How much does camping cost at Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa)?

Camping fees at Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa) range from $25-$45/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa) first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa) accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa) before I book?

Yes! Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa) has 6 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 Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa)?

Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa) is open May 15 to September 18. 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 Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa)?

Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa) does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa)?

Cell phone service at Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa) is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa) have?

Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa) has 29 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa)?

Yes, pets are allowed at Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa). Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa)?

Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa) offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa)?

Fire policies at Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa): Check in: 2 pm, Check out: 12 pm (noon) No ATVS or OHVS in campground Click here for more information about Gifford Pinchot National Forest 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 information.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.21

237 reviews

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Top 12% in WASpring

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Washington

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,841 ft

Price

$25 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Open from mid-May th...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Hoodoo Recreation Services Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,841 ft

Price

$25 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

29 campsites

Season

Open from mid-May th...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Hoodoo Recreation Services Official Website

Get Directions

Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa)

$25.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $45.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

Standard Site Fee$25.00

Premium Site Fee$45.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-338-7869null

I manage this campground

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Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa)

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Nearby places

Ashford (5 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Nisqually entrance of Mount Rainier National Park (6 miles, approximately 15 minutes), Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise (21 miles, approximately 40 minutes)

Weather at Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa)

Current alerts(4)

Camping fee covers the first two vehicles (2 cars or RV/Trailer and tow vehicle). Extra vehicle fee of $8.00 is charged for the third vehicle.
Firewood is available for sale at host site for $10.00/bundle.
Please do not park your vehicle within the 100' well exclusion area as signed. Thank you your cooperation is appreciated!
The campground requires vehicles to have a relatively tight turning radius. Big Creek can accommodate tents, trailers and RVs, with a maximum vehicle length of 22 feet. Some parking spurs are paved; others are native moss and dirt.

Best Time to Camp at Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa)

Best season: summer. Summer offers the driest, warmest, and most accessible conditions at Big Creek — expect daytime highs roughly 65–80°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s. Trails are mostly dry and visibility of the Cascade volcanoes (Rainier, Adams, St. Helens) is usually at its best, making hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing prime activities; creekside fishing is also excellent as streams clear and become easier to fish. Crowds peak on summer weekends, so reserve early or plan weekday visits for the coveted creek Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Top 12% in WA

Late spring is quieter, lush green scenery; trails become usable as snow melts.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 18. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from mid-May through late September.

About Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa)

Big Creek sits in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest foothills near Ashford, operated by Hoodoo Recreation Services as a seasonal basecamp for exploring Mount Rainier National Park. The small campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites along a creek, with vault toilets, potable water, and a camp store. Campers hike, fish, and bike from well-spaced sites that reviewers praise for privacy and cleanliness, though some note compact site dimensions and occasional early morning rooster noise from nearby properties.

Big Creek campground accommodates various camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping (with limitations), and primitive camping setups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the driest, warmest, and most accessible conditions at Big Creek — expect daytime highs roughly 65–80°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s. Trails are mostly dry and visibility of the Cascade volcanoes (Rainier, Adams, St. Helens) is usually at its best, making hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing prime activities; creekside fishing is also excellent as streams clear and become easier to fish. Crowds peak on summer weekends, so reserve early or plan weekday visits for the coveted creek Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation1841 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDouglas firs and western hemlocks tower above the campground, their trunks thick enough to dwarf most vehicles. Alders and big-leaf maples fill the understory, shifting from bright green in spring to gold by fall. Big Creek cuts through the camp loop with clear, cold water that runs year-round. The volcanic peaks surrounding the valley shaped this landscape through ancient lava flows, creating the fertile soil that now supports dense forest. Creekside sites offer both the sound of moving water and a chance to spot wildlife coming down to drink.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or glamping accommodations are available at this campground; it purely caters to traditional camping setups.

Programs & ActivitiesThe campground does not provide organized cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay limit is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Unclear from the source material.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground does not appear to have explicit ADA-compliant features mentioned in the source material. However, reviews noted the size and spacing of campsites vary, making some sites more accessible than others.

Site SizeCampsites range in size from small to large, accommodating setups like a 9x13 tent or trailer. Some sites, such as #10 and #16, are noted for their spaciousness.

PrivacyMost campsites provide good privacy due to dense vegetation, but some sites near the road or creek (e.g., #1-3) offer less seclusion. User reviews highlight sites like #6 as private and scenic.

Total Campsites29 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose creekside spots like site 6 for a more scenic and private experience. Sites further from the entrance offer better quiet and isolation.

Best CampsitesSite 6 draws repeat visitors for its creekside location and natural screening from neighboring sites. Sites 1-3 also sit near the water but sacrifice some privacy to road proximity. Sites 10 and 16 offer more space for larger setups, easily fitting trailers or 9x13 tents with room to spare.

Need help booking Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa)?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Amenities available

Big Creek campground offers fundamental amenities suitable for campers who seek a rustic experience. Drinking water is available at convenient spigots throughout the campground; however, there are no hot showers. Vault toilets are provided and described as clean and well-maintained by several user reviews, despite some noting a strong odor typical of these facilities. Each campsite is equipped with a pedestal grill, fire pit, and sturdy picnic table for use. Gray water disposal facilities are dispersed through the campground. "Firewood is available for sale at the host site for $10.00 per bundle," and campers are reminded not to move firewood to protect local forests.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Camp Store

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Big Creek offers a variety of activities to complement its serene, natural environment. Anglers can fish for brook trout in Big Creek, and hikers can explore the Osborne Mountain Trail, which starts within the campground and is described as steep yet rewarding. The trail is suitable for foot, horse, mountain bike, or dirt bike travel.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; vault toilets are utilized instead. Reviews noted the vault toilets are clean but emit strong odors.

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.

Fire PolicyCheck in: 2 pm, Check out: 12 pm (noon) No ATVS or OHVS in campground Click here for more information about Gifford Pinchot National Forest 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 information.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, but no recycling programs are explicitly mentioned. One review noted a dumpster nearby their site.

Cell CoverageUser reviews suggest inconsistent cell phone service. Some campers reported strong Verizon coverage, while others experienced no reception, likely depending on campsite location.

Trip Planning Tools

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From Booking Sources

4.2

237 reviews

Satisfactory

Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Big Creek campground generally receives positive reviews, with campers appreciating its proximity to Mount Rainier, clean vault toilets, quiet environment, and helpful camp hosts. Negative reviews focus on reservation issues, noise disturbances, and small campsite sizes.

Review Summaries

Based on 237 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 237 reviews.

Site #6Loved
Site #6 is frequently mentioned as the best site for privacy and proximity to the creek.
Site #10Loved
Site #10 is described as secluded and spacious.

What Campers Love

Positive feedback emphasizes the cleanliness of facilities, privacy between campsites, peacefulness, and proximity to Mount Rainier National Park. Specific highlights include the friendly camp hosts...

Based on 237 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include misleading reservation systems, noisy neighbors, strong odors from vault toilets, and disturbances from a nearby rooster. Some campers also struggled with small campsite...

Based on 237 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing bug spray, baby wipes, or items for makeshift bathing due to the lack of showers. Site #6 is highly recommended for its creekside location and privacy. Additionally,...

Based on 237 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During peak summer months, Big Creek experiences high traffic and full reservations, which can lead to crowding and noise complaints. Reviews from late spring or early fall highlight quieter stays...

Based on 237 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campsite managers were warm and welcoming. Sure, there are no flush toilets or showers---but you're camping." - Gina Kette "The vault toilets we used were clean and well stocked, and the host...

Based on 237 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are limited; however, some sites are larger and better suited for trailers or families. Vault toilets and water spigots are accessible throughout the campground.

Based on 237 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, and the campground is noted as pet-friendly. One reviewer stated, "WAY more dog friendly than Cougar Rock campground."

Based on 237 reviews

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Go if

You want a quiet, well-maintained basecamp for exploring Mount Rainier National Park with good site privacy and summer trail access.

Skip if

You need large sites, guaranteed silence at dawn, or consistently pristine vault toilets throughout your stay.

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Cougar Rock Campground sits in the foothills of Mount Rainier National Park, operated by the National Park Service near Longmire. This very large campground serves as a base for exploring Paradise's wildflower meadows and glacier viewpoints, with tent sites, RV options, and group camping available. Rangers maintain a quiet atmosphere among the forested sites, though summer brings peak crowds and occasional tree hazards.

Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa)

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Best Time to Camp at Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa)

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About Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa)

Best Campsites

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Overview

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Plan a trip to Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa)

Current alerts(4)

Best Time to Camp at Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa)

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Big Creek (Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Wa)?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns