Hikers and water enthusiasts will find direct trail access and lake frontage at Walupt Lake Campground, located 21 miles up forest service roads in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The campground sits right on Walupt Lake with several lakeside sites, though campers should prepare for an extended drive on gravel roads to reach this forested setting.
The campground features 44 sites with water and sewer hookups for RVs up to 30 feet, plus vault toilets and drinking water. Sites range from lakeside spots that fill quickly to more secluded options tucked among tall trees that provide natural privacy and hammock-hanging opportunities. Cassandra C. found the campground "clean, spacious" with "trailheads for walupt and nanny ridge" directly accessible from the camping area. Multiple reviewers note heavy mosquito activity during summer months.
The lake offers clear water for swimming, kayaking, and fishing, with rocky shorelines that benefit from water shoes. Several trails lead down to the water from various points around the campground. Day hikers and backpackers frequently pass through, using the campground as a staging area for longer wilderness trips. Campers seeking additional options in the region can explore other campsites near Gifford Pinchot National Forest, while those wanting a more remote experience might consider the nearby Walupt Horse Campground less than a mile away.
Description
Overview
Walupt Lake Campground offers scenic views of Mt. Adams and the surrounding forest on the west end of Walupt Lake. The sites here provide plenty of privacy and ample shade form the surrounding hemlock, cedar and fir trees. Walupt Lake Campground is a great choice for visitors looking to fish, swim, boat or explore the numerous hiking, biking and horseback riding trails in the area.
Recreation
Anglers can fish for brook, rainbow and cutthroat trout in Walupt Lake. Swimming and the use of motorized and non-motorized boats is also permitted. Numerous trailheads can be accessed from this campground. Walupt Lake Trail, Nannie Ridge Trail and Coleman Weedpatch Trail are popular hiking and equestrian trails.
Facilities
Walupt Lake Campground offers some tent-only sites, but standard sites have gravel spurs that can accommodate RVs between 20-40 feet. Each walk-in tent site along the lake shore has a small beach area. Campsites include picnic tables and campfire rings. Vault toilets are provided on the premises. A horse camp is adjacent to this campground.
Natural Features
Walupt Lake spans 384 acres and is the second largest lake in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The clear mountain waters are popular with anglers who come here to cast for Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout. This campground is surrounded by the Goat Rocks Wilderness, named for the rugged peaks where numerous mountain goats are found. Scattered throughout the area are alpine meadows, lakes and ponds.
Contact Info
This location has limited staffing. Please call (360) 686-3008 for general information.
Nearby Attractions
Walupt Lake's location between Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier and Mount St. Helens makes it possible to explore any of these areas on a day trip.
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
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsWalupt Lake Campground is located in Washington near White Pass
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
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.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
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
Drive Time
- 2 hrs 23 min from Yakima, WA
- 2 hrs 33 min from Longview, WA
- 2 hrs 36 min from Olympia, WA
- 3 hrs 7 min from Portland, OR
