Fairholme Campground is a picturesque destination located in Olympic National Park, offering a serene and peaceful camping experience. With 88 sites nestled along the shoreline of Lake Crescent, the campground provides ample opportunities for recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, biking, and boating. The campsite is ideal for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in nature’s beauty.
The campground provides a range of camping facilities, including tables, fire rings, and grates. Although there are no hookups or showers, there are drinking water and restrooms available for visitors. The campsite is open from late April to September, and online reservations can be made through recreation.gov. The campground also offers amenities such as showers, laundry, and firewood.
Key Takeaways
- Fairholme Campground is a serene and peaceful camping destination located in Olympic National Park.
- The campground offers a range of camping facilities, including tables, fire rings, and grates.
- Visitors can enjoy recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, biking, and boating, and online reservations can be made through recreation.gov.
Table of Contents
Overview of Fairholme Campground
Fairholme Campground is a popular camping destination located in Olympic National Park. Situated on the west end of Lake Crescent, the campground offers stunning views of the clear blue waters and the surrounding Olympic Mountains. With walk-in lakefront campsites and several drive-in campsites, Fairholme is a great place to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.
The campground is large and set amidst a peaceful forest that thrives on the region’s high annual rainfall. Rain or shine is one of the most visited areas of the park. Fairholme Campground is a great base camp to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, swimming, mountain biking, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Fairholme Campground is on the reservation system during the peak season summer months, generally late May through mid to late September of each year. All campsites at Fairholme Campground are reservable for the peak season, making it easier to plan a trip to the national park. Any unreserved or canceled sites will be sold in person at the ranger tent in the parking lot at the Fairholme boat dock during posted hours.
With plenty of sites nestled in the foothills of the Olympic Mountains, Fairholme’s got room for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed adventure, Fairholme Campground is the perfect destination for your next camping trip.
Camping Facilities
Campsites
Fairholme Campground offers a variety of campsites, including drive-in and walk-in sites. The drive-in sites provide views of Lake Crescent, while the walk-in sites offer lakefront access. Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and food storage lockers.
Amenities
The campground offers several amenities, including an RV water fill station, RV septic dump station, gas station, shower facility, and drinking water. Additionally, there are several picnic areas throughout the campground.
Reservation and Availability
Fairholme Campground is on the reservation system during the peak season summer months, generally late May through mid to late September of each year. Reservations can be made through recreation.gov. Any unreserved or cancelled sites will be sold in person at the ranger tent in the parking lot at the Fairholme boat dock during posted hours on a first-come, first-served basis.
When checking in, visitors must display their recreation.gov placard. The campground has three loops: A, B, and C. A loop campsites are walk-in sites, while B and C loop campsites are drive-in sites. Booking windows for reservations vary from 6 months to 48 hours, depending on the site and time of year.
Overall, Fairholme Campground offers standard camping facilities with a range of amenities. Whether you’re looking for a walk-in site or a drive-in site with lakefront access, Fairholme has something for everyone.
Recreational Activities
Hiking
Fairholme Campground is a hub for hiking enthusiasts. The campground provides easy access to several scenic hiking trails, including the Marymere Falls, Sol Duc Falls Trail, and Mount Storm King Trail. Day hiking opportunities are abundant, with hiking trails for all skill levels.
The Spruce Railroad Trail is a popular choice for visitors looking for a leisurely hike. The trail offers stunning views of Lake Crescent and is suitable for all ages. For more experienced hikers, the Mount Storm King Trail provides a challenging climb with rewarding panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and Lake Crescent.
Other Activities
Paddling and boating are popular activities on Lake Crescent. The campground offers a boat launch, making it easy to explore the lake’s crystal-clear waters. The Olympic Discovery Trailhead is also nearby, providing opportunities for cycling and walking.
In conclusion, Fairholme Campground is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With a variety of hiking trails, paddling and boating opportunities, and easy access to the Olympic Discovery Trailhead, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Nearby Attractions
Fairholme Campground is surrounded by many natural features and attractions, making it an excellent base for exploring the Olympic Peninsula. The campground is situated next to Lake Crescent, a glacially carved lake that offers stunning views and water activities. You can also take a short walk to Lake Crescent Lodge, where you can enjoy a meal or rent a boat.
If you’re interested in exploring the nearby towns, Port Angeles and Forks offer many restaurants and shops. In Port Angeles, you can visit the Olympic Discovery Trailhead and explore the area on foot or bike. Forks is known for its connection to the Twilight series, and you can visit the local museum and take a Twilight tour.
The Sol Duc Valley is a short drive from the campground and offers many attractions, including the Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort, where you can soak in natural hot springs. You can also visit Sol Duc Falls, a beautiful waterfall that’s a short hike from the parking lot.
For beach lovers, Rialto Beach and Kalaloch/Ruby Beach are both within driving distance of the campground. Both beaches offer stunning views and opportunities for beachcombing and wildlife watching.
In the Olympic Mountains, you can hike to Mount Storm King for panoramic views of the area, or explore the Hoh Rainforest, one of the wettest places in the United States. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including beavers and other animals that call the area home.
Overall, Fairholme Campground is an excellent base for exploring the many natural features and attractions of the Olympic Peninsula.
Campground Rules and Regulations
When visiting Fairholme Campground, it is important to adhere to all park regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable stay. Here are some rules and regulations you should be aware of:
Peak Season and Reservations
Fairholme Campground is on the reservation system during the peak season summer months, generally late May through mid to late September of each year. The reservation season for Fairholme Campground is May 25, 2023 – September 20, 2023. All campsites at Fairholme Campground are reservable for the peak season, making it easier to plan a trip to the national park. Any unreserved or cancelled sites will be sold in person at the ranger tent in the parking lot at the Fairholme boat dock during posted hours.
Food Storage and Pets
To prevent wildlife from becoming habituated to human food, all food and scented items must be stored in a food storage locker or vehicle. Pets are allowed in the campground but must be kept on a leash and attended at all times. Pets are not allowed on park trails or in park buildings.
Campfires and Firewood
Campfires are allowed only in the provided campfire ring, and firewood may be for sale seasonally (when no fire ban is in effect). Please do not bring firewood from outside the park as it may contain invasive species.
Park Entrance Pass and Regulations
A park entrance pass is required for all visitors to Olympic National Park. The standard nonelectric campsites at Fairholme Campground can accommodate up to eight people and two vehicles (one tow vehicle and one camping unit). Bed types vary by site, and condition ratings range from good to fair. Please adhere to all posted park regulations to help preserve the old-growth forest for future generations to enjoy.
By following these rules and regulations, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable stay at Fairholme Campground.
Local Flora and Fauna
Fairholme Campground is located in the heart of Olympic National Park, which is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The park is home to some of the most beautiful old-growth forests in the country, with trees that are over 1000 years old. You can find Douglas fir, Sitka spruce, and western hemlock trees in the area.
The park’s temperate rainforests are a sight to behold, with lush greenery and towering trees. You can find ferns, mosses, and lichens growing on the forest floor, and the air is filled with the sweet scent of cedar and fir trees.
If you’re interested in wildlife, you won’t be disappointed. The park is home to a variety of animals, including black bears, cougars, elk, and deer. You can also spot bald eagles soaring overhead and hear the calls of owls and woodpeckers.
For those interested in botany, the sub-alpine mountains in the park are home to a variety of wildflowers, including lupines, paintbrushes, and phlox. You can also find alpine meadows filled with grasses and sedges.
Overall, the flora and fauna in Olympic National Park are a testament to the beauty and diversity of nature. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or just a casual observer, you’ll find something to appreciate and marvel at in this stunning wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make reservations at Fairholme Campground?
Reservations can be made online up to six months in advance. The peak season is generally late May through mid to late September.
What are some nearby campgrounds to Fairholme?
Nearby campgrounds include Log Cabin Resort and Sol Duc Hot Springs Resort.
What activities are available at Fairholme Campground?
Activities include hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming in Lake Crescent. The Spruce Railroad Trail is also nearby.
Is there cell service at Fairholme Campground?
Cell service is limited at Fairholme Campground. It is recommended to plan accordingly.
Are there any first come first serve camping options at Fairholme?
Yes, there are first come first serve camping options available at Fairholme Campground.
Can I bring my RV to camp at Olympic National Park?
Yes, RVs up to 21 feet in length are allowed at Fairholme Campground.
Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, we’ve always felt at home in the outdoors. We created Evergreen Adventures PNW to share our love of hiking, camping, and exploring, and to help others discover the best adventures this region has to offer. Along with trip guides and tips, we also enjoy diving into the science behind the landscapes—thanks to a background in Environmental Science—because understanding nature makes every adventure even more meaningful.