A-frames near La Push with swimming
Camp near La Push for rainforest hikes, salmon fishing, and views of ancient petroglyphs.
- La Push
Popular camping styles for La Push
A-frames near La Push with swimming guide
Overview
Surrounded by Olympic National Park, La Push is a small community in the Quileute Indian Reservation. With the Olympic Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean splashing in the west, campers can hike in rainforests and kayak through swells in the same day. First Beach, Second Beach, Third Beach, and Rialto Beach offer plenty of coastal shoreline to explore, while the Quillayute River, which runs through the village, offers anglers quick access to salmon and trout. Lake Ozette delivers even more fishing opportunities, as well as boardwalk trails and ancient petroglyphs. And Sol Duc Valley delights visitors with waterfalls, mineral hot springs, and plenty of camping accommodations nearby, from amenity-filled RV campsites to remote backcountry sites.
Where to go
Olympic National Park
Olympic National Park has 73 miles of coastline to explore, four rainforests with tons of hiking trails, hundreds of lakes, and 4,000 miles of rivers and streams. It’s a backcountry camping paradise—but campers should bring a tarp in case of rain (the park receives 12 feet of rainfall per year). RVers will find campsites with a variety of amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and hookups for electricity and water. After setting up camp, spend the day traversing the trail from Rialto Beach to Hole-in-the-Wall to check out the tidal pools bursting with underwater life.
Lake Ozette
Get a waterfront view when camping year-round at Lake Ozette, a 45-minute drive from La Push. Most campgrounds found here are rustic, with pit toilets and potable water but no hookups. Go whale watching from one of the boardwalk trails that heads toward the coast, or follow another trail to Sand Point to view 54 ancient petroglyphs. Then kayak the lake and explore three small islands—Tivoli, Garden Island, and Baby Island. Ozette Lake is teeming with fish and is also home to a boat-in campground so anglers can wake up on the water.
Sol Duc Valley
East of La Push, Sol Duc Valley delivers lush, old-growth rainforests and iconic fishing. For hiking, hit up the Sol Duc Falls Trail that weaves throughout the stunning landscape toward a pounding 48-foot high waterfall. Anglers should check out Sol Duc River for year-round fishing for salmon, steelhead, and trout. Then, pay a visit to Sol Duc Hot Springs, where three mineral pools warmed by volcanic rocks create a soothing spot to relax. Shoreline campsites dot the river and offer services for both tents and RVs, with amenities ranging from picnic tables and firepits to restrooms and potable water taps.
When to go
La Push has an oceanic climate with warm summers and rainy winters. The mild temperatures make camping year-round appealing. August is the warmest month and a great time for ocean swimming, while November through January see the most rainfall. If chasing waterfalls is on the agenda, the best time to see them is in April and May, when the snowpack is melting.
