Oklahoma Campground
Gifford Pinchot NF Mt Adams Ranger District, CARSON, WA 98610, USA
Oklahoma Campground
$25.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric sites cost $25.00/night during peak seasons (May 23 to September 20, 2025). Tent Only Nonelectric sites range from $25.00 to...
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
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
Total Campsite Fees$25.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider509-427-3677
About this campground
Tucked away in a cathedral of towering hemlock, cedar, maple, and fir trees, Oklahoma Campground offers an intimate escape along the pristine Little White Salmon River. This hidden gem welcomes those seeking solitude and simplicity, where the gentle murmur of flowing water and rustling canopy create nature's perfect soundtrack. With its small footprint and peaceful atmosphere, it's an ideal basecamp for groups looking to disconnect from the crowds and reconnect with the wilderness.
Oklahoma Campground offers tent and RV camping accommodations, with a few sites designated for group camping. Site 12/13 is a double site accommodating up to 16 people.
Historical SignificanceOklahoma Campground sits within the storied 1.3 million-acre Gifford Pinchot National Forest, a landscape forever shaped by volcanic forces and home to the iconic Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. This vast wilderness has witnessed millennia of natural and human history, from ancient Native American travel routes to the dramatic 1980 eruption that reshaped the region's ecology and captured the world's attention.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days bring gentle warmth filtered through the forest canopy, with occasional Pacific Northwest showers that keep the landscape emerald green. As autumn approaches, morning mists rise from the river while maple leaves paint the forest in gold. Winter transforms the campground into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the ground and temperatures dipping below freezing. Spring awakens the forest with rushing snowmelt and blooming wildflowers, though rain showers remain frequent visitors throughout the shoulder seasons.
ElevationPerched at 1,200 feet above sea level, the campground enjoys a sweet spot of elevation that delivers comfortable temperatures during peak camping months while remaining accessible year-round. This moderate altitude creates a microclimate where lowland comfort meets mountain freshness, offering relief from summer valley heat without the harsh conditions of higher elevations.
Natural Features and SceneryAncient giants stand sentinel over this riverside sanctuary, their moss-draped branches creating a living cathedral above your campsite. The Little White Salmon River whispers past, its clear waters reflecting the verdant canopy overhead. Beyond the campground, the magnificent Mt. Adams Ranger District unfolds like a natural tapestry—alpine meadows burst with wildflowers, pristine lakes mirror snow-capped peaks, ancient glaciers carve the landscape, and volcanic formations tell stories millions of years in the making.
Geological RegionNestled in the volcanic heartland of southwest Washington, Oklahoma Campground occupies a fascinating corner of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest where fire and ice have sculpted the land for millennia. The surrounding Mt. Adams Ranger District showcases nature's full portfolio—from centuries-old forest groves to young stands regenerating after natural disturbances, from tranquil wetlands teeming with life to dramatic volcanic peaks touching the sky. The Little White Salmon River corridor serves as a living gallery of the region's dynamic geological heritage, where ancient lava flows meet rushing mountain waters.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly detailed in the authoritative sources or user reviews, but vault toilets and basic amenities may be accessible to individuals with mobility concerns.
Sites SizeSite sizes vary greatly. Some are described as small, while others like sites 6, 12/13, and 14 are large enough to accommodate groups. RV site compatibility goes up to 40 feet.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels vary among sites. Some are clustered together and ideal for groups, while others like site 9 offer seclusion.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 9 offers seclusion and space. Sites 12/13 and 14 provide easy creek access, while Sites 4/5 are spacious but clustered.
Best CampsitesSites 12/13, 14, and 8 are highly recommended for creek access and spaciousness.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: You can stay for up to 14 nights during any visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Site-specific guest capacities vary. Site 12/13 accommodates up to 16 guests.
Groups
Site 12/13 serves as a group site accommodating up to 16 people. Other clustered sites like 1-2-3 are also suitable for groups.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout15 sites with a mix of tent-only and RV-compatible options. Sites are clustered in groups or positioned for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season begins May 23, 2025, and ends September 20, 2025. First-come, first-served reservations available June 20–24, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability between June 20–24, 2025. Limited staffing and no guarantees for availability during these dates.
Cancellation PolicyReservations made for individual campsites can be canceled up to 2 days before the start date with a $10 fee. Late cancellations (within 1 day of arrival) incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's stay. No-shows are charged a $20 fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes, and any other fees.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Oklahoma Campground provides several recreational activities including hiking, fishing, and biking. The proximity to Columbia River Gorge and Mount Adams offers opportunities for exploration. Trails such as Big Lava Bed and Monte Carlo Trail cater to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.
Hiking
Several trails are accessible from the campground, including Big Lava Bed, which features basalt lava formations and pine forest. Some trails are described as difficult and poorly maintained, with steep inclines and muddy paths.Fishing
Fishing is available in the Little White Salmon River, where anglers can catch brook and rainbow trout. The river is described as more of a creek in depth and size, making it suitable for wading as well.Biking
The Monte Carlo Trail nearby allows for mountain biking and horseback riding in addition to hiking.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned, and the campground is likely closed during the winter season.Water Sports
No water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are facilitated at this campground.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires permitted within fire rings only. Firewood available for purchase, contingent on host presence.
- Quiet hours are Enforced during late-night hours; exact times not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsReports of yellow jackets and wasps during peak season. Limited cell coverage may pose communication issues.
Active alertsLimited water availability has been reported inconsistently. Reviews note occasional closures without prior notice.
Weather forecast
42
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 76%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are in Carson, WA, approximately 12 miles north, providing access to hospitals and other facilities.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23 to September 20 (2025 & 2026).
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, with dumpsters located at the entrance of the campground. Reviews often praise the campground for regular trash removal and cleanliness.
Proximity to water featuresSituated alongside the Little White Salmon River, which has shallow creek-like water.
Common complaintsComplaints include lack of potable water, sites being too close together, and insufficient privacy.
HostHost availability varies—reports suggest hosts may operate from nearby Moss Creek Campground.
Campground Map
Gifford Pinchot NF Mt Adams Ranger District, CARSON, WA 98610, USA
Driving directionsFrom Vancouver, WA, proceed east on SR 14, to mile post 56-1/2 to Cook-Underwood Road. Exit left onto Cook-Underwood Road and continue for 5 miles through Mill A to Willard Road. Bear left onto Willard Road into Willard and continue North on Oklahoma Road for 8 miles (to end of asphalt road), to the entrance of Oklahoma Campground. From the East, go 1.7 miles from the Hood River Bridge, crossing the White Salmon River and turn right onto Cook-Underwood Road. Continue for 8 miles to mile post 6, and turn right onto Willard Road. Travel to the stop sign and turn right onto Oklahoma Road and proceed 8 miles North to the campground.
The access road ends at the campground, with no road continuation. Roads are asphalt up to the campground entrance; however, parking spurs are unpaved and may be lumpy, as noted in authoritative sources.Nearby places
Carson (12 miles north), Hood River (approx. 35 minutes drive), Willard (8 miles south).
Nearby supplies
The nearest store for supplies is approximately 35 minutes away in Hood River. Firewood is occasionally sold on-site for $10 per bundle, depending on host availability.
Camper Reviews
4.0
31 reviews
Oklahoma Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Oklahoma Campground received mixed reviews from users, with ratings ranging from 1 to 5 stars. Commonly praised attributes include cleanliness, well-maintained vault toilets, and the serene setting alongside the creek. However, complaints focus on the clustered layout of campsites, lack of potable water during certain periods, and abundance of yellow jackets.
Review Summaries
Based on 31 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean vault toilets and regular garbage removal are recurring positive highlights. Some users appreciated the spacious group sites and proximity to the creek.
Based on 31 reviewsCommon Concerns
Clustered campsites lacking privacy, absence of potable water during certain stays, and issues with yellow jackets and wasps were frequently noted.
Based on 31 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring yellow jacket traps to address insect issues. Carry extra water in case the water pump is non-functional. Choose secluded sites like site 9 if privacy is a priority.
Based on 31 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During summer, some users noted issues with pests like yellow jackets but praised the shaded sites for heat relief. Reviews during rainy periods highlighted challenges with trails and site privacy.
Based on 31 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "This is one of the cleanest campsites I've ever been to. The garbage was emptied regularly, and the vault toilets were very clean." - Megan S.
2. "The yellow jackets were everywhere! Definitely...
Based on 31 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 12/13 is praised for spaciousness and direct access to the river. Site 9 is recommended for privacy. Sites 1-2-3 are ideal for groups but lack seclusion.
Based on 31 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets and general layout may provide basic accessibility, though no specific features were highlighted. Site 6 may be problematic due to proximity to vault toilets.
Based on 31 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are permitted, and some hosts even provide dog treats, as noted in one review. No specific pet-friendly amenities like trails or designated areas were mentioned.
Based on 31 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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