Campground: Cat Creek
05 reviewsCat Creek Campground, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA
Campground: Cat Creek
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The overnight camping fee is $20 per single site and $8 per additional vehicle per night. Discounts are available for holders of certain passes, such as the Interagency Senior and Access Passes, offering 50% off.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of the forest, Cat Creek Campground offers an intimate escape with just five secluded sites, each wrapped in a canopy of towering evergreens. This hidden gem has become a favorite basecamp for OHV enthusiasts seeking adventure by day and peaceful, shaded retreats by night. Here, privacy isn't just a feature—it's a promise, with each campsite thoughtfully positioned to create your own personal woodland sanctuary.
Cat Creek Campground offers primitive camping options, primarily appealing to visitors looking for a minimalistic camping experience.
Historical SignificanceBeyond its natural beauty, Cat Creek holds a poignant place in local memory. A memorial near the campground's waterfall serves as a touching reminder of a young life lost, adding a layer of reverence to this wilderness setting. Visitors often pause here, reflecting on the power of nature and the precious moments we share in these wild places.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the Pacific Northwest at Cat Creek. Summer unveils perfect camping conditions with comfortable temperatures dancing between 48°F and 77°F, while crisp mornings give way to warm, sun-dappled afternoons. As autumn approaches, the forest erupts in color before winter blankets the landscape in snow, transforming this summer playground into a frozen wonderland where temperatures plunge and silence reigns supreme.
ElevationNestled within the mountainous terrain of the majestic Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Cat Creek Campground perches at an elevation that delivers cool mountain air and that quintessential Pacific Northwest forest atmosphere. The surrounding peaks and valleys create a natural amphitheater that captures both morning mist and evening alpenglow.
Natural Features and SceneryWhere Cat Creek meets the rushing Cispus River, nature has crafted a masterpiece that visitors consistently describe as 'extremely beautiful.' Ancient forests stretch in every direction, their emerald depths punctuated by the constant melody of flowing water. Whether you're drawn to the creek's gentle babbling or the river's powerful current, water is never far from your campsite, creating a natural soundtrack for your wilderness experience.
Geological RegionCat Creek Campground sits at the confluence of two waterways within the vast Gifford Pinchot National Forest, where volcanic soils have nurtured dense stands of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and cedar. This rich ecosystem, shaped by centuries of volcanic activity and glacial carving, offers campers a front-row seat to the raw geological forces that continue to shape the Cascade Range.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNot mentioned in any source materials.
Sites SizeThe campground has 5 campsites, but detailed measurements or descriptions of site size are not provided.
Sites PrivacyThe wooded setting offers some privacy, according to official sources.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUsers recommend walking 300 yards downstream to see the waterfall and memorial.
Best CampsitesSpecific site numbers are not mentioned; user reviews suggest sites near the creek are favored.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 Noon
Stay Limit
14-day stay limit
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Exact guest limits per site are unspecified
- inferred as standard capacity for a single site.
Groups
No group camping sites are mentioned in any source material.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of five individual sites within close proximity to Cat Creek and the Cispus River, with wooded surroundings.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from mid-May to mid-September. Specific dates for 2025 are May 19 to September 21.
Reservation PlatformsReservations cannot be made; first-come, first-serve camping only.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-serve; no reservation system. Reviews indicate sites fill quickly.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy specifics are null; sites are first-come, first-serve only.
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Cat Creek Campground primarily caters to OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) enthusiasts, with nearby multi-use trails accessible. Recreational opportunities are otherwise limited, as noted in official descriptions and user reviews. Eric Bricker mentions, 'There is not a whole lot to do in the area unless you are a hunter or motorcycle sport Rider.' Other activities such as hiking, swimming, or biking are not explicitly mentioned.
Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned in the source materials.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned in the sources.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in established eight fire pits despite dry conditions during fire bans, as mentioned in user reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include cold weather conditions in non-summer months and risks associated with the nearby creek and waterfall (as indicated by the memorial).
Weather forecast
79
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 39%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 5.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are likely in Randle, WA, approximately 25 miles away. Specific hospital and police information is null.
Good to know
Peak season datesMid-May to mid-September.
Trash and recyclingNo explicit details about trash and recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Cat Creek and the Cispus River; a waterfall is reported nearby.
Common complaintsComplaints include the lack of potable water and restrooms, as mentioned in multiple reviews.
HostHost information is null.
Campground Map
Cat Creek Campground, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA
Driving directionsFrom Randle, Washington travel south on State Highway 131 (Forest Roads 23 and 25). Veer left in 1 mile at the Y of Forest Road 23 and Forest Road 25. Continue to follow Forest Service Road 23 for 18.5 miles then turn left onto Forest Road 21. Follow Forest Road 21 for about 6 miles to Cat Creek Campground on the right.
The campground is accessed via Forest Service Roads, which are paved but remote. Seasonal closures may occur. Users have commented on its 'way out of the way' location but found it worthwhile.Nearby places
Randle: 25 miles (35 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including groceries and fuel, are likely available in Randle, WA, approximately 25 miles away. Specific camping supply stores are null.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Campground: Cat Creek has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally highlight the beautiful, rustic nature of Cat Creek Campground and its suitability for OHV riders. However, the lack of extensive activities or facilities is a recurring theme.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users describe the campground as 'beautiful' and 'Christine and beautiful,' emphasizing its scenic appeal. Eric Bricker speaks highly of the fire pits, suggesting they provide a unique advantage...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints focus on the lack of amenities such as potable water and flush toilets. Some users also highlight that activities are limited unless you are a hunter or OHV rider.
Based on 5 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Eric Bricker advises visitors to keep the campground clean by picking up trash. He also mentions a nearby waterfall about 300 yards away and suggests taking a walk along the creek.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer appears to be the peak season for camping at Cat Creek, as official sources confirm its open period from mid-May to mid-September. No user reviews address seasonal variations explicitly.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Extremely beautiful place, good vaulted toilet, next to Cispus river and Cat creek.' - Cody White
2. 'This is a wonderful Campground...It is a wonderful place to just go and set up a tent and do...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews do not mention exact site numbers or preferences for best/worst sites.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed as long as they are on a leash, but no further details or reviews are provided about pet-specific experiences.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025