Campground: Tillicum

Star0
2 reviews
Campground: Tillicum
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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

"Overnight Use:Single Site $10 per night Overnight fee payment options: Cash, Check or Scan & Pay."
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USFSProvider
509-395-3402

About this campground

Nestled high in the evergreen embrace of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, this wooded sanctuary offers campers a chance to escape into nature's bounty. During late summer, the campground transforms into a forager's paradise as countless huckleberry bushes heavy with purple jewels line the forest paths. Managed by the Mt. Ranger District, this elevated retreat provides a perfect basecamp for those seeking solitude among towering conifers and the sweet rewards of wild berry picking.
Tillicum Campground is a rustic site offering tent camping and facilities for truck-mounted campers. It is best suited for smaller camping setups due to road and site conditions.
Historical SignificanceFor generations, these huckleberry-rich forests have drawn gatherers to their slopes, from indigenous peoples who first harvested these nutritious berries to modern-day families continuing the time-honored tradition of filling buckets with nature's candy. The campground serves as a gateway to this enduring cultural practice of Pacific Northwest berry picking.
Weather and SeasonsThe higher elevation brings refreshingly cool temperatures even during summer months, with crisp mountain air and occasional afternoon breezes rustling through the forest canopy. Late July through September marks the celebrated huckleberry season, when the understory erupts in a purple feast that draws both wildlife and berry enthusiasts to these wooded slopes.
ElevationPerched at a higher elevation within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, the campground offers a natural respite from valley heat. The increased altitude creates an ideal microclimate for both campers seeking cooler temperatures and the abundant huckleberry bushes that thrive in these mountain conditions.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering evergreens create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into a gentle, dappled pattern across the forest floor. The understory bursts with life, dominated by the region's famous huckleberry bushes that paint the landscape purple in late summer. Moss-covered logs and fern-lined paths weave between campsites, creating an enchanted forest atmosphere that feels worlds away from civilization.
Geological RegionSet within the volcanic landscape of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, this campground occupies a unique ecological niche where volcanic soils and mountain elevation combine to create ideal growing conditions for the Pacific Northwest's beloved huckleberries. The surrounding terrain showcases the region's dynamic geological history while providing the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures.

Campsite details

AccessibilityThe campground includes wheelchair-accessible vault toilets.
Sites SizeThe sites are designed to accommodate tents and truck-mounted campers only, with a maximum vehicle length of 18 feet. RVs are not recommended due to the road conditions.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is considered good at this wooded campground.
Total Campsites21 campsites

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
14 days
Groups
There are no designated group camping sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Open and Closed Season"Open July 15 through October 15."
Walk-in Availability"21 sites available"

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Tillicum Campground offers activities such as hiking, viewing plants, and backpacking. The nearby Tillicum Trail #21 provides additional recreational opportunities.
Hiking
Tillicum Trail #21 begins at the campground and provides opportunities for both day hikes and longer backpacking adventures.
Biking
Tillicum Trail #21 supports mountain biking and equestrian use in addition to hiking.
Winter Activities
This campground is closed during the winter season and does not support winter recreational activities.
Water Sports
Water sports are not available at this campground.

Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed

Hazards


Weather forecast

79
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 49%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 7.4 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Overcast
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Emergency Services

"Trout Lake" emergency services available?

Good to know

Peak season dates"Open July 15 through October 15."
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.

Campground Map

Driving directionsFrom Trout Lake, Washington take State Highway 141 for over a mile to Trout Lake Creek Road and turn right. Continue on Trout Lake Creek Road until it crosses the forest boundary where it becomes Forest Road 88. Continue on Forest Road 88 to the Big Tire intersection. Fork left onto Forest Road 8851. Stay on Forest Road 8851 to the intersection with Forest Road 24. Take a left turn on to Forest Road 24. Continue until you see the campground sign on the right.
"The road through the campground is rutted and best driven with high clearance."
Nearby supplies
"Trout Lake" grocery stores?

Camper Reviews

0.0
2 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Campground: Tillicum has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground has mixed reviews. While one reviewer called it their favorite campground, another criticized the poor maintenance and road conditions.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews

What Campers Love

One user described this as their favorite campground, possibly due to its wooded setting and huckleberry season.
Based on 2 reviews

Common Concerns

A user noted that the campground felt 'very neglected,' with deep ruts in the road, broken or missing signs, and sites that needed raking.
Based on 2 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to have a high-clearance vehicle due to the rutted road conditions. It's also recommended to download the recreation.gov app for on-site fee payment.
Based on 2 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During its open season from mid-July to mid-October, the campground appears to attract visitors for its natural beauty and huckleberry picking. However, the poor road conditions may deter visitors at...
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Based on 2 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This is my favorite campground!' - Dawnne Ernette. 2. 'This place looks very neglected...road conditions are terrible, sites need raking, signs busted or missing.' - Eric Chase.
Based on 2 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific reviews highlighting particular campsites are available.
Based on 2 reviews

Accessibility Features

The vault toilets are listed as wheelchair accessible, but no user reviews specifically mention accessibility experiences.
Based on 2 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash. No additional reviews regarding pets are available.
Based on 2 reviews

Last updated August 10, 2025

Campgrounds
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Campground: Tillicum