The Olympic National Park Campsite Offers A Lakeside Paradise Of Vibrant Blue Water Views

Boasting almost one million acres of diverse terrain, snow-capped mountains, and vast wilderness amid a well-balanced ecosystem, Olympic National Park located near Tacoma, Washington is a true gem among the U.S. National Parks. This national park is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Northwest. The shimmering blue waters of the ice-fed Lake Crescent draw visitors to the site for swimming, boating, fishing, and paddling, along with magnificent views. 

With 15 park campgrounds to choose from and approximately 900 campsites, the question becomes where's the best place to camp? Which one will give you the desirable amenities you want coupled with the best location for adventure? Since you'll want to hang around for a few days, one of the best experiences can be found at Fairholme Campground, about 18 miles from Port Angeles. Situated on the west end of Lake Crescent, the second-largest lake in the state, this peaceful, serene area is one of the most popular in the park. 

Fairholme Campground offers 84 walk-in lakeside campsites and a few drive-in with a boat launch, firepit, picnic table, and water spigots. There are no RV hookups or showers. Other amenities include water, animal-proof food storage lockers, accessible restrooms, and an RV dump station. The Fairholme Campground also features a .8 mile loop for hiking. Camping reservations are required May 23 through September 15, 2025 via recreation.gov, and are available for a maximum of 7 days during the reservation season. For other nearby accommodations, the Log Cabin Resort (May through September only) offers a range of cabins from rustic to lodges to campers. There's also a rewarding hiking trail in Olympic National Park. You can also take in the beautiful Pacific Northwest scenery on a Olympic Peninsula Loop road trip.

The entire area around Lake Crescent is ripe for new discoveries and memorable experiences. The Fairholme Olympic Discovery Trailhead is located about 2 miles west of Fairholme Campground, and you can hit the trails for hiking and bicycling. The Trailhead is open year-round and is free. 

Three charming little towns near Olympic National Park are within a 30-60 minute drive. Port Angeles, Forks, and Beaver offer restaurants, shopping, and cultural history. Downtown Port Angeles offers a waterfront park, a City Pier, and sports like paddleboarding, surfing, and boating. 

Discover an early morning kayak tour to rise and shine with the seals. Music, arts, and maritime festivals await in the summer. For relaxation and rejuvenation, explore the nearby Sol Duc Valley. Hike through an old-growth forest along the Sol Duc Falls Trail. Soak in the mineral baths at the Hot Springs Resort and soothe your tired muscles with a massage. Shorter drives feature hiking in Marymere Falls with its 90-foot cascading waterfall and the challenging Mount Storm King trails, nearby the most iconic American rock formations in Olympic National Park.