Willaby Campground

4.64

328 reviews

353 South Shore Road PO box 9, Quinault, Washington, 98575, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Olympic National Park#1 Forest Camping Camping Near Seattle

Quick Facts

243 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open from April 28 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Olympic National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

243 ft

Price

$25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

21 campsites

Season

Open from April 28 t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Olympic National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Willaby Campground

$25.00 - $25.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Peak season rates for tent-only non-electric sites are $25 per night. There is also an extra vehicle fee of $5 per vehicle per night.

Standard Site Fee$25.00

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

360-288-0203

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What Campers Say

4.64

Top-Rated

Based on 328 reviews

94 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsprivacypeacefulclean

Some mention

noise

"Willaby Campground is praised for its lakeside views, clean facilities, and proximity to nature trails. Multiple reviews highlight site #13 as the best due to its privacy and direct lake access. However, some visitors find the sites small and close together, reducing privacy."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

353 South Shore Road PO box 9, Quinault, Washington, 98575, United States

Willaby Campground

353 South Shore Road PO box 9, Quinault, Washington, 98575, United States

Driving directionsFrom Seattle, travel on I-5 south to Olympia, take Highway 101 N toward Aberdeen. Take State Highway 8, which turns into Highway 12 leading to Aberdeen. From Aberdeen, WA, travel 40 miles north on Highway 101 to South Shore Road. Take South Shore Road 1.5 miles to Willaby Campground. The entrance is from South Shore Road just beyond the Quinault Rain Forest Nature Trailhead.

Accessible via paved roads. Smooth drive to the campground via South Shore Road. Seasonal accessibility is not mentioned.

Nearby places

Aberdeen (40 miles, approximately 1-hour drive)

Nearby supplies

Quinault Mercantile offers camping essentials, firewood ($6.75 per bundle), and groceries. Additional roadside firewood options are available for $5 per bundle. Nearby Quinault Lodge provides dining options and a gift shop.

Best Time to Camp at Willaby Campground

Summer at Willaby brings a delightful mix of warm afternoons perfect for lake activities and refreshingly cool mornings that invite early-morning hikes through mist-kissed forests. True to its rainforest setting, the campground experiences frequent rainfall that nourishes the lush landscape—be prepared for dramatic downpours that transform the forest into a symphony of dripping leaves and rushing streams. The moderate humidity creates an atmosphere where moss thrives and the air feels alive with moisture.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 17% in Washington

Warm afternoons ideal for lake swimming/kayaking; peak season with best weather and activity access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Open through Oct 31; quieter with more rain but still scenic and accessible for hikes and views.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Opens Apr 28; cooler and wetter but less crowded with trails and lake access available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground is closed November–April so winter camping/activities are not applicable.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 28 - October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 28 to October 31. Reservable starting June 27, 2025.
Current Alerts: No current alerts, but reviews mention periodic maintenance noise such as chainsaws and brush cutters.

About Willaby Campground

Nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Quinault, Willaby Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts to experience the magic of the temperate rainforest. This intimate lakeside retreat welcomes tent campers and small trailers (up to 16 feet) seeking an authentic Pacific Northwest adventure. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach without hookups, it rewards visitors with immediate access to cascading waterfalls, meandering forest trails, and some of the most spectacular old-growth scenery in the Olympic Peninsula.

Willaby Campground offers a mix of tent and small RV/trailer camping. The sites are basic, with no electrical or water hookups, catering to campers seeking a semi-primitive experience near nature.

Historical SignificanceLake Quinault holds deep cultural significance as the ancestral home of the Quinault Indian Nation, whose connection to these waters spans countless generations. Visitors wishing to fish the lake's pristine waters or explore by boat must first obtain permits from the Quinault Indian Nation, a requirement that honors the tribe's sovereignty and helps preserve this sacred landscape for future generations.

Weather and SeasonsSummer at Willaby brings a delightful mix of warm afternoons perfect for lake activities and refreshingly cool mornings that invite early-morning hikes through mist-kissed forests. True to its rainforest setting, the campground experiences frequent rainfall that nourishes the lush landscape—be prepared for dramatic downpours that transform the forest into a symphony of dripping leaves and rushing streams. The moderate humidity creates an atmosphere where moss thrives and the air feels alive with moisture.

ElevationWillaby Campground rests in the heart of the Quinault Rainforest, where the low-elevation temperate climate creates perfect conditions for one of the world's most magnificent forest ecosystems. This accessible elevation makes the campground an ideal basecamp for exploring the surrounding rainforest without the challenges of high-altitude camping.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into an enchanted world where ancient giants reign supreme—massive Sitka spruce, Douglas-fir, and western red cedar trees stretch skyward, their towering forms creating a natural cathedral. The emerald forest floor tells its own story, draped in velvet moss and punctuated by delicate ferns that unfurl in the filtered sunlight. This living tapestry of old-growth rainforest creates an immersive experience where every trail reveals new wonders.

Geological RegionWillaby Campground sits within the Olympic National Forest's Lake Quinault region, a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers into a masterpiece of peaks, valleys, and crystal-clear waters. The surrounding terrain showcases nature's artistry through towering conifers—Sitka spruce, Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and western red cedar—that thrive in this unique ecosystem. Beneath their protective canopy, a rich understory flourishes with cushions of moss, graceful ferns, delicate false lily-of-the-valley, and cheerful oxalis, creating a botanical wonderland that changes with each season.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time begins at 2:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out time is 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Campsites are small and typically fit one tent comfortably. Larger tents may not fit. User reviews suggest sites can accommodate 4-8 people depending on size.

Groups

No designated group camping information is provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle-loop layout, with campsites dispersed along the lakeside and forested areas. Sites vary in size and elevation.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov. Online/app reservation fees are $8 per transaction.

Walk-in AvailabilityMost campsites can accommodate only one vehicle. First-come, first-serve availability is limited.

Cancellation PolicyNo refunds for cancellations made on the day of arrival. Changes incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations result in forfeiting the first night’s fee.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible camp and picnic sites, along with a barrier-free flush toilet. Some visitors mentioned uneven terrain and stairs at certain sites, which may present challenges for those with mobility issues.

Site SizeCampground sites vary in size. Sites are generally small, with average tent pads measuring around 8x8 feet. Larger tents may not fit at all sites.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary, with some campsites offering adequate seclusion while others are open to neighboring sites. Sites along the lake often have better views but less privacy.

Total Campsites21 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose lakeside sites (#6-13) for views and proximity to water. Avoid sites near the entrance (#1-5) due to traffic noise.

Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Willaby Campground can enjoy a range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to Lake Quinault opens opportunities for non-motorized water sports. The nearby trails and waterfalls add to the outdoor experience.

HikingThe campground features access to 10 miles of hiking trails, including trails to waterfalls and the Big Spruce Tree Trail. Visitors praised the easy accessibility of trails and their scenic beauty.

FishingFishing in Lake Quinault requires a permit from the Quinault Indian Nation. Visitors can purchase permits from local merchants. Jet skis and motorboats over 25 mph are prohibited, ensuring a serene fishing environment.

SwimmingLake Quinault offers swimming opportunities. Some campsites, such as #13, provide direct access to small private beaches. However, the water can be cold, especially on cooler days.

BoatingNon-motorized boating is allowed on Lake Quinault. Boats must be inspected and registered by the Quinault Indian Nation. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available at the nearby Lake Quinault Lodge.

Wildlife viewingThe surrounding rain forest and lake area provide opportunities for wildlife viewing. Visitors have reported seeing Douglas squirrels, pileated woodpeckers, and osprey.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as bears frequent the area. Theft has also been reported. Mosquitoes are common near the lake.

Active AlertsNo current alerts, but reviews mention periodic maintenance noise such as chainsaws and brush cutters.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within designated fire rings. Firewood is not sold on-site but is available nearby.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Official quiet hours are not mentioned, but the campground is described as peaceful with minimal nighttime noise.

Emergency ServicesA sheriff’s department and an Indian reservation police station are nearby. Specific distances or facilities are not provided.

Trash & RecyclingBear-proof trash bins are available and regularly maintained. Recycling facilities are not explicitly described.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on Lake Quinault, offering swimming, kayaking, and fishing opportunities (permits required).

Camp HostHost availability mentioned at nearby Falls Creek Campground. Some users suggest lack of on-site host presence.

Weather at Willaby Campground

Reviews

4.6

328 reviews

Top-Rated

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

Willaby Campground is praised for its lakeside views, clean facilities, and proximity to nature trails. Multiple reviews highlight site #13 as the best due to its privacy and direct lake access. However, some visitors find the sites small and close together, reducing privacy.

Review Summaries

Based on 328 reviews

What Campers Love

- 'Site #13 is hands down the best - it is the largest space with good privacy and most of all the best view!' (Lisa Murphy) - 'Bathrooms were clean, and the lake views were stunning.' - 'The trails...

Based on 328 reviews

Common Concerns

- 'The sites are TINY, with literally no privacy between them.' - 'Bathrooms were dirty and shabby at times.' - 'Noise from road traffic and maintenance work was occasionally disruptive.'

Based on 328 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Book site #13 for the best views and privacy. - Bring mosquito spray as the proximity to the lake attracts bugs. - Purchase firewood before arriving as it is not sold onsite. - Prepare for rain and...

Based on 328 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Visitors report quieter and less crowded conditions during the off-season. In peak summer, the campground is busy, and desirable sites, especially those by the lake, are harder to secure. Rain is a...

Based on 328 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'One of the best campgrounds I have camped in. Clean and unique the way campsites are organized.' (Sridutt Miraskar) - 'Great tent camping option with views of Lake Quinault and lush green...

Based on 328 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site #13: Best privacy, lake access, and views. - Site #6: Private with great water views. - Site #19: Secluded but no lake view. - Site #1: Conveniently located near the entrance and shade during...

Based on 328 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground offers some accessible sites and a barrier-free restroom. However, uneven terrain and stairs may pose challenges for individuals with mobility issues.

Based on 328 reviews