Blue Lake Creek Campground - Gifford Pinchot Nf (Wa)

Star4.22
34 reviews
Gifford Pinchot NF Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, Randle, WA 98377, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,906 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Open May 16 to Septe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Gifford Pinchot National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Blue Lake Creek Campground - Gifford Pinchot Nf (Wa)
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric overnight sites are offered at a flat rate of $20/night during reservable seasons (May 16 - September 20).
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

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 34 reviews

17 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshadespacioussites

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, scenery, and access to trails. However, issues include lack of amenities at some sites, uneven ground, minimal privacy, and noise from OHVs."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Gifford Pinchot NF Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, Randle, WA 98377, USA

Blue Lake Creek Campground - Gifford Pinchot Nf (Wa)

Gifford Pinchot NF Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, Randle, WA 98377, USA

Driving directionsTake State Highway 12 to Randle, Washington. Follow State Highway 131 to the fork and stay left onto Forest Road 23. Follow Forest Road 23 beyond North Fork Campground to Blue Lake Creek.
Generally accessible via paved highways and Forest Road 23, which may be subject to closures or detours. "Imagine our shock when, as night was falling, we got to Forest Road 23 and it was CLOSED, and the detour to get to the campground would take HOURS." (User review from Jayne C).
Nearby places
Randle (approx. 9 miles, 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel likely available in Randle, WA.

Best Time to Camp at Blue Lake Creek Campground - Gifford Pinchot Nf (Wa)

Blue Lake Creek transforms with the seasons, from winter's dramatic dance of rain and snow to summer's golden embrace. The campground truly comes alive during the warm summer months when clear skies and comfortable temperatures create perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. Spring and fall bring their own magic with occasional showers that awaken the forest's rich earthy scents, while winter visitors should prepare for nature's more temperamental moods, including heavy rainfall and moderate snowfall that blanket the landscape in pristine white.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Campground 'comes alive' in summer; open and most reviews are summer-focused though OHV noise increases.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Seasonal transition noted but limited review detail; likely pleasant yet less access and fewer services.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opening in mid-May; spring experiences not well-documented but likely variable with road/weather issues.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 16–Sept 20; winter rating not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 - September 20. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 16 to September 20 (reservable). First Come, First Served from June 20 to September 20.
  • Current Alerts: Road closures reported on Forest Road 23 may require detours. "Imagine our shock when... Forest Road 23... was CLOSED, and the detour... would take HOURS." (User review by Jayne C).

About Blue Lake Creek Campground - Gifford Pinchot Nf (Wa)

Nestled beneath a canopy of towering maple trees and surrounded by lush ferns, Blue Lake Creek Campground invites adventurers into a world where nature's symphony plays alongside the thrill of outdoor exploration. Each campsite features thoughtfully designed paved parking spurs ranging from 20 to 30 feet, accommodating various camping setups. This vibrant basecamp draws a diverse community of OHV enthusiasts, trail runners, and mountain bikers who share stories around evening campfires. While the energetic buzz of motorbikes adds to the campground's adventurous atmosphere during peak hours, the maple-shaded sites offer peaceful retreats for those seeking connection with fellow outdoor enthusiasts in this Pacific Northwest paradise.
Blue Lake Creek Campground accommodates both tents and RVs. The sites are back-in with paved parking spurs, ranging from 20 to 30 feet. It is a first-come, first-served facility during specific seasons.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2pm
Check-out
12 pm
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Blue Lake Creek Campground include hiking, OHV riding, mountain biking, horseback riding, and fishing. The Valley Trail offers over 50 miles of OHV trails, while the High Log Trail leads to the Cispus River for fishing and water activities. The Blue Lake Trail provides access to Blue Lake with moderate hiking difficulty.
HikingMultiple trails are accessible from this campground. The Valley Trail is a multi-use network of over 50 miles suitable for OHV riders, hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. The High Log Trail is for foot traffic only, leading to the Cispus River. Blue Lake Trail offers a moderate hike to Blue Lake, described as both stunning and challenging by reviewers.
FishingFishing is available at the Cispus River and Blue Lake. User reports mention that the hike to Blue Lake is challenging, but its beautiful mountain scenery makes it worth the effort.
BikingMountain biking is a popular activity here, particularly on the Valley Trail, which caters to bikers and OHV riders.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential noise from OHV users. "Due to its popularity among OHV riders, Blue Lake Creek can become noisy when trail bikes come and go." (Authoritative source)
Active AlertsRoad closures reported on Forest Road 23 may require detours. "Imagine our shock when... Forest Road 23... was CLOSED, and the detour... would take HOURS." (User review by Jayne C).
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Blue Lake Creek Campground - Gifford Pinchot Nf (Wa)

Reviews

4.2
34 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Blue Lake Creek Campground - Gifford Pinchot Nf (Wa) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's cleanliness, scenery, and access to trails. However, issues include lack of amenities at some sites, uneven ground, minimal privacy, and noise from OHVs.
Review Summaries
Based on 34 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects mentioned by users include cleanliness of bathrooms, spacious camp sites, access to trails, and scenic surroundings. One user described it as "a more secluded experience." Another...
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Based on 34 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include uneven ground, lack of picnic tables at certain sites, minimal privacy, noisy OHV traffic, and road closures that made accessibility challenging.
Based on 34 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing water as it is not available on-site, choosing weekdays for a quieter experience, and being prepared for uneven ground at certain campsites. One user emphasized the...
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Based on 34 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight noise from OHVs and popular trails. Winter reviews are unavailable, but one user noted abundant mushrooms during August hikes. Spring and fall experiences are not explicitly...
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Based on 34 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Shockingly clean for a campground." "Grassy, clean areas, lots of shade, and the sound of a creek running by to lull you to sleep." "The campsites themselves are not private. Very open and exposed."...
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Based on 34 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific insights include: Site 006 lacks a picnic table, Site 010 has no shade, Site 002 is open and exposed. Positive reviews for Site 003 and Site 005 highlight cleanliness and quietness.
Based on 34 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features and reviews for disabled users are not explicitly mentioned.
Based on 34 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and features are not explicitly mentioned in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Based on 34 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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