Elkhorn Campground
Open — Open year-round for dispersed camping. The campground is unmaintained and accessible only by hiking approximately 2 miles past a permanent road washout. No reservations or fees required.
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.
National Forest Road No. 2880 - Temporary Closure
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.S0(a) & (b), to provide for public safety, the following act is prohibited within the Pacific Ranger District of the Olympic National Forest as described belo
Tunnel Creek Trail remains closed (12/23/2025)
To provide firefighter and public safety the Tunnel Creek Trail is closed due safety concerns including debris fall post the Tunnel Creek Fire.
Christmas Tree Permits available online!
Christmas tree permits are available to purchase online through Recreation.gov now. Details about designated cutting areas, dates, and types of trees that may be cut may be found here.
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.
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 April 21, 2025 – April 20, 2026.
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.
Multiple sections of Forest Service Road 29 closed due to road failure
This order prohibits motorized equipment or motor vehicle use on Forest Service Road 2900-070 from milepost 0.1 to 0.2 (Sitkum Gorge Bridge), and Forest Service Road 2900 (a-road) from mile post 23.8 to 24 (washout) and mile post 33.8 to 33.9 (washout).
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.
Forest Service Road 2372 Partial Closure
Forest Service Road (FS) 2372 is closed to all motorized equipment and motor vehicle use from milepost 1.08 to mile post 1.20 due to road washout.
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 par
About
Elkhorn Campground is a former USFS developed campground in Olympic National Forest that has been converted to dispersed camping after being cut off by a road washout in 2003. Located along the scenic Dosewallips River in a lush Pacific Northwest forest setting, the campground is now accessible only by hiking approximately 2 to 2.7 miles past the washout on Dosewallips Road. The site is completely unmaintained and has no infrastructure. There are no restrooms, no potable water, and no maintained facilities. Campers must pack in all gear and supplies from the trailhead parking area approximately 9 miles from Brinnon on Dosewallips Road. The hike in is relatively mild with gradual elevation gain on an old road bed, making it a good introduction to backcountry camping for those new to pack-in camping. The setting is peaceful and tranquil, surrounded by second-growth forest with moss-covered trees characteristic of Olympic rainforest valleys. The Dosewallips River provides a scenic backdrop. This is a true backcountry experience requiring self-sufficiency and Leave No Trace practices.
Directions
From Brinnon on US Highway 101, turn west on Dosewallips Road and drive approximately 9 miles to the road washout. Park at the trailhead and hike approximately 2 to 2.7 miles on the old road bed to reach Elkhorn Campground.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | No |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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