How much does camping cost at Big Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Big Creek Campground range from $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Big Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Yes, the campground is first-come, first-served. User reviews mention availability even on busy weekends.

What is the best time to visit Big Creek Campground?

Big Creek Campground is open May to October.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Big Creek Campground?

Big Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Big Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Big Creek Campground: Fires allowed only in designated fire pits.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Big Creek Campground have?

Big Creek Campground has 65 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Big Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Big Creek Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Big Creek Campground?

Big Creek Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Big Creek Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Creek Campground

4.35

111 reviews

Featured in:Olympic

Quick Facts

920 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

65 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

920 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

65 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Big Creek Campground

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$20 per night for single campsites, includes two vehicles. An additional $5 per night for extra passenger vehicles. Interagency Senior/Access...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.35

Recommended

Based on 111 reviews

102 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouswell-maintainedsites

Some mention

crowded

"User reviews are mixed, with many campers praising the campground's natural beauty, spacious sites, and proximity to hiking trails. Concerns about management, noise, and cleanliness have also been noted."

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Campground Map

Big Creek Campground

47.4924, -123.2102

Nearby places

Hoodsport: 9 miles, approximately 15-20 minutes drive. Lake Cushman State Park: approximately 2 miles south.

Nearby supplies

Lake Cushman Grocery (approximately 11-minute drive) and Hood Canal Grocery in Hoodsport (approximately 16 minutes) for firewood and other camping needs.

Best Time to Camp at Big Creek Campground

Spring delivers the best conditions. Mornings start cool and damp in the 40s to 50s, afternoons warm into the 50s and 60s. Morning mist is common but usually clears by midday. Creeks run high with snowmelt, and wildflowers appear on the trails. Crowds are lighter than summer, making site reservations easier. The campground operates mid-May through Labor Day. Summer brings warmer temperatures but also holiday weekend overcrowding. Winter closes the campground entirely as snow hits the higher elevations.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Mid-May–Labor Day offers temperate, misty mornings and filtered sunlight; busiest season with some noise.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May to October.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from mid-May through Labor Day.
Current Alerts: User reviews mention winter closures and unlocked bathrooms for off-season visitors.

About Big Creek Campground

Big Creek Campground sits at 920 feet elevation in Olympic National Forest, 15 minutes from Lake Cushman and beneath Mt. Ellinor. The 65-site campground operates on a pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy and costs $20 per night. Cell service is nonexistent. Second-growth cedar and Douglas fir provide dense privacy between sites, and the Mt. Ellinor trailhead is close enough to hike from camp.

Big Creek Campground caters to a variety of camping preferences, including tent camping, RV camping, and group day-use areas. The campground offers excellent privacy and a natural setting that appeals to outdoor enthusiasts.

Weather and SeasonsSpring delivers the best conditions. Mornings start cool and damp in the 40s to 50s, afternoons warm into the 50s and 60s. Morning mist is common but usually clears by midday. Creeks run high with snowmelt, and wildflowers appear on the trails. Crowds are lighter than summer, making site reservations easier. The campground operates mid-May through Labor Day. Summer brings warmer temperatures but also holiday weekend overcrowding. Winter closes the campground entirely as snow hits the higher elevations.

ElevationPerched at 920 feet above sea level, Big Creek occupies a sweet spot in the Olympic foothills where the mountain air stays refreshingly cool even on summer days. This moderate elevation creates an ideal microclimate for both relaxation and recreation – high enough to escape the lowland heat, yet accessible enough to serve as a comfortable launching point for more ambitious mountain adventures. The gentle elevation provides just enough vertical relief to keep your lungs working on nearby trails while ensuring comfortable nights of sleep under the stars.

Natural Features and SceneryDense second-growth forest dominates the landscape. Douglas fir and cedar rise overhead, their branches draped in moss. Sword ferns and native shrubs form a thick understory that screens campsites from each other. Bigleaf maples add color in fall. Big Creek runs alongside the campground, audible from many sites. The forest floor stays perpetually moist, creating classic Pacific Northwest dampness where moss grows on nearly everything. Mt. Ellinor looms above, though views from the campground itself are limited by the canopy.

Geological RegionCarved into the dramatic landscape beneath the watchful presence of Mt. Ellinor and within reach of the sparkling waters of Lake Cushman, Big Creek Campground occupies a remarkable corner of the Olympic National Forest. This geological wonderland showcases the powerful forces that shaped the Olympic Mountains – from ancient tectonic collisions to the patient work of glaciers and streams. The surrounding terrain tells a story written in stone and soil, where second-growth forests of cedar and Douglas fir have reclaimed the land, creating a resilient ecosystem. The perpetually moist, cool environment nurtures a distinctly Pacific Northwest landscape where moss-draped trees and autumn-painted maples create a photographer's paradise.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

No official check-in time mentioned.

Check-out

No official check-out time mentioned.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each campsite allows two vehicles and additional passenger vehicles for a charge.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites spread across multiple loops with dense vegetation creating good to excellent privacy. Some sites cluster around shared gathering areas. Spacing accommodates RVs up to 36 feet, though site size varies. The understory is thick enough that even neighboring sites feel secluded.

Reservation PlatformsReservations not available. First-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityYes, the campground is first-come, first-served. User reviews mention availability even on busy weekends.

Cancellation PolicyReservations not available, so cancellation policies are not applicable.

AccessibilityThe campground's accessibility features include vault toilets; however, there is no indication of wheelchair-friendly facilities.

Site SizeThe campsites are spacious and can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 36 feet in length. Some sites are larger and better suited for families or groups.

PrivacyThe sites are well-spaced and secluded due to the dense understory, providing good to excellent privacy. Reviews highlight the peaceful and private nature of the campground.

Total Campsites65 campsites

Recommended SitesSites 17-22 are larger and suitable for families. Site 50 provides water access and privacy.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Big Creek Campground offers a mix of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, mountain climbing, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Lake Cushman and Olympic National Park add to the variety of activities available.

Hiking

Climbing

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention issues with rowdy campers and safety concerns during holiday weekends. Wildlife encounters may include slugs and other forest creatures.

Active AlertsUser reviews mention winter closures and unlocked bathrooms for off-season visitors.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyFires allowed only in designated fire pits.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM onwards.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are not directly mentioned. However, Mason County Sheriff's Department responded to incidents in the campground.

Trash & RecyclingThe campground operates on a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy, meaning campers are responsible for managing their own trash and recycling. No dedicated trash or recycling facilities are mentioned.

Water FeaturesBig Creek runs adjacent to the campground. Lake Cushman is nearby and offers fishing and water recreation.

Camp HostMixed reviews on camp hosts, ranging from friendly to unkind and overly restrictive.

Weather at Big Creek Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

111 reviews

Recommended

Big Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are mixed, with many campers praising the campground's natural beauty, spacious sites, and proximity to hiking trails. Concerns about management, noise, and cleanliness have also been noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 111 reviews

What Campers Love

Users commonly highlight the campground's clean facilities, spacious and private campsites, and its beautiful natural surroundings. 'The hike loop is gorgeous and well-maintained, reason enough for a...

Based on 111 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include issues with noisy or rowdy campers, unhelpful camp hosts, and occasional cleanliness issues with vault toilets. 'The camp hosts themselves were the most unkind I’ve ever met.'

Based on 111 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing your own firewood and being prepared for a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy. Hikers are advised to take a photo of the trail map to avoid getting lost.

Based on 111 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busier during peak seasons (May to October), and some users report more noise and crowding on holiday weekends. Outside of peak seasons, it is described as quiet and peaceful.

Based on 111 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The vault toilets, far less awful than I expected, have decent ventilation and are kept stocked with toilet paper.' 2. 'The sites are clean and well maintained!' 3. 'We left because we did not...

Based on 111 reviews