Hoh Rainforest Campground

The reservation season for the 2024 summer season for the Hoh campground is May 23, 2024 - September 23, 2024.

Important changes to 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.

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.

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 dump station and fill station are closed indefinitely. The nearest shower facility is Bogachiel State Park (23 miles one way) and payment is required. The nearest dump and fill stations are 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.

Notifications and Alerts

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.
From late September - early May, the Hoh Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Some campsites or loops will close for winter or during inclement weather. We recommend that visitors visit www.nps.gov/olym or call 360-565-3131 / 360-565-3130 for the latest information on campground status during the winter season.

Need to Know

- This 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.
- Call the recorded line at 360-565-3131 to check current status and area information (updated twice daily).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- The RV Dump Station is closed permanently.
- 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.
- 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.
- The Hoh Visitor Center is open daily during the summer and provides information about the area's natural and cultural resources; call (360) 374-6925 for more information.
- 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.
- Pets are not allowed on hiking trails in the 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.
- Do not leave pets unattended or tied to an object in a way that will damage vegetation or park property.
- Swimming in the Hoh River is dangerous due to swift current and drift logs. Swim at your own risk.
- Gathering wood from the campground is strictly prohibited year-round. Firewood is available in the B-loop during peak season and can be purchased in Forks, Queets, Quinault, or road side 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

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.

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.

Recreation

The trailhead for this area is located next to the Hoh Rainforest Visitor Center, which is a great place for more information. The staff there can give you ideas for your visit and exhibits will help explain what makes this area so special. The visitor center is open daily during the summer, closed January through early March, and generally open Friday through Sunday during the spring and fall seasons (hours may vary according to season).

The area offers two short loop trails as well as an out-and-back trail through the forest near the Visitor Center.

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 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

Contact Information

Mailing

18113 Upper Hoh Rd Forks WA 98331

Physical

18113 Upper Hoh Rd Forks WA 98331

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 360-565-3130

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

Access the Upper Hoh Road from Highway 101.

Available Campsites

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