Hoh Campground

Hoh Campground sits in Olympic's temperate rainforest with 78 paved sites along the Hoh River. This is a developed campground—flush toilets, food lockers, and summer ranger programs—but no showers or hookups. Hall of Mosses trailhead is a short walk; this is serious rainforest camping with established trees between sites. Summer means reservations and ranger talks; off-season is first-come first-served and quiet.

Quick facts

Reservation System: Recreation.gov (summer); First-come first-served (off-season)
Reservation Window: Book on Recreation.gov for June 1 – September 15 openings; arrive early morning for first-come sites October – May
Reservation Tips: Book early on Recreation.gov for June 1 – September 15 dates. October – May operates first-come first-served; arrive at campground before 10am weekdays or very early weekends for best site selection.
Season Dates: Year-round; reserved June 1 – September 15, first-come first-served October – May

Reservations & season

Reservation System: Recreation.gov (summer); First-come first-served (off-season)
Reservation Window: Book on Recreation.gov for June 1 – September 15 openings; arrive early morning for first-come sites October – May
Reservation Tips: Book early on Recreation.gov for June 1 – September 15 dates. October – May operates first-come first-served; arrive at campground before 10am weekdays or very early weekends for best site selection.
Season Dates: Year-round; reserved June 1 – September 15, first-come first-served October – May
Fills Up Speed: Books out during summer reservation window; usually available off-season
Per Night Cost: $24.00

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total: 78
Site Types: Tent and RV (mixed standard sites)
Site Type Breakdown: 78 standard sites (tent and RV compatible)
RV Max Length: 21 feet (most sites); 35 feet (select sites)
Group Sites Available: 0
Hookups: Dry camping only
Site Features: Fire grate, picnic table (with extensions at accessible sites), food storage locker, potable water spigot
Ground Type: Paved pads at most sites
Site Privacy: Sites have established vegetation and forest spacing; moderate privacy, not isolated

Facilities

Bathroom Types: Flush toilets, year-round
Potable Water: Potable water spigots available year-round
Dump Station: No on-site dump station
Trash Service: Dumpsters provided, year-round
Camp Store: No camp store; nearest supplies in Forks, WA
Firewood Availability: Firewood available for purchase (seasonal)
Cell Service: No cell service; download offline maps before arrival
Nearby Facilities: Forks, WA (groceries, gas, lodging, restaurants; distance unknown from campground)

Access

Road Type: Paved
Road Conditions: Paved roads throughout; suitable for all standard vehicles
Vehicle Restrictions: Trailers and RVs up to 21 feet standard; select sites accommodate up to 35 feet
Clearance Needed: Standard
Gate Hours: Open all day, year-round access
Nearest Gas Services: Forks, WA (distance unknown)
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible restrooms, paved campsites throughout, picnic table extensions, accessible parking near main facilities
ADA Accessible Sites: Wheelchair-accessible restrooms, paved campsites, and picnic table extensions available; specific count unknown

Rules & safety

Bear Country: Yes
Food Storage Requirements: Food storage lockers provided at all sites; mandatory use
Fire Restrictions: Fires in designated grates only; subject to seasonal bans—check NPS website before visit
Alcohol Permitted: 0

What it is like

Onsite Activities: Summer ranger programs, hiking (Hall of Mosses Trail, Hoh River Trail), fishing, river exploration
Trailheads Nearby: Hall of Mosses Trail (nearby), Hoh River Trail (at campground), Spruce Nature Trail
Fishing Details: Fishing available in Hoh River; check current NPS regulations and licensing requirements
Wildlife Viewing: Black bears, Roosevelt elk, river otters, salmon (seasonal), songbirds, marbled murrelets
Stargazing Quality: Limited due to dense forest canopy and frequent cloud cover typical of temperate rainforest
Shade Coverage: Full forest canopy; mostly shaded throughout day
Scenic Views: Hoh River, temperate rainforest with moss-draped trees, dense evergreen forest
Noise Level: River sounds throughout day and night; peaceful after dark; no highway noise
Best Time To Visit: June – September for ranger programs, guaranteed water, and most reliable weather; October – May for solitude and lower crowds
Vibe Check: Developed forest campground with established vegetation and river sounds. Summer is busy (reservations booked solid) and social; off-season is peaceful and solitary. This isn't a parking lot, but it's not backcountry either—paved roads, flush toilets, and ranger programs keep things accessible. Highway noise absent. Feels like a real campground in the woods.
Camp Here If Skip If: ✅ BOOK IF: You want immersive temperate rainforest camping with trail access and don't mind no showers; families wanting summer ranger programs; off-season solitude seekers; tent campers or RV owners with rigs under 21 feet. ❌ SKIP IF: You need hookups, shower facilities, or cell service; large RVs over 35 feet; travelers uncomfortable without modern amenities; visitors requiring internet connectivity.
Tips Advice: Pack layers—wet rainforest stays cool and damp even in summer.
Download offline maps; no cell service here.
Use food lockers every time (bears); no exceptions.
Fill water containers before arriving for off-season camping.
Bring insect repellent May–September.
Check NPS website for current fire restrictions.
Paved sites level out easily; minimal site prep needed.
Plan for creek baths or drive to Forks for showers.

More details

Park Area: Hoh Rain Forest Area
Family Friendly Notes: Summer ranger programs ideal for families; river access interesting for kids; short, easy trails nearby (Hall of Mosses); paved layout is stroller-friendly
Amphitheater: Yes; year-round ranger program venue (summer programs)
Nearby Attractions: Hall of Mosses Trail, Hoh River Trail, Hoh Visitor Center, Olympic Coast and other park areas via Highway 101
Terrain Type: Flat, forested terrain adjacent to river; moss-covered ancient trees
Snow Season: Rare at campground elevation
Wind Exposure: Protected by dense forest canopy
Bug Season: Mosquitoes likely May–September; bring repellent
Setup Strategy: Paved internal roads and level pads make setup straightforward for all rigs. Most sites handle back-in or pull-through; tight turning radii exist at select larger-rig sites (21+ feet). Expect wet pavement in rain. Sites up to 21 feet park comfortably at standard spots; confirm with ranger before arrival for 35-foot rigs. No need for leveling blocks at most pads.
Bath Laundry Recon: No shower facilities. No laundry. Plan for creek wading (cold, year-round) or drive 20 minutes to Forks for commercial showers. Most long-term campers adjust to minimal-water washups; pack dry shampoo and baby wipes.
Review Summary: Campers praise the authentic temperate rainforest setting and proximity to Hall of Mosses—one of Olympic's most iconic easy hikes. Summer ranger programs and riverside atmosphere draw families; river sounds and forest canopy provide peaceful ambiance. Trade-offs: no showers, no cell service, and summer crowds require early reservation or off-season flexibility.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can my 35-foot RV fit?

A few select sites accommodate RVs up to 35 feet; most sites max out at 21 feet. Call the park (360-565-3130) to confirm specific site availability for your rig length before booking.

Do I need a reservation, or can I just show up?

Reservations required June 1 – September 15 on Recreation.gov. October – May is first-come first-served; arrive early morning (before 10am) for best selection.

Are there shower facilities?

No. This is a developed campground with flush toilets and food lockers, but no shower house. Plan for river/creek wading or drive to Forks for commercial facilities.

Will I have cell service here?

No cell service and no internet. Download offline maps, carry a printed park map, and charge devices before arrival. The isolation is part of the appeal.

What's there to do at the campground itself?

Summer ranger programs at the amphitheater, fishing and wading in the Hoh River, exploration of the rainforest setting, and direct trailhead access to Hall of Mosses Trail.

Can I have a campfire?

Yes, fires allowed year-round in designated grates. Always check the NPS website before your trip for seasonal fire restrictions or bans due to dry conditions.

Are bears a real concern here?

Yes, black bears are present. Food storage lockers are provided at every site—use them without fail. Store all scented items (food, toiletries, trash) in the locker, never in your tent or vehicle.