Campground: Cat Creek

Star4.58
14 reviews
Cat Creek Campground, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

2,759 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open from mid-May to...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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Campground: Cat Creek
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The overnight camping fee is $20 per single site and $8 per additional vehicle per night. Discounts are available for holders of certain passes, such...
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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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USFS
Provider
661-702-1420
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What Campers Say

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 14 reviews

11 Google reviews

"User reviews generally highlight the beautiful, rustic nature of Cat Creek Campground and its suitability for OHV riders. However, the lack of extensive activities or facilities is a recurring theme."

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Campground Map

Cat Creek Campground, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA

Campground: Cat Creek

Cat Creek Campground, Gifford Pinchot National Forest, WA

Driving directionsFrom Randle, Washington travel south on State Highway 131 (Forest Roads 23 and 25). Veer left in 1 mile at the Y of Forest Road 23 and Forest Road 25. Continue to follow Forest Service Road 23 for 18.5 miles then turn left onto Forest Road 21. Follow Forest Road 21 for about 6 miles to Cat Creek Campground on the right.
The campground is accessed via Forest Service Roads, which are paved but remote. Seasonal closures may occur. Users have commented on its 'way out of the way' location but found it worthwhile.
Nearby places
Randle: 25 miles (35 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies, including groceries and fuel, are likely available in Randle, WA, approximately 25 miles away. Specific camping supply stores are null.

Best Time to Camp at Campground: Cat Creek

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the Pacific Northwest at Cat Creek. Summer unveils perfect camping conditions with comfortable temperatures dancing between 48°F and 77°F, while crisp mornings give way to warm, sun-dappled afternoons. As autumn approaches, the forest erupts in color before winter blankets the landscape in snow, transforming this summer playground into a frozen wonderland where temperatures plunge and silence reigns supreme.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open mid-May to mid-Sept; summer temps 48–77°F and it's the campground's peak season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open through mid-September; limited fall window and no fall-specific amenities noted.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens mid-May (late spring); limited spring availability and few seasonal reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; open season is mid-May to mid-September.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Mid-May to mid-September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from mid-May to mid-September. Specific dates for 2025 are May 19 to September 21.

About Campground: Cat Creek

Tucked away in the heart of the forest, Cat Creek Campground offers an intimate escape with just five secluded sites, each wrapped in a canopy of towering evergreens. This hidden gem has become a favorite basecamp for OHV enthusiasts seeking adventure by day and peaceful, shaded retreats by night. Here, privacy isn't just a feature—it's a promise, with each campsite thoughtfully positioned to create your own personal woodland sanctuary.
Cat Creek Campground offers primitive camping options, primarily appealing to visitors looking for a minimalistic camping experience.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 Noon
Stay Limit
14-day stay limit

Amenities available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Cat Creek Campground primarily caters to OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) enthusiasts, with nearby multi-use trails accessible. Recreational opportunities are otherwise limited, as noted in official descriptions and user reviews. Eric Bricker mentions, 'There is not a whole lot to do in the area unless you are a hunter or motorcycle sport Rider.' Other activities such as hiking, swimming, or biking are not explicitly mentioned.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include cold weather conditions in non-summer months and risks associated with the nearby creek and waterfall (as indicated by the memorial).
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Campground: Cat Creek

Reviews

4.6
14 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Campground: Cat Creek is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally highlight the beautiful, rustic nature of Cat Creek Campground and its suitability for OHV riders. However, the lack of extensive activities or facilities is a recurring theme.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users describe the campground as 'beautiful' and 'Christine and beautiful,' emphasizing its scenic appeal. Eric Bricker speaks highly of the fire pits, suggesting they provide a unique advantage...
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Based on 14 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on the lack of amenities such as potable water and flush toilets. Some users also highlight that activities are limited unless you are a hunter or OHV rider.
Based on 14 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Eric Bricker advises visitors to keep the campground clean by picking up trash. He also mentions a nearby waterfall about 300 yards away and suggests taking a walk along the creek.
Based on 14 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer appears to be the peak season for camping at Cat Creek, as official sources confirm its open period from mid-May to mid-September. No user reviews address seasonal variations explicitly.
Based on 14 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Extremely beautiful place, good vaulted toilet, next to Cispus river and Cat creek.' - Cody White 2. 'This is a wonderful Campground...It is a wonderful place to just go and set up a tent and do...
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Based on 14 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews do not mention exact site numbers or preferences for best/worst sites.
Based on 14 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 14 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed as long as they are on a leash, but no further details or reviews are provided about pet-specific experiences.
Based on 14 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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Campground: Cat Creek