275 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Ariel, Washington range from developed state parks to primitive sites along the Lewis River. The area includes several established campgrounds like Beaver Bay Campground and Sunset Falls Campground, which provide access to Yale Lake and the East Fork Lewis River. Most sites accommodate tent camping, while some locations like Lewis River Campground Community of Christ and Paradise Point State Park also offer cabin and yurt options. Proximity to Mount St. Helens and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest makes this region popular for outdoor recreation throughout the warmer months.
Road conditions vary significantly between developed campgrounds and more remote sites. Many campgrounds in the area require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends when waterfront sites fill quickly. One camper noted, "Sunset Falls Campground is tucked right on the banks of the East Fork of the Lewis River and on the edge of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, a great get away for anyone in the Vancouver/Portland area." Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, especially at campgrounds like Merrill Lake where visitors report no coverage. Weather conditions remain mild in summer but can change rapidly in spring and fall, with significant rainfall possible even during peak camping season.
Waterfront access represents a major draw for campers in the Ariel area. Several developed campgrounds provide direct access to lakes and rivers for swimming, fishing, and boating activities. Beaver Bay Campground receives consistently positive reviews for its lakeside location, with one visitor commenting it offers "easy access to Yale Lake for boating, kayaking, paddle boarding and inflatables." Campers seeking more solitude can find quieter options at smaller campgrounds like Merrill Lake, which features walk-in sites and prohibits motorized boats. Highway noise affects some campgrounds closer to major roads, particularly Paradise Point State Park where interstate traffic creates significant ambient sound. Most campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, though shower facilities are limited to larger, more developed sites.
"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."
from $12 - $87 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $12 - $76 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $5 - $21 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $12 - $87 / night
Check Availability"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."
"It’s the ideal balance of feeling away from it all while still being a short drive from Portland."
"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."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $25 - $150 / night
Check Availability
TravelerGreat spot for an uncrowded camping experience. Road noise on spots 1 through 10, but nice views of the river. Lower campsites - less view but less hwy noise - potentially more train traffic but not noticeable on our visit.
GuideWasn’t bad to get to. Could easy get here in a 2 wheel drive suv. Decent amount of room to set up more than one tent with room for many rigs. You pass a few decent but closer to road sites on the way to this one as a back up. Didn’t see anyone try to come down the road to the site while I was there. No water access in the area. Fire pit was in decent shape. Could use since it’s no fire season.
GuideGreat place to have a peaceful evening or longer. Showers are hot, facilities are well maintained and provided the sites aren’t all booked, there is a decent amount of space between visitors.
TravelerI enjoy treasured spots near water & this is certainly one of them. This area is very clean. It’s near long hiking trails. There seems to be dispersed camping all around this area, however this specific spot by the bridge is not near busy roads.. it’s off a gravel road, so when there is traffic it’s slow. Forest service does come around, friendly and helpful. Bathroom area a good walk up past the horse camp. Very long intricate forest trails. Peaceful quiet and about 15 minutes away from cell service, fuel, food, supplies. Soft dirt tent areas, RV areas, the river beach is mostly large rocks. Loved it!
GuideThis is a very nice state park. Loved the Mt. St. Helens visitor center, drawback is they do charge to go in. Our campsite was full hook up pull through. The best sites to get are T15 and T16 if I remember correctly. I was at site T6 was fine. We were there during the week so it was quiet.
TravelerThis spot is just after the turnoff forest road 25 toward Mosquito Meadows. No need to go two miles, all the mosquitos are at this spot! Not unexpected since it’s by a creek, but still a drawback.
The spot is small and surrounded by trees, but within hearing of forest road 25, which is pretty busy
TravelerPerfectly fine, especially considering the low low price of $0. Sites no closer together (honestly, more spacious than) the average KoA I’ve paid $60-$90 to pop up a tent in.
I chose a spot closer to the road than the lake, but if I’d arrived before 7:45 other spots would have been available, I’d imagine.
TravelerThis is a perfectly lovely campsite! A bit close together, but it’s free!
GuideThis campground is fairly primitive. It’s also fairly inexpensive. I Boondock in a tent site and it was very lovely. It is obviously an older campground from the days when Highway 30 was the main road through the gorge.
This campground is not patrolled by Rangers every day they come through probably twice a day. It is not clean or kept up and the only reason I left four stars instead of five is because the flesh toilets are not working. And I do believe they could fix that problem even though I don’t even know what the problem is. It’s hard to say.
I like the fact that it’s not properly maintained and the roads all swept and the pinecones all gone. I appreciate the rustic and even though it’s relatively close to I 84 the noise becomes background and you can convince yourself. It’s a creek.
The other reason, I only left four stars is because the hiking trails are not marked and that would be very helpful
If you want a quiet out-of-the-way spot, this is a good one.
The Columbia River Gorge region surrounding Ariel, Washington sits at elevations between 200-1,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates across camping areas. Summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F with minimal rainfall, while spring and fall camping requires preparation for temperature swings of 30+ degrees within 24 hours. During peak season (June-September), most campsites near Ariel fill by Thursday for weekend stays.
Waterfall exploration: 1-mile hike required. At Sunset Falls Campground, the waterfall viewing area is accessible via a short, paved trail. "The hike along the river and to the waterfalls is short and offers great swimming and relaxing. Fishing is not permitted on the river that runs through the campground," notes Josh W. Multiple swimming pools form above and below the falls.
Winter camping: Temperatures drop to 30-45°F. Battle Ground Lake State Park Campground remains open year-round with winter camping options. "Rolled in January 1st. Self pay. About 5 sites with power and water. We got a nice level one. There are only 5 other sites in the whole campground occupied. Short walk to the lake to fish. Beautiful and quiet... And 25 degrees," reports Chris J.
Volcanic lake swimming: Clear waters. Battle Ground Lake offers a swimming area with volcanic origins. "They have a cool volcanic lake with a swimming area and great fishing. Its like a mini crater lake. I mean mini like pond size," explains Ashley Y. The lake stays cool even during summer heat waves.
Walk-in sites for privacy: Short distance from parking. Beaver Bay Campground offers walk-in options away from the main campground. "The walk-in sites are a very short walk from the parking lot, so unless you need your car or trailer, they're a pretty great way to go," mentions Corinna B. These sites provide increased distance from neighboring campers.
Lakeside access: Yale Lake water activities. Beaver Bay provides direct water access for multiple activities. "It's kept clean and has easy access to Yale Lake for boating, kayaking, paddle boarding and inflatables," reports Steve S. The lake serves as the primary recreation focal point for the campground.
Shaded forest sites: Old-growth canopy. Lewis River Campground Community of Christ offers sites beneath tall trees. "Peaceful setting, room to hike and roam. Across street from east fork of the Lewis River," notes Carrie U. The campground maintains a significant tree canopy throughout the camping areas.
Highway noise affects some locations: Variable by campsite. Paradise Point State Park Campground sits near Interstate 5, creating noise challenges. "Great state park with all the usual amenities: fire pits, trees, ranger station. It's basically two different types of campgrounds in one: there's the sites more out in the open that are closer to the freeway. Then there's a bunch further away in both a meadow and the woods. Obviously if possible, stay away from the freeway," advises Brian C.
Limited cell service: Bring offline resources. Most campgrounds in the area have minimal or no cell coverage. "No cell service" is commonly reported at more remote locations, with better coverage at campgrounds closer to towns.
Water quality varies: Bring drinking water. Several campgrounds report water quality issues. At Reeder Beach RV Park, "Water has arsenic and is no good to drink or cook with. You have to bring your own water, or buy theirs, which they don't mention on their website," warns Z R.
Playground access: Available at select campgrounds. Seaquest State Park Campground features play areas for children. "My kids loved the addition of a playground. Many parks dont have this and it kept them entertained for hours. There is a bathroom and extra parking right next to the playground," shares Mary C. The park also offers junior ranger programs.
Swimming safety: Bring flotation devices. Paradise Point State Park provides life jackets for children. "The day use area also provides life jackets if you forget yours," notes Fatima H. Water depth changes suddenly in many swimming areas.
Education opportunities: Ranger programs available. Seaquest State Park offers structured activities for children. "At night the campground had a great Junior Ranger program with a very enthusiastic park ranger that kept the almost 50 people/kids entertained. She was great at engaging all the kids and teaching them about the park, highly recommend this for anyone bringing kids," recommends Ashley B.
Site limitations: Check length restrictions carefully. Many campgrounds have tree-lined roads making navigation challenging. "We arrived and it was IMPOSSIBLE to get our rig in that site due to the trees. We couldn't even continue out the secondary loop because it was so narrow and had trees on the inside of turns," reports Alex W. about Paradise Point State Park. Sites that accommodate larger RVs are limited in the region.
Dump station availability: Plan accordingly. Cougar Park & Campground provides shower facilities but lacks a dump station. "Nice bathrooms with wonderful shower, which we love after the climb," mentions Charyl B. Many campgrounds charge additional fees for dump station use.
Power options: Limited full hookups. Electric service varies widely between campgrounds with most offering 30-amp service when available. Complete hookups are rare at forest service and more primitive camping areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping options are available near Ariel, Washington?
Ariel offers diverse camping options within easy reach. Beaver Bay Campground provides a well-maintained private campground about 45 minutes east of I-5 with direct access to Yale Lake for water activities. Seaquest State Park Campground features beautiful wooded tent sites and RV spaces, plus it's within walking distance of the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center. Other nearby options include Cresap Bay Campground near Yale with drive-in access, Cougar Park & Campground for tent-only camping, and Lewis River Campground Community of Christ with basic amenities. The region provides a mix of state parks, national forest campgrounds, and private RV parks to accommodate different camping preferences.
What are the best outdoor activities to do when visiting Ariel, Washington?
Ariel's location offers exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities. Water enthusiasts can enjoy boating, kayaking, paddle boarding and swimming at Yale Lake, accessible from Beaver Bay Campground. Hikers should explore the spectacular waterfalls at Lower Falls Campground, considered some of Washington's most beautiful falls with a trail running alongside the river. Mount St. Helens is a must-visit destination for volcanic landscapes and interpretive trails. Rock climbing enthusiasts can tackle Beacon Rock State Park's impressive formation via a well-built trail with rewarding Columbia River Gorge views at the summit. The area also offers excellent fishing opportunities, mountain biking trails, and wildlife viewing throughout the surrounding Cascade foothills.
Where is Ariel, Washington located?
Ariel is a small unincorporated community in Cowlitz County, Washington, situated along the Lewis River in the southwestern part of the state. Located approximately 30 miles northeast of Portland, Oregon, Ariel sits near the base of the Cascade Range and is close to several significant natural landmarks. The area is within driving distance of Paradise Point State Park Campground, which sits along I-5 near the Washington-Oregon border. Ariel is also positioned near Yale Lake and Merwin Lake, making it a gateway to outdoor recreation in the region.
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