Elwha Dam RV Park

We pulled in for four nights in late September and watched salmon push upstream from a riverbank a short walk from the rig. The Elwha is one of the great restoration stories in the Pacific Northwest — two century-old dams came out in 2012–2014, and the fish came back. Camping here puts you on the banks of that river, 5 miles from Olympic National Park and 45 minutes from the alpine meadows of Hurricane Ridge.

Is it a good base for Olympic National Park?

Yes for the north side of the park — it’s one of the closest full-hookup parks to the entrance, and Hurricane Ridge is an easy morning drive. From here it’s 5 miles to the park boundary, 25 to Hurricane Ridge, 10 to Port Angeles, and about 45 minutes to Sol Duc Hot Springs. We drove up to the ridge more than once in four days and never got tired of the Olympic Mountain views. Our Olympic National Park guide breaks down the three ecosystems and how to plan around them.

What does it cost, and does that price hold?

When we researched rates in July 2026, sites ran about $45–$65/night — but this is private-park pricing that moves with season and demand, so read it as a snapshot, not a promise.

Site type	Approx. rate (as of July 2026)	Notes
Riverfront full hookup	~$60–$65	Up to ~45 ft, 50 amp, water, sewer, river views
Standard full hookup	~$50–$55	Up to ~40 ft, 50/30 amp, forested
Partial hookup (water/electric)	~$45–$50	Shorter rigs, 30 amp, no sewer

That’s fair for a national-park gateway and below what comparable hookups cost near Seattle. Olympic’s entrance fee is separate. For how a nightly rate fits a full trip budget, see our RV rental cost guide.

When should you go?

Late September into mid-October is the sweet spot — peak salmon runs, clearer Hurricane Ridge days, and thinner crowds than summer. Summer has the warmest weather but little salmon activity and the fullest campground; spring brings steelhead and heavier rain. Whenever you come, pack layers, rain gear, and waterproof boots — Olympic Peninsula weather changes by the hour.

Who is it best for?

Nature-first RV travelers who want Olympic access over urban amenities. Riverfront sites are worth the small premium during the runs for the sound and the viewing; forested standard sites cost less if the salmon aren’t in. Set expectations on connectivity — park WiFi is unreliable, so bring a Verizon hotspot or Starlink. And know that Hoh Rainforest and the coast are long day trips, so a split itinerary serves the full peninsula better.

Bottom line

For the north side of Olympic National Park, this is a strong, fairly priced base with a genuinely special river out front. Come in the fall for the salmon, book a riverfront site ahead if you want front-row seats, and treat the posted rate as a moving target. Round out the plan with our Olympic National Park guide and Washington state guide.