Seattle Area Van Camping: Salt Creek Recreation Area, Port Angeles, WA

***NOTE THAT THIS CAMPGROUND OPENS UP RESERVATIONS AT 12:01 A.M. JAN 1ST 2026 AND FILLS UP FAST. YOU MAY NOT GET A SPOT IF YOU DON'T RESERVE YOUR CAMPSITE AT THIS TIME. THERE ARE FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED SITES BUT WE DON'T KNOW HOW HARD THESE WILL BE TO GET.***

Join us in the early spring at Salt Creek Recreation Area, a county park west of Port Angeles on the Olympic Peninsula. We'll be inviting our friends from We Love Camping - Seattle, the more the merrier!

Salt Creek Recreation Area offers an idyllic coastal escape for spring camping meetups, perched atop the scenic bluffs overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. Just 15 miles west of Port Angeles, this 196-acre park features 92 campsites, including both tent and RV spots—many with water and electric hookups (in a crowded area) and sweeping ocean views. Spring brings lush greenery, blooming coastal wildflowers, and milder weather ideal for hiking and relaxing. Reservations are recommended during spring break and weekends, as the area begins to draw outdoor enthusiasts after the quiet winter months.
The campground offers easy access to Tongue Point Marine Life Sanctuary, one of the best tidepooling spots in the region. Spring’s shifting tides reveal a vibrant world of sea stars, anemones, and crabs nestled among the rocks. The park also boasts wooded trails, WWII-era bunkers to explore, and bluff-top picnic areas perfect for spotting seals and seabirds. With longer days and fresh sea air, campers can enjoy beachcombing, photography, and coastal sunsets—plus side trips to nearby hiking trails in Olympic National Park. Salt Creek in spring blends adventure and serenity for the ultimate Pacific Northwest camping experience.

Top hikes (via AllTrails):

• Striped Peak Loop – A moderate ~6.2‑mile forest and ridge trail with panoramic views of the strait from the summit.
• Bluff Trail at Salt Creek – A short, easy loop along coastal bluffs with scenic overlooks and WWII bunkers.
• Beach to Bunker Trail – A ~3.5‑mile trail that winds from the beach up to historic bunkers with sea vistas.

Learn more: Salt Creek Recreation Area Website

Event/Reservation Details:

• IMPORTANT: We plan to be in the non-electricity area, campsites 50-68 and 71-73 (see photo, area circled in black). The other area is very closely spaced RV spaces. If you do require electricity, feel free to reserve in the other area (the views are great).
• Fees: Up to $86 for two nights, booking one night should be allowed, plus $15 reservation fee.
• Bathrooms/shower: Yes, both
• Pets: Allowed (please leash/control at ALL times)
• Activities: we'll have nightly campfires/BYO food and firewood if there isn't a fire ban, and van show and tells. Saturday midday we can hike, visit tide pools, and/or eat lunch/walk around Port Angeles.
• Getting there: 15 miles west of Port Angeles on the Olympic Peninsula. You will need to either take a ferry or drive around Puget Sound.
• Reservation Link--remember to log in 12:01 a.m. January 1st to reserve!

**Questions about how our events work or how to book a campsite? Check out the "how to" on the group description and PM Mary/group organizer with any questions.**