Campground

Staircase Campground

Campground

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.

Quick facts

Reservation System
recreation.gov
Reservation Window
Sites may be reserved up to 6 months, 2 weeks, or 4 days in advance on Recreation.gov.
Reservation Tips
Reservations required July 8 through September 29; first-come, first-served outside that period when the campground is open. Self-register at the campground. NPS also allows any unreserved sites to be registered in person for one night only at the registration board. Sites may be reserved up to 6 months, 2 weeks, or 4 days in advance on Recreation.gov.
Season Dates
Open seasonally. Check NPS conditions before travel; outside the reservation period, first-come camping is available when open.

Reservations & season

Reservation System
recreation.gov
Reservation Window
Sites may be reserved up to 6 months, 2 weeks, or 4 days in advance on Recreation.gov.
Reservation Tips
Reservations required July 8 through September 29; first-come, first-served outside that period when the campground is open. Self-register at the campground. NPS also allows any unreserved sites to be registered in person for one night only at the registration board. Sites may be reserved up to 6 months, 2 weeks, or 4 days in advance on Recreation.gov.
Season Dates
Open seasonally. Check NPS conditions before travel; outside the reservation period, first-come camping is available when open.
Fills Up Speed
Moderate to high demand; books within 7-10 days during peak summer months
Per Night Cost
$24 per site per night; park entrance fees are separate.
Passes Accepted
America the Beautiful Pass ($80 annual, covers park entrance fee)

Sites & RV fit

Sites Total
49
Site Types
Tent and RV sites; no hookups.
Site Type Breakdown
49 total sites; RV sites up to 21 feet, a few up to 35 feet.
RV Max Length
RVs: sites for vehicles up to 21 feet, with a few up to 35 feet. Check the specific site dimensions before arrival.
Group Sites Available
No
Group Site Capacity
No group sites available
Hookups
Dry camping only; no electrical, water, or sewer hookups
Site Features
Fire grate (designated fires only), picnic table, animal-proof food lockers. No hookups.
Ground Type
Dirt and natural forest floor; moss and duff covering
Site Privacy
Good privacy; mature forest provides natural screening between sites

Facilities

Bathroom Types
Flush toilets (seasonal), vault toilets (seasonal)
Showers Available
No showers available
Potable Water
Spigots available seasonally
Dump Station
No dump station on site. RVs are allowed within site length limits.
Trash Service
Dumpsters available year-round
Camp Store
No camp store on site; nearest supplies in Hoodsport, WA
Firewood Availability
Available for purchase seasonally from host; firewood transport restricted (don't move firewood between sites or regions)
Cell Service
No cell phone reception; download offline maps before arriving
Nearby Facilities
Hoodsport, WA (nearest town for supplies, laundry, hot meals; distance not specified)

Access

Road Type
Mixed: paved highway (WA 119) to unpaved access road
Road Conditions
Highway 119 is paved; final approach is unpaved. Standard vehicles can navigate in dry conditions but may encounter washboarding and mud after rain. Drive carefully on rough surface.
Vehicle Restrictions
RVs: sites for vehicles up to 21 feet, with a few up to 35 feet. Check the specific site dimensions before arrival.
Clearance Needed
Standard clearance acceptable in dry conditions; high clearance recommended after rain due to unpaved road
Nearest Gas Services
Hoodsport, WA (exact distance not specified; gas and supplies available there)
Accessibility
No wheelchair-accessible sites; unpaved access road; no paved pathways in campground; pit/vault toilets, no showers
ADA Accessible Sites
No wheelchair-accessible sites designated; unpaved access road and basic facilities

Rules & safety

Bear Country
Yes
Food Storage Requirements
Animal-proof food lockers are available at Staircase. For frontcountry camping, store food, trash and scented items in your vehicle, a park-provided food locker, or an animal-resistant food container whenever they are not being prepared or consumed. Do not leave them unattended; food hanging is not the recommended frontcountry storage method.
Fire Restrictions
Fires permitted in designated grates only. Check for seasonal fire bans during dry weather. No wood gathering allowed.
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pet Restrictions
Pets are allowed in the campground on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Clean up after them. Pets are not permitted on Staircase area park trails or in the wilderness; check NPS for the separate list of designated pet-friendly trails elsewhere in Olympic.
Alcohol Permitted
No

What it is like

Onsite Activities
Ranger-led interpretive programs (summer), hiking trail access, Skokomish River recreation, wildlife viewing
Trailheads Nearby
Staircase Ranger Station adjacent; hiking trail access to backcountry trails in Staircase area (specific trailhead distances not provided)
Fishing Details
Skokomish River fishing possible; Washington state fishing license required; check Olympic NP fishing regulations and seasonal closures before your visit
Wildlife Viewing
Deer, elk, raccoons, river wildlife common; follow safe distance guidelines (25 yards general wildlife, 100 yards bears and wolves)
Stargazing Quality
Limited by dense forest canopy; old-growth trees block most sky view
Shade Coverage
Full canopy coverage; old-growth forest provides dense shade throughout campground
Scenic Views
Skokomish River and old-growth forest views
Noise Level
River ambient sounds; natural forest quiet; no traffic or highway noise
Best Time To Visit
July through September is generally warmer and drier; check seasonal opening, road conditions and facilities before an October visit.
Vibe Check
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.
Camp Here If Skip If
✅ BOOK IF: Backpackers, hikers, and tent campers seeking a quiet riverside forest base camp with trail access and old-growth forest ambiance. ❌ SKIP IF: RVs that exceed available site dimensions (sites for 21 feet, a few for 35 feet), those needing showers or hookups, day-use visitors seeking facilities, or anyone uncomfortable with securing food, trash and scented items in a vehicle, park food locker or animal-resistant container.
Tips Advice
  • Pack rain gear (typical even in summer—Pacific NW standard).
  • Animal-proof food lockers are available at Staircase. For frontcountry camping, store food, trash and scented items in your vehicle, a park-provided food locker, or an animal-resistant food container whenever they are not being prepared or consumed. Do not leave them unattended; food hanging is not the recommended frontcountry storage method.
  • Fire grates only; check for seasonal burn bans.
  • Download offline maps; no cell service.
  • Bring fire starter and kindling (wood may be damp).
  • Reservations required July 8 through September 29; first-come, first-served outside that period when the campground is open. Self-register at the campground. NPS also allows any unreserved sites to be registered in person for one night only at the registration board. Sites may be reserved up to 6 months, 2 weeks, or 4 days in advance on Recreation.gov.

More details

Park Area
Staircase Area
Family Friendly Notes
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
Amphitheater
Yes; hosts ranger programs and interpretive talks seasonally
Nearby Attractions
Skokomish River recreation, Staircase hiking trail system access
Terrain Type
Forested with old-growth trees; riverside setting in Skokomish River valley
Snow Season
Check current NPS access and weather conditions before travel; seasonal opening is not a guaranteed winter-access schedule.
Monsoon Season
No monsoon season; heavy rainfall common fall and winter
Wind Exposure
Protected by forest canopy and trees; exposed ridge wind unlikely
Bug Season
Mosquitoes common June–August; bring insect repellent
Setup Strategy
Approach via unpaved Highway 119 access road (standard vehicle but drive slowly and carefully). Pull into gravel/dirt pads; no hookups to manage. Animal-proof food lockers are available at Staircase. For frontcountry camping, store food, trash and scented items in your vehicle, a park-provided food locker, or an animal-resistant food container whenever they are not being prepared or consumed. Do not leave them unattended; food hanging is not the recommended frontcountry storage method. Fire grate is your only cooking and heating method; gather kindling before dark.
Bath Laundry Recon
No showers on site—water-only washup at seasonal spigots. No laundry facilities. Nearest laundry and shower facilities in Hoodsport, WA (distance not specified).
Review Summary
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.

Location

Frequently asked questions

Can I bring my RV or trailer?

Yes. RVs: sites for vehicles up to 21 feet, with a few up to 35 feet. Check the specific site dimensions before arrival.

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations required July 8 through September 29; first-come, first-served outside that period when the campground is open. Self-register at the campground. NPS also allows any unreserved sites to be registered in person for one night only at the registration board. Sites may be reserved up to 6 months, 2 weeks, or 4 days in advance on Recreation.gov.

Are there bears here?

Yes, this is bear country. Animal-proof food lockers are available at Staircase. For frontcountry camping, store food, trash and scented items in your vehicle, a park-provided food locker, or an animal-resistant food container whenever they are not being prepared or consumed. Do not leave them unattended; food hanging is not the recommended frontcountry storage method.

Are there showers?

No showers. Only seasonal water spigots for washing. Nearest shower facilities in Hoodsport, WA. Plan for creek or sponge baths.

Can I have campfires?

Yes, fires permitted in designated grates only. No wood gathering allowed. Check for seasonal fire bans during dry weather before your visit.

When is Staircase open?

Open seasonally. Check NPS conditions before travel; outside the reservation period, first-come camping is available when open.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated July 2026. Report an issue.