How much does camping cost at Campground: Trout Lake Creek?

Camping fees at Campground: Trout Lake Creek range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Campground: Trout Lake Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Campground: Trout Lake Creek operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground is first-come, first-serve. It is generally not too crowded and often has vacancies during the summer.

What is the best time to visit Campground: Trout Lake Creek?

Campground: Trout Lake Creek is open The campground is open seasonally, from May 1 to November 15, depending on weather conditions.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Campground: Trout Lake Creek?

Campground: Trout Lake Creek does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Campground: Trout Lake Creek have?

Campground: Trout Lake Creek has 18 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Campground: Trout Lake Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at Campground: Trout Lake Creek. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Campground: Trout Lake Creek?

Campground: Trout Lake Creek offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Campground: Trout Lake Creek?

Popular activities at Campground: Trout Lake Creek include Hiking, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Campground: Trout Lake Creek

4.47

51 reviews

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Tent Camping Washington Hidden Gem Campgrounds Washington Primitive Camping Washington

Quick Facts

2,200 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

18 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,200 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

18 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Campground: Trout Lake Creek

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground charges $15 per night for a single site. Additional vehicles cost $5 per night. Payment options include cash, check, or digital...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$20.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

509-395-3402

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What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 51 reviews

48 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanspacious

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Trout Lake Creek campground depict a generally positive experience, emphasizing the site's serenity, creekside location, and affordability. However, issues such as vault toilet cleanliness, generator noise from RVs, and accessibility problems have been raised."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Campground: Trout Lake Creek

46.0561, -121.6127

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies can be acquired from Trout Lake, WA, which is nearby and accessible by road. A waste station with potable water is also available for a fee at Klickitat County Park off Jenning Rd in Trout Lake.

Driving directionsFrom Trout Lake, Washington travel west for over a mile on State Highway 141 to Trout Lake Creek Road. Turn right onto Trout Lake Creek Road. At the forest boundary, this road becomes Forest Road 88. Take Forest Road 88 north for about one mile to Forest Road 8810. There is a sign just before the intersection. At the intersection, turn right and continue down to the bottom of the hill. Cross the bridge and turn right on the spur road, Forest Road 8810-010, and drive to the campground.

The access road to the campground is rough and not recommended for trailers or motor homes. It involves driving on unpaved gravel roads, including Forest Roads 88 and 8810-010.

Best Time to Camp at Campground: Trout Lake Creek

Summer brings the driest conditions and warmest days, typically 70–85°F with cool nights around 45–55°F. June through September sees little rain and full access to trails, creek fishing, and day-hike destinations like Ice Cave and Natural Bridges. Weekends fill up, so book early. Winter drops temperatures below freezing and blankets the area in snow. Accessible only to prepared backcountry campers. Spring runoff can make the creek loud enough that one reviewer suggests earplugs.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in WA

Summer described as sun-dappled and dry, quiet with easy vacancies—peak season for enjoyment.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: The campground is open seasonally, from May 1 to November 15, depending on weather conditions.
Current Alerts: None

About Campground: Trout Lake Creek

Trout Lake Creek sits at 2,200 feet in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, offering 18 sites along a forested loop next to the creek. Sites run $15 per night and include vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. But no potable water or cell service. The spacious, well-spaced sites attract both tent campers and the occasional RV willing to brave the rough access road.

Trout Lake Creek campground offers primitive camping with no reservations required. The sites cater primarily to tent camping and are generally spacious and private.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the driest conditions and warmest days, typically 70–85°F with cool nights around 45–55°F. June through September sees little rain and full access to trails, creek fishing, and day-hike destinations like Ice Cave and Natural Bridges. Weekends fill up, so book early. Winter drops temperatures below freezing and blankets the area in snow. Accessible only to prepared backcountry campers. Spring runoff can make the creek loud enough that one reviewer suggests earplugs.

ElevationPerched at 2,200 feet above sea level, the campground occupies a sweet spot in the Cascade foothills where mountain air stays refreshingly cool even during summer's peak. This moderate elevation creates an ideal microclimate—high enough to escape the valley's sweltering heat, yet low enough to extend the camping season well into autumn. The altitude brings crisp mornings that gradually warm to comfortable afternoons, perfect for both relaxation and exploration.

Natural Features and SceneryTrout Lake Creek runs through the campground, creating a constant soundtrack and occasional swimming holes. Douglas firs and maples form a mixed canopy that provides good shade and screens sites from one another. The surrounding forest is part of a transition zone where coniferous slopes meet deciduous groves shaped by volcanic soils. Basalt and ash deposits from ancient Mount St. Helens eruptions. Wildflowers appear in spring and summer, and maples turn gold and crimson in fall. Nearby attractions include the Ice Cave (formed in lava tubes), Natural Bridges (carved by water through volcanic rock), and Bird Creek Meadow's alpine wildflower displays.

Geological RegionThis enchanting pocket of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest showcases the diverse ecosystems of the Southern Washington Cascades, where volcanic legacy meets temperate rainforest. The campground rests in a transition zone where dense coniferous forests give way to deciduous groves and meadow clearings, all shaped by centuries of creek erosion and volcanic activity. The surrounding landscape tells a story written in basalt and ash—remnants of Mount St. Helens' ancient eruptions. Natural wonders dot the region like gems: the otherworldly Ice Cave formed in ancient lava tubes, the dramatic Natural Bridges carved by persistent water through volcanic rock, and the alpine splendor of Bird Creek Meadow where wildflowers paint the hillsides each summer. This lower-elevation refuge serves as a perfect basecamp for exploring the geological marvels that make the Cascade Range one of North America's most dynamic landscapes.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days maximum stay per visit.

Groups

There are no designated group camping facilities mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutA single loop threads through the forest with 18 sites (some sources say 16). Sites are large and well-spaced, screened by shrubs and trees. The rough access road discourages most RVs, though a few show up and sometimes run generators despite campground recommendations.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is first-come, first-serve. It is generally not too crowded and often has vacancies during the summer.

AccessibilityVault toilets at the campground are wheelchair accessible.

Site SizeThe sites are described as large and spacious, often able to fit multiple tents comfortably.

PrivacySites provide good privacy due to the surrounding vegetation, including Douglas firs and maple trees.

Total Campsites18 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy and creek-side views, choose sites near the water. Avoid areas near the vault toilets if sensitive to odor.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Trout Lake Creek campground can engage in a variety of outdoor recreational activities including fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the natural surroundings. Seasonal wildflowers enhance the beauty of the trails and creekside camping experience.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad conditions may be hazardous for trailers and large vehicles. The region has biting flies in some areas and potential wildlife encounters.

Active AlertsNone

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Campground: Trout Lake Creek

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

51 reviews

Recommended

Campground: Trout Lake Creek is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Trout Lake Creek campground depict a generally positive experience, emphasizing the site's serenity, creekside location, and affordability. However, issues such as vault toilet cleanliness, generator noise from RVs, and accessibility problems have been raised.

Review Summaries

Based on 51 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects frequently mentioned in user reviews include the scenic location next to Trout Lake Creek, spacious and private campsites, clean outhouses, and the peaceful ambiance enhanced by the...

Based on 51 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints from users include the rough, narrow access road, unpleasant vault toilet odors, occasional generator noise disrupting the serene environment, and limited maintenance in certain areas such...

Based on 51 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users suggest bringing your own potable water as there is none on-site, visiting during weekdays to avoid crowds, and being cautious of generator noise caused by brave RV campers using the unimproved...

Based on 51 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight that the campground is typically quiet and uncrowded during the summer, with vacancies often available. However, users have noted river damage during winter and spring, leading to...

Based on 51 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Amazing campsite. I've been going since the 90's." - Cameron Crook. "Quiet and well-maintained place, but lots of river damage over winter." - Leigh Armstrong. "Vault toilets are clean. The city of...

Based on 51 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews praise campsites next to the creek for their tranquil ambiance, with site #14 specifically noted for its beauty but loud runoff noise. Double occupancy sites like #9 are...

Based on 51 reviews