One of the most amazing experiences you’ll ever have is Olympic National Park RV camping. This park is absolutely magical! Having the opportunity to completely immerse yourself in this bubble of nature by parking your home-on-wheels in the middle of it all is a dream come true.
The RVer’s Guide to Olympic National Park’s 10 Best Things to Do
If you’re thinking of going camping in the Pacific Northwest, you may be wondering what kind of things to do are available for RV campers at Olympic National Park. Honestly, I doubt you will have any trouble finding ways to fill your time. That said, here are 10 amazing experiences you don’t want to miss.
10. Sleep to the Sound of Waves at Kalaloch Campground
First, we highly recommend parking your RV at Kalaloch Campground. This lovely little NPS campground may not have hookups, but it is easily one of the most beautiful places we have ever camped.
The campsites are all wooded and private, but many campers are able to see the ocean from their sites, and walking to the beach is a cinch. This means that you get a woodsy camping experience and a beach camping experience all at once, and it is magical.
9. Picnic in a Driftwood Structure in Kalaloch
Another thing you’ll want to do while enjoying some Olympic National Park RV camping? Check out the many driftwood structures on the beaches of the Kalaloch area. Finding these structures doesn’t take much effort. Simply stroll along one of the area beaches and keep your eyes peeled for cute little huts and lean-tos made entirely out of driftwood.
Set up camp in one of these structures and have a picnic lunch there. They provide great shade and many of them allow you to sit facing the waves, and we can’t think of a more memorable place to picnic.
8. Watch the Sunset on Ruby Beach
One of the greatest things about Olympic National Park RV camping? You can stay past sunset and still get to your bed at a decent time. Take full advantage of this by heading to Ruby Beach for sunset during your trip.
Ruby Beach is an absolutely stunning place (definitely one of the prettiest beaches in the country), and the way the sun sets over the water and behind the sea stacks here is breathtakingly beautiful. You’ll see people setting up camera tripods as sunset approaches, and once you see the spectacle, you’ll understand why.
7. Wander the Hall of Mosses Trail
We adore the fact that Olympic National Park is home to a rainforest. Seriously, how cool is it to be able to wander a real, moss-covered rainforest and marvel at all the greenery?
There are a number of trails through the Hoh Rainforest in the park, but if you only have time for one, we recommend the Hall of Mosses Trail. This trail is more of a stroll than a hike, so it’s easy for anyone to enjoy. It takes you under hanging moss and right by some of the most twisted trees with the craziest, most tangled roots we’ve ever seen.
Some of the scenery along this trail is downright otherworldly and it is one of the park’s must-see experiences in my opinion.
6. Find Banana Slugs in Hoh Rainforest
While you’re exploring the rainforest, be sure to keep your eyes peeled (pun 100% intended) for banana slugs. These slimy guys like to hang out in the dirt and on plants after it rains—which, as you might have guessed, is quite often in the rainforest—and they are the biggest slugs we have ever come across. Yes, they are yellow, and many of them are covered in brown spots just like a banana.
Reminder: If you do find a banana slug, don’t touch it. Wildlife should always be left undisturbed and banana slugs are no exception.
5. Camp in a Rainforest at Hoh Campground
If you’re as fascinated by the Hoh Rainforest as we are, you’ll be happy to learn you can actually sleep in the rainforest under a canopy of mossy trees. Hoh Campground is our favorite campground in the park and is the perfect place to park your RV and fully immerse yourself in the green, mossy beauty of the rainforest.
Like Kalaloch Campground, this campground does not have any hookups, so be sure you go in prepared for boondocking!
4. Tidepool at Mora’s Hole in the Wall
There are a number of amazing places to go tidepooling in Olympic National Park. We adore this activity because it allows us to get up close and personal with some of the park’s inhabitants. One of the best places to check out tide pools? Mora’s Hole in the Wall.
- To get to this iconic spot, you will need to hike along the beautiful Rialto Beach during low tide, something that does require hiking shoes.
- During your hike, you’ll enjoy driftwood of all shapes and sizes, lovely views of sea stacks, and possibly even some wildlife such as sea lions and eagles.
- At one point you will need to cross Ellen’s Creek, so be prepared to take your shoes off or get them wet.
You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the iconic hole in the wall, which was created by waves over time. Walk through the hole and you’ll find the tide pools, teeming with life. Spend time getting acquainted with the aquatic critters, but be sure to watch the time so you aren’t trapped by high tide.
3. Hike to Sol Duc Falls
Another hike that you really should take while enjoying some Olympic National Park camping is the hike to Sol Duc Falls. This is an easy 1.6-mile hike that almost anyone can enjoy. You will want to wear good shoes, as there are stairs, roots, and rocks along the way, but nothing is too difficult.
The falls themselves are beautiful! They feature a dramatic 15-foot drop and three separate shoots.
We recommend parking at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort for this hike so you can enjoy a soak in the hot springs after your hike.
2. Take in Views at Hurricane Ridge
For many, no national park visit is complete without some incredible views. While you will absolutely see some gorgeous things while spending time on the beaches and in the rainforest, some of Olympic National Park’s best views are found at Hurricane Ridge.
Grab a camera, take the drive over to this area, and spend a day taking in the incredible views.
1. Kayak on Lake Crescent
No guide to RVing at Olympic National Park is complete without a mention of Lake Crescent. Our favorite thing to do on this crystal clear glacial lake? Kayaking, of course!
There are plenty of places to rent a kayak (or canoe or SUP board). Or, you can bring your own. It’s not hard to find a place to put your watercraft onto the water. From there you can paddle around to take in the breathtaking beauty of the place. Then enjoy all of the lake’s little nooks and crannies.
There you have it! Ten amazing things you won’t want to miss while on your Olympic National Park RV camping adventure. Which one will you try first?
