Notices:

• Hard-sided food containers, such as bear canisters are required.
• Campfires are prohibited between the headland north of Yellow Banks and the headland at Wedding Rocks, including Sand Point.
• High winds and 1-2' waves are common on Lake Ozette. Always wear life jackets. There have been a number of cold-water drownings in Lake Ozette.
• Cold Water is a constant hazard for water enthusiasts. Canoeists, kayakers and other boaters should wear wet suits or other thermal clothing in case of accidental immersion.

Description:

Ecosystem type: Coastal Temperate Rain Forest and Freshwater Lake
Launch Sites: Ozette Ranger Station, Swan Bay
Unique features: Lake Ozette is the third-largest lake in Washington. The lake offers backcountry camping to kayakers, canoeists and other boaters.
Level of difficulty: Easy to difficult depending on winds
Distance: Approx. 4.0 miles to Ericsons Bay camp
Elevation change: Lake is 32' above sea level
Best Season: July through October (least windy and warmest water)

Camping:

Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits in person at the WIC in Port Angeles or at the Forks Recreation and Information Center. No reservations are required unless you plan on camping on the coastal beaches. For reservations, contact the WIC at (360) 565-3100.
Group Size Restrictions: Groups are limited to no more than 12 people. Associated groups of more than 12 must camp and travel at least 1 mile apart and may not combine at any time in a group of more than 12.
Food Storage Method: Hard-sided food containers are required on the coast and Lake Ozette to keep food, garbage and scented items from raccoons, bears and other wildlife.
Campsites: Primary destination is Ericson's Bay camp. A few other small sites along the lakeshore are available.
Toilet Facilities: Pit toilets are available at Ericsons Bay. In other areas bury waste 6-8" deep and 200' from campsites and water sources. Consider packing out human waste from Tivoli and Garden Islands using Wag Bags.
Water Source: Most coastal water sources have a tea-stained appearance. The light tan color originates from tannin leached from leaves. Cryptosporidium and giardia exist in coastal streams and rivers. Iodine is an ineffective treatment versus cryptosporidium. Make sure your treatment method treats for both 
giardia and crypto sporidium. 

Special Concerns:

Leave No Trace: Leave No Trace of your stay to protect vegetation and prevent further camping regulations. Camp in preexisting sites or on sand to prevent damage to vegetation.
Fires: To protect coastal forests, please burn only dead and down wood. Firewood is very scarce in and around most lakeshore sites. Please consider not having a fire. Never cut live trees.
Wildlife Precautions: Raccoons and bears can be present along the shores and islands of Lake Ozette. All food, garbage and scented items must be secured from all wildlife 24 hours a day using hard-sided food containers.

Safety:

• Lake Ozette can change from calm and tranquil to very windy quickly. Life jackets should be worn at all times while on the water. Waves several feet high are common during high winds.
• Cold water is a constant hazard for water enthusiasts. Canoeists, kayakers and other boaters might consider wearing wet suits or other thermal clothing in case of accidental immersion.