Name: Dosewallips Campground
Item: Dosewallips Campground
Author: Mark Koep

Dosewallips Campground in Olympic National Park is another example of a once front-country campground that is being quickly reclaimed by nature. Cutoff via a major washout on the access road several years ago the campground is now only accessible by foot or bike. 5.5 miles back to the location Dosewallips Campground is located up and along Dosewallips River. A non-maintained parking area is located just before the washout (GPS 47.74025, -123.06512). Users then must navigate a 75 foot switch-back laden trail around the main washout and then drop down to the old roadway.

The 5 mile trek is strenuous enough to be used as an excellent intro to back country camping for novices. About half way back, and before the grade steepens is a similarly cutoff and overgrown forest service campground, Elkhorn Dispersed Campground. The two destinations could easily be used to initiate young kids into back country camping; using them for a two day hike-camp-hike-camp-hike.

The final 2.5 miles from Elkhorn are steep and follow a seriously degraded road-bed. Numerous rockfalls and downed trees cross the road. The road crosses a waterfall, via bridge, and parallels a much larger falls along the main river.

There are picnic tables and fire rings available. No running water and the restrooms have been boarded up. A ranger station is located near the campground but is unmanned and sealed off. Additional back country trails depart from here (if you are on bike this is the furthest you can ride).

Free to use the campground is not maintained and is over 11 miles from US 101 and the nearest services. Pack out what you pack in and come prepared.

The access road is graded gravel and subject to large sharp pot-holes; use caution.

The road back to Dosewallips is one of the few opportunities for mountain bikers to ride within Olympic National Park. The almost 11 mile round trip is a strenuous ride with scenic views, some technical sections and plenty of spots to rest and take it all in.

Pets - Allows pets to stay. Special rules will likely apply so check with park regarding the pet rules. If you like camping with pets this campground or RV park is an option.

Tents - Provides camping options for tent campers. If you will be sleeping in a tent this location likely has a site to accommodate you.

Dogs - Allows pets including dogs. Our information, reviews or photos suggest that dogs are allowed at this park. Be mindful of rules and call ahead for any breed or quantity restrictions.

Public Park - Publicly managed. This campground or RV park is a public park managed by a state, federal, or municipal agency. Generally these types of parks have stricter rules on camping.

Fishing - Fishing on site or close by. If you are an angler who likes to fish this destination may be the right place for you to camp. When fishing be aware of local laws regarding fishing regulations and licenses.

Dirt - Dirt camping pads. The information, reviews and photos we have reviewed suggest that the campsites are dirt, gravel, rock or some form of material that is not grass or concrete. Dirt sites are not a bad thing just a factual thing. Bring some mats for the dirt.

Video - Video available for viewing. Videos provide a more intimate look at a location to discover if the campground or RV park is right for your next camping trip.

Trees - Trees are situated close to or around the campsites. These trees may be close enough to require care when maneuvering into and out of the camping spot.

Shade - Provides campsites with shade coverings. Shade can be provided in a number of ways but primarily is caused by a forested setting or trees placed in a manner to block some direct sunlight.

Hiking - Hiking opportunities immediately from the campground or within a very close distance. If you like to hike, explore on foot or even jog/ run this RV park or campground has access to hiking trails.

Biking - Easy access for cyclists looking to ride bikes. Our information, reviews and data show that this destination either has bike trails passing through the park or the surrounding area is suitable for bicycle riding. Remember to always wear a helmet and check with the locals on trail and road conditions.

Scenic - Offers scenic views of the surrounding area. If you want to camp in a RV park or campground with scenic views this one fits the mold.

Firepits - Our information, reviews or photos suggests has fire pits available for campfires. Fire pits may be available at all sites or select sites.

Walking Trail - Access to a walking trail or walking area. If you want to stretch the legs this location has opportunities to do so.

Wildlife - Wildlife around. Wildlife can be as simple as birds or as complex as bears. Wildlife is around so ask what type and know your surroundings.

Trails - Onsite or immediate access to recreational trails. The trail may be a multi-use paved path or dirt hiking trail but should be suitable to recreational movement. If you want trails this place has them.

Primitive - Offering primitive sites. Primitive sites may have varied amenities available but our definition of primitive campsite means it does not have electric, water or sewer hookups available. The majority of tent sites are primitive in nature.

Forest - Within or adjacent to a forested setting. Our information, reviews or photos suggest the park is surrounded by forest. Access to the forest will depend on the location but generally we have flagged these as forest if they are surrounded by trees or national forest lands.

.GOV - Managed by a government agency. Usually the Forest Service, a national park, BLM, Corp of Engineer, or the like. This location is a public park.

.RECREATION - Accessible for reservations or more information at recreation.gov. It is a public park.

Destination - Destination in the fullest sense of the word. Our information or reviews suggest that this campground or RV park is a place people go to to stay at... People want to be here. If you are here then post photos and reviews to brag to others!

Group - Providing group camping areas. Group campsites and group camping allow for larger gatherings to take place within the campground or RV park.

Mountains - Within a mountainous area. The campground or RV park may be situated on the side of the mountain or their may be mountains around. If you require some elevation variation in your camping destination this park might be a good choice.

Mountain Biking - Immediate access to mountain biking trails or routes. If you are looking for a campground or RV park where you can go mountain biking this one may be a good option for you.

Park - Within a public park or park like setting. If you want a park to camp at this RV park and campground may suit your needs.

River - Adjacent or close by river. Want to sleep to the sound of a nearby river? This campground or RV park is close to a river.

Remote - Located in a remote setting. If you want to camp at a location that allows you to get away from everything this campground or RV park is set in a remote setting.

First Come First Served - Campsites available on a first come first served basis. These sites are not reservable and are available for drive up or walk up campers.

National Park - Within or close to a national park. If you want to camp near a national park this RV park or campground is a suitable choice.

Off-road - Situated "off-road". This may require serious off-roading to access or it may just be located down a dirt road. If you don;t mind a little dirt this campground or RV park is an option.

360 VR Tour - Full 360 video tour available for viewing. Like google streetview this exclusive technology allows you to virtually tour the park see each site in a form better than pictures of each site and see for yourself if your RV or tent will fit. Remember to use your mouse or finger to drag the screen to look around.

Desolate - Remote or desolate location far from civilization, people or supplies. Our information or reviews suggest that campers looking to stay in a RV or tent far from things might like this location. At times we also categorize desolate locations as places to research a bit more heavily as to whether it will be the right place for you to camp. Come prepared with your supplies to these desolate spots.

Tent Only - Tent camping only facilities. We have identified that this location does not allow RVs... Tent camping only.

Hike-in - Provides sites accessible by foot (or bike). Hike-in sites require you to walk in to the campground. Distances can range from a few feet to a few miles. Plan ahead and understand what you are getting with the hike in campsites.

Walk In - Walk-in style campsites. The walk may be a few feet or few miles. Walk-in sites are always tent, cabin or glamping sites and require a walk from your vehicle to the campsite.

Free - Free to stay at. Usually a boon-docking location generally free campgrounds provide little to no amenities.

Olympic National Park - Within or close to Olympic National Park. If you want to camp near Olympic National Park this an option.

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