This Idyllic Washington Campground Offers Budget-Friendly Sites Near Olympic National Park

If you're looking for a beautiful and budget-friendly place to camp in Washington, Allen's Bar Campground is the perfect destination. Situated near Hoh River and just minutes from the entrance to Olympic National Park, this campground provides an exciting experience. Unlike public campgrounds with amenities, Allen's Bar keeps things simple with an authentic back-to-nature vibe, rightly earning it a spot on the best bucket list camping destinations.

What makes Allen's Bar unique is its location, which makes it the base for exploring Olympic National Park. With the Olympic Mountains in the background and just a short drive away, Allen's Bar is a hidden treasure for those looking for a campground with no crowds. Hoh River, including the area that became Allen's Bar, was home to the Hoh Tribe and a popular logging zone. Over the years, Allen's Bar has retained its charm as a private campground that provides access to hiking trails and scenic views.

Allen's Bar is not a campground for luxury-seekers. It's a place where nature takes center stage, with the campground offering only basic amenities. You'll find fire rings at the campsite, which means you can cook outdoors or spend evenings around the campfire. During the day, you can spend time near the banks and enjoy views of Hoh River. You will find vault toilets at the campsite, but there's no running water; you have to bring your own. There are no electrical hook-ups, which means the site is suitable for camper vans, tents, and small RVs that don't need amenities.

Campsites are first-come, first-served, and cost less than $5 per night. Also, as you plan your trip to the area, ensure you make your reservation early. This will not only guarantee that you choose the best campsite at the campground for your needs, but also avoid disappointments. The riverbank views and mountain backdrop make up for the minimal amenities. Just be careful near the riverbank to ensure your RV doesn't sink in the soft sand. Compared to larger campgrounds, Allen's Bar is less crowded, and you'll enjoy the peace and quiet.

What makes Allen's Bar one of the best places to go camping in North America is its proximity to Hoh Rain Forest, ideal for hiking adventures. If you're a beginner, start with the Hall of Mosses Trail, about a mile long. You'll pass by trees covered in moss and dense canopies. Watch out for banana slugs and Roosevelt Elks along the trail. If you're looking for a moderate hike, try Spruce Nature Trail, a 1.2-mile loop near Hoh River with impressive forest scenery and forest views. Be on the lookout for nurse logs with sprouting new growth, and elks grazing in the distance. For more adventurous hikers, sections of Hoh River Trail provide longer treks, and you get deeper into the forest. This trail is 18 miles and heads towards Blue Glacier on Mount Olympus, but you can try shorter day-hikes for beautiful views.

If you don't want to venture far from your tent, you can fish on Hoh River, just steps from Allen's Bar Campground. Hoh River is a glacier-fed river flowing from the Olympic Mountains, and you can expect to catch salmon and steelhead. This river is popular for winter steelhead fishing, while in summer, you are likely to catch trout. Fishing on Hoh River requires a Washington fishing license.