Big Creek Campground

Campground closure

Site Closed

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shown and described in Exhibits A & B. This order will be effective from June 5th, 2026, through June 5th, 2028, unless rescinded sooner.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

Campsites will accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. The 64 camp units are spaced for privacy in a second-growth forested area. Big Creek, a small stream, is adjacent to the campground. Fires in developed campsites only.

Click here to view a map of the campground.

Three covered picnic shelters are available for group–day use only. Hiking, mountain climbing, fishing, swimming, and exceptional scenery can be enjoyed in the area. Lake Cushman and the Staircase entrance to Olympic National Park are nearby with a public boat ramp available in vicinity.

A trailhead within the campground accesses Big Creek Campground Trail #827 - a gentle loop around Big Creek Campground, and Upper Big Creek Loop #827.1 a longer loop trail which also links up to the Mt Ellinor Connector Trail #827.2 north of the campground.

Fees

$20/Night for single unit (50% reduced fee with Golden Age/Access & Interagency Senior/Access passes.) $5/Extra passenger vehicle (over 2). Boat and recreation trailers are not considered passenger vehicles.

Rules

Maximum stay is 14 days. Pets must be leashed. No more than 8 people per campsite. Trailers and RVs 36' max.

Directions

From Hoodsport, WA turn west onto State Route 119 (from Highway 101) and drive 9 miles to the junction with Forest Service Road 24. Turn left and travel 100 yards. The entrance to Big Creek Campground is on the right side of the road.