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Walupt Lake Campground

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

ALERT: STAGE 2 FIRE BAN NOW IN EFFECT! Due to increased risk of wildfires, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest fire managers have issued restrictions on campfires, smoking, and other activities within the forest. These restrictions will begin July 17, 2025.Restrictions include:

  • Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including a charcoal fire and pellet fire on all National Forest System lands. Portable cooking stoves, lanterns, and heating devices using liquefied or bottled fuel, such as propane, are allowed as they can be switched off instantly.
  • Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a designated campground, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
  • Possessing, discharging, or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device is prohibited year-round on national forest lands.
  • Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order.
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Walupt Lake Campground, near Randle, Washington, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. With its beautiful lakeside setting, visitors can enjoy easy access to the water, making it perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding, or just lounging by the shore.

The campground is surrounded by tall shade trees, providing a nice sense of privacy at each site. Many campers have praised the clean facilities, including vault toilets, and the overall spaciousness of the sites. One visitor noted, “Sites were super shaded. Lots of trees for some privacy,” which adds to the serene atmosphere.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Walupt Lake is a gateway to numerous hiking trails, including those leading to the stunning Goat Rocks Wilderness. Reviewers have highlighted the nearby trails, with one stating, “There were lots of smaller trails that went down to the lake,” making it easy to explore the area.

While the road to the campground is mostly gravel and can be a bit bumpy, the journey is worth it for the breathtaking views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember to pack some bug spray, especially in the warmer months, as the mosquitoes can be quite persistent. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer stay, Walupt Lake Campground offers a beautiful escape into the heart of the Pacific Northwest.

Fee Info

Extra Vehicle Fee $8.00

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Location

Walupt Lake Campground is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Directions

Take I-5 to Highway 12 towards Packwood, then take Highway 21 to FS Road 2160 to the campground.

Address

Gifford Pinchot NF Cowlitz Valley Ranger District
Randle, WA 98377

Coordinates

46.4230556 N
121.4736111 W

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Killen Creek

Killen Creek

56 min away

Horseshoe Lake

Horseshoe Lake

1 hr away

Drive Time

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Connectivity

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    Verizon
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    AT&T
    No Coverage

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Tent Cabin
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

11 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 29, 2024

Beautiful and serene

Sites were super shaded. Lots of trees for some privacy. Easy lake access close by. Only complaint is that it’s deeep in the woods and took a while on a gravel road to get there but that’s not a real problem is it. Lots of mosquitoes in July so bring your bug spray. Toilets are vault toilets I’d bring extra TP just in case. And bring your paddle board or kayak!

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Walupt Lake Campground by Jenna B., July 29, 2024
  • Review photo of Walupt Lake Campground by Jenna B., July 29, 2024
  • Review photo of Walupt Lake Campground by Jenna B., July 29, 2024
Reviewed Sep. 16, 2020

Quiet lake side campground

Clean, spacious campground right on the lake. 21 miles up a forest service road that’s in mostly good condition. After the turn off, the remainder of the road is paved.

The spots along the lake (about 4-5 of them) looked pretty close together. We stayed in spot 36 - which looked like it was right in the middle of everything. It was super close to the bathroom and trailhead.

Trailhead for walupt and nanny ridge are on the campground. There was a steady stream of day hikers and backpackers. We only hiked parts of Walupt trail - it was easy one, in great shape. There were lots of smaller trails that went down to the lake. We carried things with us, hiked about a 1.5 mile in, and made an afternoon of hanging out on the lake.It was perfect!

Site36
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Walupt Lake Campground by Cassandra C., September 16, 2020
  • Review photo of Walupt Lake Campground by Cassandra C., September 16, 2020
  • Review photo of Walupt Lake Campground by Cassandra C., September 16, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 24, 2020

will be back

nice tall shade trees and beautiful access to the lake. trails are around and a large beach to relax on. sites are large and trees are close enough to hang a hammock. note: road to get here is entirely dirt; bring mosquito repellent

  • Review photo of Walupt Lake Campground by Noelle K., August 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Walupt Lake Campground by Noelle K., August 24, 2020
  • Review photo of Walupt Lake Campground by Noelle K., August 24, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 5, 2020

New favorite

Lake is pristine, calm and gorgeous. Easy to kayak. Easy trail access to hikes. Cold in the morning (Aug) but warms up quickly.

  • Review photo of Walupt Lake Campground by Peter J., August 5, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2020

Beautiful area

I’d give this campground four stars but we battled mosquitoes constantly. There are some great hikes close by and the lake is gorgeous. One hike left us awestruck with the gorgeous water falls. We had site 16 which offered great privacy and close to a bathroom. We were there in the middle of the week and the camp was busy but quiet which was great. If you’re up for the drive, head out to Tahklakh Lake for the absolute vision of the Pacific Northwest, or head to Council Bluff to hike up for a view of Rainier, Adams, St. Helens and Mt. Hood.

  • Review photo of Walupt Lake Campground by Kate G., July 18, 2020
Reviewed Oct. 9, 2019

Ranger Review: Gregory Pack Amber 28 at Walupt Lake Campground

I strongly think that Washington State has the best places to camp and hike. The Pacific Northwest has a large array of amazing camp grounds and hikes, and I love it!! I recently wanted to hike within the Goat Rock area, and decided to stay at the Walupt Lake Campground so I could be closer to the trailhead. I left Friday evening after work and headed to the campground. There wasn't as many people as I expected, but the weather forecast was calling for some rain. I went in the beginning of September, so was bummed that I wasn't going to see the fall colors (usually the end of September-beginning of October is when this happens). The campground was great, and I was glad that I stayed here. Because we got here around 7:00pm, we really only pitched our tent and grabbed a quick bite to eat. I didn't tour the campground because it was already getting dark. We woke up early in the morning and headed to the Goat Rock Wilderness. We spent the entire day hiking (13 miles to be exact!). From the top of the hike we were able to see Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Rainier. It doesn't get any better than that!! I would highly recommend this campground if you are just looking to camp, but also if you have a hike you want to do in the area early in the morning. 

PRODUCT REVIEW: Amber 28 Gregory Pack

As a DYRT Ranger, I was able to test the Amber 28 Gregory Pack. I was pretty excited to get to test this pack, because I have a few other Gregory Packs and have been eyeing this pack for awhile. During my 13 mile hike I was able to test this pack. 

3 reasons why I love the Amber 28 Gregory Pack:

1. Comfortable- I love how comfortable and form fitting this pack is. I love packs that don't sit right on my shoulders. This pack gave a little room between by shoulder and the pack which is great! I like being able to carry the weight of the pack by my hips, and this pack allowed that.

2. The space and pockets- I appreciate a pack that allows me to pack multiple items (10 essentials!). The pack had plenty of room, and extra zipper pockets. I was able to utilize all the space in this pack, and it still didn't feel heavy.

3. Breath-ability- The back of this pack has a wire meshing and pads to help with the breath-ability. I do sweat a lot when I hike, so I like this component of the pack.

Overall, I would highly recommend this pack. It comes in a few colors as well which is always nice :) You can find the Amber 28 pack here:

https://www.gregorypacks.com/packs-bags/day-packs/amber-28-77831XXXX.html?dwvar\_77831XXXX\_color=778315590&cgidmaster=packs-day-packs#sz=18&start=37

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Walupt Lake Campground by Sasha W., October 9, 2019
  • Review photo of Walupt Lake Campground by Sasha W., October 9, 2019
  • Review photo of Walupt Lake Campground by Sasha W., October 9, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Jul. 25, 2019

Stunning and remote lakeside camping at a remote location .

Amazing camp site with a good amount of lakeside camps. Staying in site 41 to 44 guarantees amazing sunrise and sunset views. The lake water is crystal clear. Excellent location if you enjoy hiking. Closest grocery store is in Randal about 2hrs away so plan accordingly.

  • Review photo of Walupt Lake Campground by Bobak K., July 25, 2019
  • Review photo of Walupt Lake Campground by Bobak K., July 25, 2019
  • Review photo of Walupt Lake Campground by Bobak K., July 25, 2019
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Aug. 15, 2018

Awesome place

My boyfriend and I had a great time here. Our camp site number was 38 and we had our own beach area. The campsite was close to 2 others on both sides, but it was the only one that had neighbors because it was a last minute reservation, but the beach made it worth it. I would recommend water shoes as there are rocks. Camp hosts were great. We hiked the walupt creek hike which is more like 3 miles and it was dried up. It was an easy hike, but there should have been a sign saying it was dry. They let us light a low fire even though there was a burn ban. Everyone around us was having a great time

Site038
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jun. 6, 2018

So beautiful!

Clear and cold water, good crawdad catching/eating.

However when making reservations I told the host that we had small kids, 1 large tent plus 1 small tent and we could not be in a walk in site. Mind you I called to speak to them personally before making the reservation on line to ensure my 4 hour drive would not be in vain. When we got there they had tried to have us in a small site barely big enough for a 2 person tent that you had to walk into. When I reminded them of our needs they had a very difficult time getting us a site. If I hadn't printed out a copy of our reservation with the details of needs then they would not have cooperated.

Once we were in a site the rest of our week was amazing! We went hiking, swimming, we played in the woods did normal camping stuff.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Sep. 29, 2016

Serene Spot

Absolutely love this campground! It tends to fill up during the summer weekends but we had no problem staying during the week unannounced. The mellow lake is perfect for floating or boating/fishing. Many trails nearby to marvel Goat Rocks

  • Review photo of Walupt Lake Campground by Rachel T., September 29, 2016
  • Review photo of Walupt Lake Campground by Rachel T., September 29, 2016
  • Review photo of Walupt Lake Campground by Rachel T., September 29, 2016
Reviewed Jun. 24, 2015

Car camping with wilderness feel

I don't car camp a whole lot, and usually prefer backcountry camping, but if you're looking for a spot that has the best of both worlds; I.e. Pit toilets, running water, and trail access to majorly awesome backcountry hiking the Walupt Lake is the place for you and your next adventure. The camp hosts were a friendly and knowledgable couple and we enjoyed camping by the lake at night and exploring high country hiking trails by day.

  • Review photo of Walupt Lake Campground by Jesselyn G., June 24, 2015
  • Review photo of Walupt Lake Campground by Jesselyn G., June 24, 2015
  • Review photo of Walupt Lake Campground by Jesselyn G., June 24, 2015
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find Walupt Lake Campground and what is the best route to get there?

Walupt Lake Campground is located approximately 21 miles up a Forest Service road. The journey involves traveling on a dirt/gravel road for most of the way, which is generally in good condition despite being unpaved. After the turn-off, the remainder of the road becomes paved. The remote location requires careful planning, as the nearest grocery store is about 2 hours away in Randal. The deep forest setting means you'll need to allow extra travel time on the gravel roads. Consider bringing a detailed map as the campground is tucked away in a secluded area near Goat Rocks Wilderness.

What do visitors say about their experience at Walupt Lake Campground?

Visitors consistently praise Walupt Lake Campground for its pristine, crystal-clear lake and stunning natural beauty. Many highlight the gorgeous sunrise and sunset views, especially from lakeside sites. Campers appreciate the spacious, shaded sites with tall trees providing privacy, though lakeside spots can be closer together. The campground receives high marks for cleanliness and tranquility. Some visitors mention mosquitoes as a concern, particularly in summer months, so bug spray is essential. The remote location and peaceful setting make it popular despite the lengthy drive on unpaved roads to reach it.

What amenities and facilities are available at Walupt Lake Campground?

Walupt Lake Campground offers basic amenities including vault toilets and running water. The campground features spacious, shaded sites with tall trees perfect for hanging hammocks. Some lakeside campsites (particularly sites 41-44) provide stunning views of the water, while others like site 16 and 36 offer more privacy. There's a large beach area for relaxation and easy lake access. The campground doesn't have electrical hookups or shower facilities, so campers should come prepared for a more rustic experience.

What hiking trails and outdoor activities are available near Walupt Lake Campground?

Walupt Lake Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the Goat Rocks Wilderness area with multiple trail options nearby. The area features impressive waterfalls, with one hiking route leading to particularly awe-inspiring falls. Water activities dominate recreation at the campground itself—the calm, clear lake is perfect for kayaking, fishing, and floating. Some visitors enjoy crawdad catching in the lake. There's also a shoreline trail around parts of the lake, providing easier hiking options. The pristine water invites swimming, though it's notably cold. For serious hikers, the campground provides convenient access to more challenging backcountry trails.