Campground: Soda Spring

Star4.18
24 reviews

Quick Facts

3,301 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Open July through Se...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly
Get Directions
Campground: Soda Spring
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
$20.00 per site per night; additional vehicle fee is $8.
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

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
661-702-1420
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.18

Satisfactory

Based on 24 reviews

22 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quiethiking

"User reviews provide a mixed but generally positive view of Soda Spring Campground. Visitors appreciate the quiet and rustic nature of the campground, though some have commented on the lack of amenities and the condition of certain facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Campground: Soda Spring

46.7044, -121.4821

Driving directionsFrom Packwood, WA, proceed northeast on US Highway 12 for approximately 9 miles to Forest Road 45. Turn left on Forest Road 45 and proceed 0.35 miles to Forest Road 4510. Continue straight on Forest Road 4510 4.2 miles to Forest Road 4510 052. Bear right on Forest Road 4510 052 and follow to Soda Spring Campground.
Access route is described as moderately steep, single-lane with occasional pullouts. Larger trailers are not recommended.
Nearby places
Packwood, WA: 9 miles

Best Time to Camp at Campground: Soda Spring

Summer arrives late in this mountain sanctuary, with the campground opening its gates when July's warmth finally melts away the last traces of snow. Through September's golden days, visitors enjoy the sweet spot of mountain weather—warm afternoons perfect for exploration giving way to crisp evenings that demand a cozy fleece. These precious months offer the ideal window to experience the high country's magic before autumn's chill signals the end of another camping season.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open July–September; summer is peak season with warm weather and trail access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open through September so early fall access exists but season window is limited.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site opens after snowmelt in July; spring access is not typical or supported.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closes outside July–September; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: July through September. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open July through September
  • Current Alerts: The campground is closed during the winter season.

About Campground: Soda Spring

Tucked away in the Pacific Northwest's emerald embrace, Soda Spring Campground offers an intimate escape with just seven thoughtfully spaced campsites. This hidden gem welcomes tent campers, pickup adventurers, and those with smaller trailers seeking refuge from the crowds. Here, the rhythm of nature replaces the rush of daily life, where crackling campfires cast dancing shadows through well-screened sites, and the only soundtrack is the whisper of wind through ancient trees. Each site features a classic fire ring with built-in grill and picnic table, inviting evenings of stargazing and storytelling around the flames.
Soda Spring Campground offers primitive camping options suited for smaller trailers and tents. The sites are basic and set in a quiet, lightly-used area with some moderate traffic.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Stay is limited to 14 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides access to outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the nearby soda spring. Local attractions include the nearby Cowlitz Trail #44, accessible from the Soda Spring Trailhead located within the campground.
HikingThe Soda Spring Trailhead within the campground provides access to the Cowlitz Trail #44, which leads into the William O. Douglas Wilderness. User reviews mention that the trail has challenges, such as fallen trees, but remains a popular activity.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad to the campground is moderately steep and single-lane, making access challenging for larger trailers. Potable water and garbage services are not available on-site.
Active AlertsThe campground is closed during the winter season.
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: Soda Spring

Reviews

4.2
24 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Campground: Soda Spring is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews provide a mixed but generally positive view of Soda Spring Campground. Visitors appreciate the quiet and rustic nature of the campground, though some have commented on the lack of amenities and the condition of certain facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 24 reviews

What Campers Love

Commonly praised features include the quiet and lightly-used environment, the presence of tables and fire rings, and access to hiking trails. One user described it as a 'cute little campground by the...
Show more
Based on 24 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticisms include the lack of potable water, the condition of the vault toilet, and confusion caused by outdated or conflicting information on official websites. Some users mentioned road traffic...
Show more
Based on 24 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors suggest arriving early on weekends to secure a site, as it can fill up quickly. Bringing sufficient water and supplies is essential due to the lack of potable water and camp stores.
Based on 24 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that the campground is busiest during summer weekends, but it tends to clear out by Sunday morning. Off-season visits may offer more solitude.
Based on 24 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Cute little campground by the soda spring, carbonated spring water from volcanic activity, super neat.' (Willow Luna, 2024) - 'Great. Note: no latrine on site...it’s free, basic fire pits and no...
Show more
Based on 24 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews do not provide specific details about individual campsites.
Based on 24 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically mention accessibility features or experiences for users with disabilities.
Based on 24 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but users note that dogs must be kept on a leash. One user mentioned enjoying the site with their dogs on a summer trip.
Based on 24 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Campground: Soda Spring? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 5, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Washington

Campgrounds
Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Campground: Soda Spring