How much does camping cost at Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf?

Camping fees at Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf range from $5-$15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf first-come first-served or reservation?

Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf before I book?

Yes! Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf has 2 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 Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf?

Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf is open April 19 to November 01. 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 Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf?

Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf?

Fire policies at Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf: Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests. You can make a difference by obtaining and burning your firewood near your camping destination. Visit Dontmovefirewood.org for further inform ation.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf have?

Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf has 9 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf?

Pets are not allowed at Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf?

Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf offers: Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

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Top 5% in WAFall

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Mountain Camping Washington

Quick Facts

1,923 ft

Price

$5 - $15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Gifford Pinchot National Forest (U.S. Forest Service)Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,923 ft

Price

$5 - $15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

9 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Gifford Pinchot National Forest (U.S. Forest Service)Official Website

Get Directions

Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

$5.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Extra Vehicle: $5.00; Standard Non Electric Single Site: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

46.1855, -121.8501

Weather at Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

Current alerts(3)

There are 16 spaces for day use parking adjacent to the campground at Platinum Creek Trailhead. These parking spots are part of the Lewis River Recreation Area where advanced reservations are required daily June 15 through September 6.
There are no hookups.
There is no electricity at the campground and cell phone reception is poor.

Best Time to Camp at Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of cool, stable weather, vivid autumn color, and light crowds — ideal for multi-day rides from Lewis River Horse Camp. Daytime highs are commonly in the 45–60°F range with crisp nights in the 30s–40s, giving firm trail footing and comfortable conditions for horses and riders. Trails are at their most scenic as maples and vine maples turn, and fewer day-users mean quieter camp evenings and easier access to the Quartz Creek and Lewis River trails. Be aware fall is— Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 5% in WA

Overview: Fall recommended as best season for color, stable weather and light crowds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 19 to November 01. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

Lewis River Horse Camp sits in Gifford Pinchot National Forest at 1,923 feet, designed for equestrian camping with nine first-come, first-served sites. Each site includes a highline, and the camp provides direct access to the Quartz Creek and Lewis River trails. A stock water trough and parking for 10 trailers make this a functional basecamp for multi-day rides.

Rustic horse camp (equestrian-focused) with nine campsites and dedicated trailer/vehicle parking. Sites are first-come, first-served and must be claimed/purchased on arrival.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of cool, stable weather, vivid autumn color, and light crowds — ideal for multi-day rides from Lewis River Horse Camp. Daytime highs are commonly in the 45–60°F range with crisp nights in the 30s–40s, giving firm trail footing and comfortable conditions for horses and riders. Trails are at their most scenic as maples and vine maples turn, and fewer day-users mean quieter camp evenings and easier access to the Quartz Creek and Lewis River trails. Be aware fall is— Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation1923 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe camp sits where mixed-use trails thread through old-growth conifers typical of the Pacific Northwest. The Lewis River runs close enough to hear from camp. Trails connect to waterfalls downstream. Reviewers mention lower, middle, and upper falls with clear water and swimming holes, plus seasonal salmon runs. Maples and vine maples provide autumn color along the routes.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov mobile app (Scan and Pay QR code on site)

Site SizeNine campsites; parking for 10 trailers and 15 vehicles.

Total Campsites9 campsites

Recommended SitesEach site includes a highline for stock. There is parking capacity reported for 10 trailers and 15 vehicles—plan trailer parking accordingly.

Amenities available

First-come, first-served horse camp with on-site payment by cash or Recreation.gov Scan and Pay (QR code on site). Each site has a highline and there is a stock-only water trough. The campground has nine campsites and parking for 10 trailers and 15 vehicles.

Potable water

I manage this campground

RV details

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

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Limited Reviews

Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers consistently praise Lewis River Falls for its stunning, clear waterfalls, excellent photo opportunities and well-maintained trails connecting lower, middle and upper falls. Many visitors highlight great swimming holes, nearby camping, and family-friendly hiking while noting access requires some preparation (parking permits, rough road, cold water).

Review Summaries

What Campers Love

Spectacular, photogenic waterfalls and crystal-clear swimming holes (many mention jumping/diving spots and deep pools). Trails between lower, middle and upper falls are scenic and generally well...

Common Concerns

Access issues recur: the final road/turnoff can be rough with deep ruts (recommend higher-clearance vehicles), parking is limited and often requires advance reservations/fees, and there is little to...

Site-Specific Reviews

Lower Falls: most visitors park at the lower falls (short walk to views), access to the base can be steep and uses ropes; a vault bathroom is sometimes available. Middle Falls: many hikers park at...

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve parking/day passes in advance via recreation.gov and print or download passes/maps (no cell service on site). Bring non-slip water shoes or a wetsuit for cold water, good hiking shoes for...

Seasonal Insights

Visitors note early spring (April) can be mistier and more dramatic while summer photos may look different due to lower flows; water remains very cold even on hot days. September is a popular time...

Camper Quotes

1) "One of the most beautiful swimming holes I've ever been to! You can jump from the falls into water 30 ft deep." 2) "There is no cell service so you want to make sure you have everything you...

Accessibility Features

Trail limitations: parts of the trail are not stroller-friendly and some approaches to the lower falls are steep/technical (ropes, unmarked scramble through trees). Several reviewers encountered...

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs appear commonly on the trails (one reviewer posted a photo of a pup) and several visitors mentioned hiking with dogs; no formal restrictions were cited in the reviews, but visitors should assume...

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Lewis River Hc (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

$5.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Extra Vehicle: $5.00; Standard Non Electric Single Site: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

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Provider

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Go if

Equestrian campers riding the Quartz Creek or Lewis River trails will get the most out of this place, especially in late September and October when maples are turning and day-use crowds thin out. Stock water trough on site, parking fits 10 trailers, and the falls are within ridin

Skip if

No reservations, ever. You drive the rough final road on faith that a site is open, cash or a QR code in hand. No cell service to check availability en route, and the rutted access track will punish anything with low clearance.

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