Gatton Creek Campground/day Use Area
Closed — Closed for the season. Typically operates from May through October 1st on a first-come, first-served basis.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.
National Forest Road No. 2880 - Temporary Closure
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.S0(a) & (b), to provide for public safety, the following act is prohibited within the Pacific Ranger District of the Olympic National Forest as described belo
Tunnel Creek Trail remains closed (12/23/2025)
To provide firefighter and public safety the Tunnel Creek Trail is closed due safety concerns including debris fall post the Tunnel Creek Fire.
Christmas Tree Permits available online!
Christmas tree permits are available to purchase online through Recreation.gov now. Details about designated cutting areas, dates, and types of trees that may be cut may be found here.
Reduced Bear Gulch Fire Area Closure (10/07/25)
The recent arrival of multiple days of rain reduced fire activity significantly. The threat of further damage from the fire is minimal.
Herbicide application on Olympic National Forest
The Olympic National Forest may be applying the herbicides glyphosate, clopyralid, triclopyr, aminopyralid, sulfometuron methyl, or imazapyr to noxious weeds or other invasive plant species from April 21, 2025 – April 20, 2026.
High Steel Bridge and surrounding area closed to pedestrians/off trail hiking
The High Steel Bridge is only open to persons traveling through on FSR 2340 via vehicle, hikers utilizing the High Steel Bridge Trail and South Fork Skokomish River users along with first responders and permitted use.
Multiple sections of Forest Service Road 29 closed due to road failure
This order prohibits motorized equipment or motor vehicle use on Forest Service Road 2900-070 from milepost 0.1 to 0.2 (Sitkum Gorge Bridge), and Forest Service Road 2900 (a-road) from mile post 23.8 to 24 (washout) and mile post 33.8 to 33.9 (washout).
Olympic National Forest camping stay limitations
Camping on the Olympic National Forest within the same developed recreation site is limited to 14 consecutive days. Camping on any National Forest System lands is limited to 21 days per calendar year.
Forest Service Road 2372 Partial Closure
Forest Service Road (FS) 2372 is closed to all motorized equipment and motor vehicle use from milepost 1.08 to mile post 1.20 due to road washout.
Alcohol ban in effect along Lake Cushman corridor
With support from the National Park Service, Mason County, Tacoma Power, Washington State Patrol, the Skokomish Tribe, and other local partners the Olympic National Forest implemented a revised forest order that adds an alcohol ban to the existing prohibitions on camping, fires, and overnight par
About
Gatton Creek Campground sits on the southern shore of Lake Quinault, nestled next to Gatton Creek, a small rainforest stream. This intimate campground features just 5 walk-in tent sites spread along a short trail through lakeside woodlands, each positioned to provide privacy and direct lake access. The setting offers stunning views across the water to the forested slopes of Olympic National Park. The campground provides opportunities for swimming and non-motorized boating, with the nearest boat ramps located at nearby Willaby and Falls Creek Campgrounds. In addition to the overnight campsites, three day-use picnic units are accessible via a short trail through a wetlands area at the mouth of Gatton Creek. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the area's old-growth forests, including access to the Gatton Creek Trail #888, which begins at a trailhead directly across South Shore Road from the campground. Due to its small size and scenic lakeside location, Gatton Creek is popular during summer months. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis without reservations, making early arrival advisable during peak season. The walk-in nature of the sites and lack of RV facilities make this an ideal destination for those seeking a quieter, more primitive camping experience in the Lake Quinault rainforest environment.
Directions
From Aberdeen, WA travel north on US Highway 101 for 45 miles to the junction of 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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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