Staircase Campground

Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Olympic National Park near Hoodsport, Washington, Staircase Campground offers a truly serene and immersive experience amidst the grandeur of an old-growth forest. This remarkable campground is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere, where the soothing sounds of the North Fork Skokomish River provide a constant, gentle backdrop to your outdoor adventure. It’s a quintessential Washington wilderness escape, providing a peaceful haven far from the noise and rush of everyday life. For locals seeking a genuine connection with nature, away from crowded urban centers, Staircase Campground presents an idyllic setting for relaxation, exploration, and creating cherished memories in one of the state's most iconic national parks.

Staircase Campground is a place where ancient Douglas-firs reach for the sky, creating a vast natural cathedral that inspires awe and provides ample shade for nearly every campsite. This natural canopy contributes significantly to the feeling of peaceful seclusion that many visitors appreciate. Unlike some larger, bustling campgrounds, Staircase maintains a calm and uncrowded ambiance, fostering a respectful community among campers. The presence of friendly park rangers who conduct regular, discreet checks further enhances the sense of safety and order, ensuring that rules are followed and everyone can enjoy their stay without disturbance. This commitment to preserving a quiet and respectful environment is a significant draw for those who prioritize tranquility in their camping experiences.

Beyond just a place to set up camp, Staircase serves as a gateway to some of Olympic National Park's most beautiful and accessible trails. From gentle riverside strolls to more challenging ascents, the area caters to various hiking preferences, allowing visitors to deeply explore the lush forest and rugged terrain. The close proximity to the river, with some sites offering direct access to pebble beaches, adds another layer of natural appeal, perfect for contemplation or enjoying the cool water. It’s a destination that perfectly blends the simplicity of traditional camping with the awe-inspiring beauty of a protected national park, making it an invaluable resource for Washington residents seeking an authentic and rejuvenating outdoor experience.

Staircase Campground is uniquely positioned in the southeastern corner of Olympic National Park, with its address being NF-24, Hoodsport, WA 98548, USA. This location offers a sense of remote wilderness while still being accessible for Washington locals planning a getaway. To reach the campground from Hoodsport, you will take North Lake Cushman Road (State Route 119) for about 9 miles, where it will eventually turn into Forest Service Road NF-24. You then continue on this unpaved, but generally well-maintained, gravel road for approximately 6.5 miles until you reach the Staircase Ranger Station and the campground area.

It's important for visitors to note that the access road (NF-24) to Staircase can be periodically closed due to unfavorable weather conditions, particularly snow, often from November through May. Checking the road status with the National Park Service before planning your trip is highly recommended to ensure a smooth journey. Despite the unpaved section, the road is typically manageable for most vehicles, including those with smaller RVs, though caution is always advised.

This journey into the park adds to the sense of adventure and truly transports you into a wilder, more serene environment. While it feels wonderfully secluded, Staircase Campground is roughly an hour's drive from Olympia and about two hours south of Port Angeles, making it a viable destination for many residents across Western Washington. The drive itself is scenic, winding through lush forests and offering glimpses of the region's natural beauty, setting the perfect tone for a relaxing and immersive camping experience in the heart of Olympic National Park. The ability to park cars comfortably at individual sites, as noted by visitors, further enhances its accessibility for those arriving by vehicle.

Staircase Campground offers a collection of essential services and amenities designed to provide a comfortable and authentic camping experience within a national park setting. While not boasting luxury features, it delivers on the fundamental needs of campers.

Services Offered:

• Campsites: The campground features 49 to 51 individual campsites suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs (up to 21-25 feet, with a few sites accommodating up to 35 feet).
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for outdoor dining and preparation.
• Fire Rings/Grills: Individual fire rings with grills are provided at each site, perfect for campfires and cooking (always check for current fire restrictions and burn bans).
• Restrooms: The campground offers a mix of flush toilets (available in summer) and pit toilets. While ventilation might be limited, they are regularly cleaned.
• Potable Water: Accessible potable water sources are available for drinking, cooking, and dish cleaning (except during winter when water may be shut off).
• Camp Hosts: Friendly park rangers or camp hosts are present, often walking through the campground to perform checks and offer assistance.
• Deer Sightings: While not a service, deer are frequently seen wandering through the campground, adding to the wildlife viewing experience (visitors are kindly reminded not to feed them).
• No Showers or Hookups: It's important to note that Staircase Campground does not offer showers or RV hookups (electric, water, sewer), maintaining a more rustic camping experience.
• First-Come, First-Served: Many sites at Staircase operate on a first-come, first-served basis, though during the summer season (typically late May to early September), a portion of sites are available via reservation through Recreation.gov on a staggered release schedule (6 months, 2 weeks, and 4 days in advance).

Staircase Campground is celebrated for a variety of unique features and highlights that enhance its appeal as a premier outdoor destination within Olympic National Park.

Features / Highlights:

• Old-Growth Forest Setting: The campground is enveloped by a magnificent old-growth Douglas-fir forest, providing deep shade, a sense of timelessness, and a truly immersive natural experience.
• Riverside Sites: Many campsites are located directly along the North Fork Skokomish River, with some offering convenient step-down access to private-ish pebble beaches, allowing campers to enjoy the soothing sound of the water and easy access for riverside activities.
• Staircase Loop Trail: A popular and relatively easy 2.1-mile loop trail that follows the North Fork Skokomish River, offering stunning views of rapids, lush forest, and a pedestrian suspension bridge. It's ideal for a scenic stroll.
• North Fork Skokomish River Trail: Accessible year-round, this trail wanders through diverse terrains and is popular for longer day hikes or backpacking trips, leading to destinations like First Divide and beyond.
• Flapjack Lakes Trail: A more strenuous hike, gaining over 3,000 feet in elevation, leading to a series of beautiful alpine lakes, popular among experienced hikers.
• Wildlife Abundance: Beyond the frequent deer sightings within the campground, the area is rich in wildlife, offering opportunities for birdwatching and observing other forest creatures.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: Consistently reviewed as quiet and peaceful, the campground is ideal for those seeking a tranquil escape without loud disturbances.
• Spacious Campsites: Sites are generally well-spaced, providing campers with a good sense of privacy and room for tents and parking, even for multiple vehicles.
• Accessible for Tent and Smaller RVs: While primitive in terms of hookups, the campground accommodates both tent campers and smaller RVs/trailers (up to 21-35 feet depending on the site).
• Proximity to Lake Cushman: The Shady Lane trail, a flat path less than a mile long, connects to Lake Cushman, offering additional recreational opportunities.

For general inquiries about Staircase Campground or Olympic National Park, you can reach out using the provided phone numbers. It's always advisable to call ahead for the most current information regarding road conditions, campground status, and any alerts.

Contact Information:

Address: NF-24, Hoodsport, WA 98548, USA (Located within Olympic National Park)

Main Campground Inquiry Phone: (360) 877-5569

Mobile Phone: +1 360-877-5569

For broader Olympic National Park information, you can also contact the park's general information line, which is often (360) 565-3130, as found on the National Park Service website. This number can provide updates on road closures, reservation details, and other park-wide conditions that might impact your visit to Staircase.

Please remember that while many sites might be first-come, first-served, a portion of sites at Staircase Campground can be reserved through Recreation.gov during the summer season. Checking the Recreation.gov website or calling the listed phone numbers is the best way to plan your visit and ensure a smooth experience.

Staircase Campground is an exceptional destination for locals across Washington, offering a truly immersive and peaceful outdoor experience that aligns perfectly with the desires of those living in the Pacific Northwest. Its unique attributes make it a highly suitable choice for various types of local adventurers.

Firstly, its prime location within Olympic National Park is a significant draw. For Washingtonians, having a national park in their backyard means unparalleled access to pristine wilderness. Staircase provides this access without the often-overwhelming crowds found in other popular park areas. The drive, while partially unpaved, is an adventure in itself, leading visitors deeper into the lush, old-growth forests that define the Olympic Peninsula. This proximity to such an iconic natural preserve means that a profound escape into nature is just a few hours' drive away for many, making it perfect for weekend getaways or longer, more contemplative stays.

Secondly, the atmosphere of tranquility at Staircase Campground is a major appeal. In a world that often feels noisy and fast-paced, the consistent praise for its quiet and peaceful environment resonates deeply with locals seeking to de-stress and reconnect. The constant murmur of the North Fork Skokomish River provides a natural soundtrack, and the ample spacing of campsites ensures privacy. This uncrowded, respectful environment allows for genuine relaxation, whether you’re reading a book by the campfire, listening to the birds, or simply enjoying the vastness of the ancient trees. It’s a place where you can truly "unplug" and find solace in nature.

Furthermore, the wealth of outdoor activities available directly from the campground caters to a wide range of interests. From the gentle and accessible Staircase Loop Trail, perfect for families and casual walkers, to more challenging hikes like the one leading to Flapjack Lakes, there’s an adventure for every fitness level. The opportunity for riverside exploration, fishing, and wildlife viewing (including friendly deer) adds layers of enjoyment. This makes Staircase an ideal spot for local families, hikers, nature photographers, and anyone looking to actively explore Washington's diverse ecosystems.

Finally, the combination of essential amenities (flush toilets, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings) with the primitive, no-hookup nature of the sites strikes a perfect balance for many Washington campers. It provides enough comfort to be convenient, yet still fosters a genuine camping experience. The presence of friendly park rangers who ensure rules are followed and the relatively uncrowded nature of the sites, even with a first-come, first-served system (or staggered reservations), means that locals can consistently find a quality experience. For those in Washington who cherish the majestic beauty and peaceful solitude of their home state's national parks, Staircase Campground offers an authentic and deeply satisfying retreat.