The sound of Iron Creek flowing through moss-covered forest defines the experience at this 98-site campground in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Campers find themselves surrounded by towering trees and thick understory vegetation that creates natural privacy between sites across four loops.
Most sites offer considerable seclusion despite the campground's size. B K. notes "Most sites are really private which we loved," and several reviewers highlight specific locations like sites 24, 52, and 47 in Loop B, or sites 78, 80, and 84 in Loop D for their privacy and river access. The vault toilets stay consistently clean throughout the season, with multiple water spigots distributed across the loops.
Iron Creek provides the main attraction, accessible via a short trail system that connects all loops to the water. The creek runs fast in early season but offers cooling relief during summer heat. Loop B sits closest to the water, while Loops C and D also provide convenient creek access. A walking loop trail winds through the campground and along the creek, though sections may close seasonally.
The rough access road requires careful navigation, especially with trailers, but the campground accommodates RVs up to 40 feet on paved internal loops. Cell service remains spotty to nonexistent, creating an unplugged environment. The campground operates from mid-May through late September, with reservations available for the $27-50 nightly fee. Firewood sales and camp hosts add convenience during peak season.
Randle sits seven miles north for camping areas near Randle, while nearby Tower Rock Campground and Cowlitz Falls Campground offer additional forest camping options within six miles.
Description
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.
Contact Info
This location has limited staffing. Please call (360) 686-3008 for general information.
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.
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
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!
IRON CREEK CG CLOSED FOR THE 2026 SEASON. Due to a powerful windstorm that recently plowed through Iron Creek Campground, the USFS has requested that this campground be closed for the 2026 season. Many trees are down throughout the campground and it will take some time before cleanup will be completed.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsIron Creek Campground is located in Washington near Randle
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
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
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
Drive Time
- 1 hr 33 min from Longview, WA
- 1 hr 36 min from Olympia, WA
- 1 hr 50 min from Yakima, WA
- 2 hrs 7 min from Portland, OR








































