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Camping on the Olympic Peninsula: Your Fall Escape Guide
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items It's ‘hoa hoa hoa hoa’ season, fall is one of the best times to camp in the PNW: fewer crowds, bright colors, cozy campfire moments. Below are some of my favorite campgrounds (with fall-friendly notes and reservation tips)
Map
Sections
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Camping Essentials: Must Haves for a Cozy Camping trip
Top Campgrounds for Fall Camping on the Peninsula
Daytrippin: Fun options in the PNW for a quick trip.
Hotels, AirBnb's and Glamping Ideas
Camping Essentials: Must Haves for a Cozy Camping trip
To make your fall camping trip feel intentional (not just survival mode), think of bringing along a few comforts. And as a reminder, make sure to ALWAYS check weather conditions before heading out.
Reliable, roomy enough for gear + you, and relatively lightweight.
Ozark Trail, 3-Person Clip & Camp Dome Tent 7’ x 7’ x 44”, 5.64 lbs
No pump required; closed-cell foam, low risk of punctures, and reflective to help trap some warmth.
NEMO Switchback Sleeping Pad | REI Co-op
Oversized for extra comfort and space. Super warm, kept cozy when nights got down into the 30's.
Teton Celsius 0F Degree Doublewide Rectangular Sleeping Bag - Ivy
Another quality sleeping bag. Flannel interior kept my partner warm all night. Easy to pack.
Sportsman's Warehouse Elk Hunter -35F Degree Regular Rectangular Sleeping Bag - Red
A classic camping tool: we've used ours for years. Super reliable, easy to pack and clean.
Coleman 2-Burner Classic Stove with Removable Grate and Aluminized Cooktop, 20,000 BTUs, Green at Tractor Supply Co
Another basic that's become an essential with any camping trip. Easy to pack and clean, light weight for any backpacking trips.
Glacier Stainless 1-Person Mess Kit
A must read before visiting the Olympic National Park.
How to Pack for Day Hikes and Backpacking | Experience Olympic
Layers are key for warmth. This wool sweater would make a great addition to any camping weekend.
Pendleton Sweater Men's Large Brown Camp Stripe Henley Lambs Wool Pullover
Another essential layering item. Rain Repllent gear is necessary for PNW camping
Marmot Men’s Bero Softshell Zipper Jacket - Medium - Green - Water Repellent
Rain gear for rainy day hikes. This jacket is breathable and warm.
Mountain Hardwear Conduit SL Jacket (Women’s 12)
I've had these for years, really comfortable, sturdy, and have lasted throughout out some shifty hikes: mud, water, rocks, snow.
Merrell Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots - Women's | REI Co-op
Important pair to always have around, wool is key for wet weather, rugged pair that lasts.
Smartwool Hike Tube Stripe Crew Socks - Women's | REI Co-op
I prefer the oversized for more comfort and feels sturdier than standard camp chairs. I've had this chair for a couple years now and it's held up great!
Camping Chairs, Heavy Duty Foldable Outdoor Chair with Padded Back & Arm , Folding lawn Chairs with Side Pockets & Cup Holder for Outside, Fishing, Camp & Garden - Walmart.com
Must have for camping. Super packable and great for cozying up around the fire or in the tent. Compact so doesn't take up much space.
Original Puffy Blanket - Valley Dusk
Great for warmth and function.
Fairbanks Fingerless Gloves
Easy to pack and makes a cup of joe super fast! A staple for any camping outing.
Go Travel Coffee Press
If you're camping with a crew, this is a great option to make several cups in a snap!
Glacier Stainless Steel 6-Cup Percolator
Something you don't think about needing but this table is a must. Not all campgrounds have tables, so this is an easy, light option to take along.
Lifetime 4 ft One-Hand Adjustable-Height Fold-In-Half Resin Table, Almond (HD 80943)
A great option to have more space. Make sure to get the rain sleeve: it's a must-have for PNW camping.
Blackout Camping Tent for 6 Person, Instant Cabin Tents with Rainfly, Quick Setup Design, Water-Resistant, Orange - Walmart.com
Another item you don't know you need until you don't have it. Having a 'clean' space at the campsite is always welcome. Plus you can rinse off the rug for easy cleanup!
Wonnitar 5'x8' Outdoor Rug Waterproof, Outdoor Carpet Patio Rug Mat Reversible RV Camping Rug-Plastic Straw Rug Outside Outdoor Area Rug for Patio Deck Balcony Backyard Picnic Beach Green
These things pump out heat. Which is why we bring ours camping. Campfires are so fun, they're a lot cooler when they actually heat up the space.
Solo Stove Ranger 2.0 with Stand, Smokeless Fire Pit.
Top Campgrounds for Fall Camping on the Peninsula
Always check current status, weather, and access before you go — roads close, seasons shift, and some spots go first-come, first-served outside of summer.
Oceanside camping with tidepools, driftwood, and that “edge of the wild sea” feeling. Outside of the summer reservation window, it’s open first-come, first-served as conditions permit. Bring your Discover Pass.
Kalaloch, Olympic National Park - Recreation.gov
Nestled in old-growth forest along Lake Crescent, offering walk-in lakefront sites and quick access to trails. ☀️ Best earlier in fall before heavy rains set in.
Fairholme Campground, Olympic National Park
A cozy base for hitting the Hoh Rainforest, Rialto Beach, and rainforest hikes. Quiet, forested, and less traveled. Make sure you pack animal proof storage containers and bring your Discover Pass.
Bogachiel State Park
Camp along the Sol Duc River with access to hot springs and forest trails. The RV/tent campground stays open through November 2, 2025 (for some loops) depending on water and road.
Sol Duc Hot Springs RV Park | Olympic National Park & Forest | Olympic Peninsula WA
Daytrippin: Fun options in the PNW for a quick trip.
Cute little jaunts to cozy little towns in the PNW. Grab your boots and raincoats because we're going daytrippin'
A list of must-sees and do’s for a day trip to Poulsbo, WA — a perfect little Scandinavian-style getaway right on Liberty Bay. Think cozy shops, good food, and waterfront vibes. **IN COMMENTS**
City of Poulsbo, WA
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The Banana Belt of the PNW, Sequim, is such a cute spot to kill a few hours. Here's a list of my must-sees and dos! Pro tip: Sequim is pronounced “Skwim” 😘
Sequim, WA
Pro tip: Sequim is pronounced “Skwim” 😘
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Port Angeles, WA is a small coastal city tucked between the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympic Mountains, a true gateway to the wild, moody beauty of the Pacific Northwest. It’s the main entrance to Olympic National Park, but it’s got plenty of c...
Port Angeles, WA - Official Website | Official Website
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Hotels, AirBnb's and Glamping Ideas
Not everyone wants (or needs!) to rough it. A curated list of place to stay when visiting the Olympic Peninsula.
Nestled along the shore line of Sequim Bay, the cute cabins all have their own unique beach cabin feel, close to Sequim for food and shopping.
Sunset Marine Resort
Super cute spot, right on the water (Hood Canal) great for oystering, hiking and vibing with friends. Great spot to host group trips.
Olympic National Forest Glamping Village for the Ultimate Northwest Outdoor Adventure - Lilliwaup, Washington