Deer Park Campground

Deer Park Campground in Olympic National Park offers one of the more majestic "front-country" places to camp in all of the National Park system. Set at 5,400' of elevation the campground is accessed via a long drive (18 miles) from Port Angeles (sea level). Turning off between a movie theater and a car dealership campers begin a climb out of the urban, past the rural and eventually in to the forest and National Park. At the National Park entrance the road changes from pavement to dirt and pitches up more steeply towards the mountain tops. The narrow winding road can fit one car in most places but does have ample opportunities to pull aside and let opposing traffic pass. The climb is slow going as caution is required. For those fearful of heights the steep edge to the road can be a bit too much. The road is passable to any street legal car but may be muddy after snow melt or rains. After 9 miles of dusty gravel road campers arrive in to the Deer Park area. Dependent upon weather and season guests can be presented with stunning views looking in to the interior of the park or, if visibility is limited, only to the end of your hand due to fog/ clouds. 14 tent only campsites (although small RVs and truck campers could easily use the sites too) are well spaced on three small loops. Loop A is less steep of the bunch; Loop B has a steep access road that can get rutted after rains, and Loop C lacks the majestic views. All sites are first come first served. Sites are available tucked in to the trees or out in the open. On nice weather days the campground is usually full. Pit toilets are available in addition to picnic tables and fire rings. A ranger station is close by. This is a hikers heaven with multiple trails departing the location. Day use traffic can be relatively heavy because of the popular trails. The campground is built along the side of the hill. There are steep grades to reach the restrooms, fee stand, and ranger station. Bicycles are not allowed on the trails but can be ridden on the dirt roads. Incredibly there is cell service at this location! No supplies, no trash service and no amenities this is rustic camping; come prepared and pack-out what you pack-in.