Established Camping
Iron Creek Campground
Iron Creek Campground, near Randle, Washington, is a peaceful retreat tucked away in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This spot is all about the beauty of nature, surrounded by towering old-growth trees and lush greenery that creates a serene atmosphere for campers.
The campground offers a variety of sites that provide a good amount of privacy, making it easy to unwind and enjoy the sounds of nature. Visitors rave about the clean vault toilets and the availability of drinking water, which adds to the convenience of your stay. As one camper noted, “The sites are quite private, and the campground was quiet,” making it a great escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
For those looking to explore, the nearby Cispus River is a highlight, with trails that allow you to soak in the stunning scenery. Many campers appreciate the access to the river for fishing and relaxing by the water. The area is also a fantastic base for adventures around Mount St. Helens, just a short drive away, where you can find hiking trails and breathtaking viewpoints.
While the campground is family-friendly, some campers noted that it can get lively, especially during peak times. However, the overall vibe remains respectful, with many visitors enjoying the natural beauty and tranquility that Iron Creek Campground has to offer. Whether you're camping with family or seeking a solo retreat, this spot is worth checking out.
Description
National Forest
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
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.
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.
Fee Info
Extra Vehicle Fee $8.00
Location
Iron Creek Campground is located in Washington
Directions
Take Highway 12 from I-5 and proceed 40 miles to Randle, turn south on Forest Road 25 and continue for 12 miles to the campground.
Address
Gifford Pinchot NF Cowlitz Valley Ranger District
Randle, WA 98377
Coordinates
46.4297222 N
121.9869444 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonGood
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileAvailable
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly