Staircase Area
Staircase Campground sits along the Skokomish River in a riverside old-growth forest setting deep in Olympic's eastern reaches. You get 49 standard sites with fire grates and picnic tables—no hookups, no showers, no frills. It's rustic and quiet, designed for backpackers and hikers accessing the Staircase trail system and seeking riverside nights under mature forest canopy.
✅ BOOK IF: Backpackers, hikers, and tent campers seeking a quiet riverside forest base camp with trail access and old-growth forest ambiance. ❌ SKIP IF: RV campers (not permitted), those needing showers or hookups, day-use visitors seeking facilities, or anyone uncomfortable with mandatory bear food hanging protocols.
Standard tent sites
Skokomish River and old-growth forest views
Skokomish River recreation, Staircase hiking trail system access
Amphitheater ranger programs available in summer; riverside setting good for supervised play; no playground equipment; suitable for families comfortable with primitive camping and bear safety protocols
July through September (warmest, driest); June and October possible but cooler and wetter; avoid October 15 onward (winterized, limited services)
Approach via unpaved Highway 119 access road (standard vehicle but drive slowly and carefully). Pull into gravel/dirt pads; no hookups to manage. Bear box not provided—designate a hanging system immediately (rope, carabiners). Fire grate is your only cooking and heating method; gather kindling before dark.
Rustic riverside forest camp with peaceful, quiet old-growth forest ambiance. Limited amenities (no showers, vault toilets, no dump) and unpaved access filter out car campers, leaving a self-sufficient backpacker and hiker crowd. Riverside sounds and forest solitude dominate the experience.
No showers on site—water-only washup at seasonal spigots. No laundry facilities. Nearest laundry and shower facilities in Hoodsport, WA (distance not specified).
Staircase draws backpackers and hikers seeking a quiet riverside base camp in old-growth forest. Limited facilities (no showers, no dump station) don't deter its fan base; the Skokomish River setting and trail access make the rustic tradeoff worth it. Summer ranger programs add appeal for families seeking natural education.
Standard tent sites
Ranger-led interpretive programs (summer), hiking trail access, Skokomish River recreation, wildlife viewing
recreation.gov (Booking: Up to 14 days in advance; available seasonally)
No Pets Allowed
" Staircase draws backpackers and hikers seeking a quiet riverside base camp in old-growth forest. Limited facilities (no showers, no dump station) don't deter its fan base; the Skokomish River setting and trail access make the rustic tradeoff worth it. Summer ranger programs add appeal for families seeking natural education."
No. RVs and trailers are not permitted at Staircase. Standard vehicle access only via unpaved Highway 119.
Yes. All 49 sites require recreation.gov reservations with a 14-day advance booking window. Zero first-come-first-served sites available.
Yes, this is bear country. Food storage lockers are NOT provided. You must hang food 10+ feet high and 12+ feet from ground perimeter. Bear canisters highly recommended.
No showers. Only seasonal water spigots for washing. Nearest shower facilities in Hoodsport, WA. Plan for creek or sponge baths.
Yes, fires permitted in designated grates only. No wood gathering allowed. Check for seasonal fire bans during dry weather before your visit.
Seasonally. The campground closes November 1 and winterizes October 15 (no flush toilets or potable water after that date). Check recreation.gov for current season dates.
6 listings
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