Sunset Falls Campground
4.1981 reviews40806 NE Sunset Falls Rd, Yacolt, WA 98675
Sunset Falls Campground
$8.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
The general camping fee is $20 per night for both tent-only and standard non-electric sites. An extra vehicle incurs an $8/night fee. Some user reviews also cited a historical fee of $16/night, though the official rate is now $20.
About this campground
Nestled along the rushing waters of the East Fork Lewis River, Sunset Falls Campground invites you to experience the Pacific Northwest's raw beauty across 18 thoughtfully positioned standard sites. Each campsite serves as your personal gateway to cascading waterfalls and endless hiking adventures, complete with picnic tables for riverside meals and fire rings for evening storytelling under towering evergreens. While you'll find well-maintained vault toilets and trash facilities, this back-to-nature experience means bringing your own water and leaving the RV hookups behind – a small trade-off for the symphony of falling water that lulls you to sleep each night.
Sunset Falls Campground accommodates tent camping, RV camping (up to 22 feet), and walk-in sites. No primitive camping or glamping options are available.
Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure unfolds in the dramatic corridor between two of Washington's most legendary volcanic peaks – Mount St. Helens to the west and Mount Adams to the east. This strategic location places you at the heart of the region's volcanic legacy, where ancient lava flows carved the very riverbed you'll camp beside, and where indigenous peoples have traveled these river valleys for thousands of years, following salmon runs and seasonal hunting grounds.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this riverside retreat into a temperate paradise, where morning mists give way to crystal-clear afternoons with temperatures dancing between the comfortable mid-50s and pleasantly warm low-80s. As autumn arrives, the evergreen canopy becomes nature's umbrella against increasing rainfall, while winter brings a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere with crisp air and the soothing sounds of rain pattering on tent flies and the river running high with seasonal flows.
ElevationPerched at a gentle 1,000 feet above sea level, Sunset Falls strikes the perfect balance between mountain majesty and lowland comfort. This sweet-spot elevation gifts campers with a notably mild climate that extends the camping season while still offering those crisp, pine-scented mornings that make Pacific Northwest camping legendary. From this vantage point, you'll enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding forest canopy without the thin air and temperature extremes of higher mountain camps.
Natural Features and SceneryAncient Douglas firs and western red cedars create a living cathedral above your campsite, their massive trunks standing sentinel along the East Fork Lewis River's tumbling waters. The star attraction – the namesake waterfall – thunders nearby, accessible via well-maintained paths that wind through a fairy-tale forest of moss-draped maples and sword ferns. At 1,000 feet elevation, the paved and near-paved site access means you can focus on the scenery rather than navigating rough terrain, making this natural wonderland accessible to campers of all abilities.
Geological RegionDeep within the embrace of Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Sunset Falls Campground showcases the Pacific Northwest's geological drama where ancient volcanic forces meet the patient work of water. The East Fork Lewis River has carved its course through basalt flows and volcanic deposits, creating the spectacular waterfalls that give this campground its name. Surrounded by towering evergreens that have reclaimed the volcanic landscape, this riverside sanctuary offers front-row seats to millions of years of geological storytelling, where every rock formation and river bend reveals another chapter in the Cascade Range's fiery past.
Campsite details
AccessibilityPaved roads and paths are available, but no specific ADA-compliant features were noted.
Sites SizeCampsites accommodate tents and RVs up to 22 feet. Walk-in tent sites provide more privacy.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies significantly: 'Walk-in tent sites are amazing and very private,' but 'Car camping spots feel like you are just off the road.'
Total Campsites18 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTent sites are recommended for privacy, especially #11 and #14. Avoid sites close to the road for less noise and disturbances.
Best CampsitesSite #6 is often praised for privacy and proximity to the river. Tent-only sites like #11 and #14 are noted for seclusion.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum guests per site are not explicitly stated.
Groups
Group camping sites were not mentioned explicitly.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 18 sites, including standard non-electric and tent-only options, laid out in loops. Walk-in tent sites are located in a meadow and offer more privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, reservations for individual sites operate on a rolling 6-month basis. First-come, first-serve is available during certain summer periods.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites not reserved are available on a first-come, first-served basis on-site.
Cancellation PolicyFor individual campsites, cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's fee, taxes, and applicable add-ons.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Sunset Falls Campground offers visitors opportunities for hiking, swimming, and wildlife viewing, with nearby attractions such as the Silver Star trail and the East Fork Lewis River. The waterfall within the campground provides scenic views and swimming opportunities.
Hiking
Several hiking trails are accessible nearby, including the Silver Star trail, which offers excellent views of Portland, Oregon.Swimming
Swimming is possible in the Lewis River and waterfall pools within the campground, as noted by user reviews: 'Take a short walk to a gorgeous small waterfall and pools that you can swim in' and 'Short hike to the waterfall, which is an awesome place to swim and have fun while cooling down.'Boating
The East Fork Lewis River is popular with kayakers, offering boating opportunities.Wildlife viewing
Visitors often enjoy observing wildlife in the forested surroundings.Winter Activities
The campground is open year-round, but no specific winter activities like skiing or snowshoeing were noted.Water Sports
Kayaking and swimming are popular water sports available in the campground's river and waterfall pools.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed using locally sourced firewood, available for $10 per bundle.
- Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include logging activity in surrounding areas, pit toilets with poor maintenance, and limited cell reception. No potable water is available onsite.
Active alertsThere is ongoing logging activity in the area that may cause noise disturbances during early hours (3-5 AM).
Weather forecast
85
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services include the hospital and police station located in Battle Ground, WA (~16 miles away).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - September 28, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are available, but recycling facilities were not mentioned explicitly. Reviews highlight issues with trash at campsites: 'Trash was all over the campsite when we got there,' and 'Plastic trash was spread evenly throughout the place.'
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the East Fork Lewis River, with Sunset Falls a short walk away.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints include poor maintenance of toilets, lack of potable water, and issues with the camp host's attitude.
HostReviews are mixed regarding the camp host. Some found hosts helpful, while others described them as rude or unaccommodating.
Campground Map
40806 NE Sunset Falls Rd, Yacolt, WA 98675
Driving directionsFrom I-5 take exit 9 WA 502 for Battle Ground. Go about 7 miles and turn left on WA 503 and head north for about 5.5 miles. Turn right onto NE Rock Creek Rd, which will turn into NE 152nd Ave and then a slight left onto NE Lucia Falls Rd for about 7 miles. Then turn right onto NE Sunset Falls Road, travel for about 7 miles and the campground will be on your right.
The access to Sunset Falls Campground involves predominantly paved roads with occasional unpaved sections. Reviews mentioned potholes in gravel roads beyond the campground that may be problematic for smaller vehicles.Nearby places
Battle Ground, WA (~16 miles, ~30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies can be found in Battle Ground, WA (~16 miles away). Fuel is also available in this town.
Camper Reviews
4.2
81 reviews
Sunset Falls Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Sunset Falls Campground vary widely, with many praising the scenic location and proximity to the waterfall and river, but others criticizing maintenance, the camp host's behavior, and lack of amenities like potable water.
Review Summaries
Based on 81 reviews
What Campers Love
Scenic views of the waterfall and river, peaceful setting, and availability of private walk-in sites. 'Loved being by the river. Up the river there are cool waterfalls and swimming holes!'
Based on 81 reviewsCommon Concerns
Frequent criticisms about restroom conditions, lack of potable water, and the camp host's rude behavior. 'The pit toilets are always in horrible condition,' and 'The camp host was very, very...
Based on 81 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own drinking water and portable toilet due to restroom conditions. Select walk-in tent sites for better privacy. Avoid peak summer months to evade crowds and day users.
Based on 81 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months are busy and can be overcrowded, with noise from other campers and nearby logging activity. Fall is quieter and offers beautiful scenery. Winter camping is possible, but amenities like...
Based on 81 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Beautiful area on the East Fork Lewis River and downriver from Sunset Falls.' 2. 'No cell phone reception. The closest I had to drive was 6.1 miles down Sunset Falls Road to get one bar of...
Based on 81 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #6 is favored for privacy and proximity to the river. Site #13 is noted for being cramped and lacking privacy.
Based on 81 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features.
Based on 81 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and experiences were not explicitly mentioned.
Based on 81 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025