How much does camping cost at Iron Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Iron Creek Campground range from $27-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Iron Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Iron Creek Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Iron Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Iron Creek Campground has 9 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Iron Creek Campground?

Iron Creek Campground is open May 23, 2025, to September 20, 2025.. 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 Iron Creek Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Iron Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Iron Creek Campground: Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings. Firewood is sold on-site by the camp hosts.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Iron Creek Campground have?

Iron Creek Campground has 99 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Iron Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Iron Creek Campground. 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 Iron Creek Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Iron Creek Campground?

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

Iron Creek Campground

4.36

384 reviews

Gifford Pinchot NF Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, Randle, WA 98377, USA

Family Friendly

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

1,250 ft

Price

$27 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

99 campsites

Season

Open from May 23, 20...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Gifford Pinchot National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

1,250 ft

Price

$27 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

99 campsites

Season

Open from May 23, 20...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Gifford Pinchot National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Iron Creek Campground

$27.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $27 to $50 per night depending on the type of site. An extra vehicle fee is $8 per night.

Standard Site Fee$27.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$50.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-338-7869

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 384 reviews

156 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendlysites

"The campground receives high praise for its scenic beauty, spacious and private sites, and proximity to recreational opportunities like hiking and fishing. However, occasional maintenance issues with water spigots and vault toilets are noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Gifford Pinchot NF Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, Randle, WA 98377, USA

Iron Creek Campground

Gifford Pinchot NF Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, Randle, WA 98377, USA

Nearby places

Randle (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Packwood (approximately 15-minute drive), Mount St. Helens Windy Ridge Viewpoint (approximately 20 miles).

Nearby supplies

Groceries and camping supplies are available in Randle, WA, which is a 20-minute drive away.

Best Time to Camp at Iron Creek Campground

Summer delivers the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s and cool nights dropping to the mid-40s to mid-50s. The campground operates late May through mid-September when vault toilets and water spigots are maintained. Rain can arrive any month, this is temperate rainforest after all, so tarps are smart even in July. Lower stream levels by midsummer make trails drier and river crossings easier. Mosquitoes peak in early summer. Expect crowds on weekends and holidays from late June through August.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open and peak season: sun-dappled days, cool nights; popular and busier on holidays; mosquitos up.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23, 2025, to September 20, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 23, 2025, to September 20, 2025.

About Iron Creek Campground

Iron Creek Campground sits at the confluence of Iron Creek and the Cispus River in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, 99 sites scattered under old-growth Douglas fir, cedar, and hemlock. Sites run $27-50 per night and accommodate tents and RVs up to 36 feet. Thick vegetation and thoughtful spacing create strong privacy, though you'll need to plan ahead for summer weekends when reservations fill fast.

Iron Creek Campground caters to a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and group sites.

Historical Significance

The forest takes its name from Gifford Pinchot, America's first Chief Forester. Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980 about 30 miles west, reshaping the surrounding landscape in an afternoon. The national volcanic monument preserves that event's aftermath and the slow forest recovery that followed.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s and cool nights dropping to the mid-40s to mid-50s. The campground operates late May through mid-September when vault toilets and water spigots are maintained. Rain can arrive any month, this is temperate rainforest after all, so tarps are smart even in July. Lower stream levels by midsummer make trails drier and river crossings easier. Mosquitoes peak in early summer. Expect crowds on weekends and holidays from late June through August.

ElevationElevation information available at ranger station.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sprawls through classic Pacific Northwest old growth at 1,250 feet elevation. Moss-draped Douglas firs and western red cedars tower overhead while sword ferns blanket the forest floor. Iron Creek and the Cispus River provide constant water sounds and summer swimming holes. The setting sits in volcanic country where Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and Mount St. Helens rise on clear days, their ash and lava flows having enriched these soils for millennia. The forest canopy stays dense year-round, filtering light into shifting green patterns.

Geological RegionIron Creek Campground lies in the heart of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, a spectacular corner of southwest Washington where ancient forests meet volcanic peaks. This remarkable region showcases the Ring of Fire's influence, with three major volcanoes – Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and Mount St. Helens – standing guard over pristine old-growth forests that have thrived here for centuries. The interplay between volcanic soils and abundant rainfall has created one of the most biodiverse and lush forest ecosystems in North America.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2PM

Check-out

12 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

General guest capacity per site noted but specific number not stated.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutFour loops (A through D) branch off paved roads. Sites handle RVs to 36 feet in some spots, with room for tents at most. Old-growth spacing means good distances between neighbors in most loops. Water spigots are limited and spread out, sometimes requiring a walk to find one that's working. Vault toilets serve each loop but smell and flies are common complaints.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites are available from June 20, 2025, to June 24, 2025. Limited walk-up sites available year-round.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations up to 2 days before arrival incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations or no-shows incur additional costs including forfeiting the first night's fee.

AccessibilityThe Iron Creek Campground Trail is barrier-free and designed for all ages and skill levels, with benches and resting points along the way. However, some trails leading to the river may have steep banks and are less accessible.

Site SizeCampsites are designed to accommodate a range of setups, including midsized trailers and RVs. Some sites can fit larger RVs, up to 36 feet. Most sites have ample space for tents.

PrivacyThe campsites are well-spaced with lush vegetation and old-growth trees providing excellent privacy. However, some sites have visibility from the trails, particularly in Loop D.

Total Campsites99 campsites

Recommended SitesSites D95, C64, and loops C/D are praised for river access, privacy, and proximity to trails.

Need help booking Iron Creek Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Iron Creek Campground offers numerous activities for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to the Cispus River provides opportunities for water-related activities, though water safety is emphasized due to swift currents.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include fast-moving sections of the Cispus River, steep trails, and high insect activity at certain times of the year.

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

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings. Firewood is sold on-site by the camp hosts.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are From 10 PM onwards.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services are located in Randle, WA, approximately 20 minutes away. This includes basic medical services and law enforcement.

Trash & RecyclingThe campground provides dumpsters for trash disposal on all loops. Recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned, and some users noted confusion about recycling availability.

Water FeaturesClose proximity to the Cispus River, with easy access via campground trails.

Camp HostCamp hosts have been described as friendly, helpful, and attentive, with several accounts of exemplary assistance provided to visitors.

Weather at Iron Creek Campground

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

4.4

384 reviews

Recommended

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

The campground receives high praise for its scenic beauty, spacious and private sites, and proximity to recreational opportunities like hiking and fishing. However, occasional maintenance issues with water spigots and vault toilets are noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 384 reviews

What Campers Love

Commonly praised features include the dense old-growth forest, well-spaced and private campsites, clean facilities, and family-friendly atmosphere. Many users also appreciate the helpfulness of the...

Based on 384 reviews

Common Concerns

Reported issues include occasional maintenance lapses with vault toilets, non-functional water spigots, and lack of recycling facilities. Some users also expressed concerns about noisy neighbors and...

Based on 384 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to secure first-come, first-served sites and bringing bug repellents and extra tarps due to mosquitos and potential rain. Users also advise purchasing firewood...

Based on 384 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are highly popular, with warm days and cooler nights. However, the campground can become busy during holiday weekends, leading to maintenance challenges. Mosquito activity is higher...

Based on 384 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Each camp site is incredible. If you want to be close to the creek, sites C and D are what you want while A and B are a little quieter." - Case Van Kooten. "The trail is an easy and enjoyable hike,...

Based on 384 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Popular sites include D95 for its proximity to the river and bathrooms, and multi-sites that offer larger spaces for groups. Some sites near the vault toilets were deemed less desirable due to odor...

Based on 384 reviews