Ozette Campground

For Washingtonians drawn to the rugged beauty of the Olympic Peninsula and the mystique of its wild coast, Ozette Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity for a remote yet comfortable outdoor experience. Nestled on the shores of the serene Lake Ozette, deep within Olympic National Park, this campground is a gateway to some of the most unique natural and historical sites in the state. It's a place where the fresh scent of the forest meets the salty air of the Pacific, providing a truly immersive wilderness escape that feels worlds away from the everyday.

Ozette Campground is celebrated for its well-maintained facilities and its role as the perfect staging point for iconic coastal hikes, particularly the famous Ozette Triangle Loop. It caters to those who appreciate a more primitive camping style, yet value cleanliness and a sense of privacy. While the wild nature of the area means being bear-aware and packing out your trash, the rewards of waking up to deer on the beach and exploring ancient Native American history make the minor inconveniences well worth it. If you're seeking a peaceful, beautiful, and profoundly natural adventure in Washington, Ozette Campground is a destination that feels like heaven.

Ozette Campground is located at 21083 Hoko-Ozette Rd, Clallam Bay, WA 98326, USA. This places it on the northwestern edge of the Olympic Peninsula, within the coastal strip of Olympic National Park. It sits directly by Lake Ozette, the largest natural lake on the Olympic Peninsula, serving as the westernmost road-accessible point in the contiguous United States for much of the park's coastal wilderness.

Reaching Ozette involves a scenic drive, primarily along State Route 112, also known as the Strait of Juan de Fuca Scenic Byway, which offers stunning views of the strait. From Highway 101, you would turn onto SR 112 towards Clallam Bay and then take Hoko-Ozette Road directly to the campground. The drive itself is part of the experience, winding through lush forests and offering glimpses of the dramatic coastline. While remote, the campground's road access is generally good, suitable for cars and smaller RVs (up to 21 feet). There's a large, unpaved parking lot at the trailhead that can accommodate "upwards of a hundred vehicles," indicating good accessibility for day-use visitors as well. Its remoteness ensures a quiet environment, yet nearby towns like Clallam Bay and Sekiu offer limited services, and Neah Bay is also a short drive for additional amenities. For Washingtonians, this location offers a true sense of getting away from it all, deep into the heart of a national treasure.

Ozette Campground provides basic, well-maintained services typical of a National Park Service campground, focusing on supporting a comfortable and responsible camping experience in a wild setting. While embracing its primitive nature, certain amenities are provided to ensure visitor safety and minimal environmental impact. Here's what you can expect:

• Campsites: The campground features 15 total sites, available on a first-come, first-served basis. While some sites are "quite private with good space and foliage," others are more open but still offer good separation. Sites are suitable for tents and smaller RVs (up to 21 feet).
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for meal preparation and dining.
• Fire Rings: Designated fire rings are available at each site for campfires and cooking. Campers should always check for current fire restrictions, especially given the dry grasses mentioned in reviews, and use only provided firewood or packed-in wood.
• Clean Restrooms: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness of the restrooms. While they are primarily vault toilets, the general consensus is that they are very well maintained. Some information suggests flush toilets and running sinks are available at the nearby Ozette Visitor's Center (about 1/4 mile away), which also offers fresh drinking water.
• Potable Water: Potable drinking water is available at the campground, though some sources mention it may be seasonal (e.g., not available in off-season). It's always wise to confirm availability or bring some water.
• Bear Safety Information: Rangers actively engage with campers regarding bear safety. This includes advising on proper food storage (e.g., hanging food in trees) due to "issues with bears." Wilderness permits and bear canisters are required for backcountry camping along the coast and may be available at the Ranger Station, but it's best to confirm this directly.
• No Trash Receptacles: A critical point for campers is that "ALL garbage MUST be taken with you. There are NO trash receptacles! NONE!" This emphasizes the campground's commitment to Leave No Trace principles.
• No Hookups: As a primitive campground, there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups available for RVs or trailers.
• Wildlife Management: Rangers are active in providing information and enforcement regarding wildlife, particularly bears, ensuring visitor safety.

Ozette Campground offers a distinctive set of features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for Washingtonians seeking a blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cultural immersion. Its unique location and rustic charm are often praised:

• Impeccably Maintained Campsites & Facilities: Despite its remote location, the campground is described as "beautiful, very well maintained." The cleanliness of the pit toilets is a frequently highlighted positive, a pleasant surprise for many forest service campground visitors.
• Privacy and Space: Campsites are generally private with good spacing and natural foliage, offering a sense of seclusion and allowing campers to enjoy their surroundings without feeling crowded.
• Gateway to the Ozette Triangle Loop: This is a major highlight. The campground serves as the trailhead for the iconic 9-mile Ozette Triangle Loop, which connects to the Pacific Coast at Cape Alava and Sand Point via boardwalk trails through the forest and a beach walk. This allows for diverse hiking experiences.
• Coastal Wilderness Access: From the campground, visitors can access magnificent sections of the Olympic National Park wilderness coast, complete with dramatic ocean views, tide pools, and a serene, untouched feel.
• Rich Cultural History: The Ozette area is historically significant, home to ancient Makah Indian digs and petroglyphs at Wedding Rocks, which are accessible via the coastal trails. Waking up to "Indian digs a really cool sight" adds a unique dimension to the camping experience.
• Abundant Wildlife Viewing: Deer are commonly seen wandering through the campground and on the beach, and the remote setting increases chances of other wildlife sightings, enriching the natural experience.
• Direct Access to Lake Ozette: The campground's location on Lake Ozette provides opportunities for paddling, kayaking, canoeing, and small boat fishing on the sheltered lake, offering a different recreational dimension than the ocean.
• Emphasis on Bear Safety: While requiring vigilance, the active presence of rangers to educate campers about bear safety (e.g., hanging food) underscores the true wilderness nature of the area, a draw for those seeking an authentic backcountry feel.
• Peaceful and Beautiful Ambiance: Visitors consistently describe the area as "so peaceful and beautiful," evoking a sense of being in "heaven." The dark nights offer incredible stargazing opportunities.

For inquiries regarding Ozette Campground, obtaining backcountry permits, or information about Olympic National Park, the best point of contact is the Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center or the Ozette Ranger Station. Specific phone numbers for individual campsites are not typically provided for these types of wilderness campgrounds.

• Address: 21083 Hoko-Ozette Rd, Clallam Bay, WA 98326, USA
• Phone (Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center): (360) 565-3130
• Mobile Phone: +1 360-565-3130 (Same as above)
• Ozette Ranger Station: (360) 963-2725 (This specific number may offer more localized information).

Washingtonians planning a trip to Ozette Campground, especially if intending to hike the coastal trails or spend time on the beach, are strongly advised to contact the Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center well in advance. They can provide crucial, up-to-date information on: required backcountry permits for overnight coastal camping, bear safety regulations (including information on bear canisters), tidal charts (essential for safe coastal hiking), current trail conditions, and any fire restrictions. Given the remote nature of the area, preparation and accurate information are key for a safe and enjoyable visit.

For Washingtonians, Ozette Campground offers a profoundly suitable and uniquely rewarding outdoor experience, especially for those who cherish the wild, untamed beauty of their state's coast. Its remote location within Olympic National Park provides an unparalleled sense of escape, far removed from urban bustle. This isolation, combined with the convenience of car camping directly by Lake Ozette, strikes a perfect balance for locals seeking a genuine wilderness immersion without the full commitment of a multi-day backcountry trek to reach a campsite.

The campground’s appeal is multifaceted. Its well-maintained and surprisingly clean facilities, particularly the restrooms, demonstrate a commitment to visitor comfort even in a primitive setting. The private and spacious sites allow for personal space and a quiet retreat. Most importantly, Ozette Campground serves as the direct gateway to the iconic Ozette Triangle Loop, a hike that blends lush ancient forests, historic Makah cultural sites (like the "Indian digs" and petroglyphs), and breathtaking coastal wilderness. This unique combination of natural grandeur and cultural richness offers an enriching experience that appeals deeply to locals proud of their state's heritage and natural wonders.

While the presence of bears requires diligence in food storage and safety, this aspect simply reinforces the authentic wilderness character of the area, a draw for many seasoned Washington outdoor enthusiasts. The rewards of waking up to deer grazing peacefully on the beach, exploring tide pools, and feeling "like I was in heaven" in such a pristine environment make Ozette Campground an ideal destination. It allows Washingtonians to truly disconnect, immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Olympic Coast, and create unforgettable memories right in their own extraordinary backyard.

Ozette Campground

21083 Hoko-Ozette Rd, Clallam Bay, WA 98326, USA