Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area

4.60

28 reviews

Romantic GetawayPeace & QuietSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Olympic Hidden Gem Campgrounds Washington Primitive Camping Washington +2 more

Quick Facts

220 ft

Price

$12.5 - $25/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

No specific season r...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

220 ft

Price

$12.5 - $25/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

No specific season r...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area

$12.50 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Recreation Use fee: $25 per night, with a discounted rate of $12.50 for Senior Pass and Access Pass holders.

Standard Site Fee$25.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$25.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.60

Top-Rated

Based on 28 reviews

26 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleanlocationlake

"The campground has received overwhelmingly positive reviews for its lakeside location, privacy, cleanliness, and peaceful atmosphere. It is praised as a great spot for tent camping."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area

47.4731, -123.8380

Driving directionsFrom Aberdeen, WA travel north on US Highway 101 for 45 miles to the junction of the South Shore Road. Turn right (east) and proceed 2.8 miles on South Shore Road and turn left into the Gatton Creek Campground and Day Use parking area.

Accessible via paved roads, with a straightforward route from U.S. Highway 101 and South Shore Road.

Nearby places

Aberdeen, WA (45 miles, approximately 1 hour)

Best Time to Camp at Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area

The campground transforms with the seasons, each offering its own unique charm. Winter months bring the full drama of the temperate rainforest, with misty mornings and the rhythmic patter of rain creating an atmospheric retreat for hardy adventurers. As spring emerges, the forest bursts to life with vibrant greens and wildflowers. Summer unveils the campground's full splendor, with warm, moderate temperatures and crystal-clear skies perfect for swimming, hiking, and stargazing. Early June offers a particularly magical window—before the peak season crowds arrive, visitors can experience the tranquil beauty of the rainforest in relative solitude, making it an ideal time for those seeking a peaceful communion with nature.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Good for swimming, boating and hiking in summer though busier in peak season.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 2% in WA

Quieter off-season with misty, dramatic rainforest conditions and strong scenic appeal.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 23% in WA

Lush spring rainforest and quieter periods (early June noted) make spring attractive for visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 8% in WA

Winter brings rain and mist for dramatic scenery but wet conditions may limit activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: No specific season restrictions mentioned, but historically quieter during early June.
Current Alerts: None explicitly mentioned.

About Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area

Tucked away on the pristine south shore of Lake Quinault, Gatton Creek Campground offers an intimate escape into the heart of the Pacific Northwest rainforest. This hidden gem features just five secluded walk-in tent sites, each positioned to capture breathtaking lake views through a canopy of ancient trees. The melodic babble of Gatton Creek provides a natural soundtrack as it winds through the campground, while three thoughtfully placed picnic areas invite leisurely afternoons by the water. Renowned among seasoned campers for its exceptional privacy and stunning natural setting, this small campground delivers an authentic wilderness experience without sacrificing accessibility.

The Gatton Creek Campground is designed for walk-in tent camping with a total of 5 sites. There are no RV or developed camping facilities, making it ideal for those seeking a more primitive, nature-focused experience.

Historical SignificanceGatton Creek Campground sits within the storied Olympic National Forest, a landscape that has sustained indigenous peoples for thousands of years and continues to hold deep cultural significance for the Quinault Indian Nation. This corner of the Quinault Rainforest represents one of the finest examples of temperate rainforest ecology in North America, where centuries-old giants like Sitka spruce and western red cedar stand as living monuments to the region's natural heritage. The campground serves as a gateway to understanding the delicate balance between preservation and recreation that defines the Olympic Peninsula's conservation story.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground transforms with the seasons, each offering its own unique charm. Winter months bring the full drama of the temperate rainforest, with misty mornings and the rhythmic patter of rain creating an atmospheric retreat for hardy adventurers. As spring emerges, the forest bursts to life with vibrant greens and wildflowers. Summer unveils the campground's full splendor, with warm, moderate temperatures and crystal-clear skies perfect for swimming, hiking, and stargazing. Early June offers a particularly magical window—before the peak season crowds arrive, visitors can experience the tranquil beauty of the rainforest in relative solitude, making it an ideal time for those seeking a peaceful communion with nature.

ElevationNestled at lake level along Quinault's serene shores, the campground's gentle, low-elevation terrain makes it accessible to campers of all abilities. This lakeside positioning creates a unique microclimate where the temperate rainforest meets the water's edge, fostering an incredibly diverse ecosystem while providing comfortable camping conditions throughout the extended season.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in one of nature's most spectacular theaters, where towering evergreens draped in moss create a emerald cathedral overhead. The campground's prime lakefront location offers unobstructed views across Lake Quinault's mirror-like surface to the forest-cloaked slopes of Olympic National Park beyond. Morning mists rise from the water to mingle with the forest canopy, while eagles soar overhead and Roosevelt elk occasionally emerge from the understory. The surrounding old-growth rainforest showcases nature's artistry with massive nurse logs supporting new life, delicate ferns carpeting the forest floor, and the constant interplay of light filtering through the dense canopy.

Geological RegionSet within the enchanting Quinault Rainforest ecosystem, the campground occupies a remarkable geological position where ancient glacial forces carved out Lake Quinault and shaped the surrounding landscape. This temperate rainforest environment, nourished by abundant Pacific moisture and mild temperatures, creates optimal conditions for some of the world's largest trees. The dramatic backdrop of Olympic National Park's forested slopes tells a geological story millions of years in the making, where tectonic forces lifted ancient seafloor to create the Olympic Mountains, now cloaked in the verdant rainforest that makes this region internationally renowned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not provided.

Check-out

Not provided.

Stay Limit

Not provided in authoritative sources.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not documented.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layout5 walk-in sites located near the lake shoreline; sites are separated by bushes and vegetation for privacy.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations – First-come, first-served policy.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll five campsites are first-come, first-served based on user reviews and authoritative descriptions.

Cancellation PolicyLate cancellations for individual campsites incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's fee. No refunds for day-of cancellations. Scan & Pay payments are non-refundable.

Site SizeThe campground consists of 5 walk-in campsites designed for tents.

PrivacyAccording to reviews, the sites are relatively private and separated by bushes.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesUser reviews suggest sites offer privacy and lakefront access; ideal for tent campers seeking seclusion.

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Campers at Gatton Creek Campground can enjoy swimming, non-motorized boating, and hiking. It provides easy access to Lake Quinault and the scenic Gatton Creek Trail #888.

HikingThe Gatton Creek Trail #888 can be accessed directly across from the campground along South Shore Road.

SwimmingThe campground provides opportunities for swimming in Lake Quinault.

BoatingNon-motorized boating is available as the nearest boat ramps are located at the Willaby and Falls Creek campgrounds.

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHeavy rainfall may occur during winter periods, along with potential wildlife encounters typical of rainforest regions.

Active AlertsNone explicitly mentioned.

Weather at Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area

Reviews

4.6

28 reviews

Top-Rated

Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground has received overwhelmingly positive reviews for its lakeside location, privacy, cleanliness, and peaceful atmosphere. It is praised as a great spot for tent camping.

Review Summaries

Based on 28 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers consistently highlight the campground's privacy, excellent location on the lake, and the clean condition of the vault toilets. The proximity to Gatton Creek Trail is also appreciated.

Based on 28 reviews

Common Concerns

The limited number of campsites (only 5) means it can be difficult to secure a spot. Some users noted the lack of amenities beyond basic facilities.

Based on 28 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Arrive early to secure one of the 5 first-come-first-served sites. Bring all necessary supplies as amenities are minimal. Seniors with passes can benefit from a discounted rate.

Based on 28 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest the campground is quieter during the off-season (e.g., June) and can get busy in peak summer months. The peacefulness and beauty of the location are appreciated year-round.

Based on 28 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Honestly maybe the most premium little campsite I've ever stayed at." - Kelvin Price; "5 cute spots by the beach! FCFS! Paved parking lot. Clean pit toilets." - Meli; "There are only 5 spots here...

Based on 28 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews are limited but indicate that all 5 tent sites are highly desirable due to their lakeside location. Privacy and proximity to the lake are applauded.

Based on 28 reviews