Olympic Camping

About This Region

Olympic National Park is one of America's most ecologically diverse camping destinations, offering three distinct wilderness experiences within a single park. From moss-draped temperate rainforests receiving 12 feet of annual rainfall to glacier-capped alpine peaks rising nearly 8,000 feet, to 73 miles of wild Pacific coastline—Olympic delivers a camping adventure unlike anywhere else in the United States. The park operates 16 campgrounds spread across its varied landscapes, each offering access to different Olympic ecosystems. Whether you're seeking beachfront camping with crashing waves at Kalaloch, rainforest immersion beneath cathedral-like old-growth trees at Hoh, or mountain views from Hurricane Ridge at Heart O' The Hills, Olympic has a campground to match your wilderness dreams. Beyond the park boundaries, Olympic National Forest campgrounds along the Hood Canal, Lake Quinault, and Sol Duc River provide additional camping options that serve as excellent base camps. These forest service campgrounds often offer easier availability during peak summer months and their own stunning natural beauty.

Camping in Olympic National Park means experiencing multiple ecosystems without ever breaking camp. Expect lush temperate rainforest dripping with moss and ferns, dramatic coastlines with sea stacks and tide pools, and stunning mountain vistas with glaciers and wildflower meadows. Wildlife is abundant—you may encounter Roosevelt elk, black bears, mountain goats, and bald eagles. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from late May through September, though several like Heart O' The Hills and Hoh remain open year-round. Facilities vary widely—some offer flush toilets and amphitheaters for ranger programs, while others like Graves Creek and North Fork provide more primitive experiences. Expect wet weather year-round on the coast and rainforest, while the rain shadow on the northeast side near Sequim is surprisingly dry.