THE BEST CAMPGROUNDS AROUND OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK
Camping in Olympic National Park: Best Campgrounds to Explore
The Olympic National Park is one of the most diverse landscapes in the world—where rugged coastlines meet dense rainforests and towering mountain peaks.
Just a short drive from Seattle, it’s one of the most popular destinations for Peace Vans renters & customers - and for good reason. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer road trip around the Olympic Peninsula, this area offers some of the best camping in Washington.
Below are some of our favorite campgrounds to help you plan your next adventure.
Note: Some campgrounds close seasonally or due to weather conditions. Always check availability before your trip.
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.
Whether you are renting from us or 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.
Why we love it:
Meet and interact with goats, sheep, ducks, and farm dogs
Relax in a peaceful, rural setting
Perfect first-night stop on your way to the coast
Nearby activities include:
Exploring Port Townsend
Hiking Mount Walker
Visiting local cider at Finnriver Farm & Cidery
Heart O' the Hills Campground
One of the best hiking areas in the state is Hurricane Ridge and if you’re planning to explore the area, this is one of the best places to stay.
Located just outside Port Angeles, Heart O’ the Hills Campground is a convenient basecamp for hiking and exploring the park’s alpine terrain.
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
Located along the Strait of Juan de Fuca near Port Angeles, Salt Creek Recreation Area is one of the most scenic and activity-packed campgrounds in the region.
Why it stands out:
Incredible tide pooling along the coastline
Prime location for kayaking and wildlife viewing
Part of the Whale Trail—great for spotting marine life
Nearby WWII bunkers to explore
This diver’s paradise offers a breathtaking underwater park complete with sea urchins, anemones, and more.
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
Deep in the heart of the Olympic Peninsula, the Hoh Rainforest is one of the most iconic landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. With over 140 inches of annual rainfall, this lush environment creates a dense, green canopy unlike anywhere else.
Campground features:
The Hoh Rainforest Campground is a large facility with 70+ campsites with fire rings and picnic tables
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.
The Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center is right by the campground, where you can get information about the nearby trails.
Must-see trails:
Hall of Mosses
Spruce Nature Trail
Hoh River Trail
Tip: Book early—this is one of the most popular camping areas in the park.
Make sure you stop by Peak 6 Adventure Store - this local favorite has a large inventory of outdoor equipment to meet all needs for hiking, camping, climbing, kayaking and sightseeing. Great t-shirts too! Located on Upper Hoh Road on the way to the Hoh Rainforest - you can’t miss it!
Aliya Preserve – Kalaloch
This is a Peace Vans exclusive campground—available to our renters & customers only.
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?
The Olympic Peninsula is a destination that truly shines in every season.
If you’re planning a visit, consider booking a camper van from Peace Vans—especially in the fall and winter, when rates are lower and crowds are lighter. It’s the perfect way to experience the park with comfort, flexibility, and a little extra adventure.
