Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

Star4.21
24 reviews
Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Gifford Pinchot National Forest site

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Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf
No fees available
Campsite Fees
Campsites are first-come, first-served only. Visitors must physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Payment accepted by cash...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
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$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
(509) 395-3400

What Campers Say

4.21

Satisfactory

Based on 24 reviews

25 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacyquietcleanhiking

"Campers describe Cultus Creek Campground as a quiet, primitive, and fairly secluded forest campground that works well as a base for hiking Indian Heaven Wilderness and nearby trails. Reviewers appreciate the clean, simple setup and trail access, but repeatedly note heavy mosquitoes, lack of running water, and occasional noise from gunfire in the area."

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Best Time to Camp at Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

The rhythm of the seasons dictates life at Cultus Creek, with late summer bringing the most visitors as huckleberry season transforms the forest into a forager's paradise. The campground's elevation and dense forest canopy create a naturally cool microclimate, offering respite during warm summer days while requiring extra layers for crisp mountain evenings.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

    About Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

    Tucked into the towering evergreens at the edge of the Indian Heaven Wilderness, Cultus Creek Campground offers adventurers a genuine first-come, first-served wilderness experience in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This wooded haven serves as your basecamp for exploring wilderness trails, including the renowned Indian Heaven Trail #33, and becomes especially beloved when wild huckleberries ripen across the surrounding hillsides.
    Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis; campsites may not be reserved in advance and must be claimed in person. Specific site types (tent, RV, primitive, group, cabin, glamping) are not stated.
    Historical SignificanceFor generations, the huckleberry fields surrounding Cultus Creek have drawn people to these mountains, continuing a tradition of seasonal harvest that stretches back through centuries of Indigenous use. Today's campers walk the same trails and pick from the same abundant berry patches that have sustained communities for countless summers, connecting modern outdoor recreation with deep cultural roots.
    Weather and SeasonsThe rhythm of the seasons dictates life at Cultus Creek, with late summer bringing the most visitors as huckleberry season transforms the forest into a forager's paradise. The campground's elevation and dense forest canopy create a naturally cool microclimate, offering respite during warm summer days while requiring extra layers for crisp mountain evenings.
    Natural Features and SceneryAncient forests embrace Cultus Creek Campground, where towering conifers filter sunlight into dancing shadows across the forest floor. The wilderness boundary lies just steps away, beckoning hikers onto trails like the Indian Heaven Trail #33 and Cultus Creek Trail #108, which wind through pristine old-growth stands and open onto meadows painted purple with wild huckleberries. This is nature at its most unspoiled—a landscape where the only sounds are wind through the trees, birdsong at dawn, and the distant whisper of mountain streams.
    Geological RegionSituated within the volcanic landscapes of Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Cultus Creek marks the gateway to the Indian Heaven Wilderness, a protected area shaped by ancient lava flows and glacial sculpting. This transition zone between managed forest and designated wilderness preserves some of the Pacific Northwest's most characteristic ecosystems, where volcanic soils nourish the very berry fields that give the region its fame.
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    Campsite details

    Total Campsitesnull campsites
    Recommended CampsitesDownload the Recreation.gov mobile app before arrival to use Scan and Pay via the on-site QR code; arrive in person to purchase and claim a site.

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    Reserving a campsite

    Tents
    Tents are not allowed
    RV vehicles
    RV vehicles are not allowed
    Primitive
    Primitive are not allowed
    Reservable
    Reservations are not allowed

    Site layoutTrailhead for Indian Heaven Trail #33 is located in the campground; Cultus Creek Trail #108 is located near the campground.
    Reservation PlatformsNot reservable. Payment can be made via Recreation.gov mobile app (Scan and Pay) or cash on site.
    Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up available; visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site.

    Activities you can enjoy

    Trail access is a primary recreational feature: the Indian Heaven Trail #33 trailhead is located in the campground and is described as a popular, challenging trail. Cultus Creek Trail #108 is also located nearby. The campground sits in a wooded setting on the boundary of the Indian Heaven Wilderness and is near traditional huckleberry-picking fields.
    Hiking
    Indian Heaven Trail #33 trailhead is located in the campground (popular and challenging). Cultus Creek Trail #108 is also nearby, providing direct trail access from the campground.
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    Campground rules

    • Pets are not allowed

    Hazards


    Weather at Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

    43
    °F
    Dec 11
    Thursday
    Foggy
    Precipitation: 0%
    Humidity: 99%
    Wind: 25.1 mph
    Foggy

    Weather History
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    Campground Map

    Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf
    Driving directionsFrom Trout Lake, Washington drive west on Highway 141. At the forest boundary Highway 141 becomes Forest Road 24. Continue west on Forest Road 24 past Peterson Prairie Campground to the intersection with Forest Road 60. At the intersection turn right to stay on Forest Road 24 and continue north to Cultus Creek Campground, at approximately 9 miles past the intersection with Forest Road 60.
    Accessible via Highway 141 which becomes Forest Road 24 at the forest boundary; continue on Forest Road 24 and follow intersection with Forest Road 60 as described in driving directions.

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    4.2
    24 reviews
    Satisfactory
    Satisfactory
    Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
    Campers describe Cultus Creek Campground as a quiet, primitive, and fairly secluded forest campground that works well as a base for hiking Indian Heaven Wilderness and nearby trails. Reviewers appreciate the clean, simple setup and trail access, but repeatedly note heavy mosquitoes, lack of running water, and occasional noise from gunfire in the area.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 24 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Users highlight the campground as quiet, clean, and “basic, but secluded,” with good privacy compared to more developed sites. Many appreciate the easy access to Indian Heaven/Trail #33, Lake Wapiki...
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    Based on 24 reviews

    Common Concerns

    The dominant complaint is extreme mosquito activity in summer, described as swarms bad enough to keep people in their cars. Several reviewers note there is no running water and only primitive...
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    Based on 24 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Campers suggest treating this as a primitive stay: bring your own water and be prepared for outhouse bathrooms only. Plan for very cold nights due to the higher elevation and be ready for significant...
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    Based on 24 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    Multiple reviews mention substantial snow on roads and trails in June and even into mid-July, sometimes making the road impassable and limiting hiking distance. Mosquito problems are repeatedly...
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    Based on 24 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    “Quiet clean and a great place to camp.” “Basic, but secluded. Decent access to hiking north side of Indian Heaven Wilderness or fishing high lakes… Mosquitoes on another level.” “Quiet, out of the...
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    Based on 24 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    One reviewer notes “The handicap bathroom is better, but still just an out house,” indicating there is at least one accessible-design restroom, though still primitive and without running water.
    Based on 24 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    One reviewer briefly notes “dogs, kids” at this basic campground, indicating that dogs are present/allowed, but no further pet-specific details or issues are provided.
    Based on 24 reviews

    Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

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    Last updated December 10, 2025
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