The sound of Dougan Creek runs through the entire campground, and it's the first thing most visitors mention. Set within tall Douglas fir forest in the Yacolt Burn State Forest area north of Washougal, this free WADNR site has just nine first-come, first-served sites, with the creek-side spots filling fastest on summer weekends. A Discover Pass is required for both camping and day use.
Water access is the defining draw. Sites along the creek give direct access to the water, and a swimming hole is within easy walking distance of any site in the campground. Dougan Falls- State Forest sits roughly a tenth of a mile away, and reviewers consistently note two broad waterfalls within short range of camp. In early summer the water runs cold, so swimmers should come prepared. Nearby, naked falls gives day hikers another destination within a couple miles.
Crowd patterns matter here. The campground draws heavy weekend traffic, and day visitors hike down to the swimming area from parking above, which can make the water spots feel congested by midday. Camp hosts Ed and Wanda have been a fixture at the site and are noted across multiple reviews for their warmth, though one reviewer from 2023 flagged that hosts were absent at the time, which affected noise levels overnight. Bjorn S. describes it as "thick tall trees and raging water," which captures the setting well. Amenities include toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, and fire rings. This campground works best for campers who arrive early, prefer a wooded creek setting, and can tolerate a social atmosphere on summer weekends.
Description
https://www.dnr.wa.gov/publications/amp_rec_yacolt_dougan.pdf
The large boulders, forested edges, and cascading 100-foot waterfalls of Dougan Creek are a treat for picnickers and campers who visit Yacolt Burn State Forest. Campground has seven campsites, five picnic tables, and a vault toilet. Day use area has picnic tables and a vault toilet.
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.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy for sensitive groups.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsDougan Creek Campground is located in Washington near Bridal Veil
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
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 5/15/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/5/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/20/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 5/15/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 8/5/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/20/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
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.
Drive Time
- 1 hr 1 min from Portland, OR
- 1 hr 31 min from Longview, WA
- 1 hr 47 min from Salem, OR
- 2 hrs 6 min from Albany, OR






























