That said, it receives limited sunlight (not best for RVs with solar) and has poor cell reception. Rather, it is a first-come, first-served location. Theres also a day-use shelter at the campground. Become a FREE CAMPING INSIDER and join the 100,000 campers that love to score the best site! There are no camping fees; its completely free, but subject to Olympic National Forests rules for developed campgrounds (14-day stay). Each campsite has picnic tables and fire rings. Its found along State Highway 113 (Burnt Mountain Road), about four miles north of Sappho. The Lake Cushman area is located in the southeast corner of Olympic National Forest and is very popular for camping and water recreation on the reservoir. If you are interested in other beautiful camping areas in the US, check our post on dispersed camping in Sadona. Dispersed camping is allowed for up to 14 days at a time. Official websites use .gov A .gov Dispersed camping is available throughout Olympic National Forest. It has 16 total campsites. At the campground, youll find 30 campsites with pit toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. Sitting on the Duckabush River, the Collins Campsite is one of the best options for campers wishing to immerse themselves in this regions sights, smells, and sounds in solitude. View recreation sites on theOlympic National Forest online recreation map. Campsite Choose a campsite screened from roads and trails, and at least 200 feet from water Sure, its not free, but a night or two spent in the park is well worth it, especially on your first trip to the Olympic Peninsula. Full-service campgrounds can fill up quickly in the area, making these free camping experiences perfect for those not wanting to book far in advance. Highway 101 is close so expect some road noise (most is drowned out by the river). About half accommodate RVs up to 30 feet. After all, its one of the most popular natural regions in the state, visited by tens of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts every year for a good reason. Another one of my favorite free campgrounds on the Olympic Peninsula, Lyre River Campground is located north of Lake Crescent along the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The Hoh Rain Forest is accessed by the Upper Hoh Road, off of Highway 101 . This is especially apparent if youre coming from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are trails that take off from the campground worth exploring, many of which run along the waterfront. Avoid setting up camp in a previously undisturbed area. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. Theres a catch, though: the campsites will be at their most crowded during this time. This place is an excellent option if youre road-tripping around the Olympic Peninsula. Although the Washington DNR website suggests a max RV length of 30 feet, several sites have room for much larger rigs without disturbing others. Developed campgrounds in Olympic National Park range from $14 to $24 per night. About the Campsite: This is a no-frills dirt campground. Several places on the Olympic Peninsula welcome backcountry beach camping. There are so many experiences to take in while exploring Olympic National Park that it can be hard to decide what to do first. Its a beautiful area though (and usually not very busy, even in summer). While its a long, bumpy drive in, this campground still remains as one of the most popular choices for free-camping inside the Forest. But, once youve gotten through, many of the sites themselves will accommodate larger rigs. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you choose a new site, return the site to its natural condition when you leave. While most have relatively private campsites, Sadie Creeks 6 campsites are a lot closer together and much less private. These include a robust tent, a sleeping bag that will protect you from the bugs and the cold, and even a set of comfortable camping chairs if youre staying with a group. Its a great place for camping with dogs. How Many Solar Panels Do I Need for Boondocking? Forest Road 29 in Olympic National Forest, Forks Washington. Although the tranquility is nice, the shade makes Bear Creek a poor choice for boondockers who rely on solar. The Log Cabin Resort is another vacation destination on Lake Cresent. It is situated on the southern edge of the forest. The camping area is located in a circle clearing amongst the trees. Ozette is a small campground located next to Lake Ozette. Below are five of the most popular places for dispersed camping and free camping. Be careful! The Quinault region of the Olympic National Forest is well-known for its ice-carved peaks, jeweled lakes, and alpine meadows. Because of the limited access, RVs and trailers are not recommended. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Some of these are the type of camping setup and the area youd like to explore. A small general store is located nearby. You can pitch a tent in the Olympic National Forest, one of the best dispersed camping areas in Washington state, and enjoy its wonders year-round. If you want to explore the North portion of the road, its best to follow the directions above, and start at US-101. The river itself is beautiful (it even has a fishing platform), a short hiking trail starts in the campground, and you can even walk down to scenic Murdock Beach. Management: National Forest Service. Personally, Ive had a lot of luck dispersed camping on Quinault Ridge Road near Lake Quinault, Forest Road 29 just outside of Forks, Forest Road 2419 near Lake Cushman, and along Forest Road 2312 on the east side of Wynoochee Lake. Its very secluded and a bit harder to get to, but it can provide some excellent experiences for those looking for a remote destination. The Strait of Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway (Highway 112) isnt very popular with tourists, but its incredibly beautiful. Olympic National Forest offers a wide variety of camping experiences and settings. While there, find your way to Marymere Falls, where youll enjoy a waterfall that plunges 90 feet. Forest Road 29 North will eventually go all the way to the South portion of the road into town of Forks. When Should I Camp in the Olympic National Forest? Olympic National Park Boondocking Vibes: 9/10 This campground provides a quiet place to call home as you explore Olympic National Park. The waterfront area allows for direct access to the lake where you can see lots of wildlife. 5 Dispersed Camping Sites in Olympic National Forest. LockA locked padlock Youll find minimal amenities with just pit toilets available and potable water. This is a USFS-managed road along which outdoor enthusiasts can park their recreational vehicles and enjoy the regions sights, smells, and sounds. Quinalt Ridge Road is great for little to medium estimated RVs, or trailers under 24 feet. There are several short day-hikes that explore the area. That said, the Dosewallips River Road is a fantastic hike. Here, you will find only one campsite Dungeness Forks. The Kalaloch Campground has some of the most sought-after campsites in Olympic National Park those looking out over the Pacific Ocean. While some of the roads leading into it can be narrow, they are paved and are not difficult to navigate. Reach the campground by driving east on Oil City Road from Highway 101 until you reach H-4060 Road where you turn left. It is a bit out of the way to get to Ozette Campground, but that is also what many people are looking for. . To be honest with you,we hate paying for camping. The only road in is a dirt road, though there are no large ruts to worry about navigating over. The Hoh lies on the west side of Olympic National Park, about a two-hour drive from Port Angeles and under an hour from Forks. on official, secure websites. These campgrounds within the national forest are free and come equipped with vault toilets: There are also discounted campgrounds where you can stay for less than $20 per night. You'll find an abundance of dispersed camping in Olympic National Forest in addition to 10 free developed campgrounds run by the Department of Natural Resources. The best way to experience the Olympic National Forest is by pitching a tent among its towering trees. The Hoh Campground is located in a temperate rain forest surrounded by old-growth trees and moss. Explore the range of ecosystems within the Dosewallips River Basin as this low elevation area gradually climbs to the ridges of the Olympics. Campers enjoy Kalaloch Campground for various reasons. Dispersed camping (or boondocking) is allowed inside Olympic National Forest. Head to the PNW's best kept secret: Big Creek Campground. The location may feel extremely remote, but there is a small town with a grocery store just 15 minutes away. Campbell Tree Grove Campground along the Humptulips River and Lena Lake Campground near Hamma Hamma are both free primitive campgrounds (with basic amenities). Olympic National Park is a great area to explore, guaranteeing unforgettable memories waiting for you. Olympic National Forest, Camping Rules Passes and Permits Purchase of passes or permits are not required for boondocking (dispersed camping) inside most of Olympic National Forest. Next up is Beaver Lake, a small pull-off just off Burnt Mountain Road/U.S. National Forest campgrounds are more economical, less crowded and dispersed or backcountry camping is usually free. The Sol Duc campground is open year-round and does require reservations. Perhaps no other free campground near Olympic National Park is as peaceful as Yahoo Lake Campground. There are many trailheads that stem from the area, and its close to Lake Quinault, which is a popular fishing and boating spot. These are Coho, Willaby, and Falls Creek. The Dosewallips area is situated on the forests eastern edge, adjacent to the Hood Canal mentioned above. Like most WA DNR campgrounds, this one is quite shady and isnt ideal for RV campers that want solar. Hoh Oxbow Campground is one of my favorite places to camp on the Olympic Peninsula, free or otherwise. While technically not dispersed camping, Campbell Tree Grove Campground is a free campground found in the Forests Hood Canal Ranger District. No potable water or garbage service is available. Shi Shi Beach and Second Beach are two of the most popular places for beach camping in Olympic National Park. Seven Cedars Casino in Sequim offers free overnight RV parking (just make sure to register inside). This free Olympic Peninsula campground (with Discover Pass) is located next to the Clearwater River about halfway down Hoh Mainline Road. Despite the difficulties getting there, Dosewallips is a serene and beautiful space nestled away from all the sounds of people. Weekends and holidays likely draw a noisier local crowd, while weekdays may provide a quieter location. There are 64 camping spots here, all of which can accommodate RVs (up to 36 ft. in length), trailers, and tents. Of these, 14 are first come, first served. Fortunately, there are pit toilets and miles of hiking trails to explore. During the winter months, the campground turns into a walk-in only tent camping site because heavy snowfall is common. Phone reservations only, 10 person minimum, 30 maximum, 7 day maximum stay, $40 a night up to 10 people, $2 per additional person. There are 14 campgrounds managed by the National Park Service. Its one of the few equipped with hookups for recreational vehicles. The Olympic Peninsula is home to great free camping if you know where to look (and now you do!). It is available year-round except for these times. Please be sure to leave the sites better than you found them, which means leaving no trash, even if you didnt put it there. The location is first-come, first-served, and has 20 total campsites, which are best used for tent camping. You must access the campground via a gravel forest service road, but this is generally well-maintained and suitable for all vehicles. Your email address will not be published. These regulations are: Also, remember that you can camp at two of the 17 established campsites free of charge Campbell Tree Grove and Lena Lake Campsite. It doesnt have garbage service or potable water. The river is just steps away, making this campground popular among anglers. There are beach access trails here which will take visitors right down to the water. Its technically a developed campground because of the picnic tables, however you wont find it mentioned on the Forests website. Located just 2-hours outside of Seattle, Olympic National Park is one of the most diverse parks in the US. Cell phone service:Mobile coverage is spotty throughout the park and youre unlikely to find a reliable connection at any of the campgrounds. Quinault Ridge Road is extremely popular with dispersed campers in the southern part of the Olympic National Forest. While its true that most of these places are simple pull-outs, they are all very close to Lena Lake trailhead as well as to the river itself. Camp next to a peaceful lake, a rushing stream or in a dense conifer forest. South Beach campground offers exceptional views of the Pacific Ocean from a bluff above. Pick up an Olympic National Forest map at a ranger station. Copyright ParkedInParadise.com | Disclosure: We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. The large trees provide a private and quiet experience not far from the pacific ocean. Youll find flush toilets, running water, and a dump station. My favorite place for free camping on the Olympic Peninsula is one of the 10 free campgrounds operated by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Bordered by Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and the Pacific Ocean and containing spectacular mountains and magnificent temperate rainforests, the Olympic National Forest is among the most scenic landscapes in the United States. Big rigs may find it difficult to utilize this campground. Camping here during summertime is your best bet. Amenities include a simple vault toilet. Reported Cell Service: Campers have reported 4 bars service for both Verizon and T-Mobile. With 94 total campsites, there are locations for both 21 foot and 35-foot RVs. Its best for tent camping as the unpaved road into the campsites is quite rough. The secluded forest setting is part of the Clearwater Corridor Natural Resources Conservation Area. There are a few ideal campsites within the first 1/4 mile of this road. There is only one established campsite here Brown Creek Campsite. For those who get to the campsite early enough, there are some riverside campsites available just along the Hoh River. The north portion of Forest Road 29 is often considered to be more friendly for larger RVs with pavement for a good portion until it turns to hard packed gravel. About the Campsite: The road into this campground is reported to be slightly tight. This campground has a limited camping season from late spring through September, though dates change each year based on availability and conditions. Outside of peak season, the sites are first-come, first-served. Nature is quickly reclaiming the facility leaving only a handful of sites offering primitive hike and bike in tent camping . There's also the option to backpack in for several miles and find a quiet site away from any roads or people. Official websites use .gov A .gov The dense vegetation at Olympic makes it easy to get away from the crowds. Signal strength may not be enough for working remotely. The camping spots at all three campsites can be reserved through Recreation.gov. Its also the least shady of all the DNR campgrounds on the Olympic Peninsula, making it ideal for boondockers with solar power. If you must do so, return the site to its original state. All of the sites are first-come, first-served. The last Olympic National Forest dispersed camping area Ill be taking a look at is situated in the forests northwestern section. The only way to access this campground is from the Upper Queets River Road area because a mudslide took out the secondary access road. Its located near the Dosewallips River Trail where drinking water can be filtered from the stream; youll need it because there is no potable water here! Campsites come in a large variety, from flat waterfront spaces to steeper areas a short walk from the lake. The area is recognized as a great location for families because of the summer range program there. If you enjoy selecting your own campsite, providing your own amenities, creating your own experience, and camping for FREE, then dispersed camping is for you! Jump to the free campsite you want to learn more about: Or, use our Olympic Peninsula dispersed camping map to browse the areas best free campsites. Some pieces of outdoor gear are essential regardless of your camping location. Some campers have indicated a quiet, empty camping experience, with others sharing they found a crowded and loud location. Beaver Lake also like in the Pacific Ranger District, in the extreme north-west portion of the Forest. I regularly see a mix of vans, RVs, trailers, and tents camping here. Pit toilets, water, limited parking, no beach access. The best sites back up to the river, creating a nice backdrop for visitors. 94% Recommended +46 Official website (360) 956-2300 Park hours: Mon to Sun: Open 24 hours Camping types: First come, first served campites and reservable campsites. Reviews have stated being pleasantly surprised at finding a site and not a crowded location. If you are looking for a camping adventure in Washington state, check out our post on free camping near Mt Rainier as well. About 7-8 miles in, its gets bumpy and rutted. It features ten camping spots but is relatively small and cant accommodate recreational vehicles. Six are open year-round, and several can easily accommodate larger recreational vehicles. ) or https:// means you've safely Be sure youre setting up camp in a designated spot and not creating your own. Note: Make sure you are familiar with the rules and regulations for dispersed camping inside Olympic National Forest. The one catch related to this place is that campers cant stay there without the so-called Discover Pass. There is no potable water so youll need to pack your own or bring a water filter. See 5 traveler reviews, 22 photos and blog posts Washington Free Camping Forks Forest Road 29 Forest Road 29 Olympic National Forest . Heart O the Hills is a fantastic campsite surrounded by old-growth trees. This region as a whole is very popular with free campers, too. The Lovers Lane Loop Trail is one of the most popular trails. Be alert for other road users, ranging from heavy vehicles to bicycles, and check your speed accordingly. Camping near the Dungeness Spit, then going for a day hike to the lighthouse is a fun way to experience an impressive beach which can only be found in Washington! Above all else, youll want to verify that the area is legal for public camping. A key to remember here is that, as a popular location, it can fill up fast and does not take reservations. United States. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest - Mountain Loop Highway Mt. While there, you can explore the beach with its vast amount of driftwood and capture photos of the iconic shoreline. Coppermine Bottom is the epitome of Olympic National Park free camping. Each campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. Those who have visited Graves Creek call it a magical destination, tucked into the wooded area with water surrounding it. About half of the campgrounds in the park have minimal amenities such as pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. In fact, Sadie Creek is much like a large gravel parking lot (although it is surrounded by quiet woods). It sits near the Hoh River along a peaceful creek at the edge of the Hoh Rain Forest in the Olympic Experimental State Forest. The amenities are minimal with pit toilets only and no potable water, though there is direct waterfront access which is one of the campgrounds best features. Please always follow the 7 Leave No Trace principles when dispersed camping, especially packing out all of your trash, including human waste. In 2017 I moved into a Dodge Ram Van to travel the US and explore the outdoors. Your time in Olympic National Park wont be complete without then spending some time at Ruby Beach. However, this road ascends elevation, becomes more narrow and rocky, and more treacherous for larger RVs and trailers. The Best Established Campsites in Olympic National Forest, The Best Dispersed Camping Areas in Olympic National Forest, Quinault Ridge Road Dispersed Camping Area, dispersed camping areas in Washington state, List of Dispersed Camping and Campsites in Great Locations, Free Dispersed Camping Near Denver The Ultimate Guide, Ultimate Guide to Free Dispersed Camping in Big Sur, Complete Guide to Free Dispersed Camping near Joshua Tree National Park, Free Dispersed Campsites Near Grand Teton National Park, RV hookups, showers, flush toilets, drinking water. Two vault toilets, potable water, and a day-use shelter are available. Rough road conditions make driving to the campground arduous and for that reason, RVs and trailers are not permitted. This peaceful place is best for tent camping only. Big Creek Campground is the sole USFS campground in this area and features 64 campsites that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 36 feet in length.