Crescent Beach WA Guide (Things to Do & RV Park Review!)

Crescent Beach in Washington is a sandy, private beach with spectacular views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island.

I loved walking the beach at dusk when we stayed here for a 3-day holiday weekend. The sky was mesmerizing, with thin layers of orange and crimson stretching across the horizon and a low-lying haze hanging almost mystically in the air.

➥ In this guide, I’ll share all the fun things to do here, my firsthand Crescent Beach RV Park review, and essential tips to help you prepare for an unforgettable visit.

Grab your frisbee, and let’s go!

No RV? No Problem!

Rent an RV or book a cabin at Crescent Beach for fun-filled beach activities like exploring Salt Creek’s tide pools. Lake Crescent is only twenty minutes away!

Crescent Beach, WA sunset with the sky ablaze in shades of orange and pink. The sun's rays pierce through a layer of clouds, silhouetting a line of trees and cliffs along the shoreline, while the calm water reflects the vibrant colors of the sky. — View of Port Crescent from Crescent Beach WA

Crescent Beach WA Quick Guide

Crescent Beach and Salt Creek Recreation Area are conveniently located next to each other, making it easy to explore both when you stay at either Port Angeles location.

Things to Know

Private Beach: A day-use fee of $8 per person and pet (included with your stay) is required.
Wristbands Required: Signs state you must wear one while on the beach.
No Lifeguard on Duty: The waves and currents are strong enough for surfing, so I don’t recommend swimming here.
Dogs Must Be Leashed: I love dogs, so I didn’t mind that two jumped on me! But not everyone does, so please respect the comfort of all visitors.
Public Facilities: A vault toilet is available at Salt Creek Parking Lot.
Campground Amenities: Showers are available at Crescent Beach RV Park.
Salt Creek: It flows onto the beach and can be tricky to cross earlier in the year when water levels are higher and the tide is in.
Marine Life Sanctuary: Salt Creek’s shoreline is a designated marine sanctuary, so respect the ecosystems you encounter and leave no trace.

As you drive on Crescent Beach Road, you’ll see a sign marking the entrance to the private property where Crescent Beach RV Park is located. It’s less obvious when walking the beach.

Lake Crescent is a short drive through the small town of Joyce, where you’ll find restaurants and a gas station at the Joyce General Store.

Things to Do at Crescent Beach Port Angeles

1. Stay at Crescent Beach RV Park

Crescent Beach RV Park offers three accommodations: tent camping, full and partial hookup RV spots, and two cozy cabins.

Staying at least one night gives you the best opportunity to experience tide pools at Salt Creek and witness the beach’s changing beauty throughout the day.

A group of people, including families with children and dogs, enjoy a stroll along a beach at dusk. The beach is bordered by a dense forest of tall evergreen trees, with the warm light of the setting sun casting a reddish hue over the treetops. — The forests and hills surrounding the landscape warm up with pink hues at dusk.

The weather was fantastic when we stayed over the Labor Day holiday weekend. We lucked out because it had rained a lot in our region in the weeks before our trip, so the burn ban was lifted. This meant we could enjoy the taste of fire-roasted bratwursts for dinner.

Be prepared for mosquitoes due to the creek water running behind the campgrounds.

I’ve included a section below on staying at Crescent Beach RV Park.

TIP: Book more than six months in advance to secure an RV spot. I booked for Labor Day weekend in March, and only three RV spots were available!

2. Beach Activities

Morning beach walks are a calm, peaceful, and reflective experience, while afternoons are lively with kids and dogs running wild.

Campers enjoy free access, but day visitors need to pay a fee—including for their dogs. Despite this, the day-use parking at the RV Park was nearly full.

On my early afternoon beach walk towards Tongue Point, I saw a family tossing a football and another flying a kite. Small children industriously built sandcastles along the shore.

Children run joyfully into the shallow water at Crescent Beach, WA, on a sunny day. The background features a forested hill, and families can be seen relaxing and playing along the wide stretch of sandy beach.

Salt Creek water flowing onto the beach is shallow this time of year, but you’ll want to wear sandals or go barefoot when crossing it.

Tongue Point, a rocky landscape abundant with marine life, is easily accessible when the tide is out, although you’ll have to navigate over slippery rocks.

RELATED POST:
Guide to Salt Creek Recreation Area & Campground

3. Surfing, Kayaking & SUP

Crescent Beach is a popular spot for surfers, kayakers, and stand-up paddleboarders (SUP).

Surfers flock here year-round, drawn to its reliable surf breaks and quick access from the RV Park and the facilities available.

Surfers at Crescent Beach, Washington, wade into gentle waves under a pastel pink and orange sunset sky. The silhouette of distant mountains adds depth to the tranquil ocean scene, capturing the peacefulness of an evening surf session. — Surfers chase waves at all hours of the day.

I also saw sea kayakers and families on SUPs venturing to calmer waters beyond the breaks. Some wore wetsuits to stay protected, while others opted to wear life vests.

The RV Park does not offer equipment rentals for water sports. Check out Port Angeles shops like Sound Bikes & Kayaks for gear.

4. Sunset Beach Walks

Evenings are a completely different vibe from the day’s energetic beach activities. As the sun lowers, the ambiance transforms.

The sky formed a thin layer of vibrant pinks and oranges along the horizon. The outline of the Vancouver Mountains framed the view and took on shades of purple.

A woman stands on the shoreline, gazing at a serene sunset over the ocean. The sky is filled with soft hues of orange and pink, and the calm waves gently roll onto the beach, reflecting the fading light. The silhouette of distant trees and cliffs outlines the horizon, creating a peaceful scene.

Walking along the beach at dusk, I noticed a couple lounging on fold-out chairs, snuggled under blankets, soaking in the views, while children admired their sand creations from the day.

Small jumping bugs seemed to be everywhere as I walked in my Tevas, but they didn’t seem to bite, unlike the mosquitoes!

5. Salt Creek Tide Pooling & Hiking

We were fortunate to visit when minus tides occurred on back-to-back mornings, extending excellent tide-pooling conditions into the early afternoon.

TIP: Check the tide schedule before arriving, in case you don’t have cell service.

Tide Pooling at Tongue Point

We started by parking in a day-use spot near the four entry points to Tongue Point, opting to stay to the right of Tongue Point, away from the crowds. When the tide is out, the coastline here offers some of the most breathtaking views on the Olympic Peninsula, rivaling even those on Olympic National Park beaches.

This was my second time tide-pooling at Salt Creek this year, and I didn’t see any sea stars again. But still, we saw plenty of marine life: pink and green anemones, darting crabs, small fish, pink algae, and even a mossy chiton, which I’d never seen before!

A close-up view of a tide pool at Salt Creek, showcasing various marine life such as seaweed, small black snails, and a partially hidden mossy chiton with a greenish hue. The tide pool is filled with clear water, reflecting light and revealing the textures and colors of the underwater environment. — Mossy chitons are mollusks that have existed on Earth for millions of years!

Cove beach at Salt Creek Recreation Area, surrounded by steep rocky cliffs and lush evergreen trees. The calm, greenish-blue water gently laps against the rocks, while a clear blue sky stretches overhead, creating a serene and secluded coastal scene. — When Crescent Beach bustles with activity, getting this cove beach all to ourselves feels like a small miracle.

This shoreline is a protected marine sanctuary. In years past, I’ve seen people take sea stars from Tongue Point, which is illegal per Clallam County legislation. Please respect this precious environment.

Hiking the Striped Peak Loop Trail

After tide-pooling, we drove to the main day-use area to start the Striped Peak Loop Trail.

Feeling ambitious, we planned to hike the entire 6.5-mile loop. But, as usual, we headed to the cove, explored, and put our ambitions to rest.

Hiking to the cove, you hear the sound of waves lapping the shore. The forest is surprisingly beautiful, especially when you see water through the towering trees. We’ve done this hike four times, and I remark on how stunning this forest is each time.

TIP: Wear sturdy shoes with good tread for navigating slippery rocks.

EDITOR’S RECOMMENDATION:

Lake Crescent is twenty minutes away to add lake adventures to your itinerary. Jump into the aquamarine waters at Devil’s Punchbowl, tackle Mount Storm King hike’s ropes for an iconic lake view, or hike through impressive old-growth forest to Marymere Falls.

Crescent Beach RV Park Review

As long as you know what to expect, this is a fantastic place to stay.

Sites are close to one another. I stared directly at our neighbor’s picnic table from our RV sink window. If you want privacy, this isn’t the place for you.

I knew this before booking, and we enjoyed our stay immensely. It also helped that our neighbors were lovely!

Several RVs and trucks are parked at Crescent Beach RV Park, set against a backdrop of tall evergreen trees and a clear blue sky. The gravel road and open grassy area provide a spacious, scenic camping environment near the forest.

Accommodations

RV Sites: Full and partial hookups are available.
Tent Camping: The best tent sites for water views and access are on the west end toward Port Crescent.
Two Cabins (no pets allowed): The Sandpiper Cabin accommodates up to 4 guests, while the Kingfisher Cabin accommodates up to 6 guests. Note that prices listed online are for 2-person occupancy; there’s an extra charge of $10 per day for each additional guest.

No RV? No Problem!

Rent an RV or book a cabin.

Amenities

Free WiFi: The signal is strongest near the office and becomes unreliable the further you are from it.
Facilities: Picnic tables, private fire pits, clean restrooms, coin-operated showers and laundry facilities.
Recreation: Beachfront horseshoe pits and a volleyball court
Store: Essentials, ice cream, and wood for sale

TIP: Our AT&T service worked great during our stay. I even watched movies on my phone in the evenings. The staff mentioned that AT&T generally does well, but Verizon can be spotty.

Natural Setting

The wetlands and Salt Creek behind the campgrounds are why mosquitoes are plentiful in the evenings. I read reviews beforehand and came prepared with citronella incense and candles, which helped. Thankfully, they weren’t too bad during the day.

If you’re prone to bites, wear pants in the evening and bring hooded, long-sleeved clothing.

A man in a gray shirt and cap kneels beside a makeshift fire pit, roasting bratwursts on a stick while RV camping. The background shows RVs parked among trees, with a small table holding various camping items, creating a cozy outdoor cooking scene. — My husband, Colby, roasting bratwursts, surrounded by citronella incense and candles

TIP: Manage mosquitoes by arriving prepared with citronella products and bug spray. They were less active during the day and I was fine wearing shorts and a T-shirt in the afternoon.

Water Views

The sound of crashing waves in the morning was an incredible way to start the day.

We stayed at RV Site #23 which had a water view that was slightly obscured by trees and shrubs. Sites to the left (if facing the water) had clearer views, while those to the right had worse or no view at all. However, one of the paths leading directly to the beach was conveniently located to our right.

A Siamese cat lounges comfortably on the dashboard of an RV, soaking up the sunlight through the front window. Outside, cars and trucks are parked against a backdrop of trees and a distant view of open fields, capturing a peaceful moment at an RV park. — Sophie, our Siamese cat, and the view from RV Site #23 behind her

Customer Service

The staff was very friendly when responding to my emails and during check-in. They even offered to help us back up our RV.

A staff member kept returning in his golf cart to check on our neighbors who were unprepared for the mosquitoes, providing them with bug spray.

I have only positive things to say about the service here!

How to Get to Crescent Beach

Crescent Beach is roughly 30 minutes from downtown Port Angeles.

From US-101 West: Turn right onto WA-112 West, the Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway, a national byway that takes you to Cape Flattery, renowned for its breathtaking coastal views.
From WA-112 West: Turn right onto Camp Hayden Road and continue on the bend heading left as you pass signs for Salt Creek Recreation Area.
Arrival: You’ll see the beach on your right, and signs will prompt you to check in at the office before entering the private beach.

TIP: An alternative option is to park at the Salt Creek Beach Parking Lot instead of the day-use parking at the RV Park. From there, walk down along the creek and massive forested cliffs and head left on foot.

Where to Stay

If the campgrounds are full or you prefer staying in hotels, here are three other places I’ve stayed on the Olympic Peninsula.

Salt Creek Campground

It’s one of our favorite places to RV camp and conveniently located next to the beach!

Check Rates & Availability for Salt Creek Campground

Emerald Valley Inn

I loved everything about my stay, especially eating at Granny’s Cafe next door. Emerald Valley Inn is 25 minutes from the beach.

Check Rates & Availability for Emerald Valley Inn

Terra Vista Chalet

When I stayed here, the sound of the Elwha River from my balcony soothed me to sleep. Terra Vista Chalet is 23 minutes from the beach.

Check Rates & Availability for Terra Vista Chalet

Weather & Safety

Expect chilly weather and wind, and always bring layers, including a waterproof jacket, even in summer. During our stay, temperatures dropped significantly on the last evening, so we bundled up in our hooded softshell jackets.

Thick white clouds covered the coastal views on our last evening, prompting us to drive to Lake Crescent for sunset. I was surprised by how different the weather was just twenty minutes inland.

A lone person stands in the calm waters of Lake Crescent at East Beach, silhouetted against a dramatic sunset. The sky is painted with shades of orange, pink, and purple, and dark mountains frame the scene, adding depth and contrast to the tranquil lake view. — Sunset at East Beach, Lake Crescent

I don’t recommend swimming at Crescent Beach due to strong waves and rip currents—there’s no lifeguard here. Never turn your back on the water if you or your children wade and play at the shore’s edge.

If you venture to the prominent sea stack in Crescent Bay near Salt Creek Campground, watch the tide to avoid getting stranded.

Tips for Visiting

Check the Tide Schedule: Plan your visit around low tide to enjoy tide pools at Salt Creek. Be mindful of rising tides, especially around Tongue Point and the sea stack.
Respect Private Property: Crescent Beach’s property line ends at the wood rainbow-painted pole. Visitors aren’t allowed beyond this point.
Campground Facilities: If you’ve paid the day-use fee, you can use the shower and rinse-off station. Bring quarters and waterproof sandals for the shower.
Pack Essentials: Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent. The nearest convenience store is in Joyce, 7 minutes away, but the RV Park office has items for sale, including ice cream!
Bring Your Own Gear: There are no kayak, boat, or paddle rentals available, so bring your equipment.
Bring Your Camera: The coastlines and views offer stunning photo opportunities, especially at sunset.
Leave No Trace: Help protect this incredible place by cleaning up after yourself and your group. I always make it a point to pick up garbage I see on beaches and trails.
Be Prepared for Spotty Cell Service: Know where to go when leaving the beach if you can’t access your phone’s navigation.

Wrap-Up: Crescent Beach Washington

Crescent Beach is one of the best beaches in Port Angeles. Sunset beach walks here are spectacular and just one of many reasons I’d return.

From water sports to fun family beach activities and excellent tide-pooling, there’s plenty to enjoy for an unforgettable visit.