We all love roasting marshmallows over a campfire—and you can often still do that while cabin camping in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Finding a place to cabin camp in Washington is easier than ever. Each cabin offers quick access to one or more of Gifford Pinchot National Forest's most popular destinations.
Peterson Prairie Campground offers shaded and secluded campsites nestled in a forest of large pine, spruce and fir trees. The campground tends is popular among huckleberry pickers. At an elevation of 2,800 ft., Peterson Prairie offers a cool summertime climate during the hottest part of the season. Several kid-friendly attractions are a short distance away, making this campground a great choice for families.
Seasonal harvesting of huckleberries and mushrooms is a popular pastime.Natural Bridges and Ice Cave are scenic, family-friendly nature trails near Peterson Prairie Campground. A stairway leading into the Ice Cave allows convenient access to the cave's incredible ice formations. Please be prepared when visiting the caves. Information is avaialble at the campground and the Mt Adams Ranger Station.
Located in southwest Washington State, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest encompasses 1.3 million acres and includes the 110,000-acre Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument established by Congress in 1982. Peterson Prairie is located in the Mt. Adams Ranger District. Nearest town is Trout Lake, WA. The Mount Adams Ranger District offers a large variety of habitats and natural features, from old growth to second growth forest, wetland areas, low and high elevation meadows, glaciers, and low and high elevation lakes.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (509) 427-3677 for general information.
This campground is near Bird Creek Meadows, a trail that offers spectacular wildflower displays and opportunities to observe numerous birds. Goose Lake is 8 miles west of the campground and offers excellent trout fishing.
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. Group Sites Group Facility (including Cabins and Lookouts): A visitor who cancels a group overnight facility reservation less than 14 days before the arrival date will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
$115 / night
Elkamp Eastcreek allows visitors a chance to connect with nature and experience the great outdoors. Located near the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, this campground provides easy access to a wide range of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, river rafting, kayaking and wildlife watching. The campsites are nestled among the trees and offer plenty of privacy, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat whether that be in a tent or more luxurious cabin. Elkamp Eastcreek also features modern amenities, including clean restrooms, showers and laundry facilities.
$25 - $40 / night
Lost Lake Campground is nestled between beautiful Lost Lake and Mount Hood. From Lost Lake Butte, the valley view is breathtaking, and from the viewpoint, guests can revel in the most majestic view of Mt. Hood, its glaciers and Lost Lake. Another one of the many attractions at Lost Lake Campground is the old growth boardwalk, an interpretive trail that meanders through one of Oregon's large old growth stands.
Lost Lake Campground offers an abundance of activities. Campers have access to a general store, which offers: canoe, kayak, historic wooden row boats, metal fishing boats and stand-up paddleboard rentals. Whether you are a professional angler looking to catch that prized German Brown or a first-timer, there is something for everyone. Additionally, there are a number of hiking trails near the campground ranging in length from 1/4 mile to over 100 miles resulting in numerous hiking and biking opportunities. Other activities include bird watching, berry picking, swimming, waterfall finding and more.
Lost Lake Campground offers an abundance of activities. Campers have access to a general store, which offers: canoe, kayak, historic wooden row boats, metal fishing boats and stand-up paddleboard rentals. Whether you are a professional angler looking to catch that prized German Brown or a first-timer, there is something for everyone. Additionally, there are a number of hiking trails near the campground ranging in length from 1/4 mile to over 100 miles resulting in numerous hiking and biking opportunities. Other activities include bird watching, berry picking, swimming, waterfall finding and more.
Mother Nature went the extra mile when it came to Lost Lake. The surrounding topography is rugged, mountainous and magical. The flora and fauna is abundant and easily accessible. These attributes culminate in making Lost Lake Campground one of the most popular in Oregon.
Nearby Wahtum Lake offers a great daily excursion or hike to one of the four surrounding waterfalls. On the way up to Lost Lake or on the way down, try stopping at one of the many fruit stands that blanket the Hood River Valley.
$49 - $109 / night
Battle Ground Lake State Park is a forested camping park in the Cascade Mountain foothills; its proximity to Vancouver and Portland and its cool green lake make it a great escape from the bustle of city and suburbs.
Children play in the shallow swim area under the watchful eyes of their picnicking parents, anglers float on the lake, hikers and campers take quiet strolls in the woods. On sunny weekends, laughter fills the playground, lakefront and kitchen areas. Whether you've come for a rest or a family play day, time spent at Battle Ground Lake will leave you refreshed and ready to tackle your life once again.
PARK FEATURES The 280-acre park offers hiking, biking, horse trails and a primitive equestrian camping area. The spring-fed lake is attractive to swimmers and paddlers and is stocked with trout, making it a favorite of anglers.
The park has 35 standard campsites, six partial-hookups sites, 15 primitive sites that require campers to hike up to half a mile from the parking lot, two primitive equestrian sites, four cabins, one RV dump station, two restrooms and four showers. Maximum site length is 35 feet (may have limited availability).
Located in the heart of the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, this KOA will have you rollin' along the river in no time - whether you're cruising aboard the stern-wheeler Columbia Gorge, exploring waterfalls along the historic Columbia River Highway or hiking on Larch Mountain's trails at an elevation of 4,000 feet. Displays in the riverfront Marine Park explain the 19th-century locks that made the turbulent Columbia passable (and gave Cascade Locks its name). In nearby Hood River, the Mount Hood Railroad links the Columbia Gorge with the foothills of snowcapped Mount Hood. Camp among forested Tent Sites, full-hookup RV Sites with 110-foot pull thrus, one- and two-room Camping Cabins and Deluxe Cabins.
$27 / night
$10 - $70 / night
Ranger
Stayed here a few days a couple years ago and it was a great place. The campsites are nice and spacious with good privacy from other campers. The lake level was pretty low when we were there so you had to walk out a bit of distance to get to the water. But it's a nice sandy shore so great for the kids swimming and the water is so shallow for a long way out so you don't have to worry about the kids. It's a beautiful lake and nice area.
Scout
Very nice and secluded... Only critique is not stocked with much of everyday things.. Coffee ect. But loved the yurt!!!
Ranger
Had a great few nights at this awesome campground with friends . All sites are very large, flat and most have bonus room for hanging out or visiting. The views of Mt Adams are just awesome. There are hiking trails and several places to enjoy trout lake while hiking. There were deer on the trail today. This campground is very clean and has ice available along with propane fill if you need it. We will return.
Guide
Went here for a social event and had a blast. Big sites with lovely paths between, wonderful shop with firewood available at any hour (just square up when the place is actually open), clean plumbed bathrooms and a coin operated shower at $0.50/minute. There’s a beautiful meadow, a creek, huge trees. The owners are incredibly friendly and the place is very dog friendly.
Guide
They have several back-in spots, some with partial hookups and some with full hookups. Most of the spots are well-shaded from the trees. A specific area is designated for tents only, and some cabins can also be rented. It was a 5-minute walk downhill to reach the lake, which had a very long and nice boat ramp deep enough to accommodate just about any boat. Regarding cell service, I got 3 bars of LTE with my iPhone. Overall, it was a nice, quiet, shady place to visit, and I will definitely be back.
Guide
I recently had the pleasure of staying here and I can’t recommend it highly enough. This campground offers a fantastic range of amenities that made our stay both comfortable and enjoyable. The showers were clean and well-maintained, providing a refreshing end to our days of exploration. The WiFi was reliable, which was perfect for staying connected and planning our next adventures.
The game room was very nice and the pool was a great way to cool off and relax. What truly sets this KOA apart, though, is its friendly atmosphere. The staff were incredibly welcoming and went out of their way to ensure we had everything we needed for a memorable stay.
One thing to note is that a train runs through the area. It can be quite loud, especially at first, but we found that we quickly got used to it and it didn’t detract from our overall experience.
Location-wise, it’s hard to beat. The campground is nestled close to the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge, making it an ideal base for exploring this stunning area. The convenience of being so close to such natural beauty added an extra layer of enjoyment to our trip.
If you’re looking for a place that combines great facilities with a prime location and a warm, friendly vibe, this is the perfect choice.
Guide
stayed here in the middle of July. Plenty of spots open with a good store lots of bathrooms and showers places for kids to play and welcoming hosts. What bothered me was that a number of spots look like they’ve been set up as permanent housing. Instead of being a campsite, it looks like a small village from the movie WRONG TURN .. those areas felt just about as welcoming 👀
Scout
I had high hopes for my visit to Lost Lake, Oregon, but unfortunately, it turned out to be a major letdown. Despite its reputation, this location is far from being accessible for handicapped visitors. The handicapped parking is inconveniently located nowhere near an ADA-accessible lakeside spot. We were forced to camp in the parking lot near a bathroom, which was hardly the experience we were hoping for.
The only positive aspect of our trip was the stunning view of the lake and Mt. Hood, but even that couldn't make up for the numerous shortcomings. The drive and entry cost were simply not worth it, especially considering that most day-use sites are first-come, first-served. By the time we arrived, all the sites that were accessible for someone with disabilities were occupied by individuals who clearly did not require the access.
To make matters worse, the overall organization and management of the site were severely lacking. There was no effort to ensure that handicapped visitors had fair access to the lakeside areas. It felt incredibly unfair and frustrating to see those who didn't need the accessible spots taking them up, leaving us with no options. In summary, if you or someone in your party requires accessible facilities, I strongly advise you to avoid Lost Lake, Oregon. The beautiful scenery cannot compensate for the lack of accessibility and consideration for handicapped visitors. This was a thoroughly disappointing experience that I wouldn't recommend to anyone in need of accessible amenities.
GuideOn our way to Alaska for the SF Bay Area we stopped at several different camping locations along lakes and mountains. The only one we went out of our way to stay at when coming back was Lost Lake Campground. The sites are plenty big, have tables and fire pits. The entire area is amply wooded to provide privacy and the sense of seclusion. The bathrooms were clean and always had TP. There is running water spigots dispersed throughout the camping areas. If I'm ever in the area it will be the 1st place I go.
ScoutNicely maintained property, with spacious sites, great restroom facility, acres to gorgeous meadow and evening star viewing. Tom was gracious and welcoming host. Enjoyed our stay!
ScoutSo beautiful, so well maintained. The meadow over the bridge is a hidden delight. Constant attention to the grounds regularly. Exquisite!
Ranger
Had an amazing time as always. Bring your kayak, paddle board or boat. The water is awesome. Fishing is good for trout out on the water. All camp sites are clean and ready when you arrive.showers are clean if needed
Scout
My grandson loves coming here with us the two ponds they stock with fish. The second time here the only drawback is some of the vegetation is overgrown and could use some trimming
Scout
Camped at site 5 with an E-Pro 19FD. Sites are back in and have well maintained level sites of crushed gravel. The first time I haven't had to level the trailer side to side. Water and Electrical hookups well maintained. Site is all gravel.
Walking to the Columbia River and viewing the petroglyphs is an enjoyable stroll. Restrooms and Showers are well maintained and clean.
Watch out for the incredible amount of goose poop. There was an area roped off so as not to disturb a nesting Eagle that could be viewed with the naked eye.
If your a fan of trains you are right next to the BNSF tracks.
Best Park Hosts that I have ever meet. Very knowledgeable on local sites and and things to do/visit. They are constantly busy keeping the park in order.
Guide
Large sites, some with access to the River. Highway noise was pretty loud in some of the upper sites. Bathrooms (pit toilets) were very clean and the camp host was lovely! Nice recreation area nearby.
ScoutMy family and I have stayed at Bumping Lake for years. It’s off grid and the spots are large and private. The lake is great. There is a lot of hiking and biking trails.
GuideWe found a site right by the river. Some shaded sites are available too. Camp host was very friendly and helpful.
GuideWe came into this campground for a single night. It’s tucked away, 100+ sights. Easy pull in and set up for less than 30ft setups. Trash overflowing and bathrooms were glorified porta-potties. Enjoyed our seclusion, but some attention is needed by the staff. Polite and welcoming, but housekeeping is alittle low.
Scout
The site for travel trailer was good. The Wi-Fi sucked, never could hook up.
ScoutThe staff is very friendly and helpful! Nice sized area for our trailer with full hook-ups. The area was clean and well maintained with fire pits at each site, but the train was very loud (especially at night).
LegendWe've been there 6 years ago , very nice campground !
Ranger
Stayed here for one night on spring break with my grandsons. Fishing, hiking, sup or kayaking if you’re interested in it. The lake is small but awesome. Bald eagles flying overhead. Close to Battleground Washington.
GuideThis park is huge! Lots of space to hand out and swim. There’s always kids running around so it is great for young ones. Bathrooms were clean and big.
GuideI love bringing my family out here to camp every summer. This camping spot has easy water access and I never find that it is too busy. The camping is on gravel so make sure to bring THICK pads if sleeping on the ground. This is definitely the place to use a cot or car camp. Bathrooms were clean and the hosts were always sweet.
GuideIt can be super crowded, but this place is a gem. It reminds me of summer camp. There’s a store, rental boats, etc. The pit toilets and lack of running water keep things in perspective. I wish they would cap the number of day users though. Once they all leave, it is really peaceful at night.
Scout
I have never been treated with such disrespect and disregard from an establishment in my life—and highly recommend you DO NOT SUPPORT THIS CAMPGROUND. I made a group reservation for a long weekend for 4 campsites to celebrate me and my husband's wedding anniversary in August 2023. We both got COVID and unfortunately couldn't go(which was sad enough), but our friends went and celebrated without us! I had put down a deposit of$345 and not knowing this, my sister-in-law paid the$388 for their stay. I called Rimrock Lake Resort to let them know that we had been double charged and they refused to refund the money. When I insisted and said this was not okay, I heard the owner in the background say"just hang up on her" and they did—and have refused to take my calls since. DO NOT TRUST THEM. THEY DO NOT DESERVE YOUR BUSINESS. I not only was unable to attend my own wedding anniversary, but am out$345 that I will never see again. Truly horrific.
Ranger
This is one of our favorite spots but if you’re needing WiFi or even reception, it’s terrible. Personally I like to disconnect but I was trying to “work from home” for a day and it didn’t work well. Close for fishing, hiking, hunting - and this time of year is mostly hunters. Which works out well because it’s extremely quiet, as most people are in bed early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Gifford Pinchot National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Gifford Pinchot National Forest is Elk Meadows RV Park with a 4.4-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Gifford Pinchot National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 34 cabin camping locations near Gifford Pinchot National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
