How much does camping cost at Staircase Campground?

Camping fees at Staircase Campground range from $24-$30/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Staircase Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Staircase Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Staircase Campground before I book?

Yes! Staircase Campground has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Staircase Campground?

Staircase Campground is open May 23, 2025 - September 8, 2025. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Staircase Campground?

Staircase Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Staircase Campground have?

Staircase Campground has 49 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Staircase Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Staircase Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Staircase Campground?

Staircase Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Staircase Campground?

Popular activities at Staircase Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Staircase Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Staircase Campground?

Fire policies at Staircase Campground: Campfires must not be left unattended. Violations can result in fines and confiscation of supplies.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.49

267 reviews

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Featured in:Camping Near Olympic National Park#2 Forest Camping

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

820 ft

Price

$24 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

49 campsites

Season

Open May 23 - Septem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Olympic National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

820 ft

Price

$24 - $30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

49 campsites

Season

Open May 23 - Septem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Olympic National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Staircase Campground

$24.00 - $30.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Campground fees include $30 per vehicle entry fee and $24 per night camping fee during peak season. Additional fees may apply for reservation...

Standard Site Fee$24.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

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What Campers Say

4.49

Recommended

Based on 267 reviews

262 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenerycleanrestroomshiking

"Overall, Staircase Campground is highly praised for its scenic beauty, access to outdoor activities, and well-maintained facilities. However, many users report issues with ranger behavior, campsite privacy, and strict rules."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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Staircase Campground

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Nearby places

Olympia (1-hour drive), Port Angeles (2-hour drive)

Nearby supplies

Hood Canal Grocery in Hoodsport, WA

additional supplies available at Lake Cushman.

Driving directionsStaircase Campground is accessed off Highway 101 at the city of Hoodsport, WA. You take North Lake Cushman Road for a number of twisting and turning miles. North Lake Cushman Road will end with the blacktop and become Forest Service Road, NP - 24. You will simply follow this road to the end.

The access road, NF-24, is unpaved and periodically closes due to unfavorable weather conditions such as snow. This road is often closed completely from November to May due to seasonal weather conditions.

Best Time to Camp at Staircase Campground

Summer delivers the best access and conditions. Daytime highs reach 60-75°F from late May through early September, with nights cooling to the mid-40s and 50s. Trails clear of snow, the river warms enough for swimming, and fishing picks up. Expect moderate crowds during this window. Fall brings quieter days before winter snows close the access road, typically from November through May. Spring reopening depends on snowmelt and road conditions on NF-24.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

May–Sept is peak season: mild weather, busy and highly praised by visitors.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 8, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23 - September 8, 2025. Access road typically closed November through May.
Current Alerts: null

About Staircase Campground

Staircase Campground sits at 820 feet in Olympic National Park's southeastern corner, where the North Fork Skokomish River cuts through old-growth Douglas-fir forest. The campground has 49 sites for tents and small RVs, priced at $24-$30 per night. Open late May through early September, it's a base camp for hiking to alpine lakes and river access, though you'll camp without cell service and with limited privacy between sites.

Staircase Campground is a versatile camping area ideal for tent campers, small RVs, and walk-in sites. It offers a mix of first-come, first-served and reservable sites.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best access and conditions. Daytime highs reach 60-75°F from late May through early September, with nights cooling to the mid-40s and 50s. Trails clear of snow, the river warms enough for swimming, and fishing picks up. Expect moderate crowds during this window. Fall brings quieter days before winter snows close the access road, typically from November through May. Spring reopening depends on snowmelt and road conditions on NF-24.

Elevationnull

Natural Features and SceneryMassive Douglas-firs dominate the canopy, their trunks rising overhead without much undergrowth below. The North Fork Skokomish River runs close enough to many sites that you fall asleep to moving water. Trails start from camp: one leads to Staircase Rapids, another climbs to Flapjack Lakes and alpine meadows above the treeline. Lake Cushman sits nearby for swimming and boating. Wildlife appears regularly. Deer wander through camp, and birders report good variety in the mornings and evenings.

Geological RegionTucked into the southeastern corner of Olympic National Park, this enchanting pocket of the Olympic Peninsula showcases the region's signature Douglas-fir ecosystem. Here, where temperate rainforest meets mountain wilderness, centuries of geological forces have sculpted a landscape of river valleys, ancient forests, and dramatic peaks that define the Olympic experience.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

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Stay Limit

Maximum 7 nights during peak season
21 days annually across Olympic National Park campgrounds.

Guests Allowed Per Site

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Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites loop through the forest with minimal screening. Tall firs overhead, but sparse undergrowth means you can see across the campground from most spots. Ground is uneven in places, so a good sleeping pad helps if you're tenting.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov. Advance bookings available via staggered block releases.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve availability starts June 21, 2025.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before 11:59 pm Eastern, two nights prior to check-in, incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's fee.

AccessibilityAccessibility is limited, as many trails and campsites have uneven terrain, large roots, and rocky areas. Some sites require climbing or descending small hills.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size but are generally large enough for a tent or small RV. Some sites can accommodate up to three tents.

PrivacyPrivacy is minimal due to the tall, mature trees that lack undergrowth. Campers note that 'you can pretty much see from one end of the campground to the other.

Total Campsites49 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early for walk-in sites to secure the best spots near the river. Bring sturdy sleeping pads for rocky tent areas.

Need help booking Staircase Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Staircase Campground offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby trails provide breathtaking views of rivers, forests, and mountains, with options for both casual and experienced hikers. Lake Cushman is also within walking distance, adding opportunities for water activities.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Cultural and Educational Programs

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal road closures due to snow. Wildlife, including deer and birds, frequent the area. Food storage rules aim to minimize encounters with animals.

Active Alertsnull

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires must not be left unattended. Violations can result in fines and confiscation of supplies.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours enforced after 10pm.

Emergency Servicesnull

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available on-site, but details on their locations and schedules are not specified.

Water FeaturesSeveral sites along the North Fork Skokomish River. Lake Cushman is less than a mile away.

Camp Hostnull

Weather at Staircase Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

267 reviews

Recommended

Staircase Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, Staircase Campground is highly praised for its scenic beauty, access to outdoor activities, and well-maintained facilities. However, many users report issues with ranger behavior, campsite privacy, and strict rules.

Review Summaries

Based on 267 reviews

What Campers Love

- Breathtaking scenery and proximity to the river - Clean restrooms and well-maintained campsites - Excellent hiking trails starting from the campground - Cultural programs and ranger talks -...

Based on 267 reviews

Common Concerns

- Lack of showers - Limited privacy between campsites - Stringent enforcement of rules by rangers - No on-site firewood sales - Some campsites have uneven or rocky ground

Based on 267 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Arrive early for better campsite selection, especially during peak season. - Bring your own firewood as it's not sold on-site. - Be prepared for uneven terrain and bring a good sleeping pad if tent...

Based on 267 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during the summer season (June to August), with many visitors praising the clean facilities and beautiful trails. Winter months are quieter but come with limited amenities...

Based on 267 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The views are like no other. The campground sits right on the river and some sites have epic views." - Yulia Konovnitsyna 2. "The ranger station has helpful staff and maps. There are many trails...

Based on 267 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Campsite #41: Beautiful with minimal privacy but well-patrolled by rangers. - Campsite #15: Walk-in site with running water, sinks, and flushing toilets nearby. - Campsite #26: Close to trails but...

Based on 267 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited with uneven terrain and trails that are not wheelchair-friendly. Vault toilets lack adequate ventilation.

Based on 267 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed in the campground but are prohibited from hiking trails. Dogs must be leashed at all times. One user criticized the strict 6-foot leash rule.

Based on 267 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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