Gatton Creek Campground/Day Use Area

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.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FOREST SERVICE

OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST

ORDER # 06-09-26-08

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited within the boundaries of the Olympic National Forest as shown and described in Exhibits A & B. This order will be effective from June 5th, 2026, through June 5th, 2028, unless rescinded sooner.

PROHIBITION:

Camping for a total of 21 days per calendar year on National Forest System lands. [36 CFR § 261.58(a)]
Camping for longer than 14 consecutive days at the same location within a developed recreation site. [36 CFR § 261.58(a)]

PROHIBITION AREA DESCRIPTION:

All National Forest System lands, including all developed recreation sites, within the Olympic National Forest. See Exhibits A & B.

EXEMPTIONS:

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this order.

This prohibition is in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A.

Violations of this prohibition are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both (16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3551, 3571, and 3581).

Executed in Olympia, Washington, this 5th day of June, 2026.

JOYCE HAMILLA

Forest Supervisor

Olympic National Forest

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.

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.