Our Favorite Boondocking Spot: Allen’s Bar on the Hoh River
We’ve stayed in a lot of places over the years, but every once in a while, you find a spot that feels almost too good to share. For us, that place is Allen’s Bar near Forks, Washington –
a rocky bar along the beautiful Hoh River where you can camp right on the water’s edge.
The best part? It only costs $5 a night for road access. That’s it. You tuck your rig down a gravel road, pick your own spot on the bar, and settle in for the kind of riverside camping that makes you pinch yourself to be sure it’s real.
Why We Love Allen’s Bar
There’s so much we love about this place, it’s hard to know where to start.
First, it’s all about the location. The Hoh Rainforest is Kati’s favorite place in the entire U.S. – hands down. The Olympic Peninsula has this magic to it: misty mornings, fog hanging low over the trees, the ocean just a short drive away, and forests that feel alive. Allen’s Bar lets us soak it all in while still being right on the river.
Then there’s the river itself. On hot days, it’s the perfect swimming hole – cool, refreshing, and surrounded by mountain views. And for Vern, it was all about the fishing. He caught over ten fish while we were there, which made him a very happy camper.
And finally, the community vibe. Boondocking spots like this attract people who are all out there chasing the same dream – living their best lives off-grid. We met so many fellow RVers, swapped stories, and laughed around campfires, all while enjoying one of the prettiest backdrops we’ve ever camped in.
Getting There
Allen’s Bar is just outside Forks, Washington, off Highway 101. You’ll see a turn for Hoh Mainline Road – follow it until you reach the entrance. There’s a little pay box where you drop your $5 fee, and then you follow the gravel road down to the river. It’s a rocky road in some spots, but totally manageable if you take it slow. Once you get down to the bar, it’s first-come, first-served, so just find your spot and settle in.
There are no hookups, no bathrooms, and no frills – just you, your rig, and nature. That’s part of the charm. As long as you’re self-contained, you’ll be set.
Why It’s Worth It
At the end of the day, Allen’s Bar is more than just a cheap camping spot. It’s a place where you wake up to the sound of the river, where you can walk barefoot across the rocks to dip into the water, and where the misty beauty of the Pacific Northwest feels like it’s wrapping itself around you.
It’s quiet, it’s simple, and it’s beautiful – exactly what we look for when we head off-grid.
So if you ever find yourself exploring the Olympic Peninsula, do yourself a favor and check out Allen’s Bar. Just promise us one thing – you’ll pause long enough to breathe it all in.
Hi! We’re Vern & Kati – young(ish) empty nesters living and traveling full-time in our RV. After over 11 years of nomadic living, we’ve learned that the best time to live your dream life is right now. Follow along for RV tips, boondocking guides, and unforgettable travel itineraries – plus encouragement for your empty nest years and a reminder to dust off your bucket list and start chasing those dreams.
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