Ericson's Bay Campground

Within the diverse landscape of Campgrounds & RV Parks, Ericson's Bay Campground provides a truly distinctive and adventurous experience. Unlike most campgrounds, Ericson's Bay is a boat-in only destination, situated on the vast Lake Ozette within the remote and pristine Olympic National Park in Washington State. This characteristic immediately sets it apart, attracting paddlers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking a profound sense of solitude and immersion in a wild, temperate rainforest environment.

Ericson's Bay Campground is nestled on the northwestern side of Lake Ozette, the largest natural lake in Washington, making its primary access by water. The surrounding environment is characterized by the lush, dense temperate rainforest that defines much of Olympic National Park. Towering Sitka spruce, Western hemlock, and Douglas fir trees create a verdant canopy, their branches often draped with moss, contributing to a mystical atmosphere. The campground itself is located in a wooded area behind a beach, providing a sense of seclusion and direct access to the lake's calm waters.

While the campground is lakeside, it also serves as a crucial access point to the wild Pacific Coast via a primitive trail. This unique juxtaposition of a large freshwater lake and a rugged saltwater coastline offers diverse ecological zones to explore. The air is fresh and clean, carrying the scent of damp earth and ancient trees. Wildlife, including various bird species and potentially larger mammals, can be observed in their natural habitat. The remote nature of Ericson's Bay means minimal light pollution, offering spectacular opportunities for stargazing on clear nights. The overall atmosphere is one of profound tranquility, disturbed only by the sounds of nature.

Ericson's Bay Campground is a primitive camping area, emphasizing self-sufficiency and a Leave No Trace ethos. It is a boat-in site, primarily intended for tent campers and those arriving by kayak or canoe from the main Ozette Lake access points. As part of Olympic National Park's wilderness camping system, it operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning there are no reservations available for the specific campsites here. This policy adds to the adventurous spirit but requires flexibility, especially during peak seasons.

The primary amenities at Ericson's Bay Camp are basic, designed to minimize impact on the environment. There are pit toilets available, which is a welcome convenience in a backcountry setting. Unlike developed campgrounds, there are no picnic tables at individual campsites or fire rings (though campfires may be permitted in designated areas if no fire restrictions are in place, often limited to driftwood on the beach, and not from forested areas). Potable water is not available directly at Ericson's Bay; campers must be prepared to filter or treat water from the lake or nearby streams. It is crucial for visitors to bring all their own supplies, including food, cooking gear, and water purification equipment, and to pack out all trash, leaving the site as they found it. Bear canisters may be required for food storage to protect against wildlife, particularly raccoons that are known to be tenacious in the Ozette area. There is no cell service or Wi-Fi, ensuring a complete digital detox.

The most defining feature of Ericson's Bay Campground is its boat-in accessibility. This makes it a prime destination for paddlers exploring Lake Ozette and seeking a truly secluded camping experience. As the "only boat-in campground in Olympic National Park" on Lake Ozette, it offers a unique vantage point for experiencing the park's diverse ecosystems from the water. The paddle across Lake Ozette to reach Ericson's Bay is an adventure in itself, with distances varying depending on the launch point (approximately 4.0 miles from the main boat launch at the north end of the lake).

From Ericson's Bay, a primitive trail of approximately 2.5 miles (4.0 km) leads out to the wild ocean beaches. This trail, often described as "rugged" with "ancient slippery and broken boards across the trail," offers an authentic and challenging trek through the coastal forest to a stunning, unspoiled coastline. While not part of the main Ozette Triangle, it provides a similar experience of accessing the wild Pacific. Activities from Ericson's Bay include kayaking and canoeing on Lake Ozette, exploring its three islands (Tivoli, Garden Island, and Baby Island), and embarking on the primitive trail to the coast for beachcombing, tide pooling, and observing marine wildlife. The quiet nature of the location also makes it ideal for birdwatching, with bald eagles and loons commonly sighted. Its remote nature means it's less crowded than more accessible campgrounds, offering a genuine wilderness experience for those who appreciate tranquility and the challenge of self-sufficiency.

Ericson's Bay Campground is an ideal choice for experienced campers and paddlers looking for a wilderness escape. While camping at Ericson's Bay is free, a wilderness permit is required for camping on Lake Ozette and can be obtained from the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles, often requiring advance booking during peak season. It is crucial to check the National Park Service website or call the WIC for the most up-to-date information on trail conditions, any temporary closures, fire restrictions, and required permits. As a first-come, first-served site, having a backup plan for camping is always advisable, especially during popular summer weekends or holidays.

Visitors should be well-prepared for a primitive camping experience. This includes bringing all food, water, and gear, as there are no stores or services directly at the campground. Gas stations and a small store (like The Lost Resort at Lake Ozette) are available closer to the main Ozette Lake area, but supplies are limited. The lack of cell service means being self-reliant and communicating your itinerary to someone off-site. The temperatures at Ericson's Bay typically range from 40°F to 70°F, depending on the season, and rain is a frequent occurrence in this temperate rainforest, so waterproof gear is essential. Despite the challenges, the rewards of a visit to Ericson's Bay—solitude, unparalleled natural beauty, and direct access to both lake and ocean wilderness—make it a truly memorable destination for the prepared adventurer seeking an authentic Pacific Northwest experience within Olympic National Park.