Staircase Campground

Star4.49
267 reviews
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Summer Destination

Quick Facts

820 ft

Price

$24 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

49 campsites

Season

Open May 23 - Septem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Olympic National Park site

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Staircase Campground
$24.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campground fees include $30 per vehicle entry fee and $24 per night camping fee during peak season. Additional fees may apply for reservation...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.49

Recommended

Based on 267 reviews

262 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenerycleanrestroomshiking

"Overall, Staircase Campground is highly praised for its scenic beauty, access to outdoor activities, and well-maintained facilities. However, many users report issues with ranger behavior, campsite privacy, and strict rules."

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Campground Map

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Staircase Campground

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Driving directionsStaircase Campground is accessed off Highway 101 at the city of Hoodsport, WA. You take North Lake Cushman Road for a number of twisting and turning miles. North Lake Cushman Road will end with the blacktop and become Forest Service Road, NP - 24. You will simply follow this road to the end.
The access road, NF-24, is unpaved and periodically closes due to unfavorable weather conditions such as snow. This road is often closed completely from November to May due to seasonal weather conditions.
Nearby places
Olympia (1-hour drive), Port Angeles (2-hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Hood Canal Grocery in Hoodsport, WA
additional supplies available at Lake Cushman.

Best Time to Camp at Staircase Campground

Summer transforms Staircase into a temperate paradise, with mild to warm days perfect for riverside relaxation and trail exploration from May through September. As autumn arrives, the campground takes on a quieter charm before winter's heavy snows typically close the access road from November through May, creating a seasonal sanctuary that reawakens each spring with wildflowers and rushing snowmelt.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5

Open May–Sep; summer praised for mild weather, clean facilities and excellent trail access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Early fall open but campground closes early Sept; autumn scenery exists but limited season length.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 23; late‑spring access is possible but earlier spring months are closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed November through May; winter access road closures limit winter use.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 8, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 23 - September 8, 2025. Access road typically closed November through May.
  • Current Alerts: null

About Staircase Campground

Nestled in the cathedral-like embrace of towering Douglas-firs, Staircase Campground invites you to experience the raw beauty of Olympic National Park's southeastern wilderness. With 49 thoughtfully placed sites—many hugging the banks of the rushing North Fork Skokomish River—this hidden gem serves as your gateway to pristine alpine lakes and thundering rapids. Wake to the sound of the river's symphony and spend your days exploring nearby trails that wind through ancient forests, all while Lake Cushman sparkles just beyond the treeline.
Staircase Campground is a versatile camping area ideal for tent campers, small RVs, and walk-in sites. It offers a mix of first-come, first-served and reservable sites.
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Reserving a campsite

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Stay Limit
  • Maximum 7 nights during peak season
  • 21 days annually across Olympic National Park campgrounds.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Staircase Campground offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby trails provide breathtaking views of rivers, forests, and mountains, with options for both casual and experienced hikers. Lake Cushman is also within walking distance, adding opportunities for water activities.
HikingHiking is a major draw, with several trails originating from the campground. Popular trails include the Staircase Loop Trail (2.1 miles, mostly flat) and the North Fork Skokomish River Trail, which can be extended into multi-day trips. The Flapjack Lakes hike is described as strenuous, gaining over 3,000 feet in elevation.
FishingFishing is available, and one user review mentions fishing directly at their campsite along the river.
SwimmingSwimming is possible at nearby Lake Cushman, which is within walking distance of the campground.
BoatingBoating is available at Lake Cushman, which is a short distance from the campground.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as Steller's Jays, ravens, juncos, robins, and blacktail deer are frequently observed near campsites and trailheads.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsRangers conduct talks and discovery walks. One mentioned program included a 'fern discovery walk' led by Rangers Christopher and Ginger.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal road closures due to snow. Wildlife, including deer and birds, frequent the area. Food storage rules aim to minimize encounters with animals.
Active Alertsnull
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Staircase Campground

Reviews

4.5
267 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Staircase Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Staircase Campground is highly praised for its scenic beauty, access to outdoor activities, and well-maintained facilities. However, many users report issues with ranger behavior, campsite privacy, and strict rules.
Review Summaries
Based on 267 reviews

What Campers Love

- Breathtaking scenery and proximity to the river - Clean restrooms and well-maintained campsites - Excellent hiking trails starting from the campground - Cultural programs and ranger talks -...
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Based on 267 reviews

Common Concerns

- Lack of showers - Limited privacy between campsites - Stringent enforcement of rules by rangers - No on-site firewood sales - Some campsites have uneven or rocky ground
Based on 267 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Arrive early for better campsite selection, especially during peak season. - Bring your own firewood as it's not sold on-site. - Be prepared for uneven terrain and bring a good sleeping pad if tent...
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Based on 267 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during the summer season (June to August), with many visitors praising the clean facilities and beautiful trails. Winter months are quieter but come with limited amenities...
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Based on 267 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The views are like no other. The campground sits right on the river and some sites have epic views." - Yulia Konovnitsyna 2. "The ranger station has helpful staff and maps. There are many trails...
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Based on 267 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Campsite #41: Beautiful with minimal privacy but well-patrolled by rangers. - Campsite #15: Walk-in site with running water, sinks, and flushing toilets nearby. - Campsite #26: Close to trails but...
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Based on 267 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited with uneven terrain and trails that are not wheelchair-friendly. Vault toilets lack adequate ventilation.
Based on 267 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed in the campground but are prohibited from hiking trails. Dogs must be leashed at all times. One user criticized the strict 6-foot leash rule.
Based on 267 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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