Choose from nearly a dozen campgrounds where you can park your RV for up to 14 days at a time. None of the campgrounds provide hookups or showers, but you'll find basic amenities like restrooms and running water. The campgrounds are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with the exception of Coho Campground (fs.usda.gov), which can be reserved online. The campground is situated on the Wynoochee Reservoir, a favorite area with power boat enthusiasts and fishermen. The campground has 46 campsites suitable for RVs up to 36 feet long as well as group sites, walk-in tent sites and yurts. Flush toilets and running water are available at the campground, which is open from mid-May through mid-November
Self-contained dispersed camping is allowed throughout much of the forest. No fee is required for dispersed camping, but there are no toilets or water provided. You may camp on vegetation-free, hard-packed areas within 150 feet of a forest road as long as you stay at least 50 feet from any body of water or wetland. The forest also has seven dispersed camping areas near frequently used recreation areas, such as trailheads and rivers. Restrooms and water are not provided, but you will find picnic tables and fire rings at a few areas. Use Leave No Trace (lnt.org) practices and either use your RV restroom facility or portable human waste containment bag or bury human waste a minimum of 6 inches below the ground, removing used toilet paper and feminine hygiene products in a plastic baggie to dispose of with your trash.
With elevations varying in the forest from sea level to nearly 3,000 feet, you can find activities year round, including hiking, horseback riding and birding. Most campgrounds are open during the summer season, from mid-May through Labor Day, but you can find a few campgrounds, such as Brown Creek (fs.usda.gov), that provide year-round camping. However, expect scaled-back amenities, such as no potable water from September through May, and fewer sites available for camping.
Use bear-safe techniques when camping in Olympic National Forest. Store your food out of sight in a hard-sided RV or use wildlife-proof containers to store food, garbage and other scented items at least 100 feet from camp if you use a tent trailer or pop-up. Storing food in airtight containers and keeping windows on your rig closed can help eliminate scents that will attract hungry bears to your campsite. Cougars also prowl the forest. Although sightings are not common, it is wise to keep children and pets close by you at all times and hike in groups of three or more in remote areas.
