Heartworn H.
Pony, OR
Joined September 2018
Lady on the Road
Campground Closed 2018

Just a heads up this camp is closed as of August 2018. I went there unaware of the closure and upon arriving just saw the gate was down with no sign or info regarding the closure. I walked in on foot to scope out. It looks like a really incredible camp, I hope they re-open it soon- especially since theres a shortage of designated camps in the area during the peak season.

There is no cell service there, but when got drove back to ForksI called the local ranger office and they said they were unsure when it will reopen.

Most unique campground on the Peninsula

Where do I begin..

I decided on a whim to take a camping trip to the Olympic Peninsula, somewhere I had been dreaming of visiting for some time. I didnt make any plans or reservations, just hit the road with a cooler full of food and my camping gear. I drove up from Olympia to the west side of the Peninsula and figured I would find some dispersed camping somewhere in the National Forest, or pitch a tent on the beach. To my dismay, every designated campground along the coast had been completely booked, and wherever I went seemed to have strict rules about parking or camping anywhere. With only a few pockets of area with cell service and nearing dark I was starting to worry. I began searching for anything on my phone, making calls and nothing. I noticed a "campground" on my map with an odd name: "Cycle Camp-RainForest Run Don't Tell Me What To Do Promotions" I found this quite odd but it piqued my interest, so I called. An incredibly kind man answered the phone and I explained my situation to him. He told me they are really a camp for two wheelers, bikes, but that they dont turn anyone away if they need a place to stay. He said to come on by so I drove the hour from Ruby beach over to the cycle camp.

The camp which is owned by Billy and Bob is meant for those on bike tour, or on they motorcycles when they are traveling through the peninsula, but as stated earlier, they dont turn anyone away in need. I wasnt the only person who was in a vehicle and in a pinch. These bikers are old school with an incredible sense of hospitality and kindness. There have plenty of space where you can choose to pitch a tent.

Billy and Bob were so kind, and welcoming. They have a really unique property that you have to see, and cant really be described. They also dont have a set price for camping there. They leave it up to you to decide what you feel is fair, or how you are financially. They have a kitchen to use, showers, and great company. There is a large communal fire pit where travelers alike can schmooze and share their journeys.

I feel very blessed to have found the cycle camp at the time I did, they helped me out when I really needed it! Hope to see them again.

Very Busy Campground

I tried coming here twice and both times it was not only full, but many cars circling through the loops in search of a camp.

I ended up camping a little farther west of Crescent Lake, but came to spend the days here.

It seems like a well-maintained site but just very busy, and loud. I found an area farther away along the lake where I could have some quiet and solitude which was incredibly enjoyable.

The lake is very special, powerful place. I hope people can respect the area, as everywhere I went I found so much trash that I was picking up and packing out.

Hope to return to Crescent Lake soon and enjoy the clean and peaceful waters.

Backup camp when visiting Crescent Lake

I discovered Littleton horse camp out of necessity. I dont usually make reservations when I camp which proved quite difficult when journeying through the Olympic Peninsula during peak season. Most campgrounds I planned to go to were not only completely full, but has so many cars and campers on a frantic hunt for a place to stay for the night. Crescent Lake was no exception. All the campgrounds in the area were completely full, and while there is BLM land in the surrounding area, I was camping by myself and didnt feel comfortable doing dispersed camping.

Luckily, I found Littleton Horse Camp. The camp is intended for those with horses, but many people ended up car camping here due to a lack of anywhere else to go. There was no host there so it was kind of a free for all. I dont recommend camping here if there are other options but it was a good backup since there was no where else to go. There were about 5 groups of campers when I arrived in the afternoon, and when I returned from my day at the Lake, there were about 20 cars there. There is a put toilet, but no water. I found a place behind one of the horse posts where there was a little clearing ands set my tent up there. If you really need water and have a filter, there is a creek when you begin go on the trail to Mt Muller which is located along the road heading into campground.

Its about a 15 minute drive to Crescent Lake, and the trailhead to hike Mt. Muller is on the way into Littleton Horse camp. I highly recommend hiking up to Mt Muller for a great uphill butt-burner with spectacular views alongside beautiful fauna and cedar trees.

Glad to know about this place in case im in a pinch next time I come back to enjoy the beauty of the area.

Peaceful campground by the river

Located on the east side of the Olympic Peninsula, Collins campground is a bit off the beaten path, which was what I was looking for during peak season in August.

The Duckabash river runs along most of the sites. There is a good amount of space between most campsites. Each one has a fire ring and picnic table. I was there the fire season, and while it was hard to escape the smoke pretty much anywhere in Washington, it was as bad at Collins.

I didnt see a campground host while I was there, Im not sure if they usually have one. Most campgrounds in the area were very full and quite busy, so I was very grateful to have found Collins . It Wass quiet and the few campers there were kind, quiet, and kept to themselves.

When driving to the campground on Duckabash road you will pass a cabin on your left side right before the paved road turns to gravel. Apparently that is the oldest structure built on on the peninsula. I thought that was pretty cool!

There are some great trails in the area as well. The Duckabash trailhead is a short drive from the campground and took two great hikes there during my stay. I hiked up river and found a lovely swimming hole, frigid, but beautiful.

I also found a great blackberry patch off the 101 which was so great having while I camped, hiked and in my morning yogurt :)

Cant wait to go back and explore more in the area!

Well maintained campground with great hike to the coast

I camped here over halloween in 2015 with a few girlfriends. It was great because there were only about two other campgrounds being used. Brisk and clear at night, with sunny days with a fall chill in the air. The campgrounds were nice and spacious with a fire ring and picnic table. There are bathrooms but no garbage pickup.

It was a nice walk to the coast. About 30-40 hike if I remember correctly. The "tafoni" rock along the coast is magnificent. Windy and sunny Pacific Coast ocean experience. I would definitely return next time Im in the area.

Great Beach Camping

I camped here three summers ago. The campgrounds were well-maintained, and pretty mellow compared to some of the other campgrounds in the area. Its a short walk to a beautiful and clean beach with incredible sunsets.

The mosquitos were a little rough, but thats to be expected in the summer in the midwest. I believe there are also cabins to rent.

They do have a lot of rules at the campground, but it makes it family friendly. We also found a UPick in the area and picked a bunch of blueberries!

I would definitely camp there again. Enjoy

Midwest Surprise

Growing up in the city of Chicago, I didnt realize there were "mountains" in the midwest! My first time going here, I was in awe of the lack of flat prairie land, as I was used to for the area. My friend and I reserved a tipi several months in advance. We spent two nights and it was spectacular. We rented a canoe, which I highly recommend, enjoyed the trail that went around the entirety of Devils lake, and also hit up Devils Doorway for a sunset hike. I had to keep reminding myself that I was in the midwest!

Also, as most camping in the area, the raccoons can get aggressive, so keep your camp clean and food stored away. Keep a flashlight nearby and look out for glowing eyes in the trees and bushes!

Its very family friendly, and if you are looking to go when its more quiet, then try to go off-season, or rent a canoe and go far out onto the water ;)

Hidden Gem in Gifford Pinchot

This is my go-to campground when visiting the Gorge area. Located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, just north of the town of Carson. Its about a 20 minute drive to the Columbia river, and 10 minutes to the small town of Carson. Its tucked away down a beautiful Forest road. You are nestled amongst towering old growth trees, wild ferns and thimbleberries, with Panther Creek running alongside the camp. The 2018 season had excellent campground hosts, I hope they return next year! They were very friendly and had helpful tips for trails in the area.

The pit toilets were clean, though heavy smell of ammonia which is not unusual at campgrounds like this. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. There are potable water pumps, as well as garbage and recycling. Frequented mainly by families, and some PCT hikers, as it is located just of the PCT trail. They have first come first serve as well as reservable sites. It fills up quickly on the weekends, so if you dont have a site reserved I highly recommend getting there early. Each regular site is $18 a night. Enjoy!

Excellent dispersed camping in eastern Sierras

If youre comfortable with primitive dispersed camping, this is the place to go in the eastern Sierras. Like walking on mars, the landscape is amazing with endless boulders and unobstructed views of Mt Whitney. I was there in April, and it was quite windy so be prepared for that. If youre setting up a tent, make sure youre able to stake it down securely. With the ground being dry and rocky make sure to pick a spot accordingly. The area is ideal for RV or car camping.

We got some early morning wind and rain, but were rewarded full crisp rainbow that lasted a good 30 minutes, stretching over the landscape. It was quite the scene.

Loaction wise, youre close enough to the town of Lone Pine if you need groceries, laundry or shower, or feel like having a bite or drink at a local watering hole. It also feels far enough away civilization to have a genuine wilderness experience, and little light pollution from town. I look forward to going back!