Lost Creek runs through the middle of Peterson Prairie Campground, though campers should expect the waterway to be dry during much of the summer season. The 14 sites spread across both sides of the creek bed, with some positioned directly adjacent to where water flows in spring and others facing the surrounding forest within Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Site layouts favor larger groups and RVs, with many spots accommodating rigs up to 40 feet. "The spots were big and mostly spread out," notes one camper, though privacy varies significantly by location. Several reviewers mention that many sites lack screening vegetation between them and the access road. The campground sits on fine dirt that becomes notably dusty when the creek runs dry, which camp hosts attribute to the lack of moisture from the absent waterway.
Deer move freely through the campground during daylight hours, often walking directly through occupied sites. Ashley B. observed "a couple deer that roamed the campground and wondered in and out of campsites." Wild huckleberries grow throughout the area, with late July typically offering prime picking conditions. The Atkisson Group Camp provides another option for larger parties 2.5 miles away.
Forest Service amenities include pit toilets, drinking water, and fire rings with grill grates. The campground operates from late May through September with both reservable and first-come sites available. Access involves forest roads that some visitors describe as rough. Cell service remains limited in this remote location, and aggressive bees can be present during summer months.
Campers wanting water access year-round might consider camping near Trout Lake instead, where several alternatives offer more reliable water features.
Description
Overview
Peterson Prairie Campground offers shaded and secluded campsites nestled in a forest of large pine, spruce and fir trees. The campground tends is popular among huckleberry pickers. At an elevation of 2,800 ft., Peterson Prairie offers a cool summertime climate during the hottest part of the season. Several kid-friendly attractions are a short distance away, making this campground a great choice for families.
Recreation
Seasonal harvesting of huckleberries and mushrooms is a popular pastime.Natural Bridges and Ice Cave are scenic, family-friendly nature trails near Peterson Prairie Campground. A stairway leading into the Ice Cave allows convenient access to the cave's incredible ice formations. Please be prepared when visiting the caves. Information is avaialble at the campground and the Mt Adams Ranger Station.
Facilities
Drinking water and vault toilets are available. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. The sites are spacious with gravel parking spurs.
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. Peterson Prairie is located in the Mt. Adams Ranger District. Nearest town is Trout Lake, WA. The Mount Adams Ranger District offers a large variety of habitats and natural features, from old growth to second growth forest, wetland areas, low and high elevation meadows, glaciers, and low and high elevation lakes.
Contact Info
This location has limited staffing. Please call (509) 427-3677 for general information.
Nearby Attractions
This campground is near Bird Creek Meadows, a trail that offers spectacular wildflower displays and opportunities to observe numerous birds. Goose Lake is 8 miles west of the campground and offers excellent trout fishing.
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
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundPeterson Prairie Campground is located in Washington
Directions
From SR 14 follow SR 141 North to the town of Trout Lake, continue through town on SR 141 till the road ends and FS 24 begins(approximately 5 miles WSW of town). Continue west on FS 24 for another 2.25 miles to the entrance of Peterson Prairie.
Address
Gifford Pinchot NF Mt Adams Ranger District
Carson, WA 98610
Coordinates
45.9694444 N
121.6608333 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
AT&TLTESome Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TLTESome 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
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 52 min from Portland, OR
- 2 hrs 31 min from Longview, WA
- 2 hrs 43 min from Yakima, WA
- 3 hrs 21 min from Olympia, WA
