Ariel, WA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Washington camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Ariel, WA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
"The lake is small but awesome. Bald eagles flying overhead. Close to Battleground Washington."
"Battleground is a nice and well loved state park not far from Portland, Oregon and Vancouver, Washington."
"Close to freeway for easy access. Nice walking paths. Typical state park yurt set up."
"It is a very convenient place to camp being close to the interstate. We stay 3 nights. the bathrooms were clean and the dumpsters were close by."
$20 / night
"Tucked right on the banks of the East Fork of the Lewis River and on the edge of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, this is a great get away for anyone in the Vancouver / Portland area."
"11 is a walk I’m site that offers the most seclusion in the campground. You are away from all other campers and surrounded by river and trees."
$5 - $21 / night
"Beaver Bay Campground is a well-run private campground in Washington about 45 mintues east of I-5."
"Right next to Beaver Bay and about a 10-15 minute drive from the Lava Flows and Mt. St. Helen's, we totally lucked out finding a spot here."
"Lewis River Campground is right at the trail head and adjacent to the lower falls, so there's plenty to see and do right around the camping area. "
"I love Seaquest for their beautiful campsites and the proximity to a wonderful forest to bathe in."
"I gave this park a high rating primarily because of its location."
"The camp is very nice, shady and walking distance from big lake. Facilities:showers, toilets, water supply for each few camp sites. Every camp site have fire place and table."
"Close to a great restaurant, a bar, a gas station, trails, Yale lake, etc. The new owners are super friends and have done a lot of work on the property to add more sites."
$25 - $150 / night
"There is a nice beach and swim area but this is also accessible to day use and this park gets very busy during peak season weekends. Day use regularly gets closed early because it is full."
"Also because it’s behind a lot of forest the wind doesn’t circulate the best."
"Flat gravel for most part, steps away from the Columbia River, decent space between sites with good shade depending on your site. Only reason for 4 starts is because the water is dirty."
"I would recommend anyone to stay here it makes you truly enjoy getting away from the city but not too far that you would have to take days off work. It's peaceful, clean, and quiet."
$30 / night
"Location is close to town but still feels like you are in your own little world. Beautiful walking paths line the water. A must visit for sure!"
"Next to a moderately busy road, but paved spots, WiFi, lovely walking trails and bathroom and showers are clean and maintained! Must have a tent pitched, if traveling and staying with your vehicle."
TravelerThe road is a bit more than a gravel road, there are some large rocks and deep ruts to avoid. Campsites 16-21 are all on a larger lake with great swimming and paddling opportunities with site 17 easily being the best site in my opinion. Feels very remote, can be a bit colder due to altitude, but very beautiful and tons of wild huckleberries everywhere! Weren’t able to have fires due to restriction, but it’s a go-to campground for me!
ScoutSteven, camp host, is 5 STARS. He is doing the best he can with what he has to work with. Which is a very old network of 3 bathroom facilities that are beyond gross despite best efforts. It is mostly about the age of the structures. They are cleaned regularly daily and we saw this over a 3 night stay. But with the rowdy young adult day visitors and age of the facilities only so much can be done. The pools above the falls, jumps into the lower pool and the falls themselves are amazing, mostly after Noon when the sun comes onto the river.
Speaking of the day visitors. It was busy every day despite staying Sunday through Wednesday but it was hot and mid summer, so OK. Most visitors were families but holy crap the the broccoli head, beat up A4 crowd with leaky oil came rolling in with their party crew around 3pm each day. They are very impressed with themselves, their mediocre cars and copious amount of smoking. Is weed allowed on Federal Land?
However, these were the least of the jerks. On the third day, what seemed like a full on cult (because we are talking a group of 30) showed up to hog the lower level. We literally walked up behind one of the young women as we came off the trail, naked in a smaller side pool pooping and urinating right in front of us and our teens as we came off the trail. Awesome! My son got a free show of mostly naked off duty strippers(?) and their half dozen or so Rajneeshi looking handlers. I have pictures but I don't think it's OK to post them! Also, ya'll's EDM you were blasting in nature SUCKED and I like EDM.
ScoutI love how Vanessa mentioned the creek access from that first campsite! As someone who's been searching for dispersed camping spots with water features, this feels like such a gem. The fact that Forest Service regularly patrols is actually reassuring rather than intrusive- I've been to some dispersed sites that felt a bit too"wild west" if you know what I mean. I've been using offline hiking apps for my trips in the Gifford Pinchot, but I hadn't considered Little Soda Springs until now. That tip about downloading maps beforehand due to no cell service is crucial- learned that lesson the hard way last summer near Mt. Adams! Anyone know if the creek is suitable for filtering drinking water, or should I pack in all I need?
TravelerThis campsite is very pretty and the hosts are lovely. They have fire wood for sale for 5 dollars a bundle, bathrooms and showers on site. There is a spot to load a very small boat into the water and very little and spotty cell service for me at least. It’s super pretty and nice!
GuideI decided to come back thinking I'd stay in the same spot as last time, but it was occupied. Thank goodness! Because I found THE most amazing spot!
GuideOnly stayed one night wit RV trailer. Nice park with sufficient site size. Many sites were reserved but empty which made it less busy. Falls were amazing. Road in from either side is rough so allow some extra time for the drive. Both Google Maps and Wave were 1.5hr off on estimated time for the drive (4 hrs from Tacoma). There is no electricity or dump station. The Upper loop has a hand-pump well for water. Multiple outhouses are around the sites.
GuideStayed at the Woodward full hook up sites. Only a small number of them so felt spacious and secluded. Close to a busy train track and you can here some highway noise but overall we felt secluded and enjoyed. Hikes are a short drive from the RV park.
ScoutThis campground is where I love to camp for a day of gravel biking or hiking, as there are many forest roads to meander off from here. So close to Panther Creek for swimming on a hot day, taking off to the PCT for a hike, or foraging for mushrooms in the fall. Water sources and restrooms are such a luxury out here.
GuideD022 was very secluded. Could fit at least 2 tents. There is no Wi-Fi, Verizon was there but I don't know where. Not at the site. But as we walked around the phone would connect in my pocket. DO NOT DRIVE YOUR RV DOWN TO THE STORE. Park at your site or somewhere near it and walk to the store. Not great for large equipment.
Camping near Ariel, Washington, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to hike, fish, or just relax by the campfire, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Camping near Ariel, Washington, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to check the specifics of each campground to make the most of your outdoor experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Ariel, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 255 campgrounds and RV parks near Ariel, WA and 31 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ariel, WA is Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 40 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 31 free dispersed camping spots near Ariel, WA.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Ariel, WA that allow camping, notably Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area and Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
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