How much does camping cost at La Wis Wis Campground?

Camping fees at La Wis Wis 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 La Wis Wis Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

La Wis Wis 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 La Wis Wis Campground before I book?

Yes! La Wis Wis 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 La Wis Wis Campground?

La Wis Wis Campground is open May 23 to September 20.. 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 La Wis Wis Campground?

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

How many campsites does La Wis Wis Campground have?

La Wis Wis Campground has 122 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at La Wis Wis Campground?

Pets are not allowed at La Wis Wis Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at La Wis Wis Campground?

La Wis Wis Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at La Wis Wis Campground?

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

La Wis Wis Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at La Wis Wis Campground?

Fire policies at La Wis Wis Campground: Campfires are allowed but may be restricted during fire bans. Firewood is sold on-site for $10 per bundle.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.22

510 reviews

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Washington

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,378 ft

Price

$27 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

122 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Gifford Pinchot National Forest Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

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La Wis Wis Campground is a popular campground. Set up a free alert to catch cancellations.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,378 ft

Price

$27 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

122 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Gifford Pinchot National Forest Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

La Wis Wis Campground

$27.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $27 for standard nonelectric and tent sites to $50 for premium riverside tent sites during peak season. Additional vehicle fee is...

Standard Site Fee$27.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$50.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$27.00

Group Site Fee$115.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

541-338-7869,

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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 510 reviews

179 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanfriendlysites

"User reviews highlight the natural beauty of La Wis Wis Campground but also raise issues with restroom facilities, campsite privacy, and maintenance. Positive mentions include the scenic riverfront sites, spacious campsites, and proximity to hiking trails. Negative feedback often points to overflowing trash bins, poorly maintained vault toilets, and campsite disputes."

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Campground Map

La Wis Wis Campground

Nearby places

Packwood (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes by car)

Mount Rainier National Park (28 miles, approximately 45 minutes by car).

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Packwood, which is 5 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at La Wis Wis Campground

Summer brings daytime highs of 65-80°F and nights in the 40s-50s, with the driest conditions of the year. This is when trails are clearest and river pools are warmest for swimming. July and August see moderate to busy crowds, so booking ahead helps. Winter snow and freezing temperatures close the campground until late May.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Quieter than summer with attractive foliage; trails and scenery still appealing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23 to September 20.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 23 to September 20 (peak season) with no bookings from September 20 to June 5 (off-season).
Current Alerts: As of May 2025, there is no water available on-site. Campers should bring their own water supply.

About La Wis Wis Campground

La Wis Wis Campground sits where the Ohanapecosh River, Cowlitz River, and Purcell Creek converge in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The campground has 122 sites beneath old-growth Douglas firs and red cedars, ranging from small tent-only spots to larger group sites. Fees run $27-$50 per night, and the campground operates May 23 through September 20. No cell service.

La Wis Wis Campground accommodates various camping styles, including primitive, RV, tent, and group camping.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings daytime highs of 65-80°F and nights in the 40s-50s, with the driest conditions of the year. This is when trails are clearest and river pools are warmest for swimming. July and August see moderate to busy crowds, so booking ahead helps. Winter snow and freezing temperatures close the campground until late May.

ElevationPerched in the dramatic foothills approaching mighty Mount Rainier, La Wis Wis occupies a sweet spot in the mountainous terrain where alpine grandeur meets accessible adventure. Though the exact elevation remains nature's secret, campers will feel the crisp mountain air and experience the unique ecosystem that thrives in this transitional zone between lowland forests and high alpine meadows.

Natural Features and SceneryThree rivers meet here at 1,378 feet elevation, creating pools and swimming holes beneath a canopy of massive Douglas firs and red cedars. The Blue Hole, a popular swimming spot, has rocky banks and clear water. Trails lead to Purcell Falls and into the Tatoosh Wilderness. Sites near the river tend to be more open and spacious. Sites farther back sit in deeper shade with better seclusion. The old-growth forest keeps temperatures cool even on warm days.

Geological RegionLa Wis Wis sits at nature's crossroads in the pristine Tatoosh Wilderness, where three mighty waterways - the Ohanapecosh River, Cowlitz River, and Purcell Creek - converge in a spectacular display of Pacific Northwest hydrology. This remarkable confluence within Gifford Pinchot National Forest has nurtured an extraordinary old-growth ecosystem for centuries, where colossal Douglas firs and aromatic red cedars create a living monument to southwest Washington's wild heritage.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in is at 2 PM.

Check-out

Check-out is at 12 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Max guests per site vary
typically 6-12 guests depending on site type.

Groups

Group Standard Nonelectric sites are available, accommodating up to 12 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground has multiple loops, including the Hatchery Loop for RVs and walk-in tent sites scattered throughout. Spacing varies widely. Sites near the river are more open, while interior sites sit closer together under denser tree cover.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or via their contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityA limited number of first-come-first-served sites are available; these fill quickly during weekends and holidays.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's use fee. Group site cancellations within 14 days of arrival also forfeit the first night.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are limited, with some reviews noting that campsite signage is unclear and that vault toilets are available but poorly maintained.

Site SizeSites vary greatly in size, ranging from small tent-only sites to larger group sites. Several reviews mention that sites near the river are more spacious and desirable.

PrivacySite privacy varies significantly. Riverfront sites are described as more open, while others are well-shaded and secluded.

Total Campsites122 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose riverside sites for scenic views (e.g., loops A and D). Avoid Hatchery Loop if not using an RV.

Need help booking La Wis Wis 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

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

La Wis Wis Campground provides access to various outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Key trails like the Blue Hole Trail and Purcell Falls Trail are nearby, and the Ohanapecosh River offers swimming opportunities. The campground's old-growth forest provides a serene environment for nature observation.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCold river water can be dangerous for swimming. Wildlife may pose risks, and poison ivy is noted in some reviews.

Active AlertsAs of May 2025, there is no water available on-site. Campers should bring their own water supply.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed but may be restricted during fire bans. Firewood is sold on-site for $10 per bundle.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced after 10 PM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are located in Packwood, including basic medical care and police services. More specialized emergency services are found in larger towns nearby.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are available throughout the campground, but some reviews note that they were overflowing during busy weekends, raising concerns about maintenance.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located near three waterways: Ohanapecosh River, Cowlitz River, and Purcell Creek. Swimming spots like Blue Hole are accessible.

Camp HostHosts are usually helpful but have received mixed reviews regarding attentiveness and demeanor.

Weather at La Wis Wis 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

4.2

510 reviews

Satisfactory

La Wis Wis Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the natural beauty of La Wis Wis Campground but also raise issues with restroom facilities, campsite privacy, and maintenance. Positive mentions include the scenic riverfront sites, spacious campsites, and proximity to hiking trails. Negative feedback often points to overflowing trash bins, poorly maintained vault toilets, and campsite disputes.

Review Summaries

Based on 510 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback celebrates the campground's scenic setting, especially riverside sites and proximity to Mount Rainier National Park. Reviews often praise the friendly camp hosts, clean campsites,...

Based on 510 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poor maintenance of restroom facilities, overflowing trash bins, noise from large groups, and issues with campsite reservations. Some reviewers describe conflicts with...

Based on 510 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer due to inconsistent restroom maintenance. Water shoes are advised for swimming in the rocky Blue Hole. Arrive early to secure better sites, and consider...

Based on 510 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with reviews highlighting crowded conditions and maintenance issues during peak times. Fall reviews often note quieter conditions and beautiful foliage. Winter...

Based on 510 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautifully located Campground almost at the gates of Mt Rainier National Park.' - Rich KR 2. 'Some of the bathrooms are perfect and some stink pretty bad.' - Jonathan Melusky 3. 'The campground...

Based on 510 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Popular sites include A23, noted for its riverside location, and C15, described as secluded but farther from restrooms. Site H12 received negative reviews for being small and noisy due to nearby...

Based on 510 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited, with some reviews noting poorly marked sites and distant restroom facilities.

Based on 510 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific pet-related reviews were identified.

Based on 510 reviews

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Ohanapecosh Campground

208 Ohanapecosh Road, Packwood, WA 98361, USA

Ohanapecosh Campground sits in the southeast corner of Mount Rainier National Park, surrounded by old-growth forest and bordered by the Ohanapecosh River. With 188 sites across seven loops, it's the park's largest campground and a base for hiking Grove of the Patriarchs and Silver Falls. Sites cost $20 per night. Loops A and C offer first-come, first-serve sites; the rest are reservable.

La Wis Wis Campground

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

What Campers Say

Campground Map

Best Time to Camp at La Wis Wis Campground

Planning Tips

About La Wis Wis Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking La Wis Wis Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Weather at La Wis Wis Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Need help planning your trip?

What Campers Say

Best Time to Camp at La Wis Wis Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking La Wis Wis Campground?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Need help planning your trip?