Where To Camp At Olympic National Park?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Dispersed (or boondocking) is allowed inside Olympic National Forest.

The forest allows camping just about anywhere and everywhere within its boundaries, though certain areas come with certain restrictions

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Is it hard to get a campsite in Olympic National Park?


Reservations Required: No, the sites are first-come, first-served

. Fee: Free. Number of Sites: 30. Pets Allowed: Yes, they can walk with you on the washed-out road to the campground, but they can't be on any other trails.

Is camping in Olympic National Park free?

Although many campers stay at an Olympic National Park campground,

there are countless free campgrounds, dispersed campsites, and even free casino boondocking just outside the park's boundaries

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Do you need a permit to camp in Olympic National Park?


Wilderness Camping Permits are required for all overnight stays in the Olympic National Park wilderness (backcountry) year-round

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Are there bears in Olympic National Park?


The black bear is a common inhabitant of Olympic National Park

, and North America, in general.

Is Olympic National Park worth seeing?

The beautiful coastline and beaches


Olympic National Park has over 70 miles of rugged coastline that features rocky stacks emerging from the sea, driftwood lining the shore, and wide sandy beaches perfect for long walks along the ocean

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Does Mora campground have showers?

Wonderful place to camp –

showers in Forks

– Review of Mora Campground, Olympic National Park, WA – Tripadvisor.

How many days do you need in Olympic National Park?

At a minimum, you need

three full days

in Olympic National Park, if you want to visit Hurricane Ridge, the Pacific Coastline, and the temperate rainforests. However, more time is better, as it allows you to hike more trails and it gives you some contingency time should it rain or snow, which is entirely possible.

How long is the drive around Olympic National Park?

Mileage 329 miles (531 km) Duration

8 hours
Seasons If Winter is not mentioned, the road may be closed during the winter. All Seasons Roadways US Highways 101 and 12, and Washington Highway 8

Can you park overnight in Olympic National Park?


Visitor camping in the wilderness

. NPS Photo. With rustic cabins, historic lodges, and charming resorts, Olympic offers a variety of lodging experiences.

Can you camp anywhere in Hoh rainforest?


Fairholme (new for 2022!), Kalaloch, Mora, and the Hoh Rain Forest are the only park-operated campgrounds that accept reservations in the summer

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Is dispersed camping allowed in Washington?


Washington State is teeming with free dispersed campsites

– if you know where to look. From the Olympic Peninsula to the Cascade Mountains to Eastern Washington, free camping is extremely easy to find in the Evergreen State, whether you're camping in a tent, van, trailer, or RV.

Can you go backpacking in Olympic National Park?

Olympic National Park offers an array of incredible hiking and trekking experiences.

Wildland Trekking offers several backpacking adventures to different destinations within Olympic

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Do you need a permit to backpack in Olympic National Forest?

Due to the overwhelming popularity of this unique area,

all visitors must obtain a permit if visiting from May 15 through October 31

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Is Hurricane Ridge open right now?

It is

open daily in the summer, and on Saturday/Sunday when the Hurricane Ridge Road is open during the remainder of the year

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Are there grizzly bears in Olympic park?

While quite a few potentially dangerous North American mammals will not be found during your Olympic Peninsula hike (

no Grizzly Bear

, for example), the park does have Mountain Lions (alternatively called “cougars”), Mountain Goats, Black Bears, and Roosevelt Elk – all large mammals that warrant our attention.

Are there cougars in Olympic National Park?

Cougars are common to the Olympic Peninsula.

They are widespread in the Olympic National Park

and also exist in the Olympic National Forest, primarily in the rugged mountain terrain of the Forest's five Wildernesses.

Do I need bug spray in Olympic National Park?


Yes. Bring bug spray

! Even during the day there are mosquitoes, biting flies, or some kind of pesky critter after those of us who smell tasty. 2.

What is the best time of year to visit Olympic National Park?

The best time to visit Olympic National Park is

July through August

, when temperatures are usually warm, most roads and facilities are open, and a full range of programs are available. You can find an updated list of seasonal activities in the Olympic Bugler, the park's digital newsletter.

How long is the ferry ride from Seattle to Olympic National Park?

This ferry departs from the Port of Seattle and crosses the Puget Sound to the town of Bainbridge. From there, it takes about

90 minutes

to reach the boundaries of Olympic National Park.

Can you take a ferry from Seattle to Olympic National Park?


The shortest route from the Seattle area to Olympic National Park requires taking a boat from Washington State Ferries

. From downtown, drive onto the Seattle-Bainbridge Island ferry or the Seattle-Bremerton ferry; from the northern suburbs, the Edmonds-Kingston ferry is quickest.

Where can I shower in Olympic National Park?


Ozette area : Lost Resort – campground

right as you are leaving the Ozette Ranger Station has showers available to backpackers. $5 per shower – although better water pressure and cheaper shower can be found at Sekiu's Olsen Hotel.

Does Mora Campground have first come first serve?

Mora Campground is on a reservation system for the peak season months beginning mid June to mid September (new in 2020). Reservations can be made up to six months in advance through www.recreation.gov.

Outside of the reservation season, Mora Campground is on a first-come, first-served basis

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Does Mora Campground have cell service?


We have all three cell carriers

and a pricey antenna system for cell service; usually, if a signal exists, we find it. Couldn't get out a text, and we did walk the campground thinking perhaps it was just our spot.

What is the closest city to Olympic National Park?
  • Port Angeles, WA. 1.8 mi / 6 mins.
  • Sequim, WA. 17.3 mi / 26 mins.
  • Port Townsend, WA. 47.5 mi / 1 hour 5 mins.
  • Forks, WA. 56.5 mi / 1 hour 9 mins.
  • Neah Bay, WA. 70.6 mi / 1 hour 41 mins.
  • Seattle, WA. 82.4 mi / 2 hours 32 mins.
  • Hoodsport, WA. 83.6 mi / 1 hour 43 mins.

Is Lake Quinault worth visiting?

For the last day of your Olympic Peninsula road trip, I suggest visiting the spectacular Quinault Rainforest. You'll have to drive an hour and a half from Forks to get to this southern region of the Olympic National Park, but I promise you

it's worth it

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Can you drive through Hoh rainforest?

What is this? I recommend making it a loop,

driving through Olympia and around Lake Crescent and Kalaloch Beach to the Hoh and then returning through Forks and Port Angeles

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Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.