Introduction
Mora Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis year-round, and in peak season that means you need to arrive before noon or risk driving back to Forks to find a motel. At $24 per night as of 2026, it is one of the more affordable ways to stay on the Olympic coast while keeping Rialto Beach within a two-mile walk. This guide covers what you need to know before booking - the site layout, what to expect from the facilities, and which nearby activities deserve your time.
For more, see complete visitor guide, all campgrounds, hiking trails, lodging and accommodations, Deer Park Campground at Deer Park Campground Olympic National Park (2026 Guide), Heart O' the Hills Campground at Heart O' the Hills Campground, Kalaloch Campround at Kalaloch Campround Olympic National Park, North Fork Campground at North Fork Campground Olympic National Park (2026 Guide), and Ozette Campground at Ozette Campground Olympic National Park.If you are planning a trip to the Olympic Peninsula, this is the campground to target for coastal access without the reservation scramble that Kalaloch requires. For a broader overview of the park's options, the complete visitor guide covers everything from tidepooling schedules to backcountry permits.
Location and Setting
Mora Campground sits in a coastal forest on the Quillayute River, roughly two miles inland from Rialto Beach. The drive from Forks takes about 15 minutes: head north on Highway 101, turn west onto Highway 110, then follow Mora Road to the campground entrance. The road is paved and accessible for any vehicle, including RVs and trailers.
The setting is what you expect from this part of Washington - dense Sitka spruce and western hemlock, with a layer of ferns and moss covering the forest floor. Some campsites along the outer edges of the loops offer partial views of the Quillayute River, though most sites are tucked into the trees. The sound of the river is audible from many spots, and if the wind is right, you can hear the Pacific surf in the distance.
The campground feels quieter than Kalaloch. Fewer through-traffic vehicles, less generator noise, and a noticeably darker night sky. The trade-off is that you are not directly on the ocean bluff. You trade immediate views for a more sheltered, forested camp experience.
Campsites and Amenities
Site Selection
Mora has 94 sites total, all first-come, first-served. No reservations are accepted. The campground is divided into two loops - the A-loop and B-loop - with sites that handle tents, small trailers, and RVs up to about 35 feet. Larger rigs will fit in some pull-through sites but should arrive early to claim them.
Sites near the river side of the loops are the most sought after. They get more breeze (which means fewer mosquitoes) and some water views through the trees. Interior sites are more sheltered but can feel closed in during summer when the undergrowth is thick.
The standard site includes a fire ring, picnic table, and tent pad. There are no hookups for water, electric, or sewer. A dump station is available near the entrance for RV campers.
Facilities
- Flush toilets (cleaner than average for a coastal campground, per ranger reports)
- Running water from spigots throughout both loops
- Firewood for sale at the entrance station when staffed
- No showers on-site
- No dump station (the nearest is at Fairholme Campground on Lake Crescent)
Cell service drops out at the campground entrance. Verizon and T-Mobile users report no signal once you leave Mora Road. AT&T may get a weak signal in the A-loop near the river. Plan on being offline for your stay.
Things to Do Nearby
Rialto Beach (2 miles)
The main reason most people camp at Mora. Rialto Beach is a short drive or a 45-minute walk from the campground. The parking lot fills by 10 AM on summer weekends, so the walk from camp is actually the smarter move.
The beach is known for its sea stacks, driftwood piles, and the Hole-in-the-Wall formation at the north end. At low tide you can walk around the headland to explore tidepools. Check the tide tables before heading out - the beach narrows significantly at high tide and you can get pinned against the cliffs.
Rangers will tell you that the best tidepooling happens during negative low tides in summer. The pools near Hole-in-the-Wall hold sea stars, anemones, and the occasional octopus. Give yourself at least two hours for the round-trip walk from the parking lot to Hole-in-the-Wall and back.
Beach 4 and the Kalaloch Beaches
A 15-minute drive south on Highway 101 takes you to Beach 4, accessed via a short but steep trail through coastal forest. The beach itself is less crowded than Rialto and offers excellent tidepooling at the rocky headlands. Parking is limited - about eight vehicles fit in the pull-off.
Salmon Cascades (30 minutes east)
In late summer and early fall, coho and Chinook salmon can be seen leaping up the Sol Duc River at Salmon Cascades. A viewing platform sits directly above the cascade. Peak salmon activity runs August through October, with September being the most reliable month.
Madison Falls (25 minutes east)
A 60-foot waterfall near the Elwha River, accessible via a short paved trail from the parking lot. The trail is less than 0.2 miles - you can see the falls within five minutes of leaving your car. Worth the detour on the way to or from the campground.
Practical Tips for Your Stay
Arrival Timing
Arrive before noon Thursday through Sunday during summer. The campground fills daily from mid-June through Labor Day. Midweek arrivals can often find a site as late as 3 PM. The entrance station kiosk is staffed intermittently during shoulder season - if the booth is empty, pick an unoccupied site and a ranger will collect fees later.
October through April, you can typically find a site at any time of day. The campground stays open year-round, and winter brings solitude plus regular rain. Pack a rainfly you trust.
What to Bring
- Cash or check for the fee envelope (credit cards only accepted when the kiosk is staffed)
- A headlamp - the restrooms are lit but the path from your site to the facilities is not
- Water shoes for Rialto Beach - the pebbles and driftwood are hard on bare feet
- Bear-proof food storage container (required by park regulations)
- Firewood from outside the park (local wood is discouraged to prevent spreading forest pests)
Fire Restrictions
During summer dry spells, burn bans are common along the coast. Check the park alerts board before your trip. When fires are allowed, use only the designated fire rings. Collecting downed wood from the forest floor is prohibited - buy kiln-dried firewood from the entrance station or a store in Forks.
What the Park Website Doesn't Mention
The official site tells you the campground is open year-round and first-come, first-served. What it does not tell you:
The A-loop near the restrooms gets generator noise from RVs starting up between 6:30 and 7 AM. If you sleep late, choose a site in B-loop or toward the back of A.
The tent pads are gravel, not dirt. Bring a sleeping pad with decent insulation - the gravel conducts cold upward even in summer.
The campsites nearest the river have the worst mosquito pressure at dawn and dusk. The trade-off is they also have the best airflow. Bring repellent regardless of which site you pick.
The dump station at Fairholme Campground is seasonal. It opens in May and closes in October. If you are camping here in April or November, plan to dump elsewhere.
For a full comparison of all campgrounds in the park - including which ones take reservations and which have hookups - the all campgrounds guide breaks down the options by season, vehicle type, and amenity needs.
Final Thoughts
Mora Campground fills a specific niche: it gives you reliable coastal access without requiring a reservation, at a price that leaves room in the budget for other things. The lack of hookups and showers keeps the crowd smaller than Kalaloch, and the proximity to Rialto Beach means you can hit the surf before the day-use crowd arrives.
The key is timing. Show up early, claim a site, and then spend the rest of your trip exploring the coast. That is the play here. It has worked for decades, and it will work for you.