THE BEST CAMPGROUNDS AROUND OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
What does the Olympic National Park have to offer?
Olympic National Park has one of the most diverse landscapes in the world, ranging from rugged sea shores to dense rainforests to high mountain peaks. Given its proximity to Seattle, this park is one of the most popular destinations for our renters, and for good reason. There are many incredible campgrounds we recommend staying at on your trip along the Olympic Peninsula–continue reading to learn more about them!
*Note: Some campgrounds are closed during the off-season or in certain weather conditions. Be sure to check ahead of time.
Camp Forever Young – Quilcene
We consider Camp Forever Young a “home base” when heading to the Olympic Peninsula for the weekend. It’s the perfect first-night stop if you don’t want to make a long drive to camp your first night.
This campground doubles as a farm, and there is plenty to do. Feed the goats and sheep, get acquainted with the Great Pyrenees farm dogs, hang with the flock of ducks, talk to the turkeys, and learn what it’s like to homestead on a small farm in the Olympic Peninsula. A stay at Camp Forever Young is a unique way to take a break from city life. This campsite is a big favorite with families, as kiddos learn about the daily operations of life on a farm—and it’s equally fun for adults.
Peace Vans also has a private campsite on this property exclusively for our renters—you can take advantage of it year-round by booking your next camper van vacation. If you want to take your own van out, you can book a site on HipCamp. There’s plenty to do in the area: visit Port Townsend, hike Mount Walker, or try some delicious cider at Finn River–the possibilities are endless.
Heart O' the Hills Campground
One of the best hiking areas in the state is Hurricane Ridge, located south of Port Angeles. If you plan to spend a few days exploring this area, we highly recommend staying a few nights at the Heart O’ the Hills Campground, located a few miles up the road.
This campground is first-come, first-serve, and self-registration happens on a bulletin board. Online credit card payments are accepted. Each site has its own picnic table and fire ring. It also has restrooms, an amphitheater, and firewood for sale. There’s a small trail system within the campground. If you’re looking for something longer, check out the Klahhane Ridge Trail for magnificent views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
*Note: Hurricane Ridge often faces closures due to environmental and maintenance reasons, so be sure to check for any updates from the park before planning your trip.
Salt Creek Campground
Salt Creek Recreation Area is located adjacent to the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the state’s premier shore diving destination. This diver’s paradise offers a breathtaking underwater park complete with sea urchins, anemones, and more.
Not a diver? No worries–there’s still enough to keep you entertained for weeks. The beaches offer some of the best tide-pooling in the world. You can also take a kayak out and may even have a wildlife encounter, given this area is on the whale trail. There are also waterfall hikes nearby and old WWII bunkers open to explore.
This campground is very popular in the summer, but it’s easier to reserve a spot online in the off-season. Reservations must be made seven days in advance, so prepare beforehand.
Hoh Rainforest Campground
This gorgeous campground is along the Hoh River, which flows from Mount Olympus to the Pacific Coast. This area sees a yearly average of 140 inches of precipitation, contributing to the lush, green canopy that adds dimension to the enchantment of the rainforest.
The Hoh Rainforest Campground is a large facility with 72 campsites, each with a fire ring and picnic table. There are restrooms on-site, but they do not include showers, so keep this in mind. The nearest shower facility is at Bogachiel State Park, 23 miles away. Firewood is available for purchase in the summer, so pack your own if visiting from October through April.
The Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center is right by the campground, where you can get information about the nearby trails. It is open daily in the summer and on the weekends in the off-season. Some of the best trails in the area include the Spruce Nature Trail, the Hall of Mosses Trail, and the Hoh River Trail.
Hoh is a very popular camping area, so we recommend making reservations in advance online. Summer months are even more busy, so make a reservation months in advance.
Aliya Preserve – Kalaloch
Peace Vans offers two private campgrounds for our renters on the Olympic Peninsula: one at Aliya Preserve and the other at Camp Forever Young.
Perched up in the towering evergreens above a quiet stretch of Olympic Peninsula coastline lies the Aliya Preserve, one of our favorite campgrounds in the entire Pacific Northwest. If you’re looking for a secluded stay on your trip to truly connect with nature, this is the perfect place. A half-mile trail winds through the trees and over twisted driftwood right to the sand. You can stick your toes in the Pacific Ocean just a 10-minute walk from your campsite. The mist, the rays of sunshine beaming through the forest, the sound of the rolling waves, the cool ocean breeze, the sunrises, and the sunsets make this place a little more magical.
There are plenty of attractions within a “short” drive of this campground: Kalaloch Lodge, Lake Quinault, The Tree of Life, and the Hoh Rainforest. Stay a night or two at the Aliya Preserve to ensure you have time to visit all our favorite nearby spots. This area of Washington gets less snow than the more mountainous areas, making it accessible most of the year.
Want to explore Olympic National Park in the off-season?
We offer discounted rates on our van rentals during the fall and winter. Reserve a vintage Vanagon or Mercedes Metris and check out all our favorite campgrounds around Olympic National Park.