Gatton Creek Campground, near Lake Quinault, Washington, is a cozy spot that offers a unique camping experience right on the lake's edge. With just five walk-in sites, it’s perfect for those who appreciate a more intimate setting, and you’ll want to arrive early since it operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

The campground boasts beautiful lakefront access, making it a fantastic place for swimming and kayaking. Visitors have raved about the stunning views and the convenience of having trails nearby for hiking. One camper noted, “We had our own private beach and it was lovely,” highlighting the charm of this location.

While amenities are limited—there are no showers and the bathroom facilities could use some improvement—the natural beauty of the area more than makes up for it. You’ll find a pit toilet on-site and drinking water available, which is a plus. Plus, there’s a general store nearby for any essentials you might need.

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat with a touch of adventure, Gatton Creek Campground is a solid choice. Just be prepared for rocky sites, so bring a good sleeping pad or air mattress to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep. Whether you’re here to relax by the water or explore the surrounding trails, this campground offers a memorable getaway.

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][1] and [Falls Creek][2] Campgrounds.Access\_\_[Gatton Creek Trail #888][3] from the trailhead across from the campground along South Shore Road. 

[1]: http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/olympic/recarea/?recid=47781
[2]: http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/olympic/recarea/?recid=47745
[3]: http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/olympic/recarea/?recid=47751

Gatton Creek Campground

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Quinault, WA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Quinault, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Washington camping adventure.

Quinault

The Best Camping Near Quinault, Washington

no plan, just hoping. chatted with the gentleman working the museum at Lake Quinalt and he recommended Gatton. great spot! only five sites, all walk up, all right on the lake. we had our own private beach and it was lovely. the sites are close but private. the grounds are well maintained and have water, toilets. hikes and trails nearby so lots of walking opportunities. bring your kayak!

Practically Perfect

Only five sites at this campground - first come first served - all are walk up and all are on a semi private beach on Lake Quinault with beautiful water for swimming and kayaking and fantastic trails directly across the road. Easy access to the Quinault lodge restaurant and a Mercantile general store which has almost everything you could need, including firewood. This was a fantastic campground the only reason I didn't give it five stars is because there is very little privacy and less than ideal bathroom facilities. Not much but a shrub or two separates you from your neighbors, so if that is something that's important to you, you might consider looking elsewhere. There is only one women's and one men's bathroom - in the parking lot - and the women's room was so foul (and I mean foul by campground standards) I couldn't stay in there longer than 20 seconds and wasn't able to use it again the whole weekend. No showers available on site. That said, the lake is gorgeous and the ability to literally walk out of your tent and be on the beach is pretty fantastic and I was able to swim in the lake every morning so I didn't miss the shower facilities much! Oh, and one more important note – unless you have an air mattress or serious pads don't even think about staying here, because the campsites have no grass or dirt and they are solid rock just like the beach - I'm talking large pebbles. Didn't bother us because we had an inflatable mattress, luckily, but if we hadn't there would've been no way to sleep on the ground at this site!

Great spot

This 6 site campground is walk-ins only. On the south shore of Lake Quinault. It was full when I was there so couldn't get any photos of the tent sites but they seemed pretty standard with gravel footprints, picnic benches and fire pits.

  

 There's a pit toilet on-site and extra parking. It looks like $25 per night and there is lakefront access to Lake Quinault, which is always a plus. This is a good spot if Falls Creek and Willaby are full and you don't have time or the desire to travel way upriver to Graves Creek or North Fork campgrounds. In my opinion, it's a little steep for a tent-only site but then again the view is worth a million dollars!

Lakeside Walk-In sites

Great little campsite with I think 5 tent sites. Looks like it fills up pretty quickly and doesn’t take reservations so get there early! $25 fee always seems a bit ridiculous for a tent site but happy to pay it for the pleasant night’s stay. Was very quiet when we arrived at 8pm. 

Photos of Gatton Creek Campground

Real photos from real campers