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Camping near Gifford Pinchot National Forest

1,425 Reviews

Camping in Gifford Pinchot National Forest ranges from basic sites to more developed campgrounds with standard facilities. The forest has several camping areas near trails and viewpoints throughout its recreation areas. Campers looking for more comfort might prefer the City Park Campground, which has maintained sites and basic facilities. Deer, elk, and many bird species live in the forest, making proper food storage important to keep wildlife away from your campsite. Fire rules change with the seasons and current weather, so always check before lighting a campfire. During summer months, it's smart to reserve sites ahead of time since they fill quickly. The nearby State Park works well for campers who want easy access to hiking trails and fishing spots. Before heading out, check if you need any permits for your planned activities. Gifford Pinchot works for both quick weekend trips and longer camping vacations, with options for different camping styles.

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Best Camping Sites Near Gifford Pinchot National Forest (288)

    1. Lower Falls Campground

    27 Reviews
    Trout Lake, WA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 395-3400

    $20 - $40 / night

    "This campground is located along what is possibly the best waterfalls in Washington state."

    "Adams in the more southern part of western Washington.

    The coordinates to google are 46.15664,-121.878452."

    2. Takhlakh Lake Campground

    22 Reviews
    Trout Lake, WA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 338-7869

    $25 - $45 / night

    "While my husband trekked up Mt Adams, I sat and enjoyed this peaceful lake with beautiful scenery.

    There is a tent only loop and an RV/Tent loop."

    "The campground sits right on a lake northwest of Mt. Adams.

    Our site was set up with a single tent pad up a little hill from the driveway and fire pit. It might not have worked for multiple tents."

    3. Council Lake

    7 Reviews
    Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 497-1105

    "This is a lovely lake campground in the forest with gorgeous views of Mt. Adams. The campsites are private and separated. There was a few mosquitoes when we went, but not too bad."

    "Just got back from a quick overnight trip up to Council Lake."

    4. Twin Falls

    6 Reviews
    Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 891-5000

    "The waterfalls were beautiful, with a passing river that had a short hiking trail (< .5 miles) along it. We didn't do our research, but the site doesn't offer much in terms of hiking."

    "It's another of the smaller campgrounds with only 5 walk in sites. I usually stay in smaller places or go dispersed style when possible. 

    It's a bumpy windy road down to the campground."

    5. Elk Meadows RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Trout Lake, WA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 395-2400

    "Elk Meadows is far up a well paved road just before the entrance into national forest land.  "

    "Elk Meadows is a lovely site with plenty of shade on the vast majority of the spots (the ones that sit on the edge of the meadow, with the best view, have less shade than those in the center)."

    6. Horseshoe Lake

    5 Reviews
    Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 497-1100

    $18 / night

    "Bit of a drive in, and since it’s FCFS, definitely get there early if you want a good spot."

    "This is a lovely and small first-come, first-served campground along the banks of picturesque Horseshoe Lake. It's an amazing setting with most sites having a view of the lake."

    7. Trout Creek

    5 Reviews
    Trout Lake, WA
    11 miles
    +1 (509) 395-3400

    "Enter Trout Lake Creek campground. Quiet, unassuming and, miraculously, with 3 campsites left."

    "The Sleeping Beauty trail is a short drive and well worth the effort. This is truly a hidden local gem and only about 20-25 minutes from the tiny community of Trout Lake, at the base of Mt. Adams."

    8. Lewis River Horse Camp

    3 Reviews
    Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 449-7800

    "There are a lot of nice trails that leave from right on the site, mostly intended for horses and mountain bikes but also great for hiking. We very much enjoyed it here."

    9. Iron Creek Campground

    19 Reviews
    Randle, WA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 338-7869

    $27 - $50 / night

    "Iron Creek is a great camp site in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The river runs near the camp was a great spot for the kids and dogs to play. Camp sites were large spacious and private."

    "There is a path from our campsite that join the bigger walking loop around the campground and access to the river. We were there after the July 4th holiday so it was quiet."

    10. Peterson Prairie Campground

    11 Reviews
    Trout Lake, WA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (541) 338-7869

    $25 - $115 / night

    "Close to ice cave. Fishing at Goose Lake nearby."

    "Close to the incredible Guler Ice Caves. Simple campground in the national forest and not far from town. Excellent hiking nearby. Very private good-sized campsites, some close to a small creek."

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Recent Camping Photos near Gifford Pinchot National Forest

561 Photos of 288 Gifford Pinchot National Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Gifford Pinchot National Forest

1425 Reviews of 288 Gifford Pinchot National Forest Campgrounds

  • S. Renae M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Wind Mountain RV Park

    Rustic, clean and safe! Wonderful getaway !

    Got here and loved the place. Some camp spot are pretty close but you have amazing views! Not far from the city.
    I love this place!!

    The camp host Chris is awesome ! Straight forward kinda guy and takes great care of this place!! Will definitely be back!!

  • S. Renae M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Home Valley Campground

    My spot! A room with a view!!

    I decided to go camping knowing that the next day would be potentially raining. Guess what it’s raining! For a couple more hours. But it’s all good I wanted to get out of the city and discovered this place. It’s kind of rustic. Most of the spots are right next to eachother. But people are respectful and it’s been an excellent experience! I get service decently I have Verizon.

    There is access and a shower. And normal bathroom accessories. By the pavilion. The actual campground has Portl-potties. Each spot has a picnic table and fire pit and guess what??!!! You can have a fire!!! It’s a great escape!

    A word of warning.!!!!!!!!

    There is pitch on the trees. Bunches of it. My dog got into it and not fun. Bring some WD-40 incase. It helped a lot and dawn dish soap.
    Enjoy!!

  • WThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Elkamp Eastcreek

    Beautiful grounds, meticulous maintenance

    There aren’t many campgrounds to which I would award six stars out of five, but Elkamp Eastcreek is certainly one of them. Every square inch is meticulously maintained (and that includes the two spacious and sparkling clean restrooms). The campsites are far enough apart that they feel relatively private, and most appear completely level. Trees abound. Dogs are welcome! 

    You couldn’t ask for more courteous and caring hosts than Tom and Brian. They run a classy gift shop with merchandise that includes art, apparel, books, games, gifts and gear.(Plus firewood, ice and propane.) Brian is also the barista at the KampGrounds espresso wagon, and he makes a fabulous mocha. 

    Eatonville is reasonably close, and the Mill Haus Cider Co. is worth the drive. The food is excellent— order the Basque cheesecake if it’s on the menu that day— and the outdoor patio(with a working waterwheel) is stunning. And, of course, you’re only a few miles from the Nisqually Gate of Mt. Rainier National Park, which needs no introduction. If that’s not enough, Tom and Brian will have additional ideas for you. 

    If you don’t happen to have an RV or a tent, you can rent Elkamp’s Airstream by the night. And while I don’t see a link on the website, there’s also a cabin you can rent. 

    What would improve Elkamp? It would be great to have a dump station. Sewer hookups would be even better. But that’s a small inconvenience in exchange for staying at a gorgeous campground just a short drive from the Seattle metro area. 

    We will definitely be back. Probably every year.

  • Frank B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Ike Kinswa

    Quiet

    One of the nicest State campgrounds. Very clean and quiet.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Mounthaven Resort

    Nice 3 night stay

    This is a great small campground for exploringMt Rainier. We stayed here with friends from Colorado and explored the park and did some great hiking outside of the park. It’s a small mostly quiet campground with around 17 sites and 10 cabins. I would stay again if going to explore the mountain. Very clean showers and restroom building. There is ice available for purchase and firewood if no burn ban. Very enjoyable stay.

  • Zachary H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Small Site but Million $ View!

    Solid spot for capable vehicles

    I drive a 2010 tacoma and made it up the mtn road fine, but it was a little janky in spots. Got to camp around 8pm so the “prime” spot was taken and it was hard to turn around at the top since they had a party of three cars parked, but beautiful views of Rainier and there were a few other pull offs on the road with good views.

  • Alex R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Panther Creek Creekside Camp

    Loved It

    Not too far from the nearest town but you will feel totally immersed out here. My carrier is Verizon, I didn’t have any service whatsoever. Ice cold creek, towering trees. Seemed to be lots of sites off the road to pick from. A bit of trash but nothing crazy. Fantastic place to stop even just for one night. Would definitely visit again.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Council Lake

    Council Lake

    Love this campground! Only a few spot available and was very busy during the Labor Day weekend/week. Went up on Sunday and was lucky enough to share a spot with fellow campers (they were leaving the next morning) but every spot was taken and then some. It did clear out during the week and saw a few people throughout and it began filling back up for the weekend. They have a toilet there but make sure to take toilet paper with you because it’s not always full. We took our paddle boat with us and was a bit worried about how to get it down to the water. I had forgotten how steep it was but had no issue with myself and someone else getting it to the bottom. Once it was there we docked it there for the week and used as wanted. It wasn’t too hard getting back up. I even saw someone wench up their aluminum boat with their truck so you have options. Aside from fishing and boating there was the Council Bluff trail that starts in the middle of the campground and takes you to an amazing view of the mountains and the lake. Overall I enjoyed this trip and will camp here again.

  • S. Renae M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Sunset Falls Campground

    Sunset falls getaway

    I booked the campground. There were pictures but not of the camp spot I chose. I did because it indicated I would be by the river. Note. I was but not accessible from my spot. I was disappointed about that. I chose #13 for that reason. However I arrived and was also surprised I was not able to park by my spot. There is a little trek. Thank god I brought my cart as I had all my camp gear.
    12 and 13 are closer to parking than 14, 15 and 16. They are a little more remote.
    The drive in camping spots resembles more of a day use area. No real privacy. Then the road going through the campground was noisy with motorists and motorcycles at all hours running through.
    At this time. There isnt any camp fires allowed.
    No cell service.
    It’s beautiful with the falls and canopy of trees and decently close to town.
    But overall. For a weekend getaway it’s great. But very limited. Also no water so bring your water.

Guide to Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Camping near Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails for all skill levels. Many campers enjoy the nearby trails leading to waterfalls. One visitor at Lower Falls Campground said, "The hike to middle and upper falls is great," highlighting the beautiful scenery.
  • Fishing and Swimming: Lakes and rivers in the area provide great spots for fishing and swimming. A reviewer at Takhlakh Lake Campground mentioned, "This campground is a perfect spot for lakeside hanging, fishing, and paddleboarding."
  • Wildlife Watching: The forest is home to diverse wildlife. Campers at Iron Creek Campground noted, "The river is beautiful and lots of trails around the site," making it a great place to spot animals.

What campers like:

  • Privacy: Many campgrounds offer spacious sites that feel secluded. A camper at Panther Creek Campground shared, "A nice, woodsy campground, with lots of privacy between camp sites."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and common areas. A visitor at La Wis Wis Campground remarked, "The facilities, while only vault toilets, were always kept clean."
  • Natural Beauty: The stunning landscapes are a big draw. One reviewer at Sunset Falls Campground said, "This is the kind of campground that we love, small, quiet and lovely."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor or no cell reception. A camper at Lower Falls Campground mentioned, "No cell service. Bring your own water."
  • Basic Amenities: Some campgrounds may lack certain amenities like showers or electric hookups. A visitor at Takhlakh Lake Campground noted, "There is no drinking water or electricity available."
  • Wildlife Precautions: Bears are present in the area, so it's wise to store food properly. A camper at Iron Creek Campground mentioned, "People were not worried about bears here."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities like picnic tables and fire pits. A reviewer at Cascade Locks KOA said, "The staff were incredibly welcoming and went out of their way to ensure we had everything we needed."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games or outdoor activities to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Beaver Bay Campground suggested, "We took our boat out to the campground and enjoyed a week of comfortable 'off-grid' type camping."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy during hikes. A camper at Panther Creek Campground noted, "Great, clean toilets and water pump."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Road Conditions: Some roads can be rough, so be prepared. A visitor at Takhlakh Lake Campground mentioned, "The last few miles are dirt, so pay attention to ruts and holes."
  • Look for Big Rig Friendly Sites: Many campgrounds can accommodate larger RVs. A camper at La Wis Wis Campground appreciated that it was "big rig friendly."
  • Bring Extra Water: Some campgrounds do not have potable water. A reviewer at Iron Creek Campground advised, "Water didn't taste great. Maybe bring a filter or your own water to drink."

Camping near Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it's essential to be prepared for the unique challenges and delights of the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is camping available near Packwood in Gifford Pinchot National Forest?

Yes, camping is available near Packwood in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Iron Creek Campground is a great option in the area, featuring large, spacious, and private campsites with a river running nearby—perfect for families and pets. Cowlitz Falls Campground also serves as an excellent base camp for exploring the forest near Packwood. It offers clean, well-maintained facilities with most sites situated in wooded areas providing good shade. The campground includes a day use area along the river with a boat ramp and dock, making it ideal for water activities.

What are the best campgrounds in Gifford Pinchot National Forest?

Gifford Pinchot National Forest offers several outstanding campgrounds. La Wis Wis Campground is a top choice, situated at the base of Mt. Rainier with many sites along the Cowlitz River. The beautiful setting makes it perfect for exploring both the national forest and Mt. Rainier National Park. Panther Creek Campground is another excellent option, tucked away down a scenic forest road just north of Carson. It's conveniently located about 20 minutes from the Columbia River Gorge, providing a peaceful basecamp for various outdoor activities throughout the region.

Where is Twin Falls Campground located in Gifford Pinchot National Forest?

Twin Falls is located in the Skamania area of Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This campground offers boat-in, hike-in, and walk-in access options, making it suitable for those seeking a more secluded camping experience. The area features basic amenities including toilets and is reservable. For those looking for alternatives in the same general region, Moss Creek Campground is nearby in the middle south territory of the forest, close to the Big Lava Bed, Lil' Huckleberry Mountain, and the Pacific Crest Trail, offering uniquely designed sites in a prime location.

How do I find Takhlakh Lake in Gifford Pinchot National Forest?

Takhlakh Lake Campground is located near Randle in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. To find it, you'll need to navigate forest roads—most visitors approach from the north via Randle or from the south through Trout Lake. The lake is accessible by car during summer months, though forest roads may require high clearance vehicles. The campground offers drive-in access with reservable sites, water, and toilets. This beautiful alpine lake sits at the base of Mt. Adams, providing stunning reflective views of the mountain. For alternative camping nearby, Saddle offers excellent access to hiking trails and mountain views in the same region.

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