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Surrounded by temperate rain forest, this small and remote campground is a great spot for campers seeking solitude.
Located along the shores of the North Fork Quinault River. From Highway 101, go to the northwestern shores of Quinault Lake turn L on to North Shore Road and drive 17 mi to roads end,
This is a bit out of the way compared to other drive up campsites nearby, but we came on a Friday night in the middle of the summer, it was the sixth campground we checked that night, and the only one that was not full. About half of the ten or so campsites were occupied. The drive in is not entirely paved, but there weren't many potholes and our little car did just fine. It took about thirty minutes to get to from the 101.
Getting there, you can either take the south shore or north shore road of lake Quinault. The south side is more paved, and there are more farms you drive past. The north side seemed a bit more rugged, there was a small bridge you cross that was 'interesting', and there were good views of the forest and lake.
As opposed to other campgrounds I have stayed at in Washington, this campground is in the Olympic National Park, and so the rules and atmosphere are a bit different than in the state park or national forest. For example, dogs are not permitted here technically (we had a dog). Also the only bathroom facilities are port-a-potties, which badly needed cleaning. So don't come here for the deluxe European style camping experience.
What this campground does offer is that it is directly in the old growth rainforest that is otherwise quite difficult if not impossible to access. Your tent will sit among thousand year old trees. It also rained, despite it being August, but it was a warm, light, refreshing rain that did not get you wet.
Loved our first stay at the North Fork Campground! Not too far of a drive from Seattle (2.5 hours), with plenty of picturesque scenery to enjoy along the way. We reserved our camp spot online via. the Recreation.gov smart phone app and showed up to our reserves campsite. Everything was cleaned up real nice for us, which was awesome! There’s plenty of nearby trails for the adventurer and a river to enjoy as well. Campsites weren’t too close together and our Saturday night was very quiet and enjoyable. Campsite also sells firewood (which is great) and they can provide chopping tools if you don’t have a set of your own. #PNWonderland
My partner and I have found this very special out-of-the-way spot very special. Always empty, a bit desolate and always inviting; the spots are small, but the river is big and unforgettable. We’re local so this is a regular spot for us to rough-it occasionally and dig bare feet into the rocks under cedars and watch green water. Perfect Northwest stuff.
Great location, secluded, great family experience. No water here, but there are porta potties. Its first come first serve, but shouldn't have any issues getting a spot as there was no-one else there when we stayed in May 2023.
Stopped by on December 29th. The portable toilets were removed for the season and the pay station was winterized. The concrete USFS restroom a short walk away at the North Fork Trail Head was unlocked and in good condition.
