November 2024 Update: The Olympic National Forest is seeking expressions of interest to provide public services at Satsop Center Campground located southeast of Wynoochee Lake 36 miles north of Montesano, Wash. To learn more about this opportunity see Satsop Request For Expression of Interest page. 

General Information

Accessible RV Site:

Satsop Center Campground Photos

Tent site along Picket Line Satsop Center	Satsop Office
Tent group site at Satsop Center	Group area near RV sites at Satsop Center
Tent camping site (the Knob) at Satsop Center	Tent camping area (the Picket Line) at Satsop Center
Site along “Picket Line” at Satsop Center	Men’s Showers at Satsop Center
RV Site at Satsop Center	Group area fire pit near RV sites in Satsop Center
Entrance to “the Knob” camp site at Satsop Center	Entrance sign at Satsop Center

History:

The history of the location of what is now Satsop Center Campground goes back to early 1927 when the Forest Service first identified timber sales in this area and the first rail line right-of-way was cut through the valley. Shaffer Brothers logging built the Olympic Camp-Camp 10 and started active occupancy in 1941 where, over time, more than 200 people resided. Power for the camp was provided by a turbine generator located at the base of Spoon Creek Falls. The camp was in operation from 1941 until 1955 when it was bought by Simpson logging company and moved to Camp Grisdale. 

The Satsop Center construction began in 1959  and  was completed in stages, the warehouse being built first, followed by other buildings and finally the barracks.  The facilities were used as an administrative site and it was very busy  in the early years supporting the various Forest Service activities such as roads maintenance, fire crews, fire watch, tree planting & reforestation.

With the closure of and dismantling of Simpson’s Logging Company’s Camp Grisdale in 1985, Forest Service-related support operations greatly diminished and the use of the facilities slowly expired. The buildings sat vacant for many years, and were used briefly from time to time by fire crews or for other temporary needs. The facilities were used By the Department of Fish and Wildlife in the early 90’s and again in 2001 - 2003 while providing lodging for volunteers, state employees and college students conducting various wildlife resource studies on the Roosevelt Elk. 

From Montesano, WA head north on the Wynoochee Valley Road (1 mile west of Montesano off Route 12).  Drive 35 miles on the Wynoochee Valley Road (Forest Service Road 22) to a major intersection.  Stay straight for 0.25 miles.  Turn right onto Forest Service Road 23 and drive 1.7 miles.  Turn left onto Forest Service Road 2372 and travel 0.5 miles to Satsop Center entrance.