Tent camping near Brush Prairie, Washington provides access to volcanic landscapes and old-growth cedar forests across southwest Washington. The Washougal River basin features multiple primitive camping options with elevations ranging from 500-3,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates throughout the camping season. Road conditions vary significantly, with many forest service roads requiring high clearance vehicles during spring months.
What to do
Explore lava formations: At Merrill Lake Campground, campers can enjoy a short 1-mile nature trail through old-growth cedar trees. "Short and beautiful nature trail through the Cedars," notes one visitor, while another mentions, "Very close to Cougar for gas and supplies for emergencies. Driving distance to popular day hikes."
Water recreation: Yale Lake offers swimming and non-motorized boating opportunities at Cougar Park & Campground. "The lake is big and very accessible. Take your mountain bikes and head to St Helens for tough but amazing rides," shares one camper. Another adds, "Best part was getting up early and being able to catch the top of Mnt Ranier before the clouds covered it."
River activities: The Washougal River at Dougan Falls offers shallow water recreation. "Bring an inner tube or lounger the creek is shallow and wide. Explore along the creek by taking one of the trails along the north side of the campground," suggests a reviewer.
What campers like
Lake access: Sand Island Marine Park provides unique boat-in camping with Columbia River views. "Our site had beach access. Site to reserve has pictures," explains one camper. The island setting creates natural boundaries between camp areas.
Fishing opportunities: Several camping areas offer fishing access for different skill levels. "Fishing, boating, campfires. There aren't any hookups for electricity or running water, but really, it's a nice place to take a break from boating all day," shares a visitor to Government Island State Recreation Area.
Undeveloped setting: Canyon Creek Dispersed Camping provides genuine wilderness immersion. "Like others said road getting in sucks. Site I picked had a trail down to the creek that was nice. Would recommend the area for just a nice quiet disconnect. No service," explains one camper. Others mention the value of riverside sites: "Once we found a spot right near the riverbank, you felt like you were deep in it."
What you should know
Access challenges: Many campgrounds require preparation for difficult roads. A Canyon Creek visitor warns, "The coordinates here were incorrect coming from Hood River Oregon. It sent me down a rough dead end forest service road. I ended up lost on the mountain for 3 hours."
Limited facilities: Most tent sites near Brush Prairie have minimal infrastructure. "There is 1 restroom and no designated camp sites," explains a Government Island visitor. Another camper notes, "Make sure to bring toilet paper, the bathroom seems to never be stocked. Make sure to haul out all trash."
Reservation requirements: Some sites fill quickly during peak season. "We booked this camp site 6 month before arrival, very popular site," explains a Cougar Park visitor, while others mention that Merrill Lake operates on a first-come basis with only eight walk-in sites available.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose locations with natural boundaries. At Healing Ponds Farm Retreat, families appreciate the layout: "We had such a lovely stay! We enjoyed seeing the baby bunnies, cows, goats, chickens, and turkeys! My partner, myself, and teen had so much fun visiting them all."
Swimming options: Look for gradual-entry water access for younger children. "We had a group of 9 adults & 7 kids," reports a Naked Falls visitor, noting they "found a spot that was great to hang out" despite crowds.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds maintain stricter quiet hours than others. A Cougar Park visitor reported: "On two separate occasions staying there I had trouble with people being up very late in campgrounds making a lot of noise until well after midnight while other people are trying to sleep."
Tips from RVers
Access constraints: Many tent camping areas near Brush Prairie restrict RV access entirely. "This is a tents only campground," confirms a Merrill Lake visitor, while another notes, "Be forewarned that this is a tent only campground. We showed up with our VW Eurovan (smaller than half the pickup trucks parked there) and were immediately lectured on not having a tent."
Limited hookups: RV campers should prepare for dry camping. "Tent sites only, short hike in from parking lot, bring your own everything. Pit toilets, lake access, close to Mt. St. Helens activities," explains a Merrill Lake visitor.
Alternative options: Small trailers can access select locations. "Sites 1 & 2 seemed to work ok for small trailers or pop up campers," notes a visitor to Naked Falls, making those sites preferable for campers requiring vehicle access.
