When the weather begins to warm up and the days grow longer, it’s time to break out the camping gear! One of the many wonderful aspects of Grays Harbor is the abundance of camping locations, many of which are near the pristine lakes that are dotted around the County. With an overall population of just over 75,000 people spread out over 2,224 mi², it’s not hard to find a bit of solitude. Check out our list on where to camp and enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the lake on the Washington Coast!

Campgrounds

Extend your visit to Grays Harbor by pitching a tent or parking your RV at one of the area’s many campgrounds. Whether you’re hoping to relax lake-side, near the roaring Pacific Ocean, or prefer to be in the depths of a rain forest, we’ve got you covered.

State Parks – Discover Pass Required

  • Bottle Beach State Park – Ocosta (Aberdeen). Bird watching, wildlife viewing, hiking trails.
  • Schafer State Park – Elma. Fishing (fresh water), swimming, hiking trails, horseshoe pits, interpretive activities, amphitheater.
  • Westport Light State Park – Westport. Hiking trails, restrooms, fishing, clamming crabbing, bird watching, wildlife viewing, beach actives, picnic tables.
  • Twin Harbors State Park – Westport. Clamming, fishing (saltwater), restrooms, beach activities, bird watching.
  • Ocean City State Park – Ocean Shores. Personal watercraft use, clamming, fishing, beach activities.
  • Pacific Beach State Park – Pacific Beach. Showers, restrooms, beach activities, clamming fishing (saltwater).
  • Lake Sylvia State Park – Montesano. Restrooms, hiking trails, fishing (fresh water), mountain biking, watercraft launch, swimming.

For a list of privately owned campsites in Grays Harbor, visit our Where to Stay page.

Lakes

Although there are many smaller lakes dotted around Grays Harbor, below we have listed out our favorites for creating a memorable family outing. From fishing and boating to swimming and exploring natural trails, these lakes will keep everyone entertained for and talking for weeks to come.

Lake Quinault

Perhaps one the most well-known lake in Grays Harbor is Lake Quinault. Located in southwestern area of the Olympic National Forest and Park, this glacier-carved lake is a wonderful option for a fun-filled adventure. As the majority of the lake is private property, your best bet for enjoying some lake time is to park at the Lake Quinault Lodge or the nearby parking lots and walk to the waters’ edge. From there, visitors can easily rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards to glide along the waters.

Non-motorized boat launches can be found on the U.S. Forest Service operated Falls Creek and Willaby Campgrounds. Motorized boats and fishing are only permitted in the Quinault River below the North Shore River Bridge (view map here). Other boating restrictions may apply, so please contact the National Park Service with any questions at (360) 565-3130.

Although the lake is open seasonally during the summer and closed during the winter, it’s still worth a stop any day of the year to take in the views of the surrounding mountain peaks and the lush, green rainforest.

Wynoochee Lake

About a 45 minute drive from the heart of Montesano, Wynoochee Lake is located on the mouth of the stunning Olympic Mountains. The dam that regulates the lake is a great educational topic for families and can be viewed upon entrance to the day use area.

Visitors can explore the surrounding nature trails before taking a dip in the crystal-clear roped-off swimming area. There are also restrooms and covered areas to make your day all the more enjoyable.

Fishermen will be delighted that they can catch rainbow trout and whitefish on this Wynoochee River impoundment. Head to the Washington Department for Fish and Wildlife’s website for more info on fishing in the area and where to launch your boat.

Please visit the Forest Service’s website for more information and detailed driving directions as cell phone service is very limited.

Lake Aberdeen

Easily accessible from the highway, Lake Aberdeen is an easy stop for tourists on a road-trip or locals looking to escape for a few hours. The newly renovated playground will keep the kids excited for hours, while the nearby, clearly marked swimming areas are perfect for keeping an eye on everyone. Bring your pole and fish off of the wooden docks or launch a kayak or canoe to better explore the lake.

Lake Sylvia

This vast 233-acre public recreation area is located in dense temperate rain forest in Montesano, making for incredible views throughout the entire area. While visiting Lake Sylvia, cool off in the swimming area on a warm day, camp for the evening and catch some fish to cook for dinner, or hike or bike one of the many trails.

The most popular hiking trail is comprised of a 5-mile loop trail that rolls gently from the campground, over wetlands, and takes hikers over a picturesque covered bridge. Fascinating history can also be found on a walk around the lake that reveals a dam that once provided hydro-electric power to an early 1900’s logging camp. Additionally, non-motorized boating is permitted, so pack up your kayaks and enjoy the beauty of the area from the water!

Important note: Lake Sylvia is a Washington State Park, so a Discover Pass is required for all vehicles.