I'm in the process of planning our summer trip to the Olympic Peninsula in WA (travelling 101 around the peninsula) and I was gutted to see that all the National Forest sites have 21-foot limit. We're 40 feet, so obviously much bigger, but I also know that sometimes the site sizes are conservative.Anyone have experience in these campgrounds (e.g. Kalaloch, Mora, Heart O The Hills...)? Are they really 21-foot limits? How much wiggle room is there?Any other decent, inexpensive, options along this route?

Their rules state that sites accomodate 21 feet (or smaller) well. But it does say that there are larger sites in some of the major campgrounds.

Kalaloch has 9 sites for 40'. They go fast. Better check now. South Beach has a few sites, but first come. I have stayed in Forks to visit Hoh Rain Forest. There is a private CG on the road into Hoh.

nina_70 wrote:I'm in the process of planning our summer trip to the Olympic Peninsula in WA (travelling 101 around the peninsula) and I was gutted to see that all the National Forest sites have 21-foot limit. We're 40 feet, so obviously much bigger, but I also know that sometimes the site sizes are conservative.Anyone have experience in these campgrounds (e.g. Kalaloch, Mora, Heart O The Hills...)? Are they really 21-foot limits? How much wiggle room is there?Any other decent, inexpensive, options along this route?Its a case of the access roads are too narrow to get your 40' around the turns.

NO, not all sites 21 foot limit. But very few "oversize" sites. Heart O Hills; I wouldn't take 40 ft into of some loops. Most of the places you are asking about have private parks close by for any size. Not exactly "camping" 10 feet from neighbor but you can take your toad to see NF. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfleLjZ3fd8 typical about the places your asking about, matter of fact filmed up here. Not all have 21 foot limit some have a few bigger sites but you might need reservations well in advance. Kalaloch; We don't even stop there during summer, to many beach/sunset worshipers that love that place. I see why they love it, but we don't like to make reservations so we by-pass Kalaloch during summer months. RV reviews would put you on to private parks close to NF.(Sort of funny) my kids in So Cal asks "if your going to get a MH why not get the biggest you can afford"? I explain that our 26 bumper to bumper is sure tiny in his land of big RV's, but ours fits into just about anything up here.

A very nice option on the Oly Pen is Salt Creek Recreation Area, near Port Angeles.

Olympic Peninsula, WA - all NFS sites 21-foot limit?

Roy_Lynne
Explorer
Feb 09, 2014
LaPush is a sad little town on the Pacific just west of Forks, but has a RV park that is right on the water. Beach is rocky but whale watching is fun. Been there a couple of time.
Make sure you stop at Ruby Beach, It is Day use only but the MOST beautiful beach IMOO. You have to walk down to the beach but its a switchback trail so mot particularly steep.
Pacific Beach State Park is a little out of the way from 101 and right on the water. Military campground just north. Not a lot to see and do
Ocean Shore State Park is a nice campground but a long walk along a empty beach to town. Town doesn't have much.
mockturtle
Explorer II
Feb 09, 2014
the MOST beautiful beach IMOO

I agree! I think this was taken there. There are often puffins on the rocks.
DarthMuffin
Explorer
Feb 09, 2014
Kalaloch has a few sites that will fit bigger rigs, but they go quickly so reserve early. I think most everything I saw there was 25-30'+, I don't think they enforce it well.

Hoh and Sol Duc are definitely 21' and under. Don't try it with a bigger one, you won't fit. Sol Duc was my favorite, and there were a few larger rigs there partially blocking the roads and making it harder for everyone. Don't be one of those people.
nina_70
Explorer
Feb 10, 2014
Cheers for all the responses folks. We snagged the very last 40-foot site at Kalaloch (for 3 days only) and will be checking out the Salt Creek Recreation Area. I really like the look of that one! I've also booked just a few nights at La Push...bleeding expensive, but I gather the beach is nice. Cheers for the info on Rudy beach too!
tpi
Explorer
Feb 22, 2014
Hoh, Sol Duc and the like... would those in the know attempt w/ a 24' length, 99 inch width C motorhome?
scroller95969
Explorer
Feb 22, 2014
tpi wrote:
Hoh, Sol Duc and the like... would those in the know attempt w/ a 24' length, 99 inch width C motorhome?

We stayed in Hoh with our 24' and could have fit in numerous site. Could have even brought our 14' cargo trailer and still fit in several sites.
Francesca_Knowl
Explorer
Feb 22, 2014
I've been to all those with a buddy and his thirty-two footer. No problem.

Here's a tip for the HOH:

Upriver and before entering the Park gate, there are some drycamping spots right on the river itself where you'd fit, too. Wa. DNR-run...no fees/amenities, but you do need a Discover Pass- thirty bucks a year, good for day use at all State Parks, and required even for no-fee camping on other State lands. You'll get that back by saving the first two nights of fees you'd have to pay at the FS/Park campgrounds. Link to state site
tpi
Explorer
Feb 24, 2014
Thanks to scroller and Fransesca for taking the time to write helpful answers to my question. This is one are I want to visit especially with info you provided.
wintersun
Explorer II
Feb 25, 2014
A third factor is the turning radius with the many campsites that require backing into them. Even with our 22' length we sometimes scrape the trees with the tow mirrors. How long the space is seldom the limiting factor and in wider campsites one is often allowed to have a 20' trailer and alongside a 20' tow vehicle.
Lincoln4
Explorer
Mar 08, 2014
mockturtle wrote:
A very nice option on the Oly Pen is Salt Creek Recreation Area, near Port Angeles.

No! Don't let that secret out! Oh well, too late.

I haven't camped here, but drove through it once. Very nice, and I would take my 36 footer through it. In fact I hope to go there this summer.