Staircase Campground

About

Staircase Campground occupies a dramatic setting in the southeastern corner of Olympic National Park, where enormous Douglas-firs create a vast forest cathedral along the North Fork Skokomish River. Located about one hour from Olympia and two hours south of Port Angeles, the campground offers 49 sites with several positioned along the river. The Staircase area provides diverse hiking opportunities. Short day hikes like the flat Shady Lane trail to Lake Cushman contrast with challenging routes such as the Flapjack Lakes trail, which climbs over 3,000 feet. The North Fork Skokomish River trail offers multi-day backpacking options. The campground features flush toilets seasonally, vault toilets, potable water when open, fire grates, picnic tables, and bear-proof food lockers. Ranger programs run during summer months. Access requires driving unpaved Forest Service Road NF-24, which periodically closes due to snow and weather. The campground itself closes seasonally from November through March due to hazard tree risks. Summer 2025 reservations were handled through a staggered block release system with sites becoming available six months, two weeks, and four days in advance.

Directions

From Highway 101 at Hoodsport, take North Lake Cushman Road northwest for several winding miles. The paved road becomes unpaved Forest Service Road NF-24. Follow NF-24 to its end at Staircase.