How much does camping cost at Fairholme Campground?

Camping fees at Fairholme Campground range from $24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Fairholme Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Fairholme Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Fairholme Campground before I book?

Yes! Fairholme Campground has 5 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Fairholme Campground?

Fairholme Campground is open May 15 to September 29. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Fairholme Campground?

Fairholme Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Fairholme Campground have?

Fairholme Campground has 84 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Fairholme Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Fairholme Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Fairholme Campground?

Fairholme Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Fairholme Campground?

Popular activities at Fairholme Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Fairholme Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Fairholme Campground?

Fire policies at Fairholme Campground: Gathering wood from the campground is strictly prohibited. Firewood is available at Fairholme General Store, Lake Crescent Lodge, and Log Cabin Resort. Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.08

483 reviews

Top 24%Summer

CReport Card

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Olympic National Park

Quick Facts

810 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

84 campsites

Season

The reservation seas...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

810 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

84 campsites

Season

The reservation seas...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Fairholme Campground

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Non Electric: $24.00; Standard Walk To: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Hike and Bike Site Fee$24.00

Get Notified When Available

This campground gets 48 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

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256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

360-565-3130

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Fairholme Campground

48.0701, -123.9181

Nearby places

Port Angeles (45-minute drive). Forks (30-minute drive). Beaver (30-60 minutes).

Weather at Fairholme Campground

Current alerts(13)

Call the recorded line at (360) 565-3131 to check current status and area information (updated twice daily).
Entrance fees: Save time at park entrances by purchasing your digital park entrance passes on Recreation.gov at no additional cost. Once purchased, passes for Olympic National Park must be printed prior to use.
Expect long delays at Heart O’ the Hills Entrance Station and Hoh Rain Forest Entrance Station. In order to avoid waiting in line for long periods of time at Entrance Stations, plan on arriving before 10:00 AM or after 5:00 PM.
Fairholme campground is a reservation only campground from May 23rd - September 29th. During this period there will not be any First-Come First-Served availability.

Best Time to Camp at Fairholme Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the driest, mildest weather (typically daytime highs around 60–75°F and nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s), making lake swimming, boating, and full-day hikes most enjoyable. Trails are fully passable, water-access sites are open, and wildflower and waterfall viewing is still excellent earlier in the season. Expect the highest crowds on holiday weekends—reserve a site well in advance—and remember Lake Crescent stays cold (often 50–60°F), so plan for chilly swims and layered clothing. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 24% in US

Summer is the best season for swimming, boating and hiking; many positive summer reviews but crowded.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 29. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The reservation season the 2026 summer season for Fairholme Campground is May 15, 2026 - September 29, 2026. Fairholme campground is a reservation only campground from May 23rd - September 29th. During this period there will not be any First-Come First-Served availability. Check with the Fairholme campground ranger or host for any cancellations that may be sold as First-Come First-Served sites on a 1-night only.

About Fairholme Campground

Fairholme Campground sits on the western shore of Lake Crescent in Olympic National Park, offering tent, RV, and walk-in sites with direct access to one of the Pacific Northwest's clearest alpine lakes. Operated by the National Park Service, this large campground provides flush toilets, a dump station, and a camp store during the peak summer season. Visitors spend their days swimming in the lake's cold, clear water, launching boats, fishing for trout, and hiking nearby trails into old-growth forest.

Fairholme Campground accommodates tent camping, RVs, and walk-in sites. It offers a mix of settings, including lakefront and forested areas.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the driest, mildest weather (typically daytime highs around 60–75°F and nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s), making lake swimming, boating, and full-day hikes most enjoyable. Trails are fully passable, water-access sites are open, and wildflower and waterfall viewing is still excellent earlier in the season. Expect the highest crowds on holiday weekends—reserve a site well in advance—and remember Lake Crescent stays cold (often 50–60°F), so plan for chilly swims and layered clothing. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation810 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLake Crescent dominates the view. A glacially-carved basin 624 feet deep that holds startlingly clear, cold water in shades of blue and turquoise. Old-growth Douglas fir and western hemlock surround the campground, their moss-covered trunks rising from fern-covered slopes. The mountains drop steeply to the lakeshore, creating dramatic terrain that makes for challenging trails but memorable views. The forest here is classic Pacific Northwest: wet, dense, green year-round from the region's persistent rain. Walk-in sites near the water put you closest to the lake, while drive-in sites sit farther back under the canopy. Some sites are sloped and small; others are more spacious. The forest provides decent shade but limited privacy between sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsWhile cabin or glamping options are not available, nearby resorts such as Lake Crescent Lodge and Log Cabin Resort provide additional accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo structured cultural or educational programs are mentioned, though nearby Olympic National Park Visitor Center offers educational resources.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

7-day maximum stay during seasonal reservation. 21-day annual limit in Olympic National Park collectively.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Varies by site
typically campers fit small RVs, one tow vehicle, or multiple tents depending on the site.

Groups

Group camping is not specifically mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov online system and phone. Some complaints about usability noted.

AccessibilityOne ADA-accessible campsite is available. Accessible features include flush toilets, parking spaces, and some trails.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating tents, small RVs, and vehicles. Some sites are noted for being spacious, while others are small and sloped.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited in most sites due to close proximity. Walk-in campsites near the lake offer slightly more seclusion. Reviews frequently mention the lack of visual or auditory privacy.

Total Campsites84 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid steep or sloped sites if camping with an RV. Walk-in sites offer stunning views but require traversing narrow trails. Sites near restrooms offer convenience but may lack privacy.

Best CampsitesWalk-in sites in loop C get you closest to the lake. Sites 83 and 89, along with other sites in the 80-series, are mentioned in reviews for their water views and slightly better separation from neighbors. The tradeoff is hauling your gear down to these sites, which some campers found steeper or more difficult to access than expected.

Need help booking Fairholme Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There are no RV hookups at this facility, but a RV water fill station and RV septic dump station are located next to the campground where the boat launch is. Payment is required for each use of the RV septic dump station.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Fairholme Campground can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The campground's proximity to Lake Crescent provides easy access to water-based recreation. Nearby trails and attractions such as Marymere Falls and Mount Storm King enhance the recreational experience.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredFood lockers provided at some sites. Not all walk-in sites have lockers; food must be stored in vehicles or animal-resistant containers.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyGathering wood from the campground is strictly prohibited. Firewood is available at Fairholme General Store, Lake Crescent Lodge, and Log Cabin Resort. Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but some users raised concerns about overflowing dumpsters and unsecured bins attracting wildlife.

Cell CoverageMixed reviews suggest limited or no cell service in the campground. Some users reported weak 4G signals near the lake.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

483 reviews

Satisfactory

Fairholme Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Fairholme Campground receives mixed reviews. Positive aspects include its scenic location next to Lake Crescent, clean facilities, and access to outdoor activities. Common complaints refer to highway noise, crowded sites, and maintenance issues.

Review Summaries

Based on 483 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praised the campground's stunning setting, clean restrooms, and access to Lake Crescent for swimming and boating. Reviews like 'Beautiful site overlooking the lake,' and 'The lake...

Based on 483 reviews

Common Concerns

Highway noise, lack of privacy, and maintenance challenges are commonly cited issues. Complaints include 'campground was very loud with road noise' and 'porta-potties were very poorly maintained.'

Based on 483 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site preferences vary widely. Walk-in sites near the lake are praised for their views but criticized for steep access. Drive-in sites receive mixed reviews due to size and slope. For example, 'Site...

Based on 483 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Many users recommend earplugs due to highway noise. Selecting a site away from the road is also advised. Some suggest bringing soap and extra supplies due to shortages.

Based on 483 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the campground's beauty but also its high occupancy and noise. Spring and fall visitors noted quieter stays but fewer amenities due to renovations.

Based on 483 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The view was incredible' 2. 'Traffic noise is very loud and I found it disturbing' 3. 'Bathrooms were clean and well maintained.'

Based on 483 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is noted as a challenge in hilly areas, particularly for those with mobility issues. Reviews like 'Get a site close to the bathroom if anyone in your party struggles with hills' provide...

Based on 483 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome but must be leashed. Reviews mention limited pet-friendly trails.

Based on 483 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Fairholme Campground

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Non Electric: $24.00; Standard Walk To: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Hike and Bike Site Fee$24.00

Get Notified When Available

This campground gets 48 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

360-565-3130

Go if

You want lake access in Olympic National Park with full restrooms and a camp store during summer.

Skip if

You need quiet campsites away from road noise or prefer uncrowded conditions on holiday weekends.

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Campgrounds

Fairholme Campground

Camper Report Card

How campers graded it

Rated higher than 28% of graded campgrounds

Graded on what 383 campers actually wrote - graded on 14 things that make or break a trip. Each topic is graded against every other campground on it - A is among the best, C about average. No star ratings.

Strengths

Grade A.Scenery
Grade B.Belonging
Grade B.Rules & policies

Watch-outs

Grade D.Crowds & noise
Grade D.Campsites
Grade C-.Booking

Every grade - tap to see what campers said

Each topic is graded against every other campground on it; a topic campers liked never grades below C−. ± shows the 95% confidence range from the sample size.

How we grade →See how Washington grades overall

About Olympic National Park

Context for the broader area surrounding Fairholme Campground, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

With its incredible range of precipitation and elevation, diversity is the hallmark of Olympic National Park. Encompassing nearly a million acres, the park protects a vast wilderness, thousands of years of human history, and several distinctly different ecosystems, including glacier-capped mountains, old-growth temperate rain forests, and over 70 miles of wild coastline. Come explore!

Directions

You can reach Olympic National Park via the I-5 corridor or by any one of the quieter state roadways. Once you arrive on the Olympic Peninsula connect to Hwy 101 to reach any destinations in and around Olympic National Park. From Olympia: take I-5 to Hwy 101 From Tacoma: take State Route 16 to Bremerton; take State Route 3 north from Bremerton to State Route 104. From Washington/Oregon Coast connect to Hwy 101 in Aberdeen.

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