With 16 campgrounds operated by the National Park Service, choosing where to camp within Washington’s vast and beautiful Olympic National Park can be challenging. Whether you’re in search of Pacific Northwest coastline, alpine forests, or temperate rainforests, this region is sure to satisfy your thirst for nature. Here are just 3 sites that we think are the best places for camping in Olympic National Park.
Kalaloch
Located on the pristine southern coast of the Olympic Peninsula, Kalaloch is the place to camp if you want easy access to the beach. With South Beach and Ruby Beach to the north, Kalaloch is a coastal paradise brimming with beautiful wildlife. At Kalaloch, spotting Pacific coast species such as sea otters, seals, and whales is fairly common. Additionally, bird watching is a favorite pastime at the Kalaloch campground. Kalaloch is a great choice for camping in Olympic National Park because it is the only site where you can make reservations in advance. This site has running water, toilets, and a nearby lodge with camp store and shop.
Sol Duc
Sol Duc, best known for its famous hot springs, lies in a valley near the river. The waterfalls at Sol Duc are a nature lover’s dream. Camping is open year round, with sites located right on the river within old growth forest. For those less inclined to rough it in the woods, Sol Duc also offers an RV campground, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, a restaurant, and shop. A main attraction of Sol Duc is the chance to watch the coho salmon make their epic journey upstream the Sol Duc River to mate.
Hoh
Hoh is one of the most popular camping destinations in the country because of its lush landscape. This is probably because Hoh is one of the few temperate rain forests that remain in Washington state. Hoh lies in the west side of Olympic. This campground offers running water and is open year round, although you can count on heavy rainfall during the winter. The Hoh River originates in the glaciers of Mount Olympus and winds into breathtaking teal waters that are perfect for rafting and kayaking. The campground is a favorite place for hikers beginning the admirable journey to the top of Mount Olympus.
Related articles: Camper’s Guide: Midway Geyser Basin, Wyoming also Camper’s Guide: Torreya State Park
Featured Image from Pavł Polø/Unsplash
