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Dougan Creek Campground

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Dougan Creek Campground, near Washougal, Washington, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. With its scenic sites right by the river, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for swimming and exploring the nearby waterfalls.

The campground has a laid-back vibe, and visitors often rave about the friendly hosts, Ed and Wanda, who are always ready to lend a hand. Many campers appreciate the well-spaced sites, which offer a bit of privacy while still being close to the action, like the beautiful swimming holes and trails leading to the creek.

For those who love a good adventure, there are numerous trails nearby, and the sound of rushing water adds to the serene atmosphere. Just remember to bring your own toiletries, as the facilities are basic but functional. As one happy camper put it, “The camp was clean and enjoyable!” Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer stay, Dougan Creek Campground is a great choice for a memorable outdoor experience.

Fee Info

Don’t forget your Discover Pass! The annual Discover Pass is transferable between two vehicles and must be displayed in your front windshield while parked at DNR sites. A Discover Pass is not needed if you just want to drive through an area and don’t plan to leave your vehicle. It is also not required for our campgrounds only accessible via boat. Visit the Discover Pass website to learn more or purchase yours: www.discoverpass.wa.gov.

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Location

Dougan Creek Campground is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Directions

Directions: Exit SR-14 at Washougal; follow Washougal River Road for the entire 16.4-mile route to camp. At end of country road, bear left at Y. Site is on left approximately 1 mile from fish hatchery.

Coordinates

45.67374009193664 N
122.15598730273695 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
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  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

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Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Dougan Creek Campground needs a permit.


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10 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 7, 2024

Almost perfect

Incredible location with well spaced out sites right on the river. Plenty of watering hole options and beautiful falls. A few bathroom options, but bring your own toiletries. The water was quite cold when we went in early June, but was worth the cold plunge. Definitely will return

Sitesite 9
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Dougan Creek Campground by Michael O., June 7, 2024
  • Review photo of Dougan Creek Campground by Michael O., June 7, 2024
  • Review photo of Dougan Creek Campground by Michael O., June 7, 2024
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2023

Respectful campers beware

The falls are amazing and the campsites are well laid out, but there’s currently no hosts or rangers, which attracts the worst kind of campers: loud partiers.

The site next to ours had a group of guys that were blasting music and screaming incoherently well into the next morning. You’d think they’d be too tired after sunrise, but they took a few hour break and then went right back to it!

Your experience may hopefully be better, but let this serve as a warning that you’re currently on your own against shitty neighbors.

Site5
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Dougan Creek Campground by Buddy B., July 9, 2023
  • Review photo of Dougan Creek Campground by Buddy B., July 9, 2023
  • Review photo of Dougan Creek Campground by Buddy B., July 9, 2023
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2022

So much fun!

We had so much fun camping here! The camp hosts Ed and Wanda were so kind and helpful! There are 9 spots (with spot 1 being reserved for handicap). We stayed at sites 8 and 9 (we had 9 people)! The campsite was clean and enjoyable! Spot 8 has a trail that leads directly to one of the MANY river spots! You do need a discover pass (camping and day use). Huge swim hole but it does get packed and chaotic very quickly so it was nice to have our own river access!

Sitespot 8 & 9
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Dougan Creek Campground by KayLani C., July 25, 2022
  • Review photo of Dougan Creek Campground by KayLani C., July 25, 2022
Reviewed Mar. 1, 2022

From childhood to adulthood

I’ve always loved camping here! It’s right on the creek and you can walk to the river and see the falls as well. Been camping here since I was a kid, they have a first come first serve and you can stay up to two weeks. Camp hosts are always friendly.

SiteAny
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Dougan Creek Campground by Murphy , March 1, 2022
  • Review photo of Dougan Creek Campground by Murphy , March 1, 2022
Reviewed Jun. 29, 2020

It's in a beautiful location with amazing swimming holes.

First things first, the hosts, Ed and Wanda really are super sweet. When we arrived, they were full but Wanda let me park my conversion van in what would be considered their yard. It had a fire pit, picnic table and a sandlot for kids to play in. Probably technically a campsite, but it had their personal items scattered about. 

We stayed the first night, met some kids, made some pie iron treats and had a good evening. In the morning we walked to the semi private beach spot, a tired swimming hole that is great for kids. It is beautiful, but people who are coming up for the day park above and hike down to it, so before we knew it, we were surrounded by tens of people blasting music and not "socially distancing" themselves during the pandemic so we packed up and moved to a more private spot  through another trail in the campground. We had that place to ourselves for a bit, then boom, all of the sudden people were coming out of the woodwork, literally and not socially distancing themselves.

We got back to camp and found that the hosts had allowed a family of six to park right next to us to share that space. Needless to say, this has become a very popular campsite where people were obviously scouting sites and leaving dummy tents during the week so they would have a place on the weekend. It is beautiful, but it is crowded. And during a pandemic, not necessarily the place I wanted to be, so we threw everything in the van and high tailed it out of there!

  • Review photo of Dougan Creek Campground by Desia  G., June 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Dougan Creek Campground by Desia  G., June 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Dougan Creek Campground by Desia  G., June 29, 2020
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2019

Lovely and welcoming

We headed up hoping to score a campsite at dougan creek on an early sunday afternoon. We got lucky and scooped a very secluded camp spot close to the bathrooms. The firepit was scooped free of ashes and well kept. The site was pretty much completely debris free. The hosts, Ed and Wanda, were so incredibly warm and welcoming, that we highly recommend stopping by and chatting with them for a while. Dogs! They are welcomed with open and loving arms. Our lab had the best time roaming her site and playing in the water. Oh, there is a great swimming hole, easily within walking distance from any of the sights, so easy that we took a nice night stroll down to the water. We are excited for our next visit to this amazing spot.

  • Review photo of Dougan Creek Campground by Sarah J., August 11, 2019
  • Review photo of Dougan Creek Campground by Sarah J., August 11, 2019
  • Review photo of Dougan Creek Campground by Sarah J., August 11, 2019
  • (10) View All
Reviewed Jul. 27, 2018

Amazing

I almost dont want to review it because I dont want to share this place with anyone. Awesome campground with only a few first come first serve spots. A creek runs along the campground and a beautiful waterfall 1/4 a mile away.

  • Review photo of Dougan Creek Campground by Morgan F., July 27, 2018
Reviewed Nov. 11, 2017

Close By, Out of the Way, Open All Year

Thick tall trees and raging water mark this free-of-charge, open-all-year spot. You just need a Discover Pass. Near two broad, vociferous waterfalls and a healthy, cascading creek, the friendly hosts welcome you and recommend good nearby hikes, like Three-Cornered Rock. The sites are decent, each one in the open with another couple of sites, or next to the creek but also the road. The creek sites look to be the best as the water sounds at least give some aural privacy.

Site Early November.
  • Review photo of Dougan Creek Campground by Bjorn S., November 11, 2017
  • Review photo of Dougan Creek Campground by Bjorn S., November 11, 2017
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  • (12) View All
Reviewed Jul. 27, 2016

Camping near Swimming Hole

Who doesn't love a beautiful swimming hole? This campground is near the Dougan Creek swimming holes/water falls and is a great place to cool off in summer. It is a little downstream from the most popular swimming area and had semi-private campgrounds and creek access. Close to Portland, it's a nice summer escape. Crowds do gather on the weekends, and there used to be more secluded creek spots that are now off-limits, but as far as swimming holes go, this campground is still close to one of the top.

  • Review photo of Dougan Creek Campground by Raphaela H., July 27, 2016
  • Review photo of Dougan Creek Campground by Raphaela H., July 27, 2016
  • Review photo of Dougan Creek Campground by Raphaela H., July 27, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Dougan Creek Campground and Dougan Falls?

Dougan Creek Campground is a small camping area with only 7-9 campsites located along Dougan Creek, while Dougan Falls is a popular waterfall and swimming destination located about a quarter mile away on the Washougal River. The campground provides a more secluded overnight experience, while the falls area tends to be busier with day visitors seeking swimming and recreation. The campground offers convenient access to the falls, allowing campers to enjoy both the peaceful creekside setting and the impressive waterfall attraction during their stay.

What amenities and facilities are available at Dougan Creek Campground?

Dougan Creek Campground offers basic amenities including maintained fire pits, picnic tables, and restroom facilities. The campsites are well-kept with debris-free grounds. Some sites have direct creek access via trails leading to swimming spots. Bathrooms are available throughout the campground, though you'll need to bring your own toiletries. The campground is situated among thick tall trees providing natural shade, and the creek runs alongside the property, creating a peaceful setting with the sound of running water.

How close is Dougan Creek Campground to Washougal River and nearby attractions?

Dougan Creek Campground sits right along Dougan Creek with the Washougal River and Dougan Falls just a quarter mile away. The campground provides excellent access to multiple swimming holes and water features. Some campsites even have trails leading directly to river spots. Beyond water recreation, the area offers good hiking opportunities, including the Three-Cornered Rock trail recommended by campground hosts. The location is relatively close to Portland, making it a convenient getaway while still offering a nature-immersed experience with various water features and forest trails within walking distance.

What are the fees and prices for camping at Dougan Creek Campground?

Dougan Creek Campground is free to camp at, but requires a Washington Discover Pass for vehicle parking. The Discover Pass serves as your entrance fee and helps maintain the facilities. Remember to display your pass prominently in your vehicle to avoid potential fines. For current pass prices and purchasing options, check the Washington State Parks website or local outdoor retailers.

How do I make reservations at Dougan Creek Campground?

Dougan Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations accepted. With only 7-9 campsites available, it's advisable to arrive early, especially during summer weekends. Campers can stay up to two weeks at a time. One site (site 1) is reserved for handicap access. For the best chance of securing a spot, consider arriving mid-week or early on Sunday when weekend campers are departing. The campground is open year-round, giving you flexibility for when to visit.