Overview Staircase Campground remains closed in the wake of the Bear Gulch Fire. Reservations are not being accepted at this time.Important information about booking windows: To better serve visitors, Staircase Campground will be releasing campsites in a series of three staggered block releases by loop. These block rel…
Overview Staircase Campground remains closed in the wake of the Bear Gulch Fire. Reservations are not being accepted at this time.Important information about booking windows: To better serve visitors, Staircase Campground will be releasing campsites in a series of three staggered block releases by loop. These block releases will be 6 months in advance, two weeks in advance, and 4 days in advance. Enormous trunks reach for the sky, lacy limbs stretch to the sun, grooved bark is sanctuary to tiny creatures in the vast cathedral of Douglas-firs that dominate the forests on this side of the Olympic Peninsula. Staircase is located in the southeastern corner of Olympic National Park, about a one-hour drive from Olympia, and two hours south of Port Angeles. Staircase Campground has 49 sites, with a number of the sites along the North Fork Skokomish River.The access road to the Staircase area is unpaved and periodically closes due to unfavorable weather conditions such as snow. This access road, NF-24 is often closed completely from Nov. - May. Make sure to check the status of the road before planning your trip. Recreation A variety of hiking trails navigate through the Staircase area along the Skokomish River and the nearby forests. There are several short day-hikes that explore the area. Shady Lane trail is flat, and less than a mile to Lake Cushman. The hike to Flapjack Lakes is for the stronger hikers, gaining over 3,000 feet in elevation. Longer hikes, like the North Fork Skokomish River trail, can be done in a couple of days. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (360) 877-5569.Charges & Cancellations A $10.00 service fee will apply if you modify your reservation or change your stay dates. Cancelling your reservation prior to 11:59 pm Eastern Time two nights before your stay will incur a $10 cancellation fee. Camping reservations cancelled the day before and day of arrival incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeit the first night's use fee If you
Photos
A campsite beside a river in the Staircase campground in the fall. Downed orange leaves cover the campsite and the picnic table within the site. — NPS PhotoThe entrance to Staircase Campground with a campground registration board and a pit toilet. — NPS Photo
How to Get There
Staircase Campground is accessed off Highway 101 at the city of Hoodsport, WA. You take North Lake Cushman Road for a number of twisting and turning miles. North Lake Cushman Road will end with the blacktop and become Forest Service Road, NP - 24. You will simply follow this road to the end.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Staircase Campground
Heading to Staircase Campground? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Staircase Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Staircase Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/247586) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Staircase Campground?
Staircase Campground is accessed off Highway 101 at the city of Hoodsport, WA. You take North Lake Cushman Road for a number of twisting and turning miles. North Lake Cushman Road will end with the blacktop and become Forest Service Road, NP - 24. You will simply follow this road to the end.
