Elkhorn Campground

For Washington residents who truly seek to immerse themselves in the untouched beauty of the wilderness, Elkhorn Campground offers an unparalleled backcountry experience. Located on Dosewallips Road near Brinnon, WA, this isn't your typical drive-up campground. Instead, it's a "Pack Your Gear-In" destination, a testament to its secluded and pristine nature. Nestled within the vast Olympic National Forest, Elkhorn provides a tranquil escape along the banks of the beautiful Dosewallips River, offering a true sense of being "away from it all."

Elkhorn Campground embodies the rugged charm of the Pacific Northwest backcountry. It's a place where the paved road literally dead-ends into a washed-out section, requiring visitors to park their vehicles and hike into their serene campsites. This unique access creates an environment of quiet solitude, where the sounds of the river and the rustling leaves replace the noise of everyday life. While it was once a more accessible campground, natural events have transformed it into a beloved spot for backpackers and those looking for a more primitive, yet incredibly rewarding, outdoor adventure. This article will guide Washington locals through the essential details of Elkhorn Campground, highlighting its distinct features, the experience it offers, and why it's a must-visit for serious outdoor enthusiasts.

Elkhorn Campground is located on Dosewallips Road, Brinnon, WA 98320, USA. This places it deep within the Olympic National Forest on the Olympic Peninsula, a region renowned for its lush temperate rainforests, rugged mountains, and pristine waterways. For Washington residents, accessing this campground requires a particular approach due to its unique accessibility.

The paved Dosewallips Road currently "dead-ends into 'years past' washout," meaning motorized vehicles cannot drive directly to the campsites. Visitors must park their vehicles off to the sides of the road at the washout point, ensuring adequate turnaround space for others. From this parking area, the campground becomes a "pack your gear-in" destination. The hike to the beautiful, hidden campsites is described as "a short hike into the backcountry along the banks of a beautiful river," approximately 1 to 2 miles from the road washout. This trail is generally "mostly flat" with some sections that might require navigating around washed-out areas or switchbacks, depending on the route and seasonal conditions.

It's crucial for prospective campers to understand that this is a backcountry experience. The journey in, though relatively short, requires preparedness for carrying all gear. This level of accessibility ensures that those who reach Elkhorn are truly seeking a wilderness experience, contributing to the quiet and unspoiled nature of the campground. Before planning your trip, it is highly recommended to check with the Olympic National Forest department regarding any required overnight permits, as wilderness permits are generally needed for backcountry camping in the Olympic National Park and surrounding Forest lands.

As a backcountry, pack-in campground, Elkhorn offers a primitive camping experience, meaning amenities are minimal and campers should be fully self-sufficient. Services typically found at Elkhorn Dispersed Camping Area include:

• Designated Campsites: The campground offers "beautiful hidden campsites" that are "off the beaten path, nestled in the woods, and serenely set by the water's edge." These are cleared spaces that were part of the original campground infrastructure.
• Fire Rings/Pits: Many of the units have "fire rings," allowing for campfires when conditions permit. Campers should always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a fire.
• Picnic Tables (Limited/Historic): While the campground was originally developed, and past reviews mention "abundant picnic tables," due to the washout and its current primitive status, the presence and condition of picnic tables may vary and some may be in disrepair. It's best to be prepared for primitive conditions.
• No Potable Water: There is no potable water available at the campground. Campers must pack in all their water or bring a reliable water filter/purifier for treating river water.
• No Restrooms/Vault Toilets: Reviews indicate "no privy facilities at Elkhorn Dispersed Camping Area" and "no restrooms." Campers must practice Leave No Trace principles, including proper waste disposal (e.g., digging cat holes at least 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites).
• No Hookups: There are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups of any kind, aligning with a primitive backcountry experience.

• True Backcountry Seclusion: The requirement to hike in creates an immediate sense of seclusion, allowing campers to truly "camp away from it all." This provides a quiet and peaceful environment highly valued by nature lovers.
• Riverside Serenity: The campsites are "serenely set by the waters edge" of the beautiful Dosewallips River. The sound of the river is a constant, calming presence, enhancing the wilderness ambiance.
• Scenic Hiking: The hike into the campground itself is part of the experience, offering "beautiful hidden campsites" and views along the river. Visitors can also extend their adventures with day hikes to "enjoy the falls out by Elkhorn campgrounds" or explore other parts of the Olympic National Forest.
• "Gem within the Rough": Many visitors describe Elkhorn as a "gem within the rough" or a "beautiful spot," highlighting its raw, untouched beauty and rewarding nature for those willing to make the effort.
• Former Campground Charm: The presence of "cleared spaces from when it was originally a camp ground" provides ready-made, relatively level areas for tent pitching, even in a backcountry setting.
• Wildlife Opportunities: As part of a vast national forest, the area around Elkhorn offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, though specific sightings are never guaranteed.
• Photographic Opportunities: The lush forest, the winding river, and potentially nearby falls offer stunning subjects for nature photography.

As Elkhorn Campground is a primitive, hike-in site within the Olympic National Forest, direct on-site management or a dedicated ranger station at the campground is not typically available. For detailed information regarding permits, current conditions, trail closures, fire restrictions, or any other critical updates for backcountry camping in this area, Washington locals should contact the relevant U.S. Forest Service office or Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center.

The provided contact information is likely for a general regional office or a broader information line for the Olympic National Forest, which oversees the area:

Phone: (360) 956-2402

Mobile Phone: +1 360-956-2402

Address: Dosewallips Rd, Brinnon, WA 98320, USA

It is highly advisable to call these numbers or visit the official Olympic National Forest website or Recreation.gov for permit requirements before planning your trip to Elkhorn Campground. Remember that backpacking permits are typically required year-round for overnight stays in undeveloped areas of Olympic National Park and often apply to adjacent National Forest lands.

Elkhorn Campground is an exceptional destination for Washington residents who possess a true passion for backcountry adventure and a desire to escape the more crowded, developed campgrounds. Its "pack your gear-in" nature immediately sets it apart, offering a level of solitude and immersion in nature that is increasingly rare. For locals, this means a tangible opportunity to disconnect from urban life and fully embrace the rugged beauty of their home state.

The allure of hidden campsites "nestled in the woods, and serenely set by the water's edge" of the Dosewallips River provides a genuinely tranquil experience. This isn't just camping; it's an opportunity for a short, rewarding hike to a pristine natural setting, ideal for those looking for a "gem within the rough." The primitive conditions, including the lack of modern amenities, reinforce a commitment to Leave No Trace principles and self-reliance, appealing to experienced campers and those eager to deepen their wilderness skills.

For Washingtonians seeking an authentic wilderness experience, where the journey to the campsite is as much a part of the adventure as the stay itself, Elkhorn Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity. It's a place to find peace, challenge oneself, and forge a deeper connection with the stunning natural landscapes of the Olympic National Forest, making it a truly suitable and highly recommended destination for local outdoor enthusiasts.

Elkhorn Campground

Dosewallips Rd, Brinnon, WA 98320, USA