Queets Campground
3.1015 reviewsUpper Queets Road, accessible via Road 21 connected to Highway 101
Queets 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
General Recreation Use Fees vary by activity and location. Reservation fees: $8 (online/app), $9 (contact center), $3 (in-person).
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About this campground
Deep within Olympic National Park, where ancient trees stand sentinel and the Queets River whispers through the wilderness, lies one of the Pacific Northwest's most authentic camping experiences. Queets Campground offers adventurous souls a chance to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in pristine rainforest solitude. While reaching this hidden gem requires navigating the Upper Queets River Road (the original route was claimed by a mudslide), those who make the journey are rewarded with an untouched corner of paradise where nature reigns supreme.
Queets Campground is a primitive camping area offering sites for tents and small trailers.
Historical SignificanceThis ancient forest holds stories that stretch back through millennia. The indigenous peoples who first called this land home speak of a profound spiritual presence within these woods—a reminder that visitors walk on sacred ground where nature's power has been respected and revered for countless generations. Their oral traditions invite modern travelers to approach this wilderness with both wonder and reverence.
Weather and SeasonsThe Queets Valley embraces visitors with the full drama of temperate rainforest weather—from misty mornings that blur the boundaries between earth and sky to torrential downpours that nourish the verdant landscape. Seasoned campers have discovered that late August through September offers the sweet spot for exploration, when the mighty Queets River calms to fordable levels and the forest sparkles with late summer light filtering through the canopy.
ElevationNestled in the river valley's embrace, the campground rests at a gentle elevation where the Queets River has carved its patient path through the landscape for thousands of years. This low-lying sanctuary provides intimate access to the river's edge while remaining sheltered beneath the towering forest canopy.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a world where moss drapes from branches like nature's tapestry and ferns unfurl in prehistoric splendor. Here, clovers grow to astonishing proportions—some reaching the size of tacos—testament to the rich, rain-fed soil. The emerald cathedral of old-growth forest creates an otherworldly atmosphere where every surface glistens with moisture and life. While the frequent rain and resulting mud remind visitors they're experiencing one of Earth's great temperate rainforests, it's this very wildness that makes Queets unforgettable.
Geological RegionPositioned along the banks of the Queets River in Olympic National Park's western valleys, this campground showcases the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest's temperate rainforest ecosystem. Centuries of rainfall have sculpted a landscape where massive, moss-draped trees create natural cathedrals, and the persistent river continues its ancient work of shaping the valley floor. This is wilderness camping at its most authentic—a place where the rhythms of rain, river, and forest create a symphony of solitude.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is limited information about accessibility features. Users noted the rugged nature of the campground roads and trails, making it potentially challenging for individuals with mobility concerns.
Sites SizeSites vary in size from small to large, accommodating tents and smaller recreational vehicles. Users noted that the sites near the river are more open, while others are surrounded by vegetation providing more privacy.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy ranges from semi-open sites near the river to more secluded sites surrounded by vegetation.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites with vegetation offer privacy; sites by the river are more open.
Best CampsitesSites 6-7 alongside the river are recommended for their views and proximity to water.
Reserving a campsite
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Not explicitly mentioned
- user reviews suggest varied site sizes.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutCampground layout consists of spaced-out sites with some directly by the river and others divided by vegetation.
Open and Closed SeasonSeasonal availability is not explicitly mentioned, but user reviews indicate challenges during rainy months.
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov, primarily for fees and general Olympic National Park reservations, but Queets Campground itself is not reservable.
Walk-in AvailabilityQueets Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and reviews indicate it often remains quiet even on holiday weekends.
Cancellation PolicyQueets Campground is not reservable. No explicit cancellation rules mentioned for first-come, first-served visitors.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers activities suited to its location near the Queets River, including hiking and wildlife viewing. However, user reviews suggest challenges such as muddy trails and difficult river crossings.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include trails such as Sam’s Loop Trail, described as easy and beautiful. However, trails can become muddy and difficult to navigate, according to user reviews.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with user reviews mentioning sightings of elk and bears. However, concerns about poaching and animal activity near campsites are noted.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly stated, but the challenging weather conditions likely limit usability during this season.Water Sports
The swift and dangerous currents of Queets River discourage water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire policies not explicitly mentioned; primitive camping often allows campfires within designated rings.
- Quiet hours not explicitly mentioned, but reviews suggest the campground is generally quiet due to low visitation.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews highlight bear activity, wolves, poachers, dangerous river crossings, muddy trails, and challenging roads. "INFESTED WITH BEARS, WOLVES AND POISON SPIDERS!"
Active alertsNo active alerts mentioned, but road and weather conditions are challenging year-round.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 79%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 6.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
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 not explicitly mentioned. User reviews suggest remote and isolated conditions; visitors should prepare for emergencies independently.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season dates not explicitly mentioned; reviews suggest late August and September are better for river crossing and hiking.
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are provided. Campers are expected to pack out all waste.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated directly near Queets River. "Getting water from the river would be dangerous due to steep banks and fast-moving waters."
Common complaintsComplaints include poor road access, muddy trails, constant rain, lack of amenities (water, electricity, Wi-Fi), unsavory visitors, and dangerous wildlife.
HostNo campground host information is provided.
Campground Map
Upper Queets Road, accessible via Road 21 connected to Highway 101
Driving directionsQueets Campground is only accessible from the Upper Queets Road. Upper Queets Road is accessed from Road 21, which connects to Highway 101. GPS coordinates for navigation: Latitude 47° 37' 33.5820" N, Longitude 124° 1' 3.9972" W.
The road to Queets Campground is described in reviews as challenging: "The road here is so gnarly. A friend of mine got stuck so bad meeting me here that he had to get towed out." The final 8 miles are dirt with washboard conditions. Visitors are advised to drive slowly and avoid bringing large motorhomes or trailers; smaller vehicles like teardrops and Class C are better suited.Nearby places
Port Angeles is the nearest city, but exact distance and travel time are not specified.
Nearby supplies
Supplies availability not mentioned explicitly
visitors should bring necessary gear, food, and water due to the campground's primitive nature.
Camper Reviews
3.1
15 reviews
Queets Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews reveal polarized opinions about Queets Campground, ranging from high praise for its seclusion and natural beauty to significant complaints about safety, lack of amenities, and challenging terrain.
Review Summaries
Based on 15 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews note the campground’s beautiful, secluded nature and proximity to the Queets River. Sam’s Loop Trail and the uncrowded atmosphere are also appreciated.
Based on 15 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include unsafe roads, lack of amenities (no water, power, or Wi-Fi), dangerous wildlife activity (bear sightings, poaching), muddy trails, and the absence of privacy due to open...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Recommendations include arriving prepared for primitive conditions with no cell service or potable water, using Gaia GPS instead of Google Maps for navigation, and avoiding the campground during...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer months appear to be the most favorable for visiting, with users specifically recommending August and September for better weather and river conditions. Rainy and muddy conditions dominate...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Beautiful at night and would not hesitate to recommend to friends and family." "Read this if you are thinking about coming here. The road here is so gnarly. A friend of mine got stuck so bad meeting...
Based on 15 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 8 is specifically mentioned as having good spacing. Sites next to the river are noted for being more open with less privacy, while others have vegetation dividing them.
Based on 15 reviewsAccessibility Features
The rugged roads and primitive conditions make accessibility challenging for individuals with disabilities or mobility concerns.
Based on 15 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are permitted, but owners should be cautious due to the presence of bears and other wildlife.
Based on 15 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025