Paradise Creek Campground

Star4.71
113 reviews
Gifford Pinchot NF Mt Adams Ranger District, CARSON, WA 98610, USA
Paradise Creek Campground
$25.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates range from $25 to $45 per night for standard nonelectric sites. Extra vehicle fee is $8 per night. Firewood is available for $10...
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$45.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$70.00

Share this campground
Recreation.gov
Provider
541-338-7869

About this campground

Where Paradise Creek meets the Wind River, an enchanting campground awaits beneath towering old-growth giants. Paradise Creek Campground invites you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's timeless rhythms. Whether you prefer the intimate embrace of a secluded site or the openness of more spacious accommodations, this tranquil retreat offers the perfect basecamp for your Pacific Northwest adventure.
Paradise Creek Campground accommodates tent camping and small RVs with its 42 back-in sites. Some premium sites are located by the Wind River, offering scenic views and enhanced privacy. There are no group sites, cabins, or glamping options available.
Historical SignificanceYour stay at Paradise Creek places you within the storied Gifford Pinchot National Forest, a landscape that has witnessed centuries of natural and human history. Just a short drive from the awe-inspiring Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, this campground serves as your gateway to understanding the powerful forces that have shaped the Cascade Range and the resilient ecosystems that continue to thrive in their wake.
Weather and SeasonsParadise Creek enjoys the Pacific Northwest's signature mild summer climate, with daytime temperatures hovering around a comfortable 66°F before cooling to a crisp 48°F under starlit skies. Peak season brings an abundance of clear, sunny days that illuminate the forest canopy and create perfect conditions for outdoor exploration, evening campfires, and restful nights in your tent.
ElevationPerched at 1,200 feet above sea level in the magnificent Mt. Adams Ranger District, Paradise Creek offers a gentle introduction to the Cascades' vertical world. From this comfortable elevation, adventurous souls can explore terrain that climbs dramatically to 12,000 feet, where alpine meadows give way to volcanic peaks and endless mountain vistas.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living cathedral of ancient cedar and Douglas fir, where shafts of sunlight filter through the canopy to illuminate carpets of ferns and moss. Majestic alders and big-leaf maples add their own character to this verdant tapestry, while the melodic Wind River provides both a soothing soundtrack and excellent opportunities for anglers and families seeking refreshing wading holes on warm summer afternoons.
Geological RegionParadise Creek Campground is your portal to the spectacular 1.3-million-acre Gifford Pinchot National Forest, a diverse wilderness tapestry woven from ancient forests, wildflower meadows, and pristine wetlands. This remarkable landscape showcases nature's full vertical range, from riverside camps at 1,200 feet to wind-scoured peaks soaring above 12,000 feet, each elevation zone offering its own unique ecosystem and outdoor adventures.

Campsite details

AccessibilityThe campground has paved parking spurs and relatively level tent pads at most sites. However, some visitors noted the water hand pumps are difficult to operate and not fully accessible.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, with parking spurs ranging from 20 to 40 feet. Some sites are spacious enough for multiple tents or small RVs.
Sites PrivacyThe sites by the river offer greater privacy due to lush undergrowth, while the other sites feel more open and spacious.
Total Campsites42 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose premium sites near the Wind River for scenic views. Avoid sites close to vault toilets if sensitive to odors.
Best CampsitesSome recommended sites include #25 (next to the river), #39 (peaceful and well-shaded), and #18 (spacious and private).

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum number of guests per site is not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground includes 42 back-in sites with paved parking spurs ranging from 20-40 feet in length.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 23, 2025 - September 20, 2025. Closed outside of these dates.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable during certain periods (e.g., June 20 - June 24, 2025); first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations up to 2 days before the reservation incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's fee and incur additional penalties. No-shows are charged a $20 fee and forfeit the first night's fee.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Paradise Creek Campground offers a range of activities including fishing (outside the campground on the Wind River), seasonal berry picking, and hiking on the nearby Lava Butte Trail. Wading is allowed in Paradise Creek. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant in the surrounding old-growth forest.
Hiking
The Lava Butte Trail #200 is accessible from the campground and offers a moderately steep hike with abundant old-growth trees and shaded paths.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted in the Wind River, which is home to steelhead and Chinook salmon. Fishing is not allowed within the campground itself.
Wildlife viewing
Campers have noted abundant wildlife and large old-growth trees that make this area a nature lover’s paradise.
Winter Activities
Winter activities are not applicable as the campground operates seasonally from late May to late September.
Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are not mentioned for this location.

Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Campfires allowed unless restrictions are in place due to burn bans.
  • Quiet hours are enforced after dark.

Hazards

General hazardsPotential hazards include the presence of insects, wildlife, and uneven terrain.
Active alertsThere are no active alerts at the moment.

Weather forecast

61
°F
Oct 8
Wednesday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 52%

Moderately humid conditions

Wind: 4.9 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast

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Temperature Trends

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Precipitation Trends

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Weather Summaries

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Emergency Services

Closest emergency services are available at Carson, WA, which is approximately 12 miles south of the campground.

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - September 20, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are present but recycling options are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Paradise Creek and Wind River, offering opportunities for wading and exploration.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include road noise from logging trucks, bugs, and occasional water quality issues.
HostHosts are described as friendly and helpful, with some noted for exceptional service in maintaining clean facilities and providing area knowledge.

Campground Map

Gifford Pinchot NF Mt Adams Ranger District, CARSON, WA 98610, USA
Driving directionsTake Highway 14 to Carson. From Carson, travel about 19 miles northwest on Wind River Highway. The campground is between mile post 20 and 21.
Roads to the campground are paved and accessible year-round, though remote. The campground’s location northwest of Carson may require careful navigation.
Nearby places
Carson (12 miles), Portland (approximately 55 miles), Vancouver (approximately 50 miles)
Nearby supplies
The closest store for supplies is also in Carson, WA, about 12 miles away. Campground hosts sell firewood for $10 per bundle.

Camper Reviews

4.7
113 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Paradise Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Visitors generally praise the beautiful old-growth forest setting, quiet atmosphere, and proximity to recreational activities. The camp hosts receive frequent commendations for their helpfulness. Other highlights include spacious sites and the relaxing sound of nearby creeks. However, some concerns include road noise at sites near the highway, the quality of the hand-pump water, and occasional issues with vault toilet cleanliness.
Review Summaries
Based on 113 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers love the serene environment, spacious sites, and the friendly and helpful hosts. The presence of nearby trails and rivers adds to the charm. Many visitors appreciate the lack of cell service...
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Based on 113 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include rusty, discolored water from the hand pumps, noise from nearby roads, and issues with vault toilet odors during peak periods. Some visitors also mention mosquito problems...
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Based on 113 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own drinking water due to the rusty taste of the on-site water. Choose sites away from the highway for reduced road noise. Be prepared for mosquitoes and pack bug spray. Utilize the nearby...
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Based on 113 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are busiest and can result in crowding and noise. Late in the season, some facilities like bathrooms may see reduced maintenance. Mid-week visits are recommended for quieter experiences.
Based on 113 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The camp hosts were amazing, they did such a nice job patrolling, cleaning, and visiting with guests.' 2. 'Our site (010) was great but it's pretty close to the pit toilets so every now and then...
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Based on 113 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 10: Close to pit toilets, occasional odors. Site 19: Spacious and quiet, close to water. Site 25: Perfect spot by the river. Site 11: Too short for larger setups, lacks a table. Site 39: Nice...
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Based on 113 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews mention that water pumps are difficult to operate for individuals with limited strength or mobility. Paved parking spurs and relatively level tent pads are available at most sites.
Based on 113 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and many campers enjoyed bringing their dogs. The quiet and spacious environment was appreciated by pet owners.
Based on 113 reviews

Last updated August 10, 2025

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