Campground Review – Kalaloch Campground - Olympia National Park

 

Sunset at Kalaloch Beach

 Great campground right next to the wild Pacific Ocean on highway 101. The campground is close enough to the ocean that we could hear the roar of surf, as it constantly rolls up the beach.   There are miles of sandy beaches in each direction that could be explored while the tide is out.  The Kalaloch campground is open year-round, and is very popular. We stayed here two nights during the Christmas holiday and the place was full every night.  A few late arrivers had to park in the day use area, because all the spots were full.

Reservations can be made for Kalaloch Campground in late spring and summer months.  The rest of the year it is based on first-come, first-served basis.  If coming you are planning on coming here in the off-season I suggest you get here early to make sure you get a camping spot before it fills up for the night.

Most of the camping spots are relatively private due to tall evergreen trees and the thick rainforest underbrush between spots.  All camp spots are very small, compact pull in sites.  The limited length of spaces means most spots only supports small RVs, 21 feet or less.  There are some bigger sites, that have drive-thru or parking parallel next to the road.  No utilities available on site, but there are firepits and tables at each site.   

We arrived in the late afternoon.  One disadvantage of arriving late, the number of spots was limited. We were able to squeeze our RPOD into one of the last small camping spots left. We even squeezed our truck in next to the pod.    The only disadvantage was it was right next to highway 101.   Good thing there wasn’t a lot of late-night traffic in the middle of winter.

Our Camp Spot

After getting our spot we headed to the beach.  We loved walking our dog along the sandy beach here.  The pounding rain of the pacific northwest, along with wind whipped swells of the Pacific Ocean have carved the ocean beach landscape.  The storms and tides have left plenty of driftwood and other stuff along the high tide line.  It is always fun to walk along the shore and beachcomb to see what the tide washed in.  The evolution of time has even left one old spruce tree, a short walk up the beach from the campground, hanging on for life.

Tree of Life

 We had a perfect ending to our day here, as we walk along the beach just as sun was going down.  It is always magical watching the sun sink below the horizon, leaving rays of orange, yellow and red radiating up to the clouds as the light of day slowly gets extinguished by the big, blue Pacific Ocean.  

 

Number of Site	166 (less during off season)
Reservations	Reservations taken from Late May – Mid September.  First-come, first-served at other times
Nightly Rate	$24 (50% off with Golden Age Pass)
Hookups	No
Water	Available at bathrooms
Bathrooms	Yes, flush
Showers	No
Site Amenities	Picnic table and fire ring, paved parking
Pets	Dogs allowed on leash
Site Map	https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/kalaloch-area-brochure.htm

 

Things to Do Close to Kalaloch Campground:

·       Visit Kalaloch breach #1, #2, #3 and #4

·       Visiting “The Big Cedar”

·       Strolling on Ruby Beach

·       Visit City of Forks

·       Visit Historic Lake Quinault lodge