Kalaloch

Summary

Kalaloch Campground is located on the southwest coast of the Olympic Peninsula in Olympic National Park, on a high bluff adjacent to the Pacific Ocean. It is a large facility with 168 campsites, including one group site and four accessible sites. During the summer, campsites are available for reservation 6, 2 and 4 months in advance and for the rest of the year, it is first-come, first-served. There are a variety of activities nearby such as birding, fishing, swimming and exploring the 73 miles of coastline.

Overview

Kalaloch Campground is on the reservation system May 25, 2023 - September 20, 2023. 

Important changes to the reservation booking windows: To better serve visitors, Kalaloch Campground will be releasing campsites in a series of three staggered block releases by loop. These block releases will be 6 months in advance, two weeks in advance, and 4 days in advance. 

• A and B loop campsites will be available for reservation 6 months in advance. Campsites A14, A16, A18, and A19 will currently not be reservable due to substantial bluff erosion. If these sites are deemed safe for camping after assessment or repairs, they will be released for online reservations within the 6 month booking window. This can be as late as spring of 2023. 
• C and D loop campsites will be available for reservations two weeks in advance. Please be aware that D Loop has experienced substantial erosion damage to the road and campsites along the ocean bluff. It is possible some popular bluff sites may be closed for the summer 2023 reservation season.
• E and F loop campsites will be available for reservations 4 days in advance. 

During the rest of the year, it is on a first-come, first-served basis. During winter (November - April), some campground loops are closed, but camping is still available. 

Kalaloch Campground is located on the southwest coast of the Olympic Peninsula in Olympic National Park, on a high bluff adjacent to the Pacific Ocean. Although campsites are not directly on the beach, several of them overlook the water and there is beach access within the facility. The campground is large and set amidst a peaceful, coastal forest that thrives on the region's high annual rainfall. Rain or shine, it is one of the most visited areas of the park.

Recreation

Near the campground and lodge, trails and steps descend about 40 ft. to the beach. There are several beaches, tide pools, scenic overlooks and trails to explore. The Kalaloch Creek Nature Trail is a mile-long walk through the forest along Kalaloch Creek, which drains into the ocean. There are accessible lookout points at Ruby Beach and Beach Trail 4.

Kalaloch is known for birding; species such as western gulls and bald eagles are frequently sighted. Visitors may even spot a puffin. Fishing and shellfish harvesting is allowed under state and park regulations.

Swimming is possible, however the Kalaloch area is known for large drifting logs that can pose a threat to swimmers as they wash ashore. Swimmers should also be aware of potentially dangerous rip tides.

Facilities

Kalaloch Campground is a large facility with 168 campsites, including one group site and four accessible sites. Each site has campfire rings with grates and picnic tables. Food lockers and drinking water are available at campground loop restrooms. There are no hookups at this facility, though a dump station is available for a $10 fee ($5 with a Senior or Access Pass) and is not included in the camping fee. The nearest shower facility is five miles away, and campers can purchase firewood and other goods at a nearby general store.

Natural Features

Kalaloch has no shortage of natural areas to explore. The Pacific shoreline just below provides ample habitat for marine life: tide pools reveal crabs and sea urchins at low tide; sea otters float on the surface of submerged kelp beds; shorebirds nest on beaches; and whales and dolphins occasionally emerge offshore. Beyond the national park's 73 miles of coastline lie three national wildlife refuges and one marine sanctuary.

Nearby Attractions

Olympic National Park has much to explore, including temperate rain forests, ocean shores, sub-alpine mountains, lakes and more. The lush Hoh Rain Forest, as well as the towns of Queets, Quinault and Forks are within a 45-minute drive.

Visiting the Hoh Rain Forest

Olympic National Park