Campground: Trout Lake Creek

4.47

51 reviews

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Tent Camping Washington Hidden Gem Campgrounds Washington Primitive Camping Washington

Quick Facts

2,200 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

18 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Mt. Adams Ranger Station site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,200 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

18 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Mt. Adams Ranger Station site

Official Website

Get Directions

Campground: Trout Lake Creek

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground charges $15 per night for a single site. Additional vehicles cost $5 per night. Payment options include cash, check, or digital...

Standard Site Fee$15.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$20.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS

Provider

509-395-3402

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What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 51 reviews

48 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanspacious

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Trout Lake Creek campground depict a generally positive experience, emphasizing the site's serenity, creekside location, and affordability. However, issues such as vault toilet cleanliness, generator noise from RVs, and accessibility problems have been raised."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Campground: Trout Lake Creek

46.0561, -121.6127

Driving directionsFrom Trout Lake, Washington travel west for over a mile on State Highway 141 to Trout Lake Creek Road. Turn right onto Trout Lake Creek Road. At the forest boundary, this road becomes Forest Road 88. Take Forest Road 88 north for about one mile to Forest Road 8810. There is a sign just before the intersection. At the intersection, turn right and continue down to the bottom of the hill. Cross the bridge and turn right on the spur road, Forest Road 8810-010, and drive to the campground.

The access road to the campground is rough and not recommended for trailers or motor homes. It involves driving on unpaved gravel roads, including Forest Roads 88 and 8810-010.

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies can be acquired from Trout Lake, WA, which is nearby and accessible by road. A waste station with potable water is also available for a fee at Klickitat County Park off Jenning Rd in Trout Lake.

Best Time to Camp at Campground: Trout Lake Creek

Summer transforms this woodland haven into a sun-dappled escape, where warm days invite lazy afternoons by the creek and cool evenings are perfect for campfire conversations. The reliable dry conditions from June through September make this prime camping season, with temperatures that feel refreshingly moderate thanks to the forest canopy and creek breezes. As autumn arrives, the maple trees burst into a spectacular display of gold and crimson. Winter brings a dramatic transformation, blanketing the campground in snow and dropping temperatures below freezing—a season when only the hardiest adventurers venture forth.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 23% in WA

Summer described as sun-dappled, warm days, cool evenings; quiet and often available in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Maples provide seasonal color; campground remains open into fall (through Nov 15).

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Open starting May 1 but reviewers note spring/river damage can affect access and condition.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed seasonally (open May 1–Nov 15); winter river damage reported.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: The campground is open seasonally, from May 1 to November 15, depending on weather conditions.
Current Alerts: None

About Campground: Trout Lake Creek

Nestled alongside the babbling waters of Trout Lake Creek, this intimate 16-site campground offers a peaceful retreat within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The single loop road meanders through a canopy of towering Douglas firs and graceful maples, leading to spacious sites—including several coveted double spots perfect for group gatherings. Creek-side campsites invite you to fall asleep to the gentle symphony of flowing water and wake to the sight of morning mist rising from the stream. Fly fishing enthusiasts will discover their own paradise here, where native trout dart through crystal-clear pools just steps from camp. The thoughtfully spaced sites, screened by lush deciduous shrubs and wildflower meadows, create private sanctuaries for each camping party. Adventure beckons just beyond your tent flap, with the legendary Sleeping Beauty trail nearby promising panoramic rewards for those willing to climb.

Trout Lake Creek campground offers primitive camping with no reservations required. The sites cater primarily to tent camping and are generally spacious and private.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this woodland haven into a sun-dappled escape, where warm days invite lazy afternoons by the creek and cool evenings are perfect for campfire conversations. The reliable dry conditions from June through September make this prime camping season, with temperatures that feel refreshingly moderate thanks to the forest canopy and creek breezes. As autumn arrives, the maple trees burst into a spectacular display of gold and crimson. Winter brings a dramatic transformation, blanketing the campground in snow and dropping temperatures below freezing—a season when only the hardiest adventurers venture forth.

ElevationPerched at 2,200 feet above sea level, the campground occupies a sweet spot in the Cascade foothills where mountain air stays refreshingly cool even during summer's peak. This moderate elevation creates an ideal microclimate—high enough to escape the valley's sweltering heat, yet low enough to extend the camping season well into autumn. The altitude brings crisp mornings that gradually warm to comfortable afternoons, perfect for both relaxation and exploration.

Natural Features and SceneryA living tapestry of Pacific Northwest beauty unfolds around every campsite, where ancient Douglas firs stretch skyward and native maples paint the understory with seasonal color. The star of the show remains Trout Lake Creek, its crystalline waters carving a melodious path through camp, creating natural swimming holes and peaceful meditation spots. Hidden treasures await the curious explorer—a secluded trail winds to a remote campsite for those seeking ultimate solitude. When autumn arrives, the deciduous canopy explodes in a fireworks display of amber, scarlet, and gold, while spring and summer bring carpets of trilliums, bleeding hearts, and wild rhododendrons. Just a short drive away, the mysterious Ice Cave beckons with its year-round frozen wonderland, while the Natural Bridges showcase nature's sculptural prowess in ancient lava rock.

Geological RegionThis enchanting pocket of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest showcases the diverse ecosystems of the Southern Washington Cascades, where volcanic legacy meets temperate rainforest. The campground rests in a transition zone where dense coniferous forests give way to deciduous groves and meadow clearings, all shaped by centuries of creek erosion and volcanic activity. The surrounding landscape tells a story written in basalt and ash—remnants of Mount St. Helens' ancient eruptions. Natural wonders dot the region like gems: the otherworldly Ice Cave formed in ancient lava tubes, the dramatic Natural Bridges carved by persistent water through volcanic rock, and the alpine splendor of Bird Creek Meadow where wildflowers paint the hillsides each summer. This lower-elevation refuge serves as a perfect basecamp for exploring the geological marvels that make the Cascade Range one of North America's most dynamic landscapes.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days maximum stay per visit.

Groups

There are no designated group camping facilities mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground features a single lazy loop layout with 16 combined sites. Some campsites are double sites, and others are located near Trout Lake Creek.

Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground is first-come, first-serve. It is generally not too crowded and often has vacancies during the summer.

AccessibilityVault toilets at the campground are wheelchair accessible.

Site SizeThe sites are described as large and spacious, often able to fit multiple tents comfortably.

PrivacySites provide good privacy due to the surrounding vegetation, including Douglas firs and maple trees.

Total Campsites18 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy and creek-side views, choose sites near the water. Avoid areas near the vault toilets if sensitive to odor.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Visitors to Trout Lake Creek campground can engage in a variety of outdoor recreational activities including fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the natural surroundings. Seasonal wildflowers enhance the beauty of the trails and creekside camping experience.

HikingThe campground features a short, easy trail leading to a remote campsite. Additionally, it is located approximately 4 miles from the popular Sleeping Beauty hike, which is known for its challenging terrain and rewarding views.

FishingFly fishing is popular along Trout Lake Creek, although user reviews mention catching small fish. Rainbow trout are noted as the primary species.

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is available, with many users praising the natural beauty and tranquility of the area.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRoad conditions may be hazardous for trailers and large vehicles. The region has biting flies in some areas and potential wildlife encounters.

Active AlertsNone

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Campground: Trout Lake Creek

Reviews

4.5

51 reviews

Recommended

Campground: Trout Lake Creek is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Trout Lake Creek campground depict a generally positive experience, emphasizing the site's serenity, creekside location, and affordability. However, issues such as vault toilet cleanliness, generator noise from RVs, and accessibility problems have been raised.

Review Summaries

Based on 51 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects frequently mentioned in user reviews include the scenic location next to Trout Lake Creek, spacious and private campsites, clean outhouses, and the peaceful ambiance enhanced by the...

Based on 51 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints from users include the rough, narrow access road, unpleasant vault toilet odors, occasional generator noise disrupting the serene environment, and limited maintenance in certain areas such...

Based on 51 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users suggest bringing your own potable water as there is none on-site, visiting during weekdays to avoid crowds, and being cautious of generator noise caused by brave RV campers using the unimproved...

Based on 51 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight that the campground is typically quiet and uncrowded during the summer, with vacancies often available. However, users have noted river damage during winter and spring, leading to...

Based on 51 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Amazing campsite. I've been going since the 90's." - Cameron Crook. "Quiet and well-maintained place, but lots of river damage over winter." - Leigh Armstrong. "Vault toilets are clean. The city of...

Based on 51 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews praise campsites next to the creek for their tranquil ambiance, with site #14 specifically noted for its beauty but loud runoff noise. Double occupancy sites like #9 are...

Based on 51 reviews