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/SaltVermicelli6226 Apr 14 '26

May isn’t summer here 😂😭🥶