Map showing campground location near Olympic National Park, Washington

Camper submitted image from Five Mile Island — Olympic National Park

Five Mile Island — Olympic National Park

Hikers heading deeper into Olympic National Park's backcountry will find Five Mile Island positioned directly along the Hoh River, exactly five miles from the trailhead. This walk-in campground requires reservations and prohibits pets, serving as either a day-hike destination or overnight stop for those continuing toward Blue Glacier.

The site provides pit toilets, fire rings, and bear wires at most spots, eliminating the need for bear canisters. Campers can choose from sites on the main riverbank or cross to the island itself, though river crossings require experience and caution. Summer months bring crowds of overnight campers, and one reviewer noted issues with inexperienced visitors monopolizing bear wire hooks. Wildlife encounters include elk bugling and reports of a food-stealing coyote. Backpackers seeking more solitude typically continue to Mount Tom Creek — Olympic National Park or Olympus Guard Station — Olympic National Park.

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Location

Public Campground

Five Mile Island — Olympic National Park is located in Washington

Coordinates

47.86687559 N
123.84117482 W

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Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Group

Features

For Campers

Reservable
Toilets
Fires

Contact

General Info

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Drive Time

3 hrs 4 min from Olympia, WA
3 hrs 18 min from Bremerton, WA
3 hrs 59 min from Seattle, WA
4 hrs 9 min from Mount Vernon, WA

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3.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the level tent sites and convenient bear wire system. However, several reviews mentioned crowding during summer months that limits solitude for those seeking a wilderness experience.

aaron S.

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 30, 2023

Beautiful spot along river.

We found a spot right along the river to stop for the night heading up to Blue Glacier. Plenty of privacy and picturesque views.

Month of VisitAugust

(9) View All

Zach A.

Ranger

Reviewed Apr. 1, 2020

Crowded in the summer, party island!

This spot (appropriately 5 miles from the Hoh River trailhead) is a great choice for a day hike or an overnight spot if you have enough time to make it this far into the backcountry before nighfall (if not try Mt. Tom Creek). With that being said this place gets really crowded with overnight campers during the summer so if your idea of solitude is hearing elk bugling in the morning you're better off pushing on. If you have a big group and don't mind seeing your neighbors this spot may be a good bet for you!

Located directly on the river with at least one privy (which probably gets utilized a lot) and directly off the trailhead this campground is just past the point that most day hikers turn around, so you won't have too much trail noise. There's a number of spots both on the side of the river and more than likely across the river on the island itself (although don't cross unless you know what you're doing). All the spots I noticed had fire rings and some had make-shift seats. Like all the spots long the Hoh River Trail there are bear wires here so no bear cans necessary although when I was there reports had come in of a curoius coyote who was stealing food/bags/clothes from the camping area!

Overall you're still going to get an outdoor experience here at 5-mile island, it's just how much solitude you want that will dictate if this is the right campground for you. In my opinion, if you have time pushing for Olympus Guard Station is a better option or stopping at Mt. Tom Creek.

Sitenone

Month of VisitSeptember

(8) View All

Kate I.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2016

Five Mile Island

This campground has "ample" facilities, depending on your level of backpacking. There is not a problem finding a level tent pad, there are bear wires, and a pit toilet. The bear wires are a great convenience, but our neighbors were not so considerate because they chose to use multiple hooks to hang their stuff, instead of leaving some for the others in the area, so be prepared to hang your gear regardless. This camp is very easy to reach so there are plenty of inexperienced campers around, but there are also those that are on their way to trek deep into the park. So if you are looking for a place to take the family this can be great, but if you are looking for a true nature experience or isolated camp, this is not for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Five Mile Island Campground sites look like?

The camping sites at Five Mile Island feature level tent pads scattered throughout the area, providing good spots to set up camp. Some sites offer picturesque views along the river with varying degrees of privacy between sites. The area can get crowded during peak seasons as it's a popular stopping point for backpackers. Sites are rustic and natural, surrounded by the lush vegetation typical of the Olympic rainforest, creating a truly immersive wilderness experience.

Where is Five Mile Island Campground located in Olympic National Park?

Five Mile Island Campground is located approximately 5 miles from the Hoh River trailhead in Olympic National Park. As the name suggests, it's situated on an island-like area along the Hoh River, deep within the park's renowned temperate rainforest ecosystem. The campground is accessible via the Hoh River Trail, which is a popular hiking route for backpackers exploring the Hoh Rainforest area. Its position makes it a strategic stopping point for hikers heading further inland toward Blue Glacier or other backcountry destinations.

Are there hiking trails near Five Mile Island in the Hoh Rainforest?

Five Mile Island serves as a key waypoint along the Hoh River Trail, which continues deeper into Olympic National Park toward destinations like Blue Glacier. The campground is positioned perfectly for hikers wanting to explore further into the Hoh Rainforest or for those making their way back to the trailhead. Visitors not prepared to reach Five Mile Island in a single day may consider camping at closer sites like Mt. Tom Creek. The surrounding trails showcase the pristine rainforest ecosystem with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities and stunning forest scenery.

What amenities are available at Five Mile Island Campground?

Five Mile Island Campground offers basic backcountry amenities for backpackers. Facilities include a pit toilet and bear wires for food storage to protect your supplies from wildlife. There are no potable water sources, showers, or electrical hookups, so visitors need to treat water from the river and bring appropriate backcountry supplies. The campground is designed for self-sufficient backcountry camping, so prepare accordingly with all necessary gear and supplies.

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