Map showing campground location near Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington

Camper submitted image from Horseshoe Lake

Horseshoe Lake

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Mist lifting off the surface of Horseshoe Lake at dawn is one of the more distinctive sights at this small Forest Service campground in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Getting there requires navigating Forest Service Road 120, which multiple reviewers flag as rough, rutted, and potholed. Higher-clearance vehicles handle it without much trouble, but standard passenger cars may struggle. The campground is first-come, first-served, with around ten sites total, and fills on summer weekends, though dispersed sites along FS120 serve as overflow.

Most sites sit within view of the lake, and only a short trail down a peninsula opens up sightlines toward Mount Adams with the lake in the foreground. Fishing, paddleboarding, and kayaking are the most common activities on the water, and the lake runs warm through summer. Sites are compact and close together, with stands of conifers providing some separation between neighbors. Campers with dogs will find this a workable spot, as it falls among the pet-friendly campgrounds around Gifford Pinchot National Forest that allow leashed animals.

Mosquitoes are a consistent complaint across multiple seasons, particularly early in summer, so bug spray is worth packing. Amenities are minimal: a vault toilet and picnic tables, with trash service provided. The $18 nightly fee is reasonable for the access. Nearby alternatives include Killen Creek and Chain of lakes campground for campers who arrive and find Horseshoe Lake full. As Josh D. puts it, "waking up to mist boiling off the perfectly still lake was a treat." This campground suits paddlers, anglers, and anyone comfortable with a rough road in and minimal facilities on arrival.

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Map & DirectionsHorseshoe Lake is located in Washington near Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Public Campground

Directions

In Randle, WA, at intersection of US Rt. 12 and State Rt. 131/Cispus Rd, take Cispus Rd. south 0.9 miles to a "Y" intersection. Bear left, staying on Cispus Rd/Forest Rt. 23 and go 17.7 miles to another "Y" intersection. Bear left onto Forest Rt. 21 and go 4.6 miles to an intersection and Walupt Lake sign. Turn right onto Forest Rt. 56 (gravel) and go 2.9 miles to Horseshoe Lake sign. Turn right at intersection onto Forest Rt. 5603 (gravel) and go 5.1 miles (last 2.1 miles is paved) to another intersection and Horseshoe Lake sign. Turn right onto Forest Rt. 2329 (not signed) and go 2.9 miles (gravel) to campground sign. Turn right onto Forest Rt. 078 and go 1.3 miles into campground.

Coordinates

46.31000045 N
121.56500097 W

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Access

Drive-In
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Site Types

Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

3 hrs 4 min from Yakima, WA
3 hrs 15 min from Longview, WA
3 hrs 16 min from Portland, OR
3 hrs 17 min from Olympia, WA

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Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Horseshoe Lake

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5 Stars

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5.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the stunning lakeside setting with Mt. Adams views and peaceful atmosphere. Common feedback included basic vault toilet facilities and close site spacing. Road access requires higher clearance vehicles, and mosquitoes are prevalent.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Onno V.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 9, 2023

Amazing spot

Amazing campground. Super great spot. Great views, super quiet and secluded. The host was amazing. The mosquitoes were awful. However nothing you could do.

Site10

Month of VisitJuly

(4) View All

Devin F.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 2, 2022

Great little campground

Bit of a drive in, and since it’s FCFS, definitely get there early if you want a good spot. There are only 2 sites that are next to the lake, the others are not more than 100 yards max - but they are pretty close together. Road in can be tricky for some regular passenger cars, but SUVs and anything bigger or with more clearance is totally fine. Toilet was very clean and the sites were well maintained, but well used, some of the picnic tables were pretty damaged/old. Lake was gorgeous and the water was really warm! Didn’t have an issue with mosquitoes but I could see how early in the season they can get bad. Overall a great campground and worth the drive.

Site9

Month of VisitAugust

Josh D.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 7, 2022

A Little PNW Gem

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. Waking up to mist boiling off the perfectly still lake was a treat. A short trail down the peninsula leads to absolutely stunning views of Mount Adams with the lake in the foreground (particularly at sunset). Fishing, paddleboarding, and hiking seemed to be the most popular activities. Mosquitos were quite vicious, which is not surprising considering the lakes in the area.

Based on its remote location, it was busier than expected, but most folks who showed up on a Friday afternoon in early August were able to snag a campsite (if none are available, there are plenty of dispersed camping spots along Forest Service Road 120 on the way to the lake). It's a compact campground, so spots are pretty close together and you'll likely hear neighbor's conversations, but there are plenty of stands of conifers that provide a bit of privacy.

The road (FS120) was not well-maintained at all. I would recommend a higher clearance vehicles or skill in maneuvering deeply rutted and uneven dirt roads with significant potholes. There was a pit toilet, but it was not functional/open at the moment.

I spent four nights here and loved it. It's a little (somewhat hidden) gem.

8/10

Site6

Month of VisitAugust

(4) View All

Amanda C.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 26, 2022

Great for paddle boards and kayaks

This is a small first-come, first served campground. On a late July weekend approximately half of the ten sites were empty. There are no amenities other than a vault toilet and there are tons of mosquitos - bring bug spray. However, the lake is heaven for paddle boarding and kayaking and the view of Mt. Adams from the lake is AMAZING.

Site8

Month of VisitJuly

Heather K.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 25, 2018

Small campground, Great Lake

Compared to nearby campgrounds, it’s smaller which I like because there are less people. Not a lot of bugs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any photos of Horseshoe Lake Campground to view before visiting?

Yes, photos of Horseshoe Lake Campground are available online through various camping websites and the Forest Service. These images typically showcase the campground's picturesque setting with views of the misty lake, the surrounding forested area, and some of the campsites. Photos often highlight the lake views that most sites enjoy, the peninsula trail, and the serene morning mist rising from the perfectly still waters. Check the official Gifford Pinchot National Forest website or camping platforms for current visual references before your trip.

What recreational activities can visitors enjoy at Horseshoe Lake?

Horseshoe Lake offers excellent recreational opportunities centered around water activities. The lake is ideal for paddle boarding and kayaking with its calm, clear waters. Visitors can explore the lake's shoreline and enjoy the scenic beauty by taking a short trail down the peninsula that leads to spectacular views. The peaceful setting is perfect for wildlife viewing, photography, and simply relaxing by the water. Morning mists over the still lake create magical conditions for early risers. Remember to bring bug spray, as mosquitoes can be prevalent, particularly during summer months.

What camping facilities are available at Horseshoe Lake Campground?

Horseshoe Lake Campground is a small, primitive facility with limited amenities. It offers approximately ten first-come, first-served campsites, with only two sites directly adjacent to the lake, though most have lake views. Facilities include vault toilets but no running water, electricity, or shower facilities. The campground is more rustic, making it ideal for campers who prefer a more natural experience. Given its limited size and popularity, arriving early is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure a site.

Where is Horseshoe Lake Campground located in Gifford Pinchot National Forest?

Horseshoe Lake Campground is located in Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Washington State. It's a somewhat secluded campground situated along the banks of picturesque Horseshoe Lake. The campground requires a bit of a drive to access, with some roads that may be challenging for regular passenger cars, though most SUVs and trucks can navigate them without issue. The remote location contributes to its quiet, peaceful atmosphere away from more heavily trafficked areas of the forest.

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