RV Camping in Olympic National Park for First-Timers

Ready to park your home on wheels in the wild beauty of Olympic National Park? First of all, congrats—you’ve chosen an adventure that’s part nature immersion, part “how do I dump my tanks without spilling?”

Whether you’re a seasoned RVer or you just figured out the difference between gray water and fresh water, this guide is for you!

Set up camp along the Pacific coastline, within a lush rainforest, or in the snow-capped mountains. There’s something here for every camper’s taste. In this guide, you’ll discover which campgrounds have the most beautiful views in Olympic National Park.

With over 600 miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, and plenty of campgrounds to choose from, RV Camping in Olympic National Park is worth trying!

Key Takeaways

Top 3 Campsites In Olympic With Beautiful Views

1. Quileute Oceanside Resort: RV campsites near the beach that directly overlook the Pacific Ocean.
2. Heart O’ the Hills Campground: Sleep among the trees with RV campsites tucked away in an old-growth forest.
3. Kalaloch Campground: Seaside campsites on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Planning Your RV Adventure: Reserve A Campsite In Olympic

Due to the sheer size and remote location of Olympic National Park, you need to plan your RV adventure ahead of time.

The drive from one location to another within the park is lengthy, top that with minimal to zero cell service and you’re in for a stressful trip if you’re not well informed about the park in advance.

How to Make A Reservation For RV Camping In Olympic National Park

One of the first steps for planning your RV camping trip to Olympic National Park is to make a reservation for a campsite that can accommodate your RV.

Olympic National Park has several campgrounds that accept RVs, but they have varying maximum RV lengths, utility hookups, and other amenities.

Pick a campground suited for your rig’s size and needs.

The most convenient way to make a reservation is through the Olympic National Park website which provides details including seasonal closures and construction plans.

Tips for Booking Your RV Campsite Reservation

• Reserve early! Campsites fill up quickly, especially in peak season (July-August).
• For the most amenities, consider Quileute Oceanside Resort, Heart O’The Hills, or Kalaloch Campground.
• For stunning ocean views, Quileute or Kalaloch campgrounds are great choices.
• Check the reservation window – you can typically book 6-9 months in advance
• Use recreation.gov: This is the easiest and most convenient way to make reservations at any National Park.
• Check cancellation policies: Some campgrounds have strict cancellation policies, while others allow cancellations up to 24 hours before your scheduled arrival.

Campground	Max RV Length	Hookups	View
Quileute Oceanside Resort	70 ft	Full Hookups	Ocean
Heart O’The Hills	35 ft	Electric	Old Growth Forest
Mora	35 ft	None	Forested, Nearby Beach
Kalaloch	28 ft	None	Seaside Cliff
Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort	30 ft	Electric	Forested within the Mountains

Once you have your Olympic campsite booked, you can start planning the rest of your amazing RV camping trip!

Don’t forget to pack all the necessary gear and supplies, and to follow Leave No Trace principles to help preserve the park for future generations.

How to Choose a Campground in Olympic: Not all Campgrounds are Created Equal

Olympic National Park is vast—like, “I-hope-you-brought-extra-snacks” vast. You’ve got three main ecosystems to choose from: the coast, the forest, and the mountains.

Each offers campgrounds with different vibes and amenities, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your needs.

Some campgrounds have full hookups, while others have only basic amenities.

Campground	Number of Sites	Nearby Town (Distance)	Amenities
Quileute Oceanside Resort	66	Forks (14 miles)	Convenience store, gas, propane, cabins
Heart O’The Hills	105	Port Angeles (Adjacent)	Flush toilets, potable water
Kalaloch	160	Forks (34 miles)	Flush toilets, potable water, dump station (fee)
Sol Duc	17	Port Angeles (40 miles)	Mineral hot spring pools, Flush toilets, potable water

Popular RV Campgrounds in Olympic National Park

If you’re planning an RV camping trip to Olympic National Park, you’ll love that there are several campgrounds that can accommodate your needs.

Here are some of the most popular RV campgrounds in the park:

Quileute Oceanside Resort

The Quileute Oceanside Resort is a full-service RV resort located right on the Pacific coast in La Push, about 14 miles from the town of Forks.

This resort offers the ultimate “glamping” experience and puts you right in the heart of the stunning Olympic Peninsula, with the beach just steps away.

It’s the perfect basecamp for exploring the Washington coast and Olympic National Park while enjoying upscale resort amenities.

Fairholme Campground

Located on the shores of Lake Crescent, Fairholme Campground is a great option for RV campers who enjoy water activities.

The campground has 88 sites that can accommodate RVs up to 21 feet in length.

There are also several hiking trails in the area, including the Spruce Railroad Trail and the Pyramid Mountain Trail.

Kalaloch Campground

Kalaloch Campground is located on the coast of Olympic National Park and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

The campground has 170 sites that can accommodate RVs up to 21 feet in length.

There are also several hiking trails in the area, including the Kalaloch Beach Trail and the Ruby Beach Trail.

Mora Campground

Mora Campground is located in the heart of Olympic National Park and is a great option for RV campers who want to explore the park’s interior.

The campground has 94 sites that can accommodate RVs up to 21 feet in length.

There are also several hiking trails in the area, including the Second Beach Trail and the Rialto Beach Trail.

Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort

If you’re looking for a more luxurious RV camping experience, Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort is the place to go.

The resort has 17 RV sites with full hookups, as well as access to the resort’s hot springs pools.

There are also several hiking trails in the area, including the Sol Duc Falls Trail and the High Divide Trail.

Hookups and Boondocking: Power and Water in the Wilderness

If you’re one of those RVers who needs all the luxuries of home (microwave popcorn, anyone?), you’ll want a spot with full hookups.

Kalaloch and Sol Duc Hot Springs are great for this. But if you’re the kind of person who scoffs at electricity and running water, boondocking (a fancy word for “camping without hookups”) at campgrounds like Hoh Rain Forest might be more your speed.

Just remember to conserve your water and battery unless you enjoy washing dishes in a river.

Don’t forget to look into dump station locations within the park. Sites like Kalaloch offer them, but if you’re out boondocking, you’ll want to know where your next pit stop is before things get too, um, “full.”

Amenities and Services at Olympic Campgrounds

Because Olympic National Park is fairly remote, supplies and services are limited within the park.

You’ll need to make a list of necessary camping and hiking essentials then stock up in advance at one of the nearby towns just outside of the park.

Food and Supplies

If you need to stock up on food or supplies during your RV camping trip, there are a few options inside Olympic National Park.

The Quileute Oceanside Resort and the Kalaloch Lodge have general stores where you can buy groceries, camping supplies, and souvenirs. You can also stock up on firewood and other camping essentials at the store.

For a wider selection of food and supplies, consider stopping at one of the towns outside the park. Port Angeles is the largest town near the park and has several grocery stores and other shops where you can stock up on supplies.

Overall, the amenities and services available during your RV camping trip in Olympic National Park will depend on the specific campsite you choose.

Be sure to check the rates and features of each campsite before making your reservation to ensure that it meets your needs.

Activities And Recreation In Olympic National Park

Whether you’re looking to hike through the Hoh Rain Forest, explore the Pacific Ocean, or simply relax at your campsite, this park has it all.

Hiking and Exploring

The park boasts over 600 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks.

Some of the most popular hikes include the Hurricane Ridge Trail, the Sol Duc Falls Trail, and the Hoh River Trail. Make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate gear for the trail you choose.

Water Recreation

If you’re looking to cool off on a hot day, there are plenty of opportunities for water recreation in Olympic National Park.

You can swim, paddle, or fish in one of the park’s many lakes, including Lake Crescent and Lake Quinault. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even rent a boat or kayak from one of the park’s many vendors.

Wildlife and Nature Viewing

Olympic is home to some pretty spectacular wildlife, including Roosevelt elk, black bears, and curious raccoons that will absolutely steal your snacks if you leave them out.

Don’t be that camper who has to explain to the ranger why there’s a bear trying to hitch a ride in your RV.

Keep food stored away, and enjoy wildlife from a distance (like, far enough away that you’re not on their dinner menu).

Things to Do in Olympic: Beyond Hiking

Yes, the hiking here is chef’s kiss, but there’s more to Olympic National Park than putting one foot in front of the other.

If you’re RV camping, you’ve got the advantage of being able to relax in comfort between activities. Here’s what to add to your itinerary:

• Tidepooling at Kalaloch or Rialto Beach: Explore another world right at your feet.
• Kayaking on Lake Crescent: Rent a kayak and glide across the glassy waters. Your legs might be tired from hiking, but your arms? They’ve got this.
• Drive the Olympic Peninsula Loop: Spend a day exploring the different ecosystems in the park, from the misty coasts to the alpine ridges.
• Whale watching at Cape Flattery: Okay, technically just outside the park, but the views and chances of spotting a gray whale? Worth it.

Navigating Park Roads: Yes, You’ll Fit (Probably)

Driving an RV through Olympic is both a joy and a mild stress test. The roads can get narrow and twisty, especially as you head into the mountains.

If you’re not used to maneuvering a big rig, take it slow and maybe say a little prayer before each hairpin turn.

Some areas, like Hurricane Ridge, are beautiful but come with winding roads that might not be for the faint of heart (or new RVers).

If steep grades make your palms sweat, consider sticking to the lower elevation campgrounds, or take your car for these scenic day trips.

RV Maintenance 101: First-Timer Tips

No one talks about the glamorous side of RVing, like emptying your tanks or maintaining your rig while surrounded by towering trees.

Here are a few tips to keep your trip running smoothly:

• Check your tire pressure regularly: The park’s roads can be rough, and under-inflated tires are a common culprit for blowouts. Don’t learn the hard way.
• Solar panels or a generator?: Olympic can be a bit gloomy (hello, rainforests), so solar power isn’t always reliable. A generator can save you from a dead battery if you’re boondocking for several days.
• Pack a toolkit: Things happen. Whether it’s a loose cabinet hinge or a leaky pipe, a basic toolkit will save you a lot of frustration.

The Essential Packing List for RV Newbies

Let’s talk gear. You’ve got the basics (hopefully), but here are a few items that’ll make RV camping in Olympic a breeze:

• Extra-long hose and power cable: Some hookups are placed in a way that will test your RV maneuvering skills. Avoid the headache and pack extra length.
• Bug spray: Olympic is a temperate rainforest. Translation: mosquitoes are living their best lives.
• Bear-proof food storage: Even if you’re inside an RV, proper food storage is essential. No one wants a midnight bear encounter.
• Warm clothing: Olympic’s weather can be as unpredictable as a toddler’s mood. Even in summer, it can get chilly, especially if you’re camping near the coast or in the mountains.

Rules and Regulations of Olympic National Park

Camping Permits and Fees

First and foremost, you’ll need to obtain a camping permit. These permits are required for all overnight stays in the park, whether you’re camping in a designated campground or in the wilderness.

The cost of camping permits varies depending on the type of camping you’ll be doing and the length of your stay.

Fees for vehicle camping in the park’s campgrounds range from $15 to $30 per night, while backcountry camping permits are $8 per person per night.

Campground Etiquette

If you’re planning to camp in one of Olympic National Park’s campgrounds, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure a pleasant experience for yourself and your fellow campers.

First of all, be sure to arrive early if you’re planning on camping in a first-come, first-served site. These sites can fill up quickly, especially during peak season, so it’s best to arrive early in the day to secure a spot.

When setting up your campsite, be sure to follow all posted regulations and guidelines. This may include rules about where to pitch your tent, how to store your food, and where to build a fire.

Finally, be respectful of your fellow campers. Keep noise levels down, especially during quiet hours, and be mindful of your impact on the environment.

Leave your campsite cleaner than you found it, and be sure to properly dispose of all trash and waste.

Final Thoughts: Take a Deep Breath (And Maybe Another One)

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RV camping in Olympic National Park is an adventure in every sense. You’ll experience everything from jaw-dropping coastal views to the soothing hush of the rainforest.

But it’s not without its challenges, like finding that elusive level campsite or figuring out where the heck the dump station is.

Just remember: it’s all part of the experience. And when you’re watching the sun dip below the horizon from your cozy RV, it’s totally worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions