North Fork Campground
4.506 reviewsNorth Fork Campground
$3.00 - $8.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Recreational Use Fees vary by location. Reservation fees: $8 online/$9 via call center/$3 in person. Late cancellation charge: first-night fee forfeited + $10 penalty. No refunds for Scan & Pay.
About this campground
Tucked deep within Olympic National Park's ancient wilderness, North Fork Campground offers an intimate escape into one of the world's last temperate rainforests. This small, secluded sanctuary places you directly beneath towering giants that have stood sentinel for over a millennium. As one enchanted visitor named Kris shared, you'll find yourself camping 'directly in the old growth rainforest... among thousand-year-old trees.' Here, the modern world fades away, replaced by the timeless rhythm of dripping moss and whispering boughs.
North Fork Campground offers primitive camping with no reservations, suited for tent camping and small groups seeking a remote experience.
Historical SignificanceWhile specific historical records remain quietly held within the forest's memory, North Fork Campground sits within lands that have witnessed countless generations of both indigenous peoples and the eternal cycles of the ancient forest itself.
Weather and SeasonsThe Olympic rainforest's famously misty embrace extends throughout the year at North Fork, where even August can surprise visitors with gentle summer showers. This perpetual moisture creates the lush, emerald world that defines the region—expect cool temperatures and the possibility of rain regardless of season. Pack your rain gear and embrace the authentic rainforest experience, where every droplet contributes to the magnificent ecosystem surrounding your campsite.
ElevationNestled within the temperate rainforest valleys of Olympic National Park, the campground rests at a comfortable elevation where the forest thrives in its full majesty.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a cathedral of living columns where ancient Sitka spruces and western red cedars stretch skyward, their massive trunks disappearing into a canopy that filters sunlight into ethereal green beams. The temperate rainforest surrounding North Fork is a masterpiece of nature's architecture—moss drapes every surface in velvet green, ferns unfurl from nurse logs, and your tent becomes a tiny shelter beneath trees that were already centuries old when the first European explorers arrived. This is primary forest at its most magnificent, where time moves differently and every breath fills your lungs with the essence of the wild.
Geological RegionNorth Fork Campground lies within the heart of Olympic National Park's temperate rainforest ecosystem, a rare geological and ecological treasure characterized by its old-growth forest communities. This unique landscape exists where Pacific moisture meets ancient mountains, creating one of the few remaining temperate rainforests in the continental United States—a living monument to the power of preservation and the enduring strength of nature.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information regarding accessibility features.
Sites SizeThe campground is described as small, consisting of about ten campsites.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are not too close together, providing a reasonable level of privacy and quiet.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Quiet permits tranquil sites."
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Undefined
Groups
There is no specific mention of designated group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout"2.5-hour from Seattle.
Open and Closed Season"Variety seasonal typical open.
Reservation PlatformsNone
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-serve
Cancellation PolicyCancellation fees= User logs-out same-date = panelment reimbursement. Check only remains within $9.
Amenities available
Firewood available
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers opportunities for hiking, exploring nearby trails, and enjoying the unique rainforest environment. Some reviews mentioned a river nearby and the chance for solitude and quiet outdoor experiences.
Hiking
Nearby trails, including the North Fork Trailhead and Press Expedition Trail, provide access to hiking opportunities. The area is rich in rainforest scenery.Wildlife viewing
The campground is surrounded by old-growth rainforest, which enhances opportunities for wildlife viewing.Winter Activities
No specific mention of winter activities.Water Sports
No mention of non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No guidelines mentioned
- Quiet hours are "Quiet highly-reviewed"
Hazards
General hazardsDarkness, tough traffic, user-reports off corner blind collisions.
Active alertsNone
Weather forecast
83
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 71%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 8.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
"Closest emergency services information unavailable explicitly from source."
Good to know
Peak season dates"Summer user-reviews suggest peak"
Trash and recyclingInformation about trash and recycling facilities is not provided.
Proximity to water features"Close to river." User description: Corey Long
Common complaints"Port-a-potties... badly needed cleaning." Parking reserved complaints.
Host"No hosting services."
Campground Map
Driving directions"North Fork Campground is accessed via the North Shore Road along Lake Quinault. The Lake Quinault area can be accessed via Highway 101." - Authoritative
Mixed road access: "The drive in is not entirely paved, but there weren't many potholes and our little car did just fine. It took about thirty minutes to get to from the 101." - User review by Kris. "Nice camping spot, just watch out for bad drivers, most from out of state, on the 1 1/2 lane dirt road to get there." - User review by Dread Mike.Nearby supplies
"Closest supplies information unavailable explicitly from source."
Camper Reviews
4.5
6 reviews
North Fork Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews underline the campground's remoteness, primitive nature, and serene rainforest surroundings. Common themes include quiet solitude, proximity to hiking trails, and a lack of modern amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the secluded atmosphere, majestic old-growth trees, and proximity to trails. One user noted, 'Your tent will sit among thousand-year-old trees.' Another commented on the quietness and...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent complaints include the poor condition of port-a-potties and the lack of potable water. One user mentioned, 'The only bathroom facilities are port-a-potties, which badly needed cleaning.'
Based on 6 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own water, as potable water is not available. Firewood can be purchased on-site, and having your own chopping tools is recommended. Arrive early or outside of peak times to secure a spot.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is less busy during spring and fall but may serve as a last-resort option during peak summer weekends when other nearby campgrounds are full. Weather can be unpredictable, with rain...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
'This is a bit out of the way compared to other drive-up campsites nearby.' - Kris, 'Sometimes this is a last-resort campground in the peak summer, but you may love it for its quiet remoteness and...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites are not highlighted; however, users emphasized the campground's small size and quiet environment.
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility concerns are not mentioned in reviews.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are not permitted, as noted in reviews: 'Dogs are not permitted here technically.'
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025