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Places to Camp near Gifford Pinchot National Forest

1,232 Reviews

Looking for the best campgrounds near Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA? Gifford Pinchot National Forest is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA (261)

  1. Camper-submitted photo from Lower Falls Campground

    1.

    Lower Falls Campground

    23 Reviews
    98 Photos
    342 Saves
    Trout Lake, Washington

    Overview

    Lower Falls Campground is located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Visitors enjoy several waterfalls in the area and access to the Lewis River Trail. The campground is open from May through October.

    Recreation

    Near the campground are several trailheads that provide visitors with a variety of recreational opportunities. There are hiking trails, mountain bike trails, horse trails, and motorcycle trails within 10 miles of the campground. The Lewis River contains rainbow, cutthroat, and bull trout as well as whitefish. The area is catch and release only.

    Facilities

    Lower Falls Campground offers 43 standard sites that accommodate both tents and RVs (36 feet), but no hookups are available. Picnic tables and campfire rings with grills are provided, as are composting toilets and drinking water.

    Natural Features

    The campground is just off the Lewis River at an elevation of 1,300 feet. The campground road is paved and shaded by large evergreen trees. There are trails down to the Lewis River and falls area.

    Nearby Attractions

    There are falls viewing opportunities at Lower Lewis River Falls, Curly Creek Falls, Big Creek Falls, and Middle Falls, all within 15 minutes of the campground. Hiking trails within 10 miles include trail #31 Lewis River, Trail #5 Quartz Creek, and trail #80 Wright Meadows.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $20 / night

  2. Camper-submitted photo from Takhlakh Lake Campground

    2.

    Takhlakh Lake Campground

    21 Reviews
    70 Photos
    254 Saves
    Trout Lake, Washington

    Overview

    Takhlakh Lake Campground sits at an elevation of 4,400 feet in a well-shaded location next to its namesake lake. The campground sits at the base of Mt. Adams, providing visitors with incredible views in every direction. The campground has a short season, but it's a particularly popular destination for hikers exploring the trails around Mt. Adams.

    Recreation

    The campsite offers access to the Takhlakh Loop, an accessible trail suitable for all ages and skill levels and the Takhlakh Meadow Trail. The lake provides an ideal spot for anglers to cast for rainbow trout and for boaters looking to kayak or canoe. The lake is reserved for non-motorized use only.

    Facilities

    The campground consists of 54 back-in sites with unpaved parking spurs that vary in length from 15 to 40 feet. Some sites are tent only. No drinking water is provided at this campground, but other amenities include vault toilets, picnic tables and campfire rings. Takhlakh Lake Campground offers accessible sites and activities and amenities that support current accessibility standards.

    Natural Features

    Takhlakh Lake is part of the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, which is located in the northernmost portion of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This location offers breathtaking views of not only Mt. Adams, but also Mt. Rainier, and Mt. Saint Helens.

    Nearby Attractions

    Near the campground, hikers can access trailheads for the 2,663-mile Pacific Crest Trail. This leads to the Highline Trail, which attracts experienced hikers and backpackers for its views of Mt. Rainier, Mount St. Helens and Oregon's Mt. Hood.

    contact_info

    This location has limited staffing. Please call (360) 686-3008 for general information.

    Charges & Cancellations

    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. 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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Cabins
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $25 / night

  3. Camper-submitted photo from Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    3.

    Cougar Rock Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    53 Reviews
    3 Photos
    529 Saves
    Longmire, Washington

    Overview

    Cougar Rock Campground, on the southwest side of Mt. Rainier National Park, is conveniently located near Paradise. Individual campsites are reservable on this page. Group campsite reservations can be made via Cougar Rock Group Campground.__ Paradise is the most popular destination in the park, with a lodge and visitor center, many miles of hiking trails and a commanding view of the mountain-the highest in the state and Cascade range. The main attraction at Mount Rainier National Park is the mountain itself, a massive glacier-clad volcano, peaking at 14,411 ft. and dominating the skyline for hundreds of miles. Visitors travel through majestic old-growth forests, past tumbling waterfalls and historic buildings to reach sub-alpine meadows, where world-famous wildflower displays bloom through July and August. Popular activities in the park include sight-seeing, hiking, rock climbing and camping.Cougar Rock campground is located at an elevation of 3,180 feet. Summers are dry and cool with daytime temperatures ranging from 60 to 80 degrees. Weather throughout the park can be variable, so visitors should come prepared.

    Recreation

    From the facility, experienced hikers and backpackers can access the well-known, strenuous and beautiful Wonderland Trail, which encircles the park for 93 miles. For those who enjoy learning more about the park's natural and cultural history, there is an on-site amphitheater where interpretive programs are held.

    Facilities

    Cougar Rock is relatively rustic, but has drinking water, flush toilets and picnic tables at all 173 campsites. This facility is one of only two campgrounds in the park with campsites that can be reserved. Visitors must use extra caution with food storage, as foxes and other animals have been known to frequent the campground looking for food.

    Natural Features

    Cougar Rock Campground has one lookout point from which campers can view Mt. Rainier. Although it is peaceful now, the still active volcano last erupted in the mid 1800s. The campground is adjacent to the Nisqually River and is surrounded by thick forests. A short drive to Paradise in summer reveals fields of lush wildflowers.

    Nearby Attractions

    Mount Rainier National Park is about 50 miles southeast of the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area.

    Charges & Cancellations

    If a camper does not check-in at the ranger station by 12:00pm check-out time the day after the scheduled arrival date, their reservation will be cancelled, the camper will incur a $10.00 service fee, and forfeit the first night's camping fee.__

    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $20 / night

  4. Camper-submitted photo from Iron Creek Campground

    4.

    Iron Creek Campground

    17 Reviews
    58 Photos
    273 Saves
    Randle, Washington

    Overview

    Iron Creek Campground sits near the confluence of Iron Creek and the Cispus River. This large campground winds through a forest of old-growth Douglas firs, cedars and hemlock. Lush vegetation and ample space between sites offers excellent privacy.

    Recreation

    Iron Creek provides great fishing for cutthroat trout, whitefish and rainbow trout. Visitors can stroll along the .3-mile Iron Creek Old Growth Trail and weave through the forest and along the Cispus River, or continue on a longer walk down the Iron Creek Campground Trail. This trail is barrier-free and designed to accommodate any age or skill level, with benches and plenty of places to stop along the way.

    Facilities

    There are 99 single and double family sites that are back-in and paved. Level spurs provide easy RV parking. Picnic tables, campfire rings and drinking water are provided.

    Natural Features

    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. Iron Creek is part of the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, which is located in the northernmost portion of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This District is roughly located among three volcanic peaks: Mt. Rainier to the north, Mt. Adams to the east, and Mount St. Helens to the west.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Woods Creek Watchable Wildlife Interpretive Site is just up Forest Road 25 toward the town of Randle. Forest Road 25 is a popular scenic drive and provides excellent views of Mount St. Helens. The Windy Ridge Viewpoint at Mount St. Helens is approximately 20 miles away.

    contact_info

    This location has limited staffing. Please call (360) 686-3008 for general information.

    Charges & Cancellations

    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. 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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Cabins

    $27 / night

  5. Camper-submitted photo from Ohanapecosh Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    5.

    Ohanapecosh Campground — Mount Rainier National Park

    38 Reviews
    127 Photos
    417 Saves
    Paradise, Washington

    Overview

    Ohanapecosh Campground, on the southeast side of Mount Rainier National Park, is surrounded by old growth forest and crossed by an exceptionally beautiful snow-fed river. Close to Ohanapecosh are popular hikes to Silver Falls and the Grove of the Patriarchs. The main attraction at Mount Rainier National Park is the mountain itself, a glacier-clad volcano of immense proportions. At 14,411 ft., it dominates the skyline for hundreds of miles. Visitors travel through majestic old-growth forests, past tumbling waterfalls and historic buildings to reach sub-alpine meadows, where world-famous wildflower displays are seen in July and August. Popular activities in the park include sight-seeing, hiking, climbing and camping. Ohanapecosh campground has an elevation of 1,914 feet. Weather is dry, cool and sunny in the summer with daytime temperatures in the 60 to 80-degree range. Even though the eastern side of the park can be sunnier than other areas, weather can be variable and visitors should come prepared.

    Recreation

    The most popular campground in the park, Ohanapecosh is convenient to both the Paradise and Sunrise areas. Numerous hiking trails originate both in and nearby the facility, including the Grove of the Patriarchs trail, which leads hikers through stands of old growth forest, and several trails that lead to Silver Falls waterfall. For visitors who would like to learn more about natural and cultural history, the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center is close by as well.

    Facilities

    This large campground has 188 individual sites for RV or tent camping situated among the ancient trees. There is drinking water, but no electric hookups. Visitors must use extra caution with food storage, as bear and other animals inhabit the area around the campground.

    Natural Features

    Ohanapecosh is thought to be a Taidnapam Indian word for "standing on the edge" of the Ohanapecosh River. The river itself is lined with mossy boulders and drains cold, clear water down from higher elevations. Its banks are lined with thick, old growth Douglas fir trees and other evergreens. There is no view of Mt. Rainier directly from the campground, though the mountain dominates the landscape in nearby areas of the park.

    Charges & Cancellations

    __If a camper does not check-in at the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center at the campground window by 12:00pm check-out time the day after the scheduled arrival date, their reservation will be cancelled, the camper will incur a $10.00 service fee, and forfeit the first night's camping fee.__

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $20 / night

  6. Camper-submitted photo from La Wis Wis Campgroundm- TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    6.

    La Wis Wis Campgroundm- TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    27 Reviews
    111 Photos
    457 Saves
    Packwood, Washington

    Overview

    Situated at the confluence of three waterways near Mount Rainier, La Wis Wis is nestled under a canopy of towering Douglas firs and red cedars. The handful of sites that dot the riverbank enjoy the most sunshine. With an abundance of activities nearby, La Wis Wis is a popular destination for long-stay camping. Its proximity to Mount Rainier National Park makes it an excellent base for exploring all of the area's natural wonders.

    Recreation

    Hikers can easily access the Blue Hole Trail and Purcell Falls Trail from La Wis Wis. Anglers can fish for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and whitefish at either Butter Creek or Skate Creek.

    Facilities

    La Wis Wis is ideal for tents, car campers and truck campers with a slide-in. The Hatchery Loop sites can accommodate RVs, but navigation through other parts of the campground may be difficult due to narrow roadways and large trees. The campground features 122 sites, including walk-in tent camping. Both vault and flush toilets are available. Picnic tables, picnic shelters and grills are provided. Drinking water is available on-site at the main part of the camp. Campers staying at the Hatchery Loop need to bring potable water or get water at the main site.

    Natural Features

    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. La Wis Wis is located in the Tatoosh Wilderness area of the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District. The campground sits where the Ohanapecosh River, Cowlitz River and Purcell Creek meet. The campground features old-growth forest and opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife.

    Nearby Attractions

    La Wis Wis is located near the entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. The popular Henry M Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise within Mount Rainier National Park is 28 miles away.

    contact_info

    This location has limited staffing. Please call (360) 686-3008 for general information.

    Charges & Cancellations

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $20 - $22 / night

  7. Camper-submitted photo from Panther Creek Campground

    7.

    Panther Creek Campground

    18 Reviews
    58 Photos
    210 Saves
    Carson, Washington

    Overview

    The Campground sits along Panther Creek at the intersection of the Pacific Crest Trail. Driving on FR65, 4.7 miles upstream from the campground, visitors can enjoy an easy hike to Panther Falls. __Campers can enjoy the privacy provided by a variety of shade-loving plants and a thick forest of cedars, ash, firs and alder.

    Recreation

    Hikers have close access to the Pacific Crest Trail, which spans 2,663 miles from Mexico to Canada. Outstanding scenic views are available all along this trail.

    Facilities

    The campground consists of 33 back-in sites with parking spurs that vary from 20 to 40 feet in length. The campground's Premium Sites are adjacent to the creek and each site comes with a picnic table and grill. Potable water and vault toilets are also available.

    Natural Features

    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. Panther Creek Campground is located in the Mt. Adams Ranger District. Elevations here range between 1,200 feet at the Wind River Work Center, 12 miles north of Carson, WA and 12,276 feet at the summit of Mt. Adams. The Mount Adams Ranger District offers a diverse array 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.

    contact_info

    This location has limited staffing. Please call (509) 427-3677 for general information.

    Nearby Attractions

    Panther Creek Campground makes a great base to explore Mount Adams and the Columbia River Gorge. The town of Carson is nearby, which is known for its hot springs. It also has a golf course, restaurants and shopping.

    Charges & Cancellations

    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. 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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Equestrian

    $25 / night

  8. Camper-submitted photo from Swift Forest Camp

    8.

    Swift Forest Camp

    12 Reviews
    62 Photos
    148 Saves
    Cougar, Washington
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
  9. Camper-submitted photo from Goose Lake Campground

    9.

    Goose Lake Campground

    11 Reviews
    29 Photos
    184 Saves
    Trout Lake, Washington

    Goose Lake Campground is situated among a mix of mature cedars and Douglas firs within the Mount Adams Ranger District of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This spot becomes popular in late summer and early autumn, when the weather is warmer and dryer, and bald eagles and osprey can be observed hunting for fish on Goose Lake. The 58-acre lake is characterized by the somewhat haunting presence of old trees rising from its cool, clear waters. Formed abruptly when a lava flow from Big Lava Bed dammed a nearby stream, this curious sight is all that remains of the trees that were consumed by what is now Goose Lake. Natural Features: Located in southwest Washington State, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest encompasses over 1.3 million acres and includes the 110,000-acre Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, established by Congress in 1982. Mount Adams, a potentially active stratovolcano and the second-highest mountain in Washington state, is a prominent landmark in the District. Elevations in the area range between 1,200 ft. at the Wind River Work Center (12 miles north of Carson, WA), to 12,276 ft. at the summit of Mount Adams. The Mount Adams Ranger District features a great diversity of habitats, from old growth to second growth forest, wetland areas, low and high elevation meadows and lakes, as well as glaciers. Recreation: At a 3,200 foot elevation, Goose Lake is a popular spot for brook, brown and cutthroat trout fishing and offers a concrete boat ramp for launching small boats, kayaks and canoes. Big Lava Bed is located just south of the campground and offers a trail that takes hikers through a landscape marked by both pine forest and basalt lava formations. Huckleberry picking is a popular pastime through the late summer and early fall. Facilities: The campsite is accessed via 8 miles of narrow gravel road. Roadside parking is available. This facility is a tent campers dream, with 18 primitive walk-in tent sites dotting the eastern bank of the lake. These hillside sites are on level ground with immediate trail access to Goose Lake. Campsites have vault toilets, picnic tables and fire rings. Campers must bring their own drinking water and may purchase firewood on-site. Nearby Attractions: The 2,663-mile Pacific Crest Trail runs for 16.4 miles in a north-south direction through the nearby Indian Heaven Wilderness, just north of Goose Lake. Indian Heaven Wilderness is known for its abundant lakes, meadowlands and pine forests, as well as its variety of wildlife. ACTIVITIES Fishing Hiking

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
  10. Camper-submitted photo from Memaloose State Park Campground

    10.

    Memaloose State Park Campground

    35 Reviews
    157 Photos
    169 Saves
    Mosier, Oregon

    The stars seem to shine brighter at this campground on the east end of the Columbia River Gorge, 11 miles west of The Dalles. Campsites look over the river and the park’s namesake, Memaloose Island, a place sacred to the indigenous people of the Columbia River Gorge. They would lay the bones of their dead on open pyres on the island.

    Also buried there is an early settler and town promoter of The Dalles, Senator Victor Trevitt. A granite monument visible from Memaloose campground marks his grave.

    Today, the park is a gateway to exploring The Dalles and the east end of the Gorge. Visitors will enjoy spring wildflowers and the cooling shade of the maple, willow and cottonwood trees. On summer nights, the park’s grassy meadows are the perfect spot to observe the nightly celestial performance.

    Campground 43 full-hookup sites 66 tent sites with water nearby Flush toilets and hot showers RV dump station

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $27 - $38 / night


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1232 Reviews of 261 Gifford Pinchot National Forest Campgrounds