Nestled at the tip of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula, Hobuck Beach Resort in Neah Bay is a laid-back escape where the Pacific Ocean meets rugged wilderness. This hidden spot is perfect for both adventurers and those looking to relax, with beautiful views, quiet beaches, and a connection to the rich culture of the Makah Tribe. Whether you want to kayak in the surf, hike through the forests, or just chill by a campfire under the stars, Hobuck Beach Resort offers a simple, natural getaway.
While traveling in the far northwest part of Washington State in my 1987 VW Vanagon Westfalia, we found ourselves, as usual, without a plan for where to camp for the night. After spending the day exploring Cape Flattery, we started looking for a place to stay. Hobuck Beach Resort popped up in our search, so we headed there.
I stopped at the front office to see if they had spots available for the night, and we learned they did. The price for a tent site was $25 a night, which was great, but we also needed a $15 (per vehicle) daily recreational pass since it was on park land. That brought our total to $40 for the night, which wasn’t too bad, and the plus side was they had plenty of space available and a hot shower!
Regarding the “camp spaces” available, well… there were no designated sites. It was a large piece of property that could accommodate 200-300 individual tent sites. Campers simply found a spot, parked, and claimed that area for the night. Not the most efficient layout, but with the amount of land available, it wasn’t very crowded. Plus, they had SHOWERS! My goal was to find a spot close to the shower house and ensure we wouldn’t get blocked in, as we planned to move along early the next morning.
Now, onto the part I’d been looking forward to all day… the shower! I was long overdue for one, so I was excited to finally get cleaned up. There’s one main bath/shower house available to campers.
In regards to the restroom situation. The good news is there was a toilet and a urinal. The bad news? They were both in the same stall! What?! That made zero sense. Not the smartest layout I’ve seen. I guess, to make the toilet handicapped accessible, they couldn’t make the stall too small, so they just included the urinal as well.
Now let’s get to the showers… or rather, the SHOWER… singular. Yes, one shower for a campground that boasts it can accommodate over 300 tents. More logic I don’t quite get. Fortunately, it was pretty late in the evening, and the shower didn’t have too long of a wait. My saving grace was that most of the resort guests were fishermen who get back to camp midday, shower, and are in bed by the time I got there. When I walked up, I was the second guy in line for the shower. Not a terrible wait, but I’m sure it was way worse earlier in the day.
The one good thing about this resort being a base for many fishermen is the peaceful atmosphere. With no loud parties or obnoxious drunk people around, the nights were incredibly quiet. By 7 PM, it felt like the whole campground had turned in for the night. The fishermen, who made up the majority of the guests, were early to bed in preparation for their 4 AM wake-up call to hit the water. It was a welcome change from the usual campground chaos, providing a perfect setting for a restful night’s sleep.
No matter how many times I walked past this hanging dry suit, it still scared the crap out of me!
Cabins are also available to rent onsite. They come complete with a kitchenette, satellite TV, refrigerator and a private bathroom with a shower. Cabin 9 is where the main Wi-Fi signal emanates from, so the closer you are to that cabin, the better your connection. While I didn’t have a signal where we camped, I did manage to get a decent connection at the bathhouse, which was perfect for checking social media and staying in touch with family and loved ones.
As mentioned earlier, Hobuck Beach Resort is a favored base camp for fishermen in the area, attracting a steady stream of RV enthusiasts as well. The resort offers ample space that accommodates RVs of any size, ensuring everyone can find a suitable spot to park and enjoy the coastal views. Whether you’re traveling in a compact camper van or a spacious motorhome, the resort provides a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the rugged beauty of the Olympic Peninsula.
The short walk to the beach from the resort was delightful. We wandered down the beach to catch the sunset, although the breeze was a bit brisk and chilly. Thankfully, we were prepared with sweaters and long pants, which made a significant difference in keeping us comfortable.
Found an empty Dungeness Crab shell laying on the beach.
During low tide, we stumbled upon a few sand dollars. It was quite amusing—while I was aware that Washington had legalized marijuana, I didn’t expect the sand dollars to be joining in on the fun! Their striking resemblance to pot leaves definitely caught me by surprise.
I think this night’s stay gets Lesa’s stamp of approval!
As the sun sets over Neah Bay’s rugged coastline, I can’t help but smile at our time spent at Hobuck Beach Resort. Despite its quirks, like the shared restrooms and the makeshift camping spots, the resort offered a unique charm that’s hard to find elsewhere. From watching the sunset on the beach to exploring the nearby forests and encountering friendly fishermen, every moment felt like a genuine escape. Whether you’re seeking adventure or peace and quiet, Hobuck Beach Resort promises an unforgettable experience amidst the untamed beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Location: Hobuck Beach Resort