If you’re looking for a place to stay while exploring Olympic National Park, Mora Campground is, without a doubt, a can’t-miss campground. We recently stayed here at the start of June 2024, and although it rained pretty much non-stop (it is a Rainforest, after all…so that checks out!), we still managed to enjoy all that Mora has to offer. Our first night was rain-free, and we enjoyed a great night as a family down at Rialto Beach. The driftwood is more like drift trees the size of some of the old trees that have washed ashore there, but there is endless beach combing available, as well as the ever-popular Hole-in-The-Wall hike along the beach for tidepool viewing.
Mora Campground is just a 2-mile drive from the amazing Rialto Beach and a short distance from Forks, La Push Village, and Second Beach. This campground offers easy access to some of the park’s most popular places to explore on the coast. With 94 campsites available, there’s plenty of room for you and your family or friends to set up camp and enjoy all that the area has to offer. Just make sure to book early, as campsites book up fast.
We booked our 3 days early, right when the 6-month window opened for Mora because we wanted to make sure we had a site. We ended up with a site that was probably better for tent camping, and it was hard to level out our Adventure Van, but there were quite a few sites still available for 1 night at a time when we got here.
It’s hard to say whether or not this would be the same experience if it was after school is out for the summer and more families are traveling together starting towards the end of June, so it’s better to have something ahead of time than nothing at all! There are five loops available in total: A, B, C, D, and E. A, B, and E open up six months in advance.
When you reserve your site at Mora Campground, you’ll have a variety of amenities and facilities at your disposal. From clean restrooms to nearby hiking trails, this campground is designed to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. But before you pack your bags and hit the road, you should know a few things about booking your stay, getting there and away, and more.
Our adventures have taught us valuable lessons in camping and hiking, especially in the Pacific Northwest’s unique environment. In this guide, we’ll share practical tips on how to make the most of your stay at Mora Campground—from choosing the right gear for the park’s microclimates, what campsite loops and sites we recommend, and which beaches to checkout and when.
Key Takeaways
- Mora Campground is a great place to stay when exploring Olympic National Park, but make sure to book early!
- The campground is great for exploring the northern coast beaches of First, Second, Third Beach, and Rialto Beach.
- When booking your stay, keep in mind which look you are looking to stay at as the reservation system for each loop opens at different times, and some loops were much better choices than others, in our opinion (you can’t go wrong with ANY of the sites on loop E!)
Campground Features Overview
| Bathrooms | Very Clean bathrooms, however almost none of them have soap. There are hand dryers and very clean sinks, just no soap, so plan accordingly. |
| Cell Service | AT&T—There was no service anywhere in camp, even with our Weboost OTR. Verizon—We had pretty good coverage from our hotspot, and our Weboost improved it. Typical speed test speeds ranged from 14-90 Mbps, which is more than enough to do anything we wanted, such as stream, save and share photos, and check weather forecasts. |
| Playground | No, but that’s what the surrounding rainforest is for! Plus the various campsite loops made for great biking for our toddler, even with the rain. |
| Potable Water | Yes. Available near the entrance to the campground for those needing to fill their tanks. There are also potable water stations to fill up water bottles or water jugs near all the bathrooms. |
| Picnic Tables | Available at each campsite. |
| Fire Pits or BBQ | Firepits are available at every campsite. |
| Dump Station | A very nice dump station is found at the entrance, however there is a $10 fee, even if you’re camping so remember to have some cash for the drop box. |
Table of Contents
Exploring Mora Campground: A Detailed Overview
This campground offers a range of accommodations, including RV sites, tent camping, and walk-in sites. Here’s what you need to know about Mora Campground.
Location and Accessibility
Located in Olympic National Park, Washington, Mora Campground is just a hop, skip, and jump away from the town of Forks, as we mentioned. The campground is situated near the coast, making it a great spot for beachcombing and exploring tide pools at Rialto Beach on the Hole-In-the-Wall Hike.
It is also close to the Hoh Rainforest, a must-see for nature lovers. If you’re a fan of Twilight, well, you’re in luck. Forks has the Twilight museum, and the road on the way into Mora also passes by the Three Rivers resort, which has fully embraced the Twilight theme. There’s even a Vampire report that looks just like the Wildfire danger report meter that you’re used to seeing at National Parks and Forests.
The campground is accessible by car, with parking available at each campsite. RVs appear to be able to fit into most places at Mora Campground, and a dump station is on-site at the entrance, however there is a $10 fee at least at the time of our visit (June 2024). It’s also worth noting that a lot of the sites can’t accommodate longer RVs or trailers, so it’s good to pay attention to the description of the site you choose when you make your reservation, or you could be in for an unpleasant surprise when you arrive and your rig doesn’t fit!
Campground Layout
Mora Campground is a large campground with 94 campsites. The campsites are arranged in loops, with each loop offering a different type of accommodation. The campground has pull-through sites, as well as back-in sites for RVs. Tent camping is also available, with walk-in sites located in a separate area of the campground.
You’ll find all the essentials at Mora Campground – clean restrooms, showers for a quick rinse, and plenty of picnic spots for a family feast. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground, and several hiking trails are nearby.
Types of Accommodations
All campsites are first-come, first-served in the offseason, but the majority require online reservations during peak season (June-Sept). As we previously mentioned. You can make reservations up to 6 months in advance for Loops A, B, and E. Any unreserved or canceled sites will be sold in the field at the Mora Ranger Station on a first-come, first-served basis.
After scouting the whole campground, there are very few “bad” spots, as the campground as a whole is great. However, some sites aren’t great for larger Adventure vans like ours or for those with a trailer or longer RV, so make sure to check the details of the site you’re reserving ahead of time!
Site 37 in the B-loop looked like a great pull-through site for those with travel trailers, but our site was definitely not for anyone other than car campers. It seemed that we had to park quite a bit outside our main parking area to even get our van level.
With all the rain, though, we had a lovely lake where someone might camp, so it’s highly recommended to know and be prepared for the weather ahead of time. We brought a pop-up tent to put over our picnic table, and it made mealtime and cooking much more enjoyable in the rain.
Reserving Your Spot at Mora Campground: Tips and Tricks
Reservation Process
Mora Campground accepts online reservations during peak season (June-September), which can be made up to 6 months in advance. Any unreserved or canceled sites will be sold in the field at the Mora Ranger Station on a first-come, first-served basis. Campsites are first come, first served the rest of the year.
To make a reservation, simply visit the official website and select your preferred dates. You can choose from a variety of campsites, including those with electrical hookups, and pay for your reservation online.
Best Time to Visit
Are you wondering when the best time to visit Mora Campground is? The campground is open year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences.
Plan your trip between June and August if you’re looking for warm weather and long days, but remember that this IS a rainforest, so you may still see 2+ inches of rain in 48 hours like we did! June to August is also peak season, so the campground may be crowded, and reservations are required unless you get lucky and can grab a last-minute cancellation.
If you prefer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, consider visiting between March and May or September and November. During these shoulder seasons, you’ll enjoy mild weather and fewer crowds, but some, not all, of the loops are available, and of course, you’re likely to run into more rain! E-loop was listed as the only thing open when we looked at staying here during the shoulder season, but as always, it’s best to call ahead and check with one of the park Ranger Stations or Visitor’s Centers. The self-check-in process is likely what you’ll be using when you arrive, but it’s always better to know more before you go!
Finally, plan your trip between December and February if you’re looking for a winter adventure. The campground is open year-round, but be prepared for cold temperatures and potential snowfall. This is also when you’re likely to only be able to stay in E-Loop.
No matter when you visit, be sure to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly. And don’t forget to bring your sense of adventure!
Navigating to and from Mora Campground
Directions
Getting to Mora Campground is fairly easy; it just takes a bit of driving. The campground is located in Olympic National Park, Washington. If you’re coming from Seattle, you can take a ferry to Bainbridge Island and then drive to Mora Campground. You can also drive north to Edmonds, take the ferry from there to Kingston, and then continue your drive to ONP and Mora campground. The drive takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes on either route.
If you’re coming from Oregon City, the drive takes about 4 hours and 30 minutes. You can take I-5 North to Olympia and US-101 North to Port Angeles. From Port Angeles, take WA-112 West to Mora Road and follow the signs to the campground.
Transportation Options
If you’re flying into the area, the closest airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. From there, you can rent a car and drive to Mora Campground around the South End of Puget Sound.
If you don’t have a car, several transportation options are available. You can take a shuttle from Seattle to Port Angeles and then rent a car to drive to Mora Campground. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Seattle to Forks and then potentially use a taxi or ride share to Mora Campground, but renting a car or RV for your trip is highly recommended over this option.
Whether you’re driving, flying, or taking public transportation, making the trip to Mora Campground is worth the effort and price of admission!
Amenities and Facilities
When it comes to amenities and facilities, Mora Campground has everything you need to make your camping experience comfortable and enjoyable. Here are some of the highlights:
Restrooms and Showers
Mora Campground has clean and well-maintained restrooms. Unfortunately, there are NO showers here, but they did post some signage on our trip that says the closest showers are back in Forks at the Forks Athletic and Swim Club.
The restrooms are equipped with flush toilets and sinks, although, as we mentioned, there is no soap in most of them, but there was a hand dryer. The stalls were also very family friendly as even the Men’s restroom had a child changing table in the stall.. You can find restrooms conveniently located throughout the campground, so you won’t have to walk far to use them, which is great if you’re not in an RV or Adventure Van.
Water and Food Services
Potable water is available throughout the campground, so you can easily fill up your water bottles or hydration packs from these stations near the bathrooms.
The closest food service is back at the Three Rivers Resort, 3.5 miles away or all the way into Forks, where there are many options.
Campsite Features
Each Mora Campground campsite has a picnic table and fire ring for meals and campfires with your friends and family. Firewood is available for purchase at the campground from the camp host (at least during our stay!), so you won’t have to bring your own.
We also noticed quite a few roadside stands on the road into the campground selling bundles of firewood for $5.
There was also recycling and trash throughout the campground, which was nice to have.
Must-Do Activities and Attractions Near Mora Campground
Beaches and Hiking
Mora Campground is situated in the heart of the Olympic National Park, which is renowned for its stunning coastline and pristine beaches. The campground is just a short drive from Rialto Beach and Second Beach, both of which are popular destinations for beachcombing, hiking, and tidepooling. If you’re an avid hiker, you can explore the nearby rainforest trails, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The nearby Second Beach is great for families visiting Mora Campground. Its easy accessibility and tide pools make it perfect for kids to safely explore marine life. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can also head to First Beach in the town of La Push and park at the lot in town (just follow the main road and signs to First Beach) where you can get a view of James Island and the mouth of the Quillayute River.
We went here during our trip and counted no less than 10 Bald eagles, all perched on the other side of the mouth of the river on the rock pile and driftwood jetty. This same jetty also connects back to Rialto Beach, but you have to go all the way back around passed Mora Campground to get to Rialto.
Wildlife and Nature
One of the highlights of staying at Mora Campground is the opportunity to see a wide variety of flora and fauna. The campground is near the home of a range of wildlife, including black bears, deer, and elk. The surrounding rainforest is also home to a rich variety of plant life, including towering trees, ferns, and mosses.
Nearby Attractions
If you’re looking to explore the area further, there are plenty of nearby attractions to enjoy. Sol Duc Falls is a must-see destination, where you can take in the stunning waterfall and its surrounding scenery. For fishing enthusiasts, the nearby rivers and streams offer excellent opportunities for trout and salmon fishing.
Mora Campground is the perfect base for exploring Olympic National Park and its many attractions. Whether you’re looking to hike through the rainforest, explore the beaches, or simply relax in nature, there’s something for everyone.
Campground Etiquette: Respecting Mora’s Natural Beauty
Following the rules and regulations is important when camping at Mora Campground to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. We noticed these signs posted throughout the campground while out exploring, so we thought it’s best to keep them all in mind and point them out here!
Rules and Regulations
- Dogs must be kept on a leash and not allowed on trails or in the backcountry. This is to protect both your pet and the wildlife in the area.
- Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am. Please be respectful of your fellow campers and keep noise to a minimum during these hours.
- Fires are only allowed in designated fire rings and must be attended at all times. Do not leave your fire unattended or let it get out of control.
- Do not feed the wildlife. Feeding wildlife can be dangerous for both the animals and humans.
- Respect the posted speed limit and watch for pedestrians and wildlife on the roads.
Respecting the Environment
- Keep your campsite clean and free of trash. This helps to keep the area looking beautiful and prevents wildlife from becoming habituated to human food.
- Use the restroom facilities provided, and do not use the surrounding area as a bathroom. This helps prevent water supply contamination and keeps the area clean.
- Respect the privacy of your fellow campers. Keep noise levels down, and do not walk through other campsites.
- Be mindful of the impact you have on the environment. Avoid damaging plants and trees, and stay on designated trails to prevent erosion.
By following these guidelines, you can help to ensure a safe and enjoyable camping experience for yourself and others. Remember to always be respectful of the environment and your fellow campers, and to leave the area better than you found it.
Guest Insights: Real Stories from Mora Campground Visitors
Are you planning a trip to Olympic National Park and considering staying at Mora Campground? Here are some visitor experiences to help you make an informed decision.
Tips from Regulars
Regular visitors to Mora Campground have shared some tips to help make your stay more enjoyable. First, if you’re planning to stay during peak season (June – September), be sure to make a reservation in advance. You can do this online or by calling the park. If you’re unable to make a reservation, you can still try to get a site on a first-come, first-served basis at the Mora Ranger Station.
Another tip is to bring bug spray, especially if you’re planning to hike or spend time in the forest. Mosquitoes and other insects can be abundant in the area, so it’s best to be prepared. If you have one or have the ability to purchase one, a pop-up tent with bug netting is also well worth it and helps make your outside time a lot more enjoyable while eating dinner or cooking if you’re also not having to constantly swat away bugs!
Finally, if you’re looking for something to do in the area, Rialto Beach is a must-see. The beach is just a short drive from the campground and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. One reviewer on TripAdvisor said, “Rialto Beach is a mind-blowing experience….The sheer raw beauty of this beach is spectacular!”
Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, Mora Campground is a great choice for your stay in Olympic National Park. With its beautiful surroundings and friendly staff, you’re sure to have a memorable experience.
Packing for Mora Campground: Essential Tips and Advice
Planning a camping trip to Mora Campground in Olympic National Park can be an exciting and fun experience. To ensure that you have a great time, it is important to prepare adequately. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Packing Essentials
When packing for your trip to Mora Campground, it is important to keep in mind the weather and the activities you plan to engage in. Some of the essential items to pack include:
- Tent: If you plan to camp, a tent is essential. Ensure that your tent is suitable for the weather conditions, and it has enough space for you and your camping gear.
- Sleeping bag: A good sleeping bag will keep you warm and comfortable during the night. Ensure that you choose a sleeping bag that is suitable for the weather conditions.
- Clothing: Pack clothing suitable for the weather, including warm clothing for winter camping. Layers are essential as they allow you to adjust your clothing according to the temperature.
- Food and water: Bring enough food and water for your camping trip. You should also bring a portable stove for cooking.
- Personal items: Bring personal items such as toiletries, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Also make sure to bring soap or hand sanitizer for the bathrooms!
When camping in Olympic National Park, we always pack waterproof hiking boots and a good-quality rain jacket—essentials in the Pacific Northwest. Also, don’t forget a tide guide if you’re heading to the beach areas. You can check NOAA’s Tide tables online before you go.
Weather Considerations
The weather at Mora Campground can be unpredictable, and it is important to prepare accordingly. The campground is located in a rainforest, which means that it can rain at any time of the year. Here are some weather considerations to keep in mind:
- Winter camping: If you plan to camp during the winter, ensure that you have warm clothing and a suitable tent. Temperatures can drop below freezing, and it can snow.
- Shade: The campground is located in a forest, which means that there is plenty of shade. If you plan to camp during the summer, ensure that you have suitable clothing and sunscreen. If you rely on a solar generator or Solar Panels on your Adventure Van or RV, keep in mind that there are quite a lot of trees, so you may not always get full sun for charging up.
- Rainforest: The campground is located in a rainforest, which means that it can rain at any time. Bring rain gear and ensure that your tent is waterproof.
- E-loop: The E-loop at Mora Campground is the only loop that is open during the winter. If you plan to camp during the winter, ensure that you are ok with staying in E-loop. This shouldn’t be an issue as E loop had a lot of great sites.
Visiting Mora Campground in different seasons offers diverse experiences. Summer brings vibrant wildlife and perfect hiking conditions, while fall transforms the landscape with stunning autumn hues. Just remember to pack accordingly, as the weather can be unpredictable.
We love hearing from our readers and fellow outdoor enthusiasts. If you have your own experiences or tips about Mora Campground, feel free to share them with us in the comments below!. Together, we can help everyone enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and make their camping trips memorable!
Your Questions Answered: Essential Info for Mora Campground Visitors
What amenities are available at Mora Campground in Olympic National Park?
Mora Campground offers several amenities to make your camping experience more comfortable. There are restrooms with flush toilets, potable water, and picnic tables at each site. Fire pits are also available, but you will need to bring your own firewood. There are no showers or electrical hookups at the campground.
How close is Mora Campground to Rialto Beach, and can you walk there?
Mora Campground is located just a short walk from Rialto Beach, making it an ideal location for beach lovers. The beach is less than a mile away from the campground, and the walk is relatively easy and flat. You can drive to the beach if preferred.
What are the cell service options like at Mora Campground?
Cell service at Mora Campground is limited, and you may have trouble getting a signal depending on your carrier. Verizon and AT&T have the best coverage in the area, but even with these carriers, you may experience slow or spotty service.
Are there any water sources available for campers at Mora Campground?
Potable water is available at Mora Campground, and there are several water spigots located throughout the campground. You can use these spigots to fill up your water bottles or to wash dishes.
How does Mora Campground compare to nearby Kalaloch Campground in terms of facilities and scenery?
Mora Campground and Kalaloch Campground are both located in the Olympic National Park, but they offer different experiences. Mora Campground is closer to Rialto Beach and the Hoh Rainforest, while Kalaloch Campground is closer to the ocean and has more beach access. In terms of facilities, both campgrounds offer similar amenities, including restrooms, picnic tables, and fire pits.
Is the Mora Campground suitable for RVs and what are the size restrictions if any?
Mora Campground can accommodate RVs up to 35 feet in length, but there are only a limited number of sites that can accommodate larger vehicles. If you plan to bring an RV, it is best to make a reservation in advance to ensure that you get a site that can accommodate your vehicle.
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.