Upper Cameron

For Washingtonians yearning for a true wilderness experience, far from the crowds and conveniences of developed campgrounds, Upper Cameron offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the rugged beauty of Olympic National Park. Located in the breathtaking Cameron Basin near Port Angeles, this backcountry campground is a destination for seasoned hikers and adventurers seeking solitude, stunning mountain vistas, and an authentic connection with the untouched natural world.

Upper Cameron isn't your typical drive-up camping spot with flush toilets and hot showers. Instead, it embodies primitive camping, requiring a hike in and a self-sufficient approach. It's a place where the sounds of the wind and the rustle of wildlife are your soundtrack, and the stars blaze with an intensity rarely seen from urban areas. This campground provides a unique opportunity to truly disconnect and test your outdoor skills, offering a rewarding experience for those prepared for its challenges. Visitors often describe it as a truly elemental place, surrounded by the raw power and beauty of the Olympic Mountains.

This is a destination for those who cherish the "Leave No Trace" principles, understanding that their responsible actions ensure the preservation of this pristine environment for future generations. If you're a Washington local ready to trade concrete for creeks and streetlights for starlight, Upper Cameron beckons with an unforgettable adventure.

Upper Cameron Campground is nestled within the rugged and pristine Olympic National Park, located in the Cameron Basin near Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA. It is not directly accessible by vehicle, making it a true backcountry camping experience that requires a significant hike to reach. This remote setting is precisely what draws experienced hikers seeking solitude and a deep immersion in nature.

Accessing Upper Cameron typically involves a strenuous hike, often via trails like the Cameron Creek Trail or as part of a longer loop that includes Cameron Pass. These trails are known for their challenging terrain, including steep elevation changes, some overgrown sections, and creek crossings. Depending on your starting point, common access routes might include beginning from Deer Park and descending into the basin, or connecting from other wilderness trails within the park.

While the physical address points to Port Angeles, it's crucial for prospective campers to understand that this is the gateway city to the Olympic National Park, not the direct access point to the campground itself. Port Angeles, located on the northern edge of the Olympic Peninsula, serves as a hub for park visitors, offering supplies, visitor centers, and information before embarking on a wilderness trip. From Port Angeles, visitors would typically drive to a trailhead that provides access to the Cameron Basin area, such as Deer Park Road (check seasonal access for road closures). Once at the trailhead, a wilderness permit is required for overnight stays, and the journey into Upper Cameron begins on foot.

The beauty of Upper Cameron's remote location lies in its untouched natural environment. It's an area characterized by subalpine meadows, alpine tundra, and dense forests, offering diverse ecosystems to traverse. While demanding, the journey rewards hikers with spectacular mountain views, abundant wildflowers in season, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, making the effort well worth it for those prepared for a challenging but incredibly rewarding backcountry adventure.

As a primitive backcountry campground within Olympic National Park, Upper Cameron offers a very limited set of services, emphasizing self-sufficiency and minimal impact on the environment. It's crucial for campers to be fully prepared and understand what is, and isn't, available:

• Designated Campsites: There are designated campsites within the Cameron Basin area below Cameron Pass. While they may be close together in some instances, they provide established spots for setting up camp.
• Water Source: Cameron Creek flows through the camp area, serving as the primary water source. Campers must be prepared to filter, purify, or boil all water obtained from the creek before consumption to ensure safety.
• Stove-Only Camp: Campfires are strictly prohibited at Upper Cameron, particularly above 3,500 feet, to protect sensitive vegetation and reduce wildfire risk. Campers must bring and use backpacking stoves for all cooking needs.
• No Privy/Toilet Facilities: There are no traditional toilet facilities or privies at Upper Cameron. Campers are required to follow Leave No Trace principles for waste disposal, which includes burying human waste 6-8 inches deep and at least 200 feet from water sources, trails, and campsites.
• Food Storage: Due to the presence of bears and other wildlife, all food, garbage, and scented items must be secured 24 hours a day. While bear wires may not be present, campers should utilize bear canisters for food storage, as recommended by the park service for areas lacking trees for proper hanging.
• Permit Required: An overnight wilderness permit is required for all stays in the wilderness areas of Olympic National Park, including Upper Cameron. These permits are typically obtained via advance reservation through Recreation.gov.

Given the primitive nature of Upper Cameron, campers must be entirely self-reliant for all their needs, including shelter, food, cooking equipment, waste management, and emergency supplies. There are no on-site staff, no visitor centers, and no developed amenities beyond the designated campsites and natural water source.

Upper Cameron Campground, despite its primitive nature, offers several compelling features and highlights that make it a highly desirable destination for experienced wilderness campers in Washington:

• True Wilderness Immersion: This is the ultimate highlight. Upper Cameron provides an authentic, rugged backcountry experience away from crowds. It's ideal for those seeking solitude, quiet, and a deep connection with untouched nature.
• Stunning Mountain Views: Located in the Cameron Basin below Cameron Pass, the campground offers incredible vistas of the surrounding Olympic Mountains, subalpine meadows, and alpine tundra. The scenery is often described as epic and breathtaking, particularly from higher elevations on nearby trails.
• Abundant Wildlife: The area is home to diverse wildlife. While precautions for bears are necessary, hikers may encounter various animals, including deer, coyotes, and a wide array of bird species, offering fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing.
• Access to Challenging Trails: Upper Cameron is a strategic base for tackling some of Olympic National Park's more demanding and rewarding trails, such as the Cameron Creek Trail, Grand Pass Trail, and sections of the Olympic High Divide. These trails offer varied ecosystems and panoramic views for experienced hikers.
• Unique Ecosystems: The hike to and stay at Upper Cameron traverses varied ecosystems, from dense, mossy forests resembling rainforests at lower elevations to open meadows and subalpine and alpine zones as you gain elevation, showcasing the ecological diversity of the Olympics.
• Creek Access: Cameron Creek flows through the camp area, providing a constant and accessible water source (requiring filtration/purification). The presence of these "itty bitty creeks all around" adds to the natural ambiance.
• Sense of Accomplishment: Reaching Upper Cameron requires effort and preparation, and for many wilderness enthusiasts, the sense of accomplishment and the unparalleled remote beauty make the challenging journey profoundly rewarding.
• Seasonal Wildflowers: In late summer, the subalpine meadows leading to and surrounding Upper Cameron can be ablaze with vibrant wildflowers, adding another layer of beauty to the landscape.

As a primitive backcountry campground within Olympic National Park, Upper Cameron does not have a direct phone number or dedicated contact staff at the campground itself. All inquiries and permit-related questions should be directed to Olympic National Park's Wilderness Information Center or the main park contact. While there's no direct phone for Upper Cameron, here's the relevant contact information for Olympic National Park:

Address: Olympic National Park Headquarters, 600 E. Park Avenue, Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA (This is the park's main mailing address, not the campground location)

Phone: 360-565-3130 (Olympic National Park Headquarters)

For wilderness permits and detailed trip planning, it's highly recommended to use the official National Park Service resources:

Wilderness Permit Reservations: Recreation.gov (search for Olympic National Park Wilderness Permits)

Olympic National Park Website: Visit the official NPS website for Olympic National Park (nps.gov/olym) for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, closures, permit requirements, and wilderness regulations.

For Washingtonians, particularly those with a deep love for the state's unparalleled wilderness and a passion for challenging outdoor pursuits, Upper Cameron Campground offers a quintessential Olympic National Park backcountry experience. Its suitability for locals lies in its demanding yet profoundly rewarding nature, making it a proving ground and a sanctuary for the adventurous spirit.

Firstly, for experienced hikers who have already explored many of Washington's more accessible trails, Upper Cameron provides the next level of challenge and remoteness. It's a destination that truly tests one's preparedness and resilience, offering a deep sense of accomplishment upon reaching and exploring its subalpine beauty. This appeals to the Washington outdoor community that constantly seeks new frontiers and tougher challenges.

Secondly, the unparalleled natural beauty and raw wilderness are a major draw. Olympic National Park is a jewel of the Pacific Northwest, and Upper Cameron puts you directly in the heart of its most stunning, less-trafficked regions. The opportunity to witness vast mountain views, traverse diverse ecosystems, and experience true solitude away from the hustle of everyday life is a powerful motivator for Washington residents who cherish their state's wild places. It's a place where you can genuinely disconnect and reconnect with the natural rhythms of the mountains.

While the primitive nature of the camp, including the lack of privies, the "stove only" policy, and the need for bear canisters, might deter some, it perfectly aligns with the principles of Leave No Trace and responsible wilderness stewardship, values often held dearly by Washington's outdoor enthusiasts. For those prepared to embrace these challenges, Upper Cameron offers an authentic and unforgettable backcountry adventure, cementing its place as a bucket-list destination for serious local wilderness lovers.

Upper Cameron

Port Angeles, WA 98362, USA