Explore Sol Duc Campground: Camping, Hot Springs, and Natural Beauty Near Port Angeles, WA

Sol Duc Campground Introduce

Seeking an immersive camping experience amidst the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest? Sol Duc Campground, located at 12076 Sol Duc-Hot Springs Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA, offers a unique opportunity to camp within the heart of the Olympic National Forest. For local users searching for "camping near me," Sol Duc Campground presents a blend of rainforest camping, access to natural hot springs, breathtaking waterfalls, and extensive hiking trails. It’s important to note that Sol Duc Hot Springs is situated within the national forest, and a $30 entrance fee per vehicle is required to access the area.

Sol Duc Campground caters to various camping preferences, offering both RV parking areas with hookups and more secluded tent campsites. However, recent feedback suggests a mixed experience depending on the chosen camping style. One reviewer noted that the RV parking area felt overcrowded, resembling a "huge parking lot" with limited privacy and a perceived lack of nearby bathroom facilities. While RVs typically provide onboard restrooms, the absence of easily accessible public restrooms was considered an inconvenience. Water and electricity hookups were available for RVs, but the overall impression of the RV parking area did not meet the reviewer's expectations, especially considering the cost of $128 for two nights, leading to the question of what the fee truly covered.

In contrast, the same reviewer highlighted the natural attractions as significant positives. The waterfalls were described as "beautiful," and the opportunity to be immersed in nature was a clear highlight, overshadowing some of the camping-related disappointments. Another review paints a more idyllic picture of the traditional campsites, describing them as being "deep in the rainforest, on or close to the river." This suggests a more secluded and nature-focused camping experience for those opting for tent camping, particularly in Loop B, which was specifically recommended for those not needing hookups.

A major draw of the Sol Duc area is undoubtedly the Sol Duc Hot Springs. Located within a short walk from the campground, a resort features three different temperature hot spring pools fed by natural hot springs in the forest. While the experience of soaking in the hot springs was generally enjoyable, one visitor reported concerns about cleanliness, particularly in the "gross" locker room, and noted the absence of soap in the showers. Overcrowding was suggested as a potential contributing factor to these issues. The admission fee of $18 plus tax for a limited 1.5-hour soak was also perceived as not entirely justified, with the suggestion that a full-day access would be more reasonable. The transition to a cold pool was mentioned as a positive aspect of the hot springs experience.

For those seeking more traditional lodging, cabins are available at the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort. However, these were described as "steep" at $300 per night and not considered worthwhile by one visitor who opted for the RV spot instead. This suggests that while alternative accommodations exist, they may come at a premium.

Beyond the camping and hot springs, Sol Duc offers exceptional opportunities for outdoor activities. The campground boasts "many miles of hikes right from your campsite," catering to various skill levels and interests. Backpack camping at several lakes is also an option for those seeking a more wilderness-oriented experience. The "beautiful and very unique waterfall" is another significant natural attraction easily accessible from the campground.

It is crucial for visitors to Sol Duc Campground to be aware of the local wildlife and take necessary precautions. As one review explicitly warns, "be a responsible camper. Pack your food away or have an airtight container. Because the animals know when there's food and they come quickly." While the most common encounters are with birds and chipmunks, the presence of bears, raccoons, and cats in the area is "not unheard of." Proper food storage is essential for ensuring both personal safety and the well-being of the local wildlife.

Considering the mixed feedback, potential visitors to Sol Duc Campground should carefully weigh their priorities. If your primary focus is on immersing yourself in the natural beauty of the Olympic rainforest, exploring hiking trails, and experiencing the Sol Duc Falls, the campground offers a convenient base. The proximity to the hot springs is also a significant advantage for those looking to relax and rejuvenate in a natural setting. However, if you are primarily seeking a well-appointed RV park with ample privacy and modern restroom facilities, the RV parking area at Sol Duc Campground may not fully meet your expectations based on recent reviews.

For those interested in a more secluded and potentially quieter camping experience, particularly tent campers who do not require hookups, Loop B is highly recommended. This area is described as offering a more traditional rainforest camping feel, potentially mitigating the overcrowding issues reported in the RV parking area.

To obtain the most up-to-date information on campsite availability, pricing, hot springs hours and fees, and any current advisories or regulations, it is advisable to contact Sol Duc Campground directly at (360) 327-3583 or +1 360-327-3583. They can provide specific details to help you plan your visit and make an informed decision based on your individual needs and preferences.

In summary, Sol Duc Campground offers a unique camping experience within the stunning Olympic National Forest, providing access to natural hot springs, beautiful waterfalls, and extensive hiking opportunities. While the RV parking area has received criticism for overcrowding and limited amenities, the traditional campsites, particularly in Loop B, appear to offer a more secluded rainforest experience. Visitors should also be prepared for wildlife encounters and adhere to responsible camping practices. Despite some reported shortcomings in the developed areas, the overwhelming appeal of the natural surroundings remains a significant draw for those seeking "camping near me" in the Port Angeles region.

Sol Duc Campground Photos

Sol Duc Campground Location

Sol Duc Campground

12076 Sol Duc-Hot Springs Rd, Port Angeles, WA 98363, USA

Sol Duc Campground

12076 Sol Duc-Hot Springs Rd

Sol Duc Campground Loop B Entrance

Washington 98363

Mink Lake

Port Angeles

Sol Duc River

Port Angeles

Deer Lake

Port Angeles

Lunch Lake

Port Angeles

Boulder Lake

Port Angeles

Horsehead Stock Camp

Port Angeles

Hoh Lake

Port Angeles

7 Mile Group Camp

Port Angeles

C. B. Flats Group Camp

Port Angeles

Upper Sol Duc Bridge

Port Angeles

Appleton Pass

Port Angeles

Sol Duc Campground Reviews

RV parking area was overcrowded and lacked bathrooms. It was basically a huge parking lot with no privacy, and it was a huge disappointment. While having an RV provides a toilet, it’s still inconvenient not to have restroom facilities nearby. The hookups for water and electricity were available, but overall, it seems the parking lot fell short of our expectations. Sure, it was a close walk to the hot springs. Let’s talk about the hot springs. The hot springs themselves were okay, but cleanliness was lacking. The locker room was gross to say the least. They didn’t even have soap in the showers to rinse off properly after soaking in the hot springs. Overcrowding might have contributed to this. Despite the shortcomings, soaking in the hot springs was still enjoyable. The transition from the hot springs to the cold pool was a nice touch. The $18 plus tax admission fee wasn’t justified for the experience since you could only stay 1.5 hours. You should be able to come and go all day. The cabin prices were steep at $300 per night, and didn’t find them worthwhile, so we went with the RV spot for $128 for two nights. I’m still trying to figure out what we paid for. The falls and the river stood out as highlights of our trip! The falls were beautiful, and it was nice to be out in nature despite the camping situation. It’s essential to remember that Sol Duc Hot Springs is located in the national forest, and there’s a $30 entrance fee. Overall, the natural surroundings made a more significant impression than the amenities. If you’re thinking of visiting and camping stay in Loop B if you don’t need hook ups. This is where the secluded camping is!
Jun 19, 2024 · Holly
Campsites are deep in the rainforest, on or close to the river. There are many miles of hikes right from your campsite. Backpack camping at a few lakes. A beautiful and very unique waterfall. Also if you want to relax in a hot spring, there is a short walk through the woods to a resort with 3 different temperature hot springs. Fed by natural Hot springs in the forest. Fair warning, be a responsible camper. Pack your food away or have an airtight container. Because the animals know when there's food and they come quickly. Mostly the birds and chipmunks. But bears, raccoons and cats are not unheard of roaming in the area.
Jul 30, 2024 · Alan Quigley
It was a great camping spot, close to the river and resort. The hot springs does stink and is dirty but worth the visit. The resort also has a restaurant but the menu is very small, I wish they had more options I think it would bring in more business. They have a place with showers and restrooms so you can change easy. The water definitely felt good on the skin and was hot. It's definitely a must visit at least once. The campground has picnic tables, bathrooms, fresh water, and garbage can. Some of the spots you have to walk down and can't drive your vehicle to the spot.
Aug 13, 2023 · Kristina Rumer
Quiet, huge trees, wet and cold, but a nice getaway! 4 stars because it's crowded, hard to reserve, and has a really short open season. All the wooded campgrounds near the Olympic National Park have a similar setting and amenities, so unless you're going to hang out in the hot springs, you're usually better off somewhere else.Loop B is more private than loop A, many sites are below the road, and there is light cell signal right along the water. The RV camp is bare bones.The Hot Spring water is lovely, especially when it's raining. It has a very strong sulfur scent, sometimes the water is yellow. This is natural and normal, but varies with the geo activity. Temperature in the hottest pool is usually around 104°/105° F. The hike from the upper parking lot to Sol Duc falls is very easy, for a nice long walk, hike Lovers Lane from the hot spring parking lot.Cost - If you plan to spend most of your time in the hot spring, stay at the resort, rooms range from $250-$350 and include unlimited sessions in the springs for 2 people. (There's also a 3 bedroom house that sleeps up to 8 for $500) A 1 1/2 hour session in the springs costs up to $18 per person if you aren't staying at the resort, that adds up fast. The rooms are very simple so the cost is only worth it if you're planning on spending a lot of time in the water or don't own camping equipment.Food and coffee at the restaurant is good, salads and burgers are worth the cost.The gift shop has blankets, alcohol, towels, and swim accessories that you don't see at many of the national park gift shops.
May 30, 2022 · India A
A campsite fully covered with big pines. There is flush toilets available here. The lodge that’s nearby has shower facilities and hot water spring. You have to pay for hot spring for each 1:30 hr session.When I was at the campsite for two days there the camp host was not around , but you can get firewood from the host.
Sep 10, 2022 · HB