If you're planning on camping in Olympic National Park this summer, you're going to need a reservation.
The increasingly popular National Park outside of Seattle just announced that advance reservations are now required for overnight stays at Staircase Campground.
From Wednesday, July 5 through Thursday, August 31, the campgrounds can be reserved online at Recreation.gov, or by calling a toll-free reservation line at 877-444-6777. Bookings can be made two weeks in advance of your arrival date, and up to one day in advance of arrival. The campsite costs $24 per night. Those with a Senior Pass or Access Pass can get a 50% discount. During the reservation season, camping is limited to up to seven days.
"Visitation to the Staircase area of Olympic National Park has steadily increased in recent years," said Revenue and Fee Program Manager Cheryl Higbee in a news release. "This summer reservation system will help visitors plan a visit to this remote park area during the busiest season of the year."
The Staircase Campground is in the southeastern section of Olympic National Park, along the North Fork Skokomish River. The entire campground has 49 sites throughout the forested area lush with firs and enormous trees. Staircase is about one hour from Olympia, Washington, and two hours south of Port Angeles.
Outside of the required reservation dates, Staircase Campground will remain first-come, first-served, without a week-long stay limitation. If you prefer alternate accommodations will exploring the Olympic Peninsula, local lodging can also be found on the Mason County website.