Clatsop State Forest Gnat Creek Campground

We accidentally discovered Gnat Creek when we needed a place to stopover on a return from Astoria. There isn't a ton here, but there are the necessities - a place to put your tent for the night and a bathroom.  We also took advantage of where we wound up and did a short hike which led to a fish hatchery. 

Camping here is all first come and tent—but it's not really the kind of site you'd book in advance anyway.

We had a great time at this campsite! There was free firewood stacked nearby because of all the logging in the area. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. Walk in tent camping only, or you could park your van in the parking lot. No RVs in the paid area but there are spots along the road past the paid area. $15 in pay envelopes provided though no one came to check. First come first serve. Sites are among the trees and you can hear the creek from your tent. Mossy wonderful surroundings in the Clatsop National Forest. Near the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park

Stayed one night in this campground right off the road on my way back to Portland from Astoria. Apparently there is a transient camp up the road a bit and there are lots of cars coming through the site at all hours of the night. At 3am heard a loud fight or party, couldn't tell which. Felt vulnerable here as a solo woman. 

Also there is a sign that says no RVs, campers or trailers. I was a bit nervous that I would be asked to leave in my van, but never saw a ranger or anyone official. The other folks who were camping here seemed great, it was just the constant traffic, people getting out and walking around my van at night and the yelling at 3am that made me uncomfortable.

Drove past the paid camping and found many available areas to set up for the night. Couple areas had excessive amounts of trash.

The paid camping is small and close to the road. But if you drive a little ways passed the paid camp site there is a surplus of free dispersed camping spots that are much more private and beautiful!

This is for the pictures

It is a very small campsite. 4 spots. The location is nice, except it is very close to the road that has logging trucks going up and down. 2 of the sites are closer to the road for drive in and 2 are further into the forest. Definitely go for the ones further in. They are more hidden/private and you don't get as bad of noise and dust from the logging trucks. The trails are nice going along gnat Creek and you can visit the fish hatchery at the end of the trail. The washrooms are dirty and smelly. From what I've heard, it used to be kept up better, but now it is a bit more dumpy. Still nice nature in the area. Just a shame it isn't kept cleaner.