of activities! The Hoh is one of the finest remaining examples of temperate rainforest in the United States and is one of the park's most popular destinations. Here, you will have two options: the smaller Satsop Center Campsite, situated in the valley, and the larger Coho Campsite, which can be found right on the shore of the lake. Weekends and holidays likely draw a noisier local crowd, while weekdays may provide a quieter location. The last best dispersed camping spot near Olympic National Park that we suggest is Quinalt Ridge Road. You'll find Olympic National Park here as well, but for those interested in dispersed camping Olympic National Forest makes an incredible destination. Free, Dispersed Camping Near Olympic National Park Private Campgrounds Near Olympic National Park Lodging At Olympic National Park At A Glance: The Best Olympic Campgrounds Best for RV camping: Fairholme, Kalaloch, Mora, Sol Duc Best ocean views: Kalaloch, South Beach Most secluded: Hoh, North Fork, Ozette, Queets Free campsite: Dosewallips While it is dry camping, a pit toilet is useful for those not wanting to fill their black tank or are tent camping. Seal Rock Campground along Hood Canal offers boating and fishing access and nearby Mt. Be alert for other road users, ranging from heavy vehicles to bicycles, and check your speed accordingly. Please always follow the 7 Leave No Trace principles when dispersed camping, especially packing out all of your trash, including human waste. Its secluded, peaceful, and absolutely beautiful. If you must do so, return the site to its original state. What Do the Different Colors Mean on Google Maps? The area is very wooded and secluded, creating a peaceful experience for campers. While its a long, bumpy drive in, this campground still remains as one of the most popular choices for free-camping inside the Forest. It features ten camping spots but is relatively small and cant accommodate recreational vehicles. Outside of peak season, the sites are first-come, first-served. No reports of excessive trash in this location. National Forest campgrounds are more economical, less crowded and dispersed or backcountry camping is usually free. Pro Tip: We recommend an RV Cell Booster for this spot. Is it Illegal to Live in a Tent in Your Backyard? You can pitch a tent in the Olympic National Forest, one of the best dispersed camping areas in Washington state, and enjoy its wonders year-round. One thing to remember about staying in a rain forest is there is a lot of precipitation! Tents and RVs up to around 30 feet are welcome. The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort maintains the Sol Duc campground and RV park. Amenities are minimal with flush toilets available in the summer only, vault toilets for the rest of the year, fire rings, picnic tables, and potable water. This location is best for tent campers and those with smaller rig setups. The Campground is located adjacent to the West Fork Humptulips River in a beautiful temperate rain forest. 2019-2022 Too Much Tina. Then scout out your desired location to ensure you and your equipment can safely navigate the terrain. Theres also a day-use shelter at the campground. If you want to explore the North portion of the road, its best to follow the directions above, and start at US-101. Kalaloch, Mora, and Sol Duc are the only campsites that accept reservations ahead of time. 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. Much of the access road is unpaved but its never very rough or bumpy. At the campground, youll find 30 campsites with pit toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. The Olympic National Forest and DNR-managed land are far from the only places to camp for free on the Olympic Peninsula. Numerous hiking trails in the area make this a great place to stay if you love hiking. If loud and busy isnt your scene, you may want to consider when you plan to be there. Finding a free camping spot allows you to save some money while still enjoying the nature you came for. I regularly see a mix of vans, RVs, trailers, and tents camping here. Pick places that are as far away from trails and roads as possible. It transitions from Brothers Peak (which rises to 6,842 feet) down to the scenic coast of the Hood Canal mentioned above. Your email address will not be published. Use a campsite thats already been established, if possible. Hopefully, this guide has helped you choose an ideal location for your Olympic National Forest camping adventure. There are dump stations located at Fairholme, Kalaloch, Mora, and Sol Duc campgrounds. Signal strength may not be enough for working remotely. There is no potable water so youll need to pack your own or bring a water filter. pets; Created with Sketch. Heres the contact information for the three Ranger District offices in the Olympic National Forest: Environmental Impact This part of Washington State is incredibly popular with hikers and campers. There is no running water or garbage service. Its another well-used road for boondocking with several sites to choose from. Dispersed camping (or boondocking) is allowed inside Olympic National Forest. Its very secluded and a bit harder to get to, but it can provide some excellent experiences for those looking for a remote destination. A great summertime swimming hole is located nearby. The camping spots at all three campsites can be reserved through Recreation.gov. Youll find flush toilets, potable water, and a dump station available and the area is well-maintained. However, there are many options, and you should have no trouble finding a free camping spot in the forest. About 7-8 miles in, its gets bumpy and rutted. Follow the Leave No Trace principles while staying there, and pack out all of your garbage. Stay responsible and minimize environmental impact by leaving your camping spot in a better state than you found it! Dispersed camping is the term used for camping outside of a developed campground. Because of its ideal location, it fills up quite fast, usually by early afternoon during the busy summer months. There are 64 camping spots here, all of which can accommodate RVs (up to 36 ft. in length), trailers, and tents. Campers will find that the rest of the year, sites are more readily available and are available on a first-time, first-serve basis. Make sure to arrive there early in the day to get a good camping spot. But staying overnight at one of these sites requires a wilderness permit. Forest Road 29 features several pull-outs that easily accommodate larger trailers and RVs. Important changes to booking windows: To better serve visitors, Hoh 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. website belongs to an official government organization in the
Minnie Peterson Campground is located in the same general area as Hoh Oxbow and Cottonwood campgrounds. If those sites are taken, there are several more up the road, however the road becomes more narrow. If joining in on a party is your style, you might find yourself amongst new friends. Beaver Lake also like in the Pacific Ranger District, in the extreme north-west portion of the Forest. It has 16 total campsites. Unfortunately, there are no amenities of any type at the Elkhorn dispersed camping area. It has 8 campsites total. While here, make sure to check out the nearby Olympic Discovery Trail. RVs up to 30 feet are welcome, although you can probably squeeze in something slightly larger. connected to the .gov website. However, there is one campground in the park thats actually free. Getting there is tricky, though youll have to walk almost 4 miles to reach the place. Families will likely feel comfortable setting up camp here, and there are no reports of excessive trash. Graves Creek is a year-round campsite, though flush toilets are only available in the summer months. A Discover Pass costs just $30 per year (or $10 for a single day). 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. Ruby Beach and Beach Trail are also nearby and provide excellent views of the water. If you count yourself among them, youll be pleased to know that its possible to go dispersed camping in Olympic National Forest. However, most people camp in this area during the warmer part of the year, i.e., between May and September. The Quinault region of the Olympic National Forest is well-known for its ice-carved peaks, jeweled lakes, and alpine meadows. There are so many free campsites in America (with complete privacy). The Hoh River Trust is another excellent option, although quite its a trek to reach. There is no garbage service. Free Dispersed Camping -> No Reservations. Those reliant on solar may struggle to power their rig, but generators are allowed. Campbell Tree Grove Campground along the Humptulips River and Lena Lake Campground near Hamma Hamma are both free primitive campgrounds (with basic amenities). Campers enjoy Kalaloch Campground for various reasons. The reason is that the Hamma Hamma River Valley provides easy access to Mount Skokomish, the highest point of the wilderness area of the same name. Then you can drive further along the road to find a site and/or determine how far along the road you can go. There is a great deal of wildlife throughout the area, and the remote location makes it an ideal place for campers who are looking for an authentic, natural experience. Free Camping in the Cascades With the option to stay in hotel rooms or lodge rooms, or tiny cabins, youll also find a dining hall, gift shop, and kayak rentals. With minimal amenities, youll find pit toilets, but no running water. 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