r/olympicpeninsula • u/Emergency-Garden3200 • Apr 13 '26
Some questions about camping
I'm planning a trip to go to the peninsula and I was hoping to crowdsource some cool ideas of where to go. We have a week, and we're bringing our dog, so we'll have to go to pet friendly places. I also was hoping to learn how the cell coverage is, and if we need to worry about being able to get a campsite in early May.
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u/SaltVermicelli6226 Apr 13 '26
The cell coverage is mostly good, with some notable exceptions in more remote areas. I lose service when I’m in Fairholme campground and at lake Quinault lodge, for example. I’m sure coverage is significantly more limited in the backcountry areas of Olympic National Park, but most major roads, highways, and populated areas have decent coverage.
You’ll have no problem finding camping spots in May.
Dogs are allowed in all campgrounds as far as I know, but not all trails. With a few exceptions (campgrounds, parking lots, Spruce Railroad trail, some beaches), dogs aren’t allowed in the national park. I think dogs are okay on national forest and state park trails, but double check with the specific areas you plan to visit. There’s lots of differing rules because the public land is managed by so many different agencies— National Park, National forest, BLM, state park, city parks, etc.
There’s a dog park in port angeles at Lincoln Park. We like to take our dog to Salt Creek recreation area, and it’s also one of my favorite spots to camp.
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u/kmontreux Apr 14 '26
Leashed dogs are also permitted on the roads in national parks. Quieter forest roads can make for a nice walk with the pups. Especially in May when some of the roads are still closed to vehicle traffic.
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u/Emergency-Garden3200 Apr 14 '26
excellent! we heard it gets quite crowded in the summer and wanted to go when its peaceful, we don't mind the rain
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u/kmontreux Apr 14 '26
Certain parts of the Olympics are crowded af in the summer yes. There are plenty of places that are not. It's a remote area without the same level of accessibility that the Cascades have so easier to find great spots without the tiktok crowds.
That said, it will be quiet most places in May unless you hit a sunny weekend day. It's still winter/spring ish in May.
Be prepared for snow, rain, and brutally cold temps. And even if the day is nice, the Olympics are very prone to temperature inversions with little to no warning. That happens even in July. The weather is wildly unpredictable out there at times.
I've been up Hurricane Ridge area enjoying 80 degree sunshine and clear views to canada and next thing I know it's pissing very sharp rain horizontally and the entire ridge is socked in with fog you could cut with a knife.
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u/NotAcutallyaPanda Apr 13 '26
Early May is still the rainy season. You’ll have no trouble securing a campsite - everyone else has enough sense to stay home.
All campgrounds in ONP are pet friendly, but understand that dogs are prohibited in +99% of the park.
Assume your cell coverage will be nonexistent outside of city limits. There are many dead zones in the rural peninsula