National Park Service · Olympic National Park · WA

Hoh Rainforest Campground

3Heads uppark alerts
Caution
Staircase Developed Area is Open, Use Caution in Burned Areas The Staircase developed area is open. The surrounding wilderness areas will remain closed as repair and recovery efforts continue. Use extreme caution when entering burned areas. Burned landscapes may contain falling trees and branches…
Park Closure
Highway 101 Overnight Closures at Hoh River Bridge, October 13-19 These overnight Highway 101 closures cuts off the only direct route between some of the most popular areas of the park. There are no detours available. Taking alternate routes around the east side of the Olympic Peninsula will add at least…
Danger
Bat Tests Positive for Rabies, Visitors Urged to Report Potential Contact A rabid bat was found at Olympic National Park near Staircase Bridge on August 9th. At approximately 2 p.m., the bat swooped down onto an unidentified woman and was temporarily caught in her hair. This individual is at risk for rabies and…
Alerts: National Park Service alerts API · Oct 16, 2026
ReservableOut of season; the next season isn't published.
Book on recreation.govWe make nothing when you book
Right now
Nobody has saidNo season, no closure, no bookings to read
Sites
8974 on recreation.gov
84 ftLongest rig
580 ftElevation
484 ftWater · Hoh RiverBay · 20.7 mi · to Agate Bay
20.4 miSE of Forks, WA
65%Tree cover

The place

the agency’s own description · what’s there · 14 notices

In the agency’s own words

The reservation season for the 2026 summer season for the Hoh campground is June 12, 2026 - September 6, 2026. Important information about booking windows: To better serve visitors, Hoh Campground will be releasing campsites in a series of three staggered block releases by loop. These block releases will be 6 months in advance, two weeks in advance, and 4 days in advance. • A loop campsites will be available for reservation 6 months in advance. • C loop campsites will be available for reservations two weeks in advance. • B loop campsites will be available for reservations 4 days in advance. Keep reading

Outside the reservation season, Hoh Campground is open for camping on a first-come, first-served basis. Some campsites may be closed during winter. The Hoh Rain Forest, pronounced "Hoe", earns its name from the ever-flowing Hoh River that carves its way from Mount Olympus towards the Pacific Coast. However, where the name originates, is up for debate. The word "Hoh" undoubtedly comes from Native American languages; possibly the Quileute word "Ohalet" which means "fast moving water" or "snow water." Since the river itself forms from glacial runoff, that origin seems straightforward. Other explanations state that the Quinault word "Qu," meaning "boundary," could be the root of the name as a river as massive as the Hoh certainly forms a formidable boundary across the landscape. A third consideration claims that the word "Hoh" translates to "man with quarreling wives." What the actual history behind the name is, appears to be lost to time. Regardless of the name, there's no question as to the allure that draws visitors back to the rainforest year after year. Throughout the winter season, rain falls frequently in the Hoh Rain Forest, contributing to the yearly average of 140 inches (3.55 meters) of precipitation each year. The result is a lush, green canopy of both coniferous and deciduous species. Mosses and ferns that blanket the surfaces add another dimension to the enchantment of the rainforest.

Recreation

The trailhead for this area is located next to Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center, which is a great place for more information. The staff can provide ideas for your visit and park exhibits will help explain what makes this area so special. The area offers two short loop trails as well as an out-and-back trail through the forest near Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center. The visitor center is open daily during the summer, usually closed January through early March, and generally open Friday through Sunday during the spring and fall seasons (hours may vary according to season). The Hall of Mosses Trail (.8 miles/ 1.2 km) is an iconic loop that takes you through old growth forest and features a grove of maples trees draped with abundant club moss. The Spruce Nature Trail (1.2 miles/ 1.9 km) is a diverse trail that loops through both old and new growth forest as you walk alongside Taft Creek and the Hoh River. The Hoh River trail is the area's main hiking trail. This out-and-back trail can be taken as far as one desires. Taken all the way, it leads past multiple backcountry camping areas, the last being Glacier Meadows at 17.3 miles (27.8 km), and ultimately ends 18.5 miles/ 30 km out at the Blue Glacier moraine looking up at Mt. Olympus. The Hoh Lake trail branches off from the Hoh River trail just after the ranger station and ascends to Bogachiel Peak between the Hoh and the Sol Duc Valley. For those wanting to explore this area as a day hike, there are additional popular turn-around points along the trail. First River access (0.9 miles/ 2.9 km one way) Mineral Creek Falls (2.7 miles/ 4.3 one way) Cedar Grove (4.0 miles/ 6.4 km one way) 5-mile Island (5.0 miles/ 8.0 km one way) All backcountry permits must be reserved online. To get permits and more information on backpacking along the Hoh River Trail and throughout Olympic National Park, visit the Wilderness (Backcountry) Reservations page: https://www.recreation.gov/permits/4098362 Pets are not allowed on trails in the Hoh Rain Forest . Pets are allowed on leash in developed areas such as the campground, picnic areas, and parking lots. Visit our Pets page for more information on where you can take your pet in the park: https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/pets.htm Facilities Hoh Campground is a large facility with 72 campsites, including one group site and one ADA accessible site. Each site has a campfire ring and picnic table. Food lockers and drinking water are available at campground loop restrooms. There are no RV hookups at this facility. The RV dump station is closed indefinitely . The nearest shower facility is Bogachiel State Park (23 miles one way) and payment is required. The nearest dump is Bogachiel State Park (23 miles north) or Kalaloch campground (33 miles south), and payment is required. Campers can purchase firewood in the B-loop near the campground host sites (May through September); however, firewood supplies are limited and are first-come, first-serve.

Natural Features

The Hoh Rain Forest is located in the stretch of the Pacific Northwest rainforest which once spanned the Pacific coast from southeastern Alaska to the central coast of California. The Hoh is one of the finest remaining examples of temperate rainforest in the United States and is one of the park's most popular destinations. Contact Info This location has limited staffing. Please call (360) 565-3130 for general information.

Nearby Attractions

Olympic National Park has much to explore, including temperate rain forests, ocean shores, sub-alpine mountains, lakes and more. Kalaloch, Quinault, and Forks are within a 45 minute to a 90 minute drive.

What the agency tells you

Rule

Hoh Campground has a 7-day maximum stay limit during the reservation season and there is a 21-day maximum stay limit for all Olympic National Park campgrounds collectively. Outside of the reservation season, Hoh Campground is open year-round (weather permitting) and operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Rule

Call the recorded line at 360-565-3131 to check current status and area information (updated twice daily).

Rule

Expect long delays at Hoh Entrance Station to access Hoh Campground. In order to avoid waiting in line for long periods of time at Hoh Entrance Station, plan on arriving before 10:00 AM or after 5:00 PM.

Everything else this campground posts · 11
Rule

Valid park pass required. Possession of a valid pass for Olympic National Park is required if you are camping, using the day use facilities, or will be recreating on the beaches/trails in this campground. To find out more information, visit Olympic National Park's Fees & Passes webpage . The Washington State Park Discover Pass is not accepted at this location.

Rule

Entrance fees: Save time at park entrances by purchasing your digital park entrance passes on Recreation.gov at no additional cost. Once purchased, passes for Olympic National Park must be printed prior to use. While in the park, the paper copy is presented at entrance stations and displayed on the vehicle dashboard, particularly when the vehicle is parked at trailheads. Connectivity is limited or non-existent in the park, therefore printing the permit in advance is required. The pass will be accepted at all park entrance stations.

Rule

The RV Dump Station is closed permanently. There is a potable water spigot on the outside of the family bathroom in A-loop for filling RV water tanks.

Rule

Most campsites in Hoh cannot accommodate large RVs or Trailers. Please read campsite details and warnings carefully before reserving a site. Accommodations cannot be made for RVs or trailers that do not fit in reserved sites.

Rule

Maximum one RV and tow vehicle per site provided both vehicles fit in the driveway, are not parked on any vegetation, and are clear of the roadway.   Maximum two passenger vehicles per site provided both vehicles fit in the driveway, are not parked on any vegetation, and are clear of the roadway.

Rule

Roads in the campground are narrow with low tree branches and tight turns. Maneuvering large RVs and trailers into campsites may be difficult. Please read campsite warnings and measurements carefully. Accommodations cannot be made for RVs or trailers that cannot fit or be maneuvered into reserved sites.

Rule

Gathering wood from the campground is strictly prohibited year-round. Firewood is available in the B-loop during peak season and can be purchased locally in Forks, Queets, Quinault, or roadside around the Olympic Peninsula.  Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states.

Rule

Help keep our wildlife wild and by following proper food storage practices. All food and scented items must be stored in a vehicle or an animal resistant food container when not in use.

Rule

Pets are not allowed on hiking trails in Hoh Rainforest area of Olympic National Park. Pets are allowed in developed areas such as the campground, picnic areas, roads, and parking lots, and are required to be on-leash (up to 6 feet) and attached to a human at all times.

Rule

Do not leave pets unattended or tied to an object in a way that will damage vegetation or park property.

Rule

Swimming in the Hoh River is dangerous due to swift current and drift logs. Swim at your own risk.

Read them on the agency’s own page →

Tents and rigs

Sites
89 · 1 group
Hookups
None
Longest rig
84 ft
Paved pads
55 of 89
Accessible sites
4
Pets
Allowed
Campfires
Allowed, barring fire bans
Shade
47 of 48 sites
Source: Recreation.gov campsite records · Aug 23, 2026

Facilities

Toilets
Flush Toilets - year round
Drinking water
Yes
Dump station
Yes
Firewood
Sold here
Camp host
On site
recreation.gov lists “Host”
Stay limit
7 nights
recreation.gov facility rule maxStay
Source: Stated in the agency description · Aug 23, 2026

Around the campground

On the water
Lake, River, Creek, Coast, Meadow
Backpacking
Birding
Environmental Education
Evening Programs
Ranger programs
Picnicking
Ranger Station
Wildlife viewing
Night sky · 111th darkest of 400 in WA
Bortle 2
Source: Recreation.gov activity records · Aug 23, 2026

No reading yet, book on recreation.gov

recreation.gov lists 74 of the 89 campsites the agency files here. The rest aren’t on its booking system, so a reservation won’t get you one.

No availability snapshot inside the last 36 hours, so this page draws nothing rather than ageing a reading into fiction.

Booking windowOut of seasonOut of season, no booking. The last reservable season the agency published ended September 6, 2026, and it hasn't published the next one.recreation.gov
Max stay7 nightsthe facility record
If plans change$10 to cancel$10 to change a reservationrecreation.gov’s schedule
Runs itNational Park ServiceBooked through recreation.govthe agency’s record
Watch for a cancellation

Full? Watch it.

One email when a night opens, plus More Than Just Parks dispatches. Unsubscribe any time.

We read recreation.gov once an hour, at 40 minutes past, and write the first time a site in your window is free for the nights you asked for.

Scanners that check every few minutes exist, and most of them charge. This one is free, it reads the same calendar, and it won’t always be first.

Free forever, no booking kickbacks.
Book on recreation.gov

We make nothing when you book. The link goes straight to the government.

Every line of the receipt · 12

What you actually pay

The sign priceNational Park Service
The National Park Service publishes no per-night rate for this campground that we can read, so there’s no sign price to print. That’s a gap in the record, not a free campground.
For entry at Hoh Rainforest, a pass is required for Olympic National Park.
You can purchase these passes at Hoh Entrance Station on the way into the Hoh area or you can purchase your pass ahead of time (recommended) on recreation.gov.
Please visit Olympic National Park's website for more details about entrance fees and pricing. https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm Entrance Fees must be paid in addition to the nightly campsite fees.
The booking feerecreation.gov
Reservation fee, booked online$8
One fee per reservation, however many nights you book, and it’s non-refundable. $9 if you book by phone, $3 in person.
Pass discounts only apply to the recreation (or use) fee for the facility. Other charges such as electricity or water hookups, reservation or other fees are not eligible for a discount.
What a stay costs
The agency publishes no nightly rate for this campground, so there’s nothing to add the $8 booking fee to. We won’t total a receipt with a number missing from it.
If your plans changerecreation.gov
Change fee, moving to dates outside your booking$10
Cancellation fee$10
Cancelling the day before, or the day of$10 + your first night
No-show$20 + your first night

Who keeps the booking fee

The agency’s own policy text says the reservation fee and the cancellation processing fee are “retained by the reservation service contractor”, and that a campground concessionaire will decline to refund them because “they did not receive these fees”. Recreation.gov is run under contract by Booz Allen Hamilton. What share of your booking fee the contractor keeps isn’t published in any federal dataset we can read, so we print no number for it. Our reporting on the contract →

How we know this receipt · 4

rules read Sep 9, 2026 · record Aug 23, 2026 · How we know all this

Seen something wrong here? Tell us.

The sites

89 sites

All 89 sites

SleepsTakes a
A1standard nonelectric16 ftyes
A10standard nonelectric26 ft
A11standard nonelectric19 ft
A12standard nonelectric42 ft
A13standard nonelectric32 ft
A14standard nonelectric24 ft
A15standard nonelectric55 ft
A16standard nonelectric28 ft
A17standard nonelectric48 ft
A18standard nonelectric30 ft
A19type not stated
A2/3group standard nonelectric20 ft
A20standard nonelectric30 ft
A21type not stated
A22standard nonelectric46 ft
A23standard nonelectric30 ft
A24standard nonelectric32 ft
A25standard nonelectric33 ft
A26standard nonelectric31 ft
A27standard nonelectric45 ft
A28type not stated
A29standard nonelectric42 ft
A3type not stated20 ft
A30standard nonelectric22 ft
A31standard nonelectric32 ft
A32standard nonelectric27 ft
A33standard nonelectric43 ft
A34standard nonelectric32 ft
A35standard nonelectric30 ft
A36standard nonelectric36 ft
A37standard nonelectric31 ft
A38standard nonelectric40 ft
A4standard nonelectric25 ftyes
A5standard nonelectric28 ft
A6standard nonelectric23 ft
A7standard nonelectric36 ft
A8standard nonelectric35 ft
A9standard nonelectric33 ft
B39standard nonelectric53 ft
B40type not stated62 ft
B41standard nonelectric28 ft
B42type not stated24 ft
B43standard nonelectric30 ft
B44type not stated50 ft
B45standard nonelectric57 ft
B46standard nonelectric40 ft
B47standard nonelectric25 ft
B48type not stated14 ft
B49standard nonelectric21 ft
B50standard nonelectric25 ft
B51standard nonelectric27 ft
B52standard nonelectric62 ft
B53standard nonelectric23 ft
B54type not stated84 ft
B55standard nonelectric33 ft
B56standard nonelectric23 ft
B57type not stated
B58type not stated
B59type not stated
C60standard nonelectric16 ft
C61standard nonelectric23 ft
C62standard nonelectric26 ft
C63standard nonelectric44 ft
C64standard nonelectric17 ft
C65standard nonelectric38 ft
C66standard nonelectric17 ft
C67standard nonelectric50 ft
C68standard nonelectric25 ft
C69type not stated
C70standard nonelectric25 ftyes
C71standard nonelectric25 ft
C72standard nonelectric24 ftyes
C73standard nonelectric24 ft
C74standard nonelectric28 ft
C75standard nonelectric30 ft
C76type not stated
C77standard nonelectric22 ft
C78standard nonelectric21 ft
C79standard nonelectric36 ft
C80standard nonelectric50 ft
C81type not stated
C82standard nonelectric22 ft
C83standard nonelectric28 ft
C84standard nonelectric28 ft
C85standard nonelectric20 ft
C86standard nonelectric27 ft
C87standard nonelectric32 ft
C88standard nonelectric40 ft
C89standard nonelectric31 ft

25 of 89 listed

Getting there

the map and the coordinate · the agency’s directions · the phone number

The weather

the next four days · the thirty-year normal

Next four days, and the thirty-year normal

Forecast

This Afternoon68°Mostly Sunny1% rain
Tonight49°Rain98% rain
Saturday54°Chance Light Rain then Partly Sunny28% rain
Saturday Night41°Mostly Clear

NWS forecast for Forks, WA

Typical weather

Typical October night 42°F, day 56°F.

Coldest month of the year: typical December night 33°F. Bring the bag rated for it.

80°32°20°

Daily high and lowDays with 0.10 in or more

A normal is the 1991-2020 average for the month, not a forecast: about half of all Augusts are colder than the August line. The seven-day forecast above answers the other question.

Measured at: ELWHA RS, WA (USC00452548), 19 miles away and 220 ft lower

The land, and who answers for it

what threatens it · who answers for it

Roadless country, and what’s coming for it

Roadless
Rugged Ridge4,358 acres · 9 mi · inventoried roadless area

You’re camping on ground somebody wants. We track the threats and the comment deadlines.

Who answers for this land

Emily Randall, official portrait

Hoh Rainforest Campground is in Washington’s 6th congressional district. Its representative, Emily Randall (D), votes on the laws that decide what happens to this land. Public-lands grade so far: A+. See every public-lands vote →

Seen something wrong here? Tell us.

How we know

every fact on this page, and where it came from
Right now: National Park Service publishes no season and no closure for this campground, and it takes no bookings we can read. That’s a gap in the record and not a locked gate: the number below is the only way to be sure.
Cell signal: the Park Service’s own campground description, read as text by CAMPANAC. None of this is a measurement. It’s what the land manager published about the place, and phones, carriers and weather all disagree with each other; treat it as a warning, not a promise.