Pros & cons
PROS
- Lakeside setting with quick access to paddling and fishing
- Trailhead access for the Ozette Triangle and coastal hikes
- Quiet, remote vibe with dark skies
CONS
- Only 15 first-come sites; fills fast in summer
- Primitive facilities: pit toilets, no showers or hookups
- Remote with limited services and little to no cell coverage
Overview
A tiny, woodsy loop on the north shore of Lake Ozette, this primitive NPS campground is the launchpad for the famous Ozette Triangle to Cape Alava and Sand Point. It’s simple, scenic, and very much about location: lake at your feet, coast a hike away, and rainforest all around.
Why it’s special
- Lakefront camps mean sunrise and sunset over Washington’s third‑largest natural lake, plus easy put‑in for paddling and a mellow spot to unwind.
- You’re camped right by the Ozette area trailheads—boardwalks through lush forest deliver you to wild Pacific beaches, tidepools, and sea stacks.
Campsites & facilities
- 15 first‑come, first‑served sites in a compact loop; some sit near the water. Expect a communal feel and limited privacy.
- Amenities are basic: pit toilets and picnic tables; potable water is typically seasonal. No showers, electricity, or hookups.
- Adjacent to the small ranger station, trailheads, and a nearby boat launch.
Wildlife & what you might see
- Deer wander through camp; bald eagles, ospreys, and waterfowl patrol the lake and forest edges.
- Along the coast (via the trail), look for seals and, in migration seasons, the chance of gray whales offshore.
- Raccoons are crafty around food, and bears are known in the coastal backcountry—store everything properly.
What to expect
- Remoteness is the draw and the challenge: services are scarce, cell service is spotty to nonexistent, and weather skews wet. After rain, expect mud and bugs (mosquitoes can be feisty in summer).
- With so few sites, summer and fair‑weather weekends fill early; arrive with a plan B.
Best time to visit
- For a campsite: arrive on weekdays and aim for early morning to snag a spot. Shoulder seasons bring fewer crowds but more rain.
- Photography is lovely at dawn and dusk across the lake; coastal hikes shine at low tide and during calmer weather windows.
Good to know
- Pack out all trash—there are no dumpsters.
- If you’re backpacking the coast, you’ll need a wilderness permit and should carry a tide chart; plan for proper food storage.
Where it is
48.1528, -124.6666Ozette Campground
Tips for Ozette Campground
- 01Arrive early (ideally morning or midweek) to secure one of the 15 FCFS sites.
- 02Pack out all trash—there are no trash receptacles at the campground.
- 03Bring rain gear and waterproof footwear; trails and camps can be muddy.
- 04Carry water jugs; potable water can be seasonal—check the official listing before you go.
- 05Store food like you’re in bear and raccoon country; use canisters for backcountry trips.
Amenities
Near Ozette Campground
All places →All trails →
0.2 mi awayOzette Ranger StationRemote hub for Ozette Triangle hikes and Lake Ozette accessTrailhead · Restroom
0.2 mi awayOzette Triangle LoopClassic coast loop: boardwalk forest, wild beach, and Wedding Rocks.Moderate · 9.4 mi · 5.5 hr
0.2 mi awaySand Point TrailEasy boardwalk to a wild Pacific beach with big payoff.Easy · 6 mi · 3 hr
0.2 mi awayCape Alava TrailBoardwalk stroll to the Lower 48’s westernmost pointEasy · 6.2 mi · 4 hr
0.2 mi awayAhlstrom's Prairie TrailQuiet forest-to-prairie stroll to Cape Alava’s rocky coastEasy · 3.1 mi · 2.5 hr
2.5 mi awayWedding RocksRemote coastal petroglyphs tucked between Cape Alava and Sand PointScenic Viewpoint
2.8 mi awaySand PointEasy boardwalk to wild coast, tidepools, and wide sandy beachRestroom · Campground
3.2 mi awayCape AlavaWesternmost point and wild beach on the Ozette TriangleRestroom · Campground
