Summer Beach Camping on the Olympic Peninsula: Best Spots and Tips
Nothing says summer like camping on the wild, wave-swept beaches of the Olympic Peninsula. From the sea stack-studded shores of Second Beach to the driftwood-laden sands of Kalaloch, these coastal gems offer unforgettable adventures for families, solo explorers, and thrill-seekers. June through August brings warm days, starry nights, and low tides perfect for tide pooling and beachcombing near Forks and La Push. Ready to pitch your tent by the Pacific? Here’s your guide to the best beach camping spots, plus essential tips on permits, tides, and campfire rules for a stellar 2025 trip.
Why Beach Camping Shines in Summer
The Olympic Peninsula’s coastline, part of Olympic National Park and tribal lands, is a rugged paradise. Summer (June-August) delivers mild weather (55-70°F), longer daylight, and calmer seas, making it ideal for camping. Low tides in July expose vibrant tide pools, while clear nights are perfect for campfires (where allowed). Whether you’re roasting marshmallows with kids or chasing solitude, these beaches offer raw beauty and easy access from Highway 101. Just pack right and plan ahead—coastal camping requires a bit of know-how.
Best Beach Camping Spots - Olympic Peninsula
Here are four top spots for summer beach camping, each with unique vibes and logistics:
Second Beach (La Push)
Why It’s Hot: A 0.7-mile trail through lush forest drops you onto a sandy beach with iconic sea stacks and tide pools. It’s a family-friendly favorite near Forks, with dramatic sunsets in July.
Access: Park at the Second Beach trailhead (off La Push Rd., $10 parking fee). Short hike; no road access.
Camping Details: Dispersed camping above high-tide line; no facilities. Max 14 days.
Permits: $8/night wilderness permit from Olympic National Park (buy at Wilderness Information Center in Port Angeles or online).
Tide Tip: Check NOAA tide charts—low tides in June-July reveal anemones and starfish. Avoid high tides to stay dry.
Pro Tip: Pack a bear canister; black bears roam the area.
Kalaloch Beach (Kalaloch Campground)
Why It’s Hot: This developed campground sits atop a bluff with direct beach access, perfect for families wanting amenities. Driftwood piles and the famous Tree of Life draw campers in August.
Access: Off Hwy 101 (Milepost 171), 35 miles south of Forks. Drive-in sites; reservable.
Camping Details: 170 sites ($24-30/night), flush toilets, potable water. Beach camping allowed below bluff (dispersed).
Permits: Reserve via recreation.gov (6 months ahead for summer); dispersed beach camping needs a $8/night wilderness permit.
Tide Tip: Morning low tides in July are best for exploring tide pools near Kalaloch Creek.
Pro Tip: Book early—Kalaloch fills fast for June-August. Visit the Kalaloch Lodge store for snacks.
Shi Shi Beach (Neah Bay)
Why It’s Hot: Remote and wild, Shi Shi’s 2.5-mile trail leads to Point of Arches, a stunning sea stack formation. Ideal for adventurers seeking solitude in July.
Access: Trailhead at Makah Reservation (off Hwy 112, Neah Bay). 8.8 miles round-trip hike; muddy sections.
Camping Details: Dispersed camping above high-tide line; pit toilets at trailhead. Max 14 days.
Permits: $20 Makah Recreation Pass (buy at Washburn’s General Store, Neah Bay) + $8/night Olympic National Park wilderness permit.
Tide Tip: Low tides in June expose tide pools; high tides can flood campsites—check NOAA charts.
Pro Tip: Bring sturdy boots for the muddy trail; pack out all trash—no facilities.
Rialto Beach (Mora Area)
Why It’s Hot: Easy access and a 4-mile round-trip hike to Hole-in-the-Wall make Rialto a versatile pick for families or backpackers. August’s clear skies light up the sea stacks.
Access: Mora Campground (off La Push Rd., $20/night, reservable) or Rialto Beach parking ($10/day). Short walk to beach.
Camping Details: Dispersed camping past Ellen Creek (1.5 miles north); no facilities. Mora Campground has flush toilets, water.
Permits: $8/night wilderness permit for beach camping; Mora reservations via recreation.gov.
Tide Tip: July low tides open the path to Hole-in-the-Wall—time your hike to avoid high water.
Pro Tip: Camp north of Ellen Creek for quieter sites; watch for bald eagles.
Essential Tips for Summer Beach Camping
Permits: Olympic National Park requires a $8/night wilderness permit for all backcountry beach camping (Second Beach, Shi Shi, Rialto dispersed, Kalaloch dispersed). Reserve online or at the Port Angeles Wilderness Information Center. Makah permits ($20) are needed for Shi Shi. Book early for summer—permits are limited.
Tide Schedules: Coastal camping hinges on tides. High tides can flood sites or block trails (e.g., Hole-in-the-Wall at Rialto). Use NOAA tide charts for La Push or Neah Bay; aim for low tides in June-July for tide pooling and safer hiking. Apps like Tides Near Me are handy.
Campfire Regulations: Fires are allowed below the high-tide line at Second Beach, Rialto, and Shi Shi, but only with driftwood (no cutting live trees). Kalaloch permits fires in designated rings ($8 firewood bundles at the campground). No fires June 1-October 15 above high-tide line to prevent forest fires. Extinguish fully with water—wind spreads embers.
Gear: Pack a lightweight tent (stake in sand), warm sleeping bag (nights drop to 45°F), and waterproof layers (coastal fog is common). Bear canisters are required ($3 rental at ranger stations) to store food and trash. Bring a camp stove for backup—fires aren’t guaranteed.
Safety: Watch for sneaker waves and never turn your back on the ocean. Store food in canisters to deter bears and raccoons. Cell service is spotty—carry a map (e.g., National Geographic Olympic National Park).
Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash, bury human waste 6-8 inches deep (200 ft from water), and camp on sand to avoid damaging vegetation. Respect tribal lands at Shi Shi—stick to trails.
Family-Friendly Tips
Kalaloch: Best for kids with flush toilets, water, and easy beach access. The Tree of Life trail (0.5 miles) is a hit for ages 4+.
Second Beach: Short trail suits families, but pack light—kids need help on the steep descent. Bring buckets for sandcastles.
Activities: Tide pooling at Rialto or Second Beach keeps kids engaged—look for purple starfish. Fly kites on windy July afternoons.
Safety: Teach kids to stay above high-tide lines and avoid climbing sea stacks—slippery rocks are risky.
Tie It to the Peninsula’s Outdoor Scene
Love the coast? The Peninsula’s rivers, like the Sol Duc or Quillayute, are just a short drive from these beaches and offer summer fly fishing for cutthroat trout. Our guides at Anadromy Fly Fishing can take you from tide pools to trout runs in a single day. Book a guided fishing trip to add casting to your camping adventure!
Plan Your Summer Beach Camping Trip
Second Beach, Kalaloch, Shi Shi, and Rialto Beach are coastal treasures waiting for your June-August 2025 adventure. Pitch a tent, toast marshmallows, and wake to crashing waves. After camping, grab pancakes at Granny’s Cafe in Port Angeles or hike the Hoh Rainforest for a full Peninsula experience. Need local tips or a fishing guide to round out your trip? Contact us today—let’s make your summer on the Olympic Peninsula unforgettable!