There is no place on earth like Olympic National Park.
Where else can you hike through an Alpine meadow in the morning, meander through a rainforest in the afternoon, and watch a Pacific coast sunset in the evening?
While it’s certainly a land of extremes, it’s also a diverse ecosystem that beckons to explorers and outdoor enthusiasts. This dramatic landscape on the Olympic Peninsula includes more than 60 named glaciers, 3,000 miles of rivers and streams, 70 miles of undeveloped coastline, 64 trailheads, and 16 developed campgrounds.
Camping is a great way to immerse yourself in Olympic National Park, but you can also have an enchanting outdoor experience without sleeping on the ground.
Why not turn your Olympic National Park visit into a one-of-a-kind glamping vacation that you’ll remember forever?
Whether you’re visiting Olympic National Park for a weekend getaway or a week of non-stop adventures, glamping near Olympic National Park allows you to explore the park all day and have an immersive outdoor experience at night (without sleeping all the ground).
We’ve rounded up the best Olympic National Park glamping destinations for your next adventure. But first, a few logistics to help you make the most of your trip.
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Getting to Olympic National Park
Unless you live within a few hours of Olympic National Park, the easiest way to get there is to fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which is about two hours from the eastern border of Olympic National Park.
From there, we recommend renting a car to Explore Olympic National Park. The park encompasses nearly a million acres and there are very few roads into the heart of the park.
Most destinations can be reached via U.S. Highway 101, which circumnavigates the Olympic Peninsula, but it’s important to plan ahead so you can maximize your time exploring within the park and minimize driving time.
Here’s an overview of the mileage between popular sites within Olympic National Park.
Renting a car will give you the most flexibility, as the majority of these glamping properties require a drive to and from Olympic National Park.
We have found some great deals for car rentals on Kayak, which searches for and compares the prices of dozens of rental companies in one place. During our last visit, we rented a luxury SUV for under $400 for the week.
If you have extra time on the Olympic Peninsula before or after exploring Olympic National Park, we highly recommend checking out the Victorian Seaport of Port Townsend on the northern tip of the Olympic Peninsula. It’s basically our dream destination, and not just because our oldest son lives there…
What Exactly is Glamping?
Once you try glamping, you may never go back to tent camping again. Actually, we still love regular old camping but we’ve totally been bit by the glamping bug.
Glamping embraces everything you love about camping — campfires, smores, endless starry skies, and a nice dose of wilderness, without the things you could do without — shivering through the night and trying to wash dishes in the backcountry.
When glamping, you almost always get a cozy bed with real sheets, as well as some sort of kitchen. Depending on the glamping site you pick, you may also be treated to luxuries like Wi-Fi, indoor plumbing, and some sort of heat source.
Glamping near Olympic National Park enables you to explore the park by day and still have a cozy wilderness experience by night. It’s the best of both worlds!
When is the Best Time for glamping in Olympic National Park?
While Olympic National Park is beautiful in all four seasons, we recommend visiting between July and September to avoid heavy rains and most unpredictable weather events.
The amount of rainfall you can expect varies dramatically from place to place within Olympic National Park, but no matter where you decide to hang your hat during your visit, you can expect less rain in the summer months.
Want to avoid the crowds of summer visitors? Plan your Olympic National Park glamping trip for early September, after most schools are back in session.
The Most Incredible Olympic National Park Glamping for Your Next Adventure
Ready to experience the best that Olympic National Park has to offer?
Most of these glamping destinations are located around the perimeter of Olympic National Park. Before you book your stay, decide which part of the park you most want to visit and choose your glamping spot accordingly.
We’ve rounded up the best glamping properties near Olympic National Park on VRBO and Airbnb.
Be aware that cancellation policies can vary wildly from one vacation rental to the next. Read each policy carefully so you know what to expect if you have to make a last-minute cancellation.
Luxurious Waterfront Treehouse in Port Angeles, Washington
Sleeps: 3
Dogs: Yes
Ready for a memorable glamping experience on the Olympic Peninsula?
This gorgeous treehouse apartment overlooks the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Floor-to-ceiling windows with incredible views mean you may never want to leave this cozy sanctuary, and a private porch allows you to watch the sunset from the trees.
This part of the treehouse is a small space for two and includes a queen-size bed, a hotplate, microwave, refrigerator, Keurig, and basic cooking supplies. There is a full private bathroom downstairs with a shower, toilet, and sink.
The treehouse apartment is attached to another rental, but the spaces are all very private. Outdoors, you will find yourself on a high bluff with scenic views and two separate fire pits for enjoying the outdoors.
This treehouse is located near several great Olympic National Park destinations, including Sol Duc Hot Springs and Falls.
What we love about this Port Angeles treehouse: It’s a treehouse!
Something to consider: The kitchenette is perfectly adequate, but leave the gourmet meals at home.
Dogs? Yes, for a small fee
Private Hand-Crafted Tiny House in Port Angeles, Washington
Sleeps: 4
Dogs: No
Tiny cabins go hand-in-hand with the landscape of the Pacific Northwest, and the pond cottage is one of three beautiful vacation rentals available at Olympic View Cottages in Port Angeles.
As the name suggests, this gem of a place is located on a private pond with a view of the Olympic Mountains. The property provides easy access to the roads leading into Olympic National Park, but there are also trails surrounding the property.
The cabin is ideal for 2 people although it can sleep 4. The main pond-view room has a single window-seat bed and a sofa that converts to an excellent queen-size air bed.
There is a full kitchen, a loft with a queen-size bed, a bathroom, and a wood stove for those chilly PNW nights. Modern amenities include a TV, Wi-Fi, and air conditioning, but if you want to unplug, head outside to the fire pit or fire up the BBQ.
Whether you spend all day admiring the view from the porch or head out for serious adventures, this Olympic National Park glamping retreat is sure to provide the coziest spot for your getaway. Did we mention that this Olympic National Park cabin is pet-friendly?
What we love about this gorgeous glamping cabin near Olympic National Park: The view of the pond and the quiet surroundings make you forget about the bustle of the world for a bit.
Dogs? No
Tiny Home for Two Overlooking the Water Near Port Angeles
Sleeps: 2
Dogs: No
Welcome to paradise, where you can listen to the waves crashing as you drift off to sleep each night, and you can spend your days exploring all the wonders of Olympic National Park. Walk to Whiskey Creek Beach from this tiny cabin and scout for wildlife, including seals, otters, bald eagles, and even the occasional whale.
This tiny home on the Olympic Peninsula comes with a private deck, a charcoal grill, and a fire pit. Inside there is a queen-size bed, a small kitchen with everything you need to make simple meals, and a full bathroom with a shower.
This Olympic National Park glamping spot includes several tiny homes, but you still have plenty of privacy.
What we love about this glamping retreat near Olympic National Park: The location is beautiful, and it’s very close to Lake Crescent, Marymere Falls, and Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park.
Dogs? No
Converted Train Station in Sequim, Washington
Sleeps: 4
Dogs: No
You know you’ve always wanted to sleep in a train station, and this one includes all the comforts of home – a queen-size bed with an additional small futon, a kitchenette, and a full bathroom with a shower.
Relax on the outdoor patio while you barbecue dinner or meander around the small pond while you’re here. Need more space? The caboose next door is also available, a great choice if you are traveling with friends or another family.
The train station is closest to the Hurricane Ridge entrance to Olympic National Park, but you should also check out Whidbey Island and Deception Pass while you are in the area!
What we love about this renovated train depot: Great communication and the price is right!
Dogs? No
Olympic Tiny House in Port Angeles, Washington
Sleeps: 4
Dogs: Yes
This beautiful waterfront tiny home in Port Angeles is located just five miles from the Olympic National Park Visitor Center and the Olympic Discovery Bike Trail. The beautifully decorated space includes a queen-size bed, a full kitchen and bathroom, Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV.
The tiny home is located on the river with private outdoor spaces and chances to spot wildlife. The forest is filled with wildlife – coyotes, black bears, cougars, bobcats, wild geese, and bald eagles. It’s a great spot to get away from it all, while still being close to major attractions.
What we love about this tiny home: The thoughtfully designed interior. It’s set up as a studio, but it’s bright and spacious with room for a family of four.
Dogs? Yes
Luxurious Glamping Tent Near Port Angeles, Washington
Sleeps: 2
Dogs: No
This comfy glamping tent outside of Port Angeles is famous for its incredible views of both mountains and the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Salish Sea. The property is 15 minutes to downtown Port Angeles and 25 minutes to Olympic National Park & Hurricane Ridge. Inside the cozy tent, you will find a queen-size bed, solar power, a mini-fridge, and propane heat, but no running water. Drinking water is provided, and there is a porta-potty for getting down to business. Down comforters and wool blankets are provided to keep you warm.
Outdoors, you will have access to seven acres with lots of berries and wildlife, plus breathtaking views. The hosts provide a Jetboil stove and freshly ground coffee too. It’s everything you need for a fun and comfortable night under the stars near Olympic National Park.
What we love about this Port Angeles glamping tent: The views are beyond compare!
Something to consider: To take advantage of fresh, local berries, visit in July or August.
Dogs? No
Waterfront Cabin with Treehouse in Challum County, Washington
Sleeps: 6
Dogs: No
If you’re looking for the perfect spot to unplug while exploring Olympic National Park and forest, this classic 1950s cabin may be exactly what you’re looking for.
Located on beautiful Lake Sutherland, the cabin has original cedar siding, huge waterfront windows, and a cozy wood-burning stove. Outside, there is a deck and dock for you to relax on.
The main cabin includes two bedrooms with queen-sized beds, a bathroom with a shower, and two sofa beds in the living room. There is a second treehouse cabin up the hill with a queen bed, half bath, and a deck.
This Olympic National Park glamping retreat is perfect for all of your explorations, including Lake Crescent, Hurricane Ridge, Sol Duc Hot Springs, ocean beaches, and hundreds of hiking trails. Lake Sutherland is a great destination for swimming and kayaking. There is a rowboat and two kayaks onsite that you can use to explore the lake.
What we love about this cool glamping property: Lake Sutherland is a beautiful destination in its own right.
Something to consider: Steep steps to the property may be difficult for those with mobility issues.
Dogs? No
Tiny A-Frame with Hot Tub in Sequim, Washington
This cozy A-frame cottage is nestled in the mountains between Sequim and Port Angeles and is very convenient to the northern entrance to Olympic National Park, including Hurricane Ridge and Lake Crescent.
The cottage is located behind the main home of your host but has a very private feel in a woodland setting. There is a hot tub right outside your door, as well as a fire pit and hammock for relaxing outdoors.
Inside, you’ll find 216 feet of living space with a small kitchenette for preparing simple meals. An electric fireplace will keep you cozy and warm, and a projector and screen will make movie night so much fun.
There is a queen-size bed downstairs and a single bed in the loft which requires climbing a ladder. The private bathroom is located right next door and includes a shower, sink, and toilet.
What we love about this Olympic National Park glamping property: The cozy interior and hot tub.
Something to consider: The skink in the kitchenette is cold water only.
Dogs: Yes, for a $50 cleaning fee.
A Few Tips for Glamping Near Olympic National Park
There are a few downsides to glamping over camping in Olympic National Park.
First of all, the campgrounds in Olympic National Park are very close to the best park attractions. The glamping spots on our list will all require a drive. Also, campsites in Olympic National Park are very affordable, ranging from totally free at Dosewallips Campground to $24 a night at most other campgrounds.
Glamping near Olympic National Park, while a bit pricier than pitching a tent, lets you sleep in a real bed each night so you are fresh and ready for exploring the next day. Here are a few more tips for glamping near Olympic National Park:
- Glamping is way more luxurious than camping, and there’s a good chance you won’t need any camping gear, but be sure to read the listing carefully so there aren’t any unpleasant surprises. Does your glamping spot have a bed with linens included or do you need to bring a sleeping bag? Is there a shower? A kitchen? A fancy espresso maker?
- Hook yourself up with an America the Beautiful Pass! If you’re planning to visit several national parks this year, we recommend getting an America is Beautiful National Parks Pass. You can use your pass at more than 2,000 National Park sites and 10% of the proceeds are donated to the National Park Foundation, helping to protect our parks. The average cost of admission to a single national park is $35, so the $80 park pass will pay for itself very quickly.
- Be prepared for rain. The Olympic Peninsula sees most of its rain between November and April, but even the summer can be wetter than you would imagine, especially in the HOH and Quinault Rainforests. A good rain jacket is essential and worth its weight in gold. Look for a rain jacket with Gortex as opposed to a DWR coating, which eventually wears off.
- Pack lots of layers. The weather in Olympic National Park can vary from day to day. I recommend three solid layers – a long-sleeve wool shirt, an insulating layer, and a water/windproof layer so that you’re prepared for all types of weather conditions.
Ready to explore more of the Olympic Peninsula? Do it in style at one of these beautiful Olympic National Park glamping retreats
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Tara Schatz is a freelance writer and travel blogger with a passion for outdoor adventures. She is the co-author of AMC’s Best Day Hikes in Vermont and currently blogs at Back Road Ramblers and Vermont Explored, where she shares travel tips, adventure destinations, and vacation ideas for the wanderer in everyone.