Is Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area?

Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area is open No specific season restrictions mentioned, but historically quieter during early June.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area?

Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area have?

Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area?

Pets are not allowed at Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area?

Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area

4.22

28 reviews

Top 7% in WAFall

Seasonal ranking by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

220 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

No specific season r...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

220 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

5 campsites

Season

No specific season r...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Hike and Bike Site Fee$25.00

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Provider

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Campground Map

Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area

47.4731, -123.8380

Nearby places

Aberdeen, WA (45 miles, approximately 1 hour)

Weather at Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area

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

Best season: fall. Early to mid-fall offers the best combination of mild weather, dramatic rainforest atmosphere, and low crowds — expect daytime highs roughly 50–65°F (10–18°C) with crisp mornings and clear to partly cloudy afternoons. Trails are at their best for hiking and mushroom/lichen spotting, lake conditions are often calm for boating, and shoreline maples and alders can add pockets of golden color. Visitor numbers drop after Labor Day, so you get the lakefront solitude of Gatton Creek Campground without夏 Peak months: September, October, August, June

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 7% in WA

Fall best for hiking, mushroom spotting and calm lake paddling per overview.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: No specific season restrictions mentioned, but historically quieter during early June.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area

Gatton Creek Campground sits on the shore of Lake Cushman in Olympic National Forest, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. This primitive site offers a handful of tent spots with vault toilets, prized by visitors for privacy and direct access to the Gatton Creek Trail. Fall brings the best conditions for hiking, mushroom spotting, and calm lake paddling.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Early to mid-fall offers the best combination of mild weather, dramatic rainforest atmosphere, and low crowds — expect daytime highs roughly 50–65°F (10–18°C) with crisp mornings and clear to partly cloudy afternoons. Trails are at their best for hiking and mushroom/lichen spotting, lake conditions are often calm for boating, and shoreline maples and alders can add pockets of golden color. Visitor numbers drop after Labor Day, so you get the lakefront solitude of Gatton Creek Campground without夏 Peak months: September, October, August, June

Elevation220 ft above sea level

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a lakefront position at 220 feet elevation within the Quinault Rainforest, where ancient glacial forces carved out Lake Quinault. Towering evergreens draped in moss create a canopy overhead, while the lake provides views across to the forested slopes of Olympic National Park. Gatton Creek winds through the campground. The surrounding old-growth temperate rainforest includes massive nurse logs, ferns, and some of the world's largest trees. Sitka spruce and western red cedar thrive here thanks to abundant Pacific moisture and mild temperatures.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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

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

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.

Best CampsitesAccording to reviews, all five sites offer premium lake proximity. Arrive early to secure a spot, as the campground operates on a first-come-first-served basis.

Amenities available

Gatton Creek Campground, situated on the south shore of Lake Quinault, is a small campground catering to tent campers with 5 walk-in sites. With views across the lake to Olympic National Park, the campground is noted for its serene environment. The campground offers basic amenities including clean pit toilets and proximity to the Gatton Creek Trail #888.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Direct access to Gatton Creek Trail #888 across from the campground.

Swimming4.0/5Top 18% in Washington

Site offers opportunities for swimming in the lake.

Water Sports3.5/5

Calm lake paddling praised for fall; non-motorized boating available.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Moss-draped evergreens, lake views, and rainforest moods make for strong photo ops.

Wildlife viewing3.5/5Quinault Rainforest setting, mushroom spotting in fall noted.

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Trip Planning Tools

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Questions & answers

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Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

28 reviews

Satisfactory

Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

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

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