Graves Creek Campground

4.69

54 reviews

Great Hiking

Featured in:Olympic#1 Camping Near Olympic National Park#1 Hiking Camping Washington +4 more

Quick Facts

679 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

679 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Graves Creek Campground

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

User reviews indicate that camping costs $20 per night on a first-come, first-served basis.

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(360) 565-3130olym_visitor_center@nps.gov

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What Campers Say

4.69

Top-Rated

Based on 54 reviews

63 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spacioushikingsites

"Graves Creek Campground is described as rustic and tranquil, offering an off-the-grid experience. Campers appreciate the peaceful setting, proximity to trails, and abundant shade. However, the lack of potable water and the poor condition of the pit toilet are common complaints."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Graves Creek Campground

47.5738, -123.5768

Driving directionsGraves Creek campground is located in the Quinault Rain Forest along the Graves Creek Road. This road is accessible from both the North Shore and South Shore roads that at Lake Quinault. The Lake Quinault area is accessible from Highway 101.

Gravel roads provide access to the campground. User reviews caution about rough road conditions and narrow turns, and one reviewer stated, 'The gravel road there can be a little scary. A rock punctured my car tire and it was worrisome getting home.' Another note is that the 'roads aren’t too rough' but caution is advised.

Nearby places

Lake Quinault is nearby, but specific distances for other towns are not provided.

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are available in Lake Quinault, including assistance for emergencies at a service station.

Best Time to Camp at Graves Creek Campground

The Quinault's legendary rainfall transforms this landscape into a verdant wonderland, with winter months bringing dramatic downpours that feed the forest's incredible biodiversity. While winter camping offers its own mystical charm, visitors should note that seasonal flooding can occasionally impact access. Summer emerges as the crown jewel of camping seasons here, delivering crystalline skies, comfortable temperatures, and refreshingly low humidity—perfect conditions for exploring trails by day and stargazing by night. Spring and fall paint the forest in transitional beauty, with moderate temperatures year-round making any season an adventure worth pursuing.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open for summer, good hiking and river dips though mosquitoes noted in reviews.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Lush rainforest and fewer crowds; increased rain but scenic transitions make fall appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Very green, active streams and good hiking, but wet conditions can persist in spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.0 / 5

Year-round but winter brings heavy rain, puddling and occasional flooding/closures per reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Year-round, though flooding in winter can result in closures as mentioned by user reviews.

About Graves Creek Campground

Tucked away in the heart of the Quinault Rainforest, Graves Creek Campground beckons those seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This rustic sanctuary offers spacious, private sites where the modern world fades away, replaced by the gentle sounds of flowing water and ancient forest whispers. With direct access to both the Graves Creek and Quinault River trailheads, adventurers find themselves at the doorstep of some of the Pacific Northwest's most breathtaking backcountry. Here, beneath towering evergreens, visitors discover what camping was meant to be—simple, serene, and profoundly connected to nature.

This campground offers primitive camping with small to medium sites suitable for tents and small vehicles. RVs are discouraged due to challenging access roads.

Weather and SeasonsThe Quinault's legendary rainfall transforms this landscape into a verdant wonderland, with winter months bringing dramatic downpours that feed the forest's incredible biodiversity. While winter camping offers its own mystical charm, visitors should note that seasonal flooding can occasionally impact access. Summer emerges as the crown jewel of camping seasons here, delivering crystalline skies, comfortable temperatures, and refreshingly low humidity—perfect conditions for exploring trails by day and stargazing by night. Spring and fall paint the forest in transitional beauty, with moderate temperatures year-round making any season an adventure worth pursuing.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into an emerald cathedral where ancient trees reach skyward and every surface drips with moss and life. The Quinault River winds its silvery path nearby, its waters tumbling over hidden falls that reward the curious explorer. This enchanted corner of Washington State captivates visitors with its dense, mystical foliage and the frequent appearance of Roosevelt elk grazing in meadow clearings. Morning mists drift through the canopy, creating an ethereal atmosphere that has inspired countless visitors to call this 'one of Washington's most magical spots.' Whether you're sipping coffee in the dappled shade or returning from a day's adventure, the campground's natural beauty provides a constant, calming presence that rejuvenates the soul.

Geological RegionNestled within the temperate rainforest ecosystem of Olympic National Park's Quinault Valley, this campground occupies one of the finest examples of Pacific Northwest old-growth forest. The Quinault Rain Forest represents one of the largest expanses of temperate rainforest in the continental United States, where annual rainfall exceeding 12 feet creates a botanical paradise. Ancient Sitka spruces and western hemlocks tower overhead, some over 1,000 years old, while the Quinault River carves its path through this green tapestry, carrying glacial melt from the Olympic Mountains to the Pacific Ocean.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Groups

No group camping sites are specifically mentioned or identified in the authoritative content or user reviews.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites are spread out, providing privacy and spaciousness. Reviews note that sites range in size from small one-tent campsites to larger ones suitable for multiple tents.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations are not required.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up as no reservations are required. User reviews frequently note availability even during busy weekends like Labor Day.

Cancellation PolicyNot applicable since the campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Site SizeCamp sites are described as small to medium, suitable for one small car and tent per site. Some areas can accommodate larger set-ups with space for two or three tents.

PrivacyGenerally, the sites are well-spaced, offering decent privacy. One reviewer noted, "The sites are spread far apart that your neighbors won't annoy or be annoyed.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesUser reviews recommend selecting sites near the river for tranquility and scenic views. Avoid winter camping due to potential flooding.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Graves Creek Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, making it a great destination for nature enthusiasts. Highlights include hiking trails, wildlife spotting, and river-related activities like swimming or simply relaxing by the water.

HikingThe campground is notably close to the Graves Creek Trailhead, leading to the Enchanted Valley. Another user highlighted, "Plenty of trails to go hiking in the area," while several others praised the proximity of the Quinault River Trail.

SwimmingThe cold and brisk river near the campground is a refreshing spot for swimming during hot summer days, as highlighted by a reviewer: 'A very cold and brisk river to splash and swim in during those hot summer days.'

BikingBiking is an option; one reviewer noted biking from the Graves Creek Campground to the North Fork Quinault Campground and mentioned spotting wildlife along the way.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight of this campground, with mentions of elk sightings and beautiful fall colors: 'While biking from Graves Creek Campground... I saw elk twice.'

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes and horseflies are reported as a significant issue during warmer months. Gravel roads can pose challenges for vehicles, particularly narrow turns, as stated in user reviews.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyFire pits are available at every campsite, as noted in user reviews.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are available in Lake Quinault, specifically a service station, as mentioned in a user review.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific information about trash and recycling facilities is provided. Campers are advised to practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out all their waste.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to the Quinault River and Graves Creek, offering easy access to water for recreational activities and scenic enjoyment.

Camp HostThe campground is operated by the National Park Service but does not specify host information.

Weather at Graves Creek Campground

Reviews

4.7

54 reviews

Top-Rated

Graves Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Graves Creek Campground is described as rustic and tranquil, offering an off-the-grid experience. Campers appreciate the peaceful setting, proximity to trails, and abundant shade. However, the lack of potable water and the poor condition of the pit toilet are common complaints.

Review Summaries

Based on 54 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects highlighted by users include its serene and secluded environment, spacious and well-separated campsites, and proximity to hiking trails like the Enchanted Valley Trail.

Based on 54 reviews

Common Concerns

The most frequent complaints are the lack of potable water and inadequate restroom facilities. Mosquitoes and flies were also mentioned as problematic.

Based on 54 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring their own potable water, mosquito repellents, and to ensure their vehicles can handle gravel roads. A user wrote, 'The road can get pretty rough. This is a more remote...

Based on 54 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open year-round but may close temporarily in winter due to flooding. Summer reviews mention mosquitoes, while winter camping reviews highlight potential puddling and flooding at...

Based on 54 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'A quiet, relaxing camping trip off the grid.' - 'It is very rustic. It is operated by the National Park Service.' - 'MOSQUITOES, don’t forget your repellents.' - 'The gravel road there can be a...

Based on 54 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites by the river are frequently praised for their size and location. One reviewer stated, 'Right by a river. Sites on the right can hear the river as you fall asleep.'

Based on 54 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific mentions of accessibility features were made, suggesting limited or no facilities catering to disabilities.

Based on 54 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but a review highlighted issues with pests affecting dogs during one visit: 'These flies can really bite and when they do bite, it hurts! They would not leave my two dogs and us...

Based on 54 reviews

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