Walk-in access defines the experience at Gatton Creek Campground, where five tent sites sit directly on Lake Quinault's south shore. Campers park in a designated area and carry gear to their sites, creating a buffer from vehicle noise while maintaining easy access to the water.
The rocky shoreline eliminates the need for grass maintenance but requires quality sleeping pads, as Erin S. notes the sites are "solid rock just like the beach - I'm talking large pebbles." Each site includes a picnic table, fire pit, and gravel tent pad, with minimal vegetation separating neighbors. Lake access allows swimming and kayaking directly from camp, while trails across the road provide hiking options.
The single pit toilet serves all campers from the parking area. Reviews consistently mention the campground fills quickly despite its first-come, first-served policy and $25 nightly fee. The nearby Quinault Lodge restaurant and mercantile offer dining and supplies, including firewood. For those exploring tent sites near Olympic National Forest, this location provides immediate lake access within the national forest boundary.
Arrive early in the day during summer months, as the combination of waterfront camping and limited sites creates high demand from June through Labor Day weekend.
Description
Gatton Creek Campground is located on the south shore of Lake Quinault next to Gatton Creek, a small rainforest stream. Campsites and the picnic units are located along the shore of the lake with views across the__water to the forested slopes of Olympic National Park.The area provides opportunities to swim and use non motorized boats nearby.__There are 5 walk-in campsites that accommodate tents. There are also 3 picnic units. Nearest boat ramps are located at Willaby and Falls Creek Campgrounds.Access__Gatton Creek Trail #888 from the trailhead across from the campground along South Shore Road.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsGatton Creek Campground is located in Washington near Quinault
Directions
From 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.
Coordinates
47.47312687 N
123.8379893 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 6/28/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 35 usersLast on 6/28/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 6/28/26
- AT&TLTEGood CoverageVerified by 35 usersLast on 6/28/26
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
Drive Time
- 1 hr 40 min from Olympia, WA
- 2 hrs 26 min from Bremerton, WA
- 2 hrs 36 min from Seattle, WA
- 3 hrs 30 min from Mount Vernon, WA












