Dispersed camping near Glenoma, Washington offers access to both forested and lakeside sites at elevations ranging from 700 to 1,200 feet. The area sits at the nexus of three major recreation destinations—Mount Rainier National Park to the north, Mount St. Helens to the southwest, and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest surrounding the community. Winter camping options expand beyond the limited year-round campgrounds, with several locations reducing services rather than closing entirely during colder months.
What to do
Explore riverside trails: Big Creek Campground provides easy access to three surrounding trails. "There are a couple of nice restaurants between the campground and the park too. This will be our 'go to' site for camping on the southside of the park," notes one Big Creek Campground visitor, highlighting its proximity to Mount Rainier National Park.
Fish the Cowlitz River: The river offers fishing opportunities even when lake levels are low. "Just a short walk/hike down is the cowlitz river. The water is very cold, even on a hot day. Use caution, check under the water's surface before jumping off big rocks," warns a Cowlitz Falls Campground visitor.
Visit lower-elevation hiking areas: When mountain weather turns unpredictable, head to trails along Riffe Lake. A visitor to Iron Creek Campground reported: "The river was moving very fast in early June, and we would not have felt safe being beginning kayakers. The river was moving quite fast and seemed turbulent."
What campers like
Old-growth forest atmosphere: The thick forest canopy at several campgrounds creates a unique environment. An Iron Creek Campground visitor described it as "lush and beautiful... There are so many trees and plants here! The camp sites are pretty secluded so you don't feel like everyone is watch you."
Extra cushioning at tent sites: Elkamp Eastcreek offers specially prepared tent pads. "The campsites are pretty private and there's specific spots for your tent that has an extra layer of mulch underneath for cushioning," noted one visitor who appreciated the attention to comfort.
Clean facilities despite remote locations: Many campers mention bathrooms exceed expectations. A visitor to Mossyrock Park reported: "The showers and bathrooms are cleaned regularly. Thoroughly enjoyable."
What you should know
Water levels impact activities: Riffe Lake's permanent lowering affects more than swimming. "Due to COVID you have to make reservations to stay here," noted a visitor to Big Creek in June 2020, indicating reservation systems have changed at some locations.
Variable cell service: Connectivity depends on carrier and specific campground location. "I had no problem with cell service with Verizon, but my husband who has T mobile didn't get reception," reported a visitor at Cowlitz Falls.
Winter restrictions vary by campground: Some campgrounds close completely while others remain open with limited services. "We were in loop D, which was the only open loop along with the cabins (cabins are loop C and attached to loop D)," noted a visitor at Ike Kinswa State Park during off-peak season.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds offer play equipment for children. A reviewer at Taidnapam Park noted: "Taidnapam is a great place to bring your kids. There are some great spots to camp on both sides. The bathrooms are kept clean and super warm in the winter."
Bike-friendly loops: Several campgrounds feature paved roads for kids to ride. At Alder Lake Park, a visitor observed: "Lots of room for kids to ride bikes. There is almost no privacy though it's really just open fields with tents."
Scavenger hunts: Taidnapam Park offers structured activities for children. "They also have a scavenger hunt of items hidden around the campground that you can do with your kids (or if they are a bit older they can do on their own) and a playground."
Tips from RVers
Site privacy varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more separation between RV sites than others. "Loop A & D have utilities for camping with the water Spicket and drains in each loop. Nice, clean bathrooms with showers in every loop," reported a visitor to Riffe Lake Campground.
Hookup limitations: Many campgrounds lack full RV services. "I would say the only drawback is that they don't have sewer hook ups. We stayed Friday to Monday trying to be moderately careful filling our tanks and did just fine dumping tanks on our way out," noted a Cowlitz Falls Campground visitor.
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for dumping tanks if staying at parks without full hookups. "The trash compactor is probably a good 1/4 mile down this trail by the dump station," observed a visitor at Ike Kinswa State Park, indicating the walking distance required for services.
