Elkhorn

For residents of Washington State, the allure of the Olympic Peninsula is undeniable, with its majestic mountains, ancient forests, and pristine waterways. Tucked within this breathtaking landscape, near the vibrant town of Port Angeles, lies Elkhorn Campground. This isn't your typical drive-up campground; Elkhorn offers a unique and authentic backcountry camping experience, appealing to those who truly wish to disconnect from the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Olympic National Forest.

Elkhorn Campground, often referred to as Elkhorn Dispersed Camping Area, is a testament to the enduring wildness of Washington. It's a place where the sounds of the Dosewallips River serenade your evenings, and towering trees provide a natural cathedral overhead. While it requires a bit more effort to reach, the reward is unparalleled solitude and a deep connection with nature. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Elkhorn Campground, guiding Washington locals through what to expect, its unique features, and why it stands out as an exceptional choice for those seeking a genuine wilderness adventure on the Olympic Peninsula.

Elkhorn Campground is located near Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA, specifically within the Olympic National Forest. Its exact location is often associated with the Dosewallips River Trailhead. It's crucial for visitors to understand that Elkhorn is a "Pack Your Gear-In" campground. The paved road leading to the area ends abruptly due to a washout from "years past." This means vehicular access directly to the campsites is not possible.

To reach Elkhorn, you must first drive to an unmaintained parking area located just before the washout. This parking spot is often marked on maps as the Tunnel Creek trailhead or is simply the end of the drivable portion of Dosewallips Road, approximately nine miles west from Highway 101, just north of Brinnon. From this parking area, campers must embark on a hike of approximately 2 to 2.5 miles to reach the campground. The hike is generally described as "mostly flat with one part through either switchbacks (higher elevation) or rock scramble (which may be washed out certain times of the year)." This relatively mild trek makes it an excellent introduction to backcountry camping for novices.

The fact that the road literally "dead-ends into years past washout" ensures that the campground remains secluded and free from vehicular traffic, contributing to its peaceful atmosphere. While challenging in its primitive nature, this accessibility by foot makes Elkhorn an achievable goal for many outdoor enthusiasts seeking an uncrowded wilderness experience within convenient reach of Port Angeles and the wider Olympic Peninsula.

• Primitive / Dispersed Camping: Elkhorn operates as a dispersed camping area, meaning it offers a raw, undeveloped camping experience. There are no designated, reservable sites in the traditional sense, but rather "cleared spaces from when it was originally a camp ground" along the riverbanks.
• Picnic Tables: Some sites within Elkhorn retain remnants of its past as a developed campground, featuring "picnic tables" and "fire rings." However, their condition can vary, with many being "well-worn and covered with moss," reflecting nature's reclamation.
• Fire Rings: Existing fire rings are present at some campsites. Campers are strongly advised to use these existing rings and to always check for current fire bans or restrictions, especially during dry seasons.
• No Potable Water: There is no potable water source directly at Elkhorn Campground. Campers must "filter from the river" or pack in all their drinking water.
• No Toilets / Restroom Facilities: Elkhorn has no restroom facilities, including vault toilets or flush toilets. Campers must "pack out all trash including toilet paper to maintain cleanliness and respect nature" or properly bury human waste at least 100 feet away from the river and water sources.
• No Sewage/Electric Hookups: As a primitive dispersed site, there are no RV hookups (sewage or electric) available.
• Communal Area (Potential at some sections): Some descriptions mention communal areas with limited amenities like a port-a-potty, but this information might pertain to specific sections or managed experiences within the broader dispersed area. It's safer to assume a full primitive experience.

• Hidden Gem and Back-to-Nature Experience: Elkhorn is consistently described as a "hidden gem" offering a true "back-to-nature experience." It's ideal for campers seeking solitude and a profound connection with the wilderness, away from crowds.
• Riverside Location: The campground is "nestled in the woods and set by the waters edge," with some sites offering "frontage right on the water" of the beautiful Dosewallips River. The "peaceful sounds from the river" contribute significantly to its serene ambiance.
• Beautiful Hidden Campsites: Visitors praise the "beautiful hidden campsites off the beaten path," offering a sense of discovery and seclusion within the forest.
• Accessible Backcountry Introduction: The 2 to 2.5-mile hike-in, being "relatively mild" and "mostly flat," makes Elkhorn an excellent "intro to back country camping for novices." It provides a taste of wilderness without the extreme demands of more remote trails.
• Day Hiking Opportunities: The location serves as a great base for "day hikes to nearby falls" and along the Dosewallips River, providing ample opportunities for exploration of the surrounding Olympic National Forest.
• Cleared Spaces and Existing Infrastructure: The presence of "cleared spaces from when it was originally a campground" and some remaining picnic tables and fire rings offers a degree of convenience not always found in completely undeveloped dispersed camping areas.
• Immersive Forest Environment: Campers are surrounded by dense woods, allowing for a deep immersion in the natural environment. The quietness and remoteness contribute to a truly restorative experience.
• Wildlife Awareness: While not explicitly a highlight, the natural setting means campers should be aware of and prepared for potential wildlife encounters (e.g., "secure your food as there might be some animals overnight"). This adds to the authentic wilderness feel.

Elkhorn Campground, being a dispersed camping area within the Olympic National Forest, does not have a direct contact phone number for the campground itself. It is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Elkhorn Dispersed Camping Area, including current conditions of the access road (Dosewallips Road washout), trail conditions, fire restrictions, and any necessary permits for overnight backcountry camping in the Olympic National Forest, it is essential to contact the Olympic National Forest directly.

Address: Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA (within Olympic National Forest)

Phone: While a specific number for Elkhorn isn't available, general inquiries for the Olympic National Forest, which manages this area, can typically be directed to their main office or relevant Ranger District. For general Olympic National Forest information, you can often find contact numbers on the official USDA Forest Service website. For example, a commonly listed general information number for the Olympic National Forest is (360) 956-2400. Always verify contact details through official government sources before planning your trip, especially concerning primitive and dispersed camping regulations.

For Washingtonians, Elkhorn Campground near Port Angeles offers a unique and highly desirable opportunity to experience genuine wilderness without requiring an arduous, multi-day expedition. Its status as a "hidden gem" and a "Pack Your Gear-In" site ensures a level of solitude and quiet often hard to find at more developed campgrounds. This makes it exceptionally suitable for locals who value escaping the crowds and truly immersing themselves in nature.

The relatively easy 2 to 2.5-mile hike-in from the vehicle parking area serves as an ideal introduction to backcountry camping for beginners or a convenient escape for experienced outdoor enthusiasts looking for a quick nature fix. It bridges the gap between car camping and deep wilderness backpacking, making it accessible to a broader range of Washington residents. The reward for this modest effort is an "amazing place to camp away from it all," nestled by the beautiful Dosewallips River with its soothing sounds and stunning natural surroundings.

While primitive, requiring campers to be self-sufficient regarding water and waste, this very aspect fosters a stronger connection to the environment and promotes responsible outdoor ethics, aligning with the values of many Washington locals who cherish our state's natural beauty. Elkhorn provides a perfect base for day hikes to nearby falls and along the river, offering ample opportunities for exploration and photography. For those in Washington seeking an authentic, peaceful, and relatively accessible wilderness camping experience on the iconic Olympic Peninsula, Elkhorn Campground is an unparalleled choice, promising unforgettable moments amidst the serene beauty of the Olympic National Forest.

Elkhorn

Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA