Wind River runs right alongside Beaver Campground, and on hot summer days that proximity matters more than almost any other detail. Situated within Gifford Pinchot National Forest outside Carson, Washington, the campground sits in forested terrain where trees separate most sites, though reviewers note the spacing feels close in busier sections. The layout includes single, double, and group sites, plus two fully accessible sites, with all sites equipped with fire rings and picnic tables.
Water access is the defining feature here. Eric P. notes the Wind River "runs right next to camp and is a great place to cool down," and even in August the current stays mild enough for young children to wade. The creek running through the property adds another water element, though reviewers describe it as cold and shallow, ankle to waist-deep at most. The campground itself earns consistent marks for cleanliness, with pit toilets described as well-maintained and the sites kept tidy.
Beaver Campground works well as a staging point for day hikes into the surrounding forest, including Falls Creek Falls and the Trapper Creek Wilderness. Carson, roughly ten miles away, has supplies and a local brewery. The campground has no showers, but Carson Hot Springs Resort is close enough for a post-hike soak. Firewood is available for purchase from the camp host, typically around $8 per bundle.
The season runs May 15 through September 30, and the campground accepts reservations, which makes sense for weekend visits. Todd W. found it quiet with minimal bugs, though he adds that the fewer people who know about it, the better. RV campers with rigs up to 40 feet can access water and sewer hookups. Those traveling with dogs will find pet-friendly camping near Gifford Pinchot National Forest is readily available in the area, and Beaver Campground itself welcomes pets. Nearby alternatives include Wind River Hwy Dispersed — Gifford Pinchot NF just down the road for those who prefer a less developed setup.
This campground suits families, Portland-area weekenders looking to avoid the drive home, and anyone who wants river access with established amenities and a quieter distance from the interstate.
Description
Overview
Beaver Campground is nestled among large, old maple and sycamore trees, offering a quiet and private family camping experience. Its location along the Wind River provides opportunities for anglers, but other recreational activities can be found in abundance here as well. On-site playground equipment and horseshoe games offer fun for all ages and the surrounding forest allows visitors the chance to discover many animal and plant species.
Recreation
The Wind River offers Chinook salmon and steelhead trout fishing for anglers.(check state regulations for season open/close) And the nearby Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife fish hatchery offers opportunities in the spring to view Chinook salmon.Kayaks and canoes are permitted on the Wind River and the surrounding area offers opportunities for hiking, horseback riding and biking. Berry picking is popular in season.
Facilities
This campground consists of 24 campsites that can accommodate either tents or RVs. One group site is available and can accommodate up to 50 people and 10 vehicles. vault toilets are available and drinking water is offered on-site. Picnic tables and fire pits are provided. Beaver Campground is very unique, having a swingset, activity field and horseshoe pit available on-site, providing entertainment for all ages.
Natural Features
Located in southwest Washington State, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest encompasses over 1.3 million acres, including the 110,000-acre Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument established by Congress in 1982. Beaver Campground is located in the Mount Adams Ranger District, in the easternmost portion of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This district spans 367,000 acres and includes the Mt Adams Wilderness, Indian Heaven Wilderness and Trapper Creek Wilderness. Mt Adams, a potentially active stratovolcano and the second-tallest mountain in Washington state, is a prominent landmark of the 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. A great diversity of habitats and geological features are represented here, from old growth to second growth forests and wetland areas to low and high elevation meadows and lakes, as well as glaciers.
Contact Info
This location has limited staffing. Please call (360) 729-0018 for general information.
Nearby Attractions
Beaver Campground is one of the closest Forest Service campsites to the Columbia River Gorge and Portland, Oregon. The nearby town of Carson is known for its hot springs, but visitors can also find the Wind River Arboretum, 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. 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.
Fee Info
Extra Vehicle Fee $8.00
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Forest Order # 06-03-00-26-02 Stage 2 Fire Restrictions on all National Forest System Lands within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This Order is effective from 07/01/2026 12:01 am, through 10/31/2026, unless rescinded.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBeaver Campground is located in Washington near Carson
Directions
Take Highway 14 to Carson, WA and continue north on Wind River Highway for 13 miles to reach the campground.
Address
Gifford Pinchot NF Mt Adams Ranger District
Carson, WA 98610
Coordinates
45.8561111 N
121.9569444 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/24/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/24/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 3 min from Portland, OR
- 1 hr 42 min from Longview, WA
- 1 hr 50 min from Salem, OR
- 2 hrs 37 min from Yakima, WA





















