Camp next to a peaceful lake, a rushing stream or in a dense conifer forest. Although free, they do require a Discover Pass. But the real reason Yahoo Lake is less busy than other nearby campgrounds is that it offers only walk-in camping. Salmon La Sac is part of Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Sadie Creek Campground has a vault toilet, ATV loading ramp, and horse hitching post in addition to the standard picnic tables and fire rings. Campers will be able to access the beach right from their tents. Fortunately, there are phenomenal campsites for every style of camping RV, trailer, tent, and everything in between. Cell phone service:Mobile coverage is spotty throughout the park and youre unlikely to find a reliable connection at any of the campgrounds. Starting GPS (48.0639, -124.1096) Head south along Cooper Ranch Road, and about 2,000 feet in, take another turn on Forest Road 29. Its found along State Highway 113 (Burnt Mountain Road), about four miles north of Sappho. There are four excellent campsites here, with Campbell Tree Grove Campsite being the only one where outdoor enthusiasts can stay completely free of charge. Electricity:There are no electric hookups in Olympic National Park with the exception of Sol Duck which is maintained by the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. It is easy to see animals in this area (including sea otters out on the water and, occasionally whales or dolphins just offshore). Because of its ideal location, it fills up quite fast, usually by early afternoon during the busy summer months. Olympic National Park Boondocking Vibes: 6/10 While the location and accessibility are great, there are enough reports of loud parties and uncomfortable situations that make this a place where timing is everything. Check out Forest Road 29 in Sappho for beautiful forest views and fast cell service. These commissions help me pay for the site expenses. About half accommodate RVs up to 30 feet. 2019-2022 Too Much Tina. All Rights Reserved. Campers enjoy Kalaloch Campground for various reasons. Kalaloch: (360) 962-2271. Dispersed camping is allowed for up to 14 days at a time. Youll need to make a reservation to stay at the three remaining campgrounds. The amenities are minimal with pit toilets only and no potable water, though there is direct waterfront access which is one of the campgrounds best features. Tents and RVs up to around 30 feet are welcome. Camp next to a peaceful lake, a rushing stream or in a dense conifer forest. Several campsites sit along the banks of the Clearwater River. Developed campgrounds in Olympic National Park range from $14 to $24 per night. 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. North Fork is a densely wooded campground at only 520 feet elevation. Most of the campsites in Olympic National Forest are full or near-full during summertime. The majority are located alongside the river. Heres a general overview of all Olympic National Forest campsites that accommodate RVs: Some campers want to avoid the hustle and bustle of established campsites. Free Dispersed Camping -> No Reservations. You may stay 14 days at NF-011 road. The 7 campsites are all shaded and quite private. South Beach has 55 total campsites with spaces for tents and RVs up to 35 feet. Camping here during summertime is your best bet. Olympic National Forest is broken up into several non-contiguous districts surrounding Olympic National Park. If you keep driving past Lena Creek Campground, along NF-25/Hamma Hamma Road, youll find that the scenic Hamma Hamma River Valley has some excellent spots for dispersed camping. 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? With a mix of old-growth rain forests, glacier-capped mountains, and Pacific Ocean coastline, theres an endless mix of things to do. Quinalt Ridge Road is ideal for small to medium sized rigs, or trailers less than 24 feet. A little more than a mile in, turn right on to Forest Road 29 (FS-29). Perhaps the most well-documented of dispersed camping sites in Olympic National Forest, Forest Road 29 (FS-29 on Google Maps) is found in the Pacific Ranger District, in the north-west section of the Forest. Of these, 14 are first come, first served. Another thing worth mentioning is that a few of these places feature RV hookups. However, youll have to arrive there early in the morning to secure a good spot its a bustling place during the summer. Pitch your tent at least 200 feet away from rivers, creeks, and other water sources. Heart O the Hills is a fantastic campsite surrounded by old-growth trees. An old-growth forest surrounds the sites with towering trees and lush greenery. Most sites have tables, cooking grills, drinking water, toilets and offer recreational activities such as swimming, boating and nature trails. website belongs to an official government organization in the
The Klahanie Campsite, on the other hand, is surrounded by an old-growth forest and provides easy access to the town of Forks. There are a total of 78 sites at the campground and some are suitable for RVs up to 35 feet long. Reviews indicate that rigs of all sizes should be able to use this camping location. The Quinault Ridge Road is situated just off U.S. Route 101. Because of how popular it is, it does require reservations from May through September. The road in is Dirt and less than 10 miles from a paved road. In my opinion, the FreeRoam app and Gaia GPS show USFS boundaries most clearly. The large trees provide a private and quiet experience not far from the pacific ocean. One of the larger campsites in Olympic National Park is Sol Duc. Wilderness areas offer solitude and a chance to experience the rich biodiversity of the Olympic Peninsula. However, do know there are countless Olympic National Forest dispersed campsites beyond my above recommendations. It has picnic tables and fire rings at each campsite. Its a great place for camping with dogs. Is Off-Road Bicycle Riding Legal in National Forests? Walker provides accessible views of the Olympic and Cascade peaks. 8. Full-service campgrounds can fill up quickly in the area, making these free camping experiences perfect for those not wanting to book far in advance. You will, however, be rewarded for your hike with breathtaking views of pristine wilderness. Perhaps no other free campground near Olympic National Park is as peaceful as Yahoo Lake Campground. It is easily accessible, but the drive feels like youre heading out to the middle of nowhere. Olympic National Park is a great area to explore, guaranteeing unforgettable memories waiting for you. Mora Campground does require reservations during peak season, from June through September which can be obtained on Recreation.gov. Heres a link for each of them: No fees or permits are required for dispersed camping in Olympic National Forest. How Long Can You Camp in a National Forest? The secluded forest setting is part of the Clearwater Corridor Natural Resources Conservation Area. There are also electric hookups for RVs although that area of the campground looks more like a parking lot. Situated in the southeastern part of the Olympic National Forest, Skokomish Area is trendy with mountain bikers and hikers. Forest Road 29 features several pull-outs that easily accommodate larger trailers and RVs. For those who get to the campsite early enough, there are some riverside campsites available just along the Hoh River. Olympic National Forest Dispersed Camping The Olympic Peninsula is an outdoor enthusiasts dream with access to mountains, sea, and the only temperate rainforest in the United States. Those interested in RV camping should check out the former of these two campgrounds. Its a little different than other DNR campgrounds on the Olympic Peninsula. The atmosphere is peaceful and heavily forested. Vault toilets are available. 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. Dogs are allowed on DNR-managed land on the Olympic Peninsula on a leash. ~ 1 hour, 25 minute drive time. The Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort maintains the Sol Duc campground and RV park. Its another well-used road for boondocking with several sites to choose from. There are numerous locations for tents, 21-foot RVs, and a few 35-foot sites as well. Campbell Tree Grove Campground is found along Forest Road 2204, about 26 miles (nearly an hours drive) from the town of Humptulips. In 2017 I moved into a Dodge Ram Van to travel the US and explore the outdoors.
Although the tranquility is nice, the shade makes Bear Creek a poor choice for boondockers who rely on solar. It fills up quickly in the summer thanks to its close proximity to the national park. Like many first-come, first-served locations, its best to arrive mid-morning on a weekday to secure a site. Therefore, the only way to camp in the Olympic National Forest off-season is by camping at a dispersed campground. But, once youve gotten through, many of the sites themselves will accommodate larger rigs. Seasonal Closures: Most campsites within the park are open year-round with the exception of Dosewallips, Sol Duck, and South Beach. The Olympic Peninsula is home to great free camping if you know where to look (and now you do!). Its especially popular with those planning to hike the nearby South Fork Hoh Trail. Olympic National Park. https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/olympic/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=47687&actid=34, Herbicide applications to occur on Olympic National Forest, Alcohol Ban along Lake Cushman Corridor (FS-24) remains in effect, Choose a campsite screened from roads and trails, and at least 200 feet from water. The forest allows camping just about anywhere and everywhere within its boundaries, though certain areas come with certain restrictions. Pick places that are as far away from trails and roads as possible. pets; Created with Sketch. South Fork Hoh Campground has vault toilets. Its technically a developed campground because of the picnic tables, however you wont find it mentioned on the Forests website. Please always follow the 7 Leave No Trace principles when dispersed camping, especially packing out all of your trash, including human waste. Phone reservations only, 10 person minimum, 30 maximum, 7 day maximum stay, $40 a night up to 10 people, $2 per additional person. The south portion of the road starts at the town of Forks and heads east, roughly following the Calawah and Sitkum Rivers. Dispersed camping is the term used for camping outside of a developed campground. No amenities are available except for vault toilets. Explore Enduring Connections to the Land Stay responsible and minimize environmental impact by leaving your camping spot in a better state than you found it! From van life to RV living, my goal is to help you live a more adventurous life.READ MY STORY. Hoh Oxbow is one of the most popular free campgrounds on the Olympic Peninsula. Of the 49 campsites, 5 are walk-in only. Use a dispersed camping app, give yourself time to explore in the field, or ask a ranger for suggestions and youre sure to find the perfect free campsite of your very own. Lyre River Campground is just 30 minutes from Port Angeles, yet its a lot less busy than most other Olympic Peninsula campgrounds. Numerous hiking trails in the area make this a great place to stay if you love hiking. When looking for a free camping spot, there are a few important things to keep in mind. The Strait of Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway (Highway 112) isnt very popular with tourists, but its incredibly beautiful. 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. Out of the three campsites listed below, the Lena Lake one is probably the most beautiful (and also the only one thats free!). LockA locked padlock
The Quinault region of the Olympic National Forest is well-known for its ice-carved peaks, jeweled lakes, and alpine meadows. This can also be an advantage, though. 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. Highway 101 is close so expect some road noise (most is drowned out by the river). Official websites use .gov A .gov
While it is dry camping, a pit toilet is useful for those not wanting to fill their black tank or are tent camping. It is also located on the river, which makes for great experiences for all campers. (
Be sure youre setting up camp in a designated spot and not creating your own. There are 14 campgrounds managed by the National Park Service. Both are pretty close to the small settlement of Quilcene. Campers will enjoy fishing for Steelhead fish at this location. This is a first-come, first-serve only campground. Ranger Districts As I said above, giving a call to a relevant Ranger District is the best way to get camping advice and obtain the most up-to-date intel on the current camping conditions and regulations. The Shi Shi Beach trail is also right next store if you want to do some hiking later in the day. Directions to Coppermine Bottom Campground. 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. There are 9 sites available, all of which are back-in with a fire pit and table. She has traveled through 48 US states and writes about van life, camping and RV living. 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