Elkhorn Campground
Open year-round for dispersed camping. Requires a 2-mile hike past a permanent road washout on Dosewallips Road. No facilities are maintained; campers must pack out all waste.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Herbicide application on Olympic National Forest
The Olympic National Forest may be applying the herbicides glyphosate, clopyralid, triclopyr, aminopyralid, sulfometuron methyl, or imazapyr to noxious weeds or other invasive plant species from May 1, 2026 – April 30, 2027.Applications will be conducted as planned in the Final EIS-Olympic…
FS-29 Road Restoration Closure
Construction on Forest Service Road (FSR) 29 is underway as we enter the final phase of repairs from the 2021 atmospheric river event. Temporary closures along the road and surrounding roads will occur between late April and October while crews complete major road and culvert improvements. This…
Reduced Bear Gulch Fire Area Closure (10/07/25)
The recent arrival of multiple days of rain reduced fire activity significantly. The threat of further damage from the fire is minimal. Effective today, October 7, 2025, some Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest closures in the Skokomish, Duckabush, and Dosewallips areas have been…
High Steel Bridge and surrounding area closed to pedestrians/off trail hiking
The High Steel Bridge is only open to persons traveling through on FSR 2340 via vehicle, hikers utilizing the High Steel Bridge Trail and South Fork Skokomish River users along with first responders and permitted use. Otherwise, the bridge and surrounding area is closed to the public/foot traffic.
Olympic National Forest camping stay limitations
Camping on the Olympic National Forest within the same developed recreation site is limited to 14 consecutive days. Camping on any National Forest System lands is limited to 21 days per calendar year.
Alcohol ban in effect along Lake Cushman corridor
With support from the National Park Service, Mason County, Tacoma Power, Washington State Patrol, the Skokomish Tribe, and other local partners the Olympic National Forest implemented a revised forest order that adds an alcohol ban to the existing prohibitions on camping, fires, and overnight…
About
Elkhorn Campground was once a developed Forest Service campground in the Dosewallips drainage of Olympic National Forest. Following a permanent road washout on Dosewallips Road, the campground is now only accessible via a roughly 2-mile hike or bike ride from the road closure point. The Forest Service no longer maintains the site, and all former infrastructure has been removed or deteriorated. The area now functions as dispersed camping with no facilities whatsoever. There is no potable water, no restrooms, and no trash service. Campers must pack out all waste and practice strict leave-no-trace principles. The setting offers a primitive backcountry experience along the Dosewallips River, with opportunities to observe elk and enjoy the sounds of owls and rushing water at night. No fees or reservations are required. The site is open year-round for those willing to make the hike, though winter conditions may present additional challenges. This is a true primitive camping experience suited for self-sufficient backcountry campers.
Directions
From US-101, take Dosewallips Road (Forest Road 2610) toward Dosewallips State Park. Continue past the state park until reaching the road washout closure. Park and hike approximately 2 miles on the closed road to reach the former campground area.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (360) 956-2402 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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