Campground

Kalaloch Campround

Campground

Kalaloch is an oceanside campground 36 miles south of Forks, with 170 mixed tent and RV sites tucked between coastal meadows and old-growth forest. Peak season (June-September) takes online reservations; off-season sites are first-come, first-served. The campground offers beach access for tide pooling and trail systems, with flush toilets and potable water year-round, though no showers. Expect coastal winds, especially in open loops.

Quick facts

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
Peak season (June-September) books online at recreation.gov; off-season first-come, first-served
Reservation Tips
Peak season books 6 months in advance at recreation.gov—set an alarm. Off-season (October-May) is first-come, first-served; arrive by mid-morning to secure a spot.
Season Dates
Open year-round

Reservations & season

Reservation System
Recreation.gov
Reservation Window
Peak season (June-September) books online at recreation.gov; off-season first-come, first-served
Reservation Tips
Peak season books 6 months in advance at recreation.gov—set an alarm. Off-season (October-May) is first-come, first-served; arrive by mid-morning to secure a spot.
Season Dates
Open year-round
Fills Up Speed
Books instantly in peak season (June-Sept); usually available in off-season
Per Night Cost
$24 per night
Passes Accepted
America the Beautiful annual pass ($80); Olympic park entrance fees also apply

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
170
Site Types
Tent, RV
Site Type Breakdown
170 mixed tent and RV sites (no tent-only or RV-only designation)
RV Max Length
21 feet standard; a few sites accommodate up to 35 feet
Group Sites Available
0
Hookups
Dry camping only; no electrical hookups
Site Features
Fire ring (iron), picnic table, no bear locker. Paved campsites and picnic table extensions in Loop D.
Ground Type
Paved sites in Loop D; dirt and grass natural ground in other loops
Site Privacy
Forest-tucked sites in Loops A and D offer privacy; Loop B and C more open with less vegetation screening

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Flush toilets year-round
Showers Available
No showers on-site
Potable Water
Spigots available year-round
Dump Station
On-site RV dump station available year-round
Trash Service
Dumpsters and recycling provided year-round
Camp Store
No camp store on-site
Firewood Availability
Available for purchase from host (seasonal)
Cell Service
No reliable cell service; dependent on service provider. Download offline maps.
Nearby Facilities
Forks (36 miles north): grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, lodging, medical clinic. NPS ranger stations and visitor centers scattered throughout Olympic National Park.

Access

Road Type
Paved roads
Road Conditions
Paved roads throughout campground. All standard vehicles OK.
Vehicle Restrictions
Trailers and RVs allowed up to specified lengths (21 ft standard, up to 35 ft at select sites)
Clearance Needed
Standard
Distance From Entrance
36 miles south of Forks off Highway 101
Nearest Gas Services
Forks, 36 miles north (gas, groceries, lodging)
Elevation
Sea level
Accessibility
Paved campground roads. Accessible restrooms in Loops A and D. Paved campsites and picnic table extensions in Loop D for wheelchair access.
ADA Accessible Sites
Accessible restrooms in Loops A & D. Paved campsites and picnic table extensions in Loop D.

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
No bear lockers provided. Store all food in vehicle or bear canister. Maintain 100-yard distance from bears.
Fire Restrictions
Fires and stoves allowed in designated fire grates only. Always check for seasonal fire bans before your visit.
Alcohol Permitted
0

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Beach access and tide pool exploration, ranger programs at amphitheater, hiking nearby trails, wildlife viewing
Trailheads Nearby
Beach Access Trail from Kalaloch Campground; Kalaloch Creek Nature Trail; multiple beach access points
Wildlife Viewing
Elk, deer, black bears, bald eagles, seals and sea lions on the beach, shorebirds
Shade Coverage
Mixed forest and open meadow. Forest loops provide shade; meadow loops more exposed.
Scenic Views
Panoramic views of Pacific Ocean from oceanside sites; old-growth forest canopy
Noise Level
Quiet except for ocean waves and coastal wind. No road noise.
Best Time To Visit
July through September for dry weather, warmest temperatures, and lowest rainfall
Vibe Check
Oceanside beachfront campground with a split personality: forested, private loops (A, D) and open, windier meadow loops (B, C). Peak season brings families and car campers; off-season feels quiet and uncrowded. Not a destination for solitude seekers in July-August. Parking-lot vibe in some sections; more forest-camp feel in others.
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: Beach lovers, tide pool explorers, RV campers seeking affordable oceanside access, families with kids, budget-conscious groups. ❌ SKIP IF: Expecting hot showers, wanting privacy and solitude in peak season, sensitive to wind, requiring hookups or full amenities.
Tips Advice
  • Bring heavy-duty tent stakes—coastal winds are strong.
  • Pack rain gear year-round; precipitation is frequent.
  • Check tide charts before beach exploration to avoid getting cut off.
  • Download offline maps to your phone now—no cell service.
  • Heat water over camp stove for washing; no showers.
  • Bring toilet paper and a cathole shovel for Leave No Trace.
  • Store ALL food in your vehicle at night.
  • Firewood available seasonally; check on arrival.

More details

Park Area
Kalaloch (Coastal)
Family Friendly Notes
Excellent for families. Beach and tide pool exploration keeps kids engaged. Ranger programs at amphitheater provide education and entertainment. Easy beach trail access from camp.
Amphitheater
Amphitheater available year-round for ranger programs
Nearby Attractions
Pacific Ocean tide pools, old-growth Sitka spruce forest, Cape Flattery (northwesternmost point in lower 48), beach hiking
Terrain Type
Flat coastal meadow and forest lowland
Snow Season
Rare snow; occasional winter precipitation as rain
Wind Exposure
Exposed to ocean winds, especially in meadow loops. Forest loops provide wind breaks.
Setup Strategy
Pull into the campground via paved road. Back-in or pull-through sites available. Most sites are level; check for soft ground after rain. High-wind exposure in open loops—position tent perpendicular to prevailing wind and use all guy lines. RVs and trailers navigate easily on paved roads.
Bath Laundry Recon
No shower facilities on-site; this is the #1 complaint. Workarounds: heat water over camp stove, use wet wipes, or drive to Forks (36 mi, 50 min) for shower facilities. No laundry on-site; nearest laundry in Forks.
Review Summary
Campers consistently praise the beach access and tide pool exploration. Common complaints: no showers, strong coastal winds, and crowds in peak season. Off-season visitors report peaceful atmosphere and solitude.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can my 35-foot RV fit?

Most sites accommodate up to 21 feet. A few select sites can fit up to 35 feet—contact the ranger station before arrival to confirm availability for your specific rig length.

Do I need a reservation?

Peak season (June-September) requires online reservations at recreation.gov. Off-season (October-May) is first-come, first-served; arrive early.

Are there bears here?

Yes. Store all food in your vehicle or bear canister. Keep a 100-yard distance from any wildlife. Never approach bears or seals.

Is it quiet at night?

Quiet except for ocean waves and coastal wind, which can be loud in exposed loops. Forest loops are quieter and more sheltered.

Are showers available on-site?

No showers. Nearest shower facilities are in Forks, 36 miles away. Heat water over camp stove or use wet wipes for washing.

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Sources

Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.