How much does camping cost at Iron Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Iron Creek Campground range from $27-$50/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Iron Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Iron Creek Campground 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 Iron Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Iron Creek Campground has 9 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 Iron Creek Campground?

Iron Creek Campground 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 Iron Creek Campground?

Iron Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Iron Creek Campground have?

Iron Creek Campground has 99 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Iron Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Iron Creek Campground. 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 Iron Creek Campground?

Iron Creek Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Iron Creek Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Iron Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Iron Creek Campground: 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.

4.33

384 reviews

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

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,250 ft

Price

$27 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

99 campsites

Season

Open from May 23, 20...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Gifford Pinchot National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,250 ft

Price

$27 - $50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

99 campsites

Season

Open from May 23, 20...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Gifford Pinchot National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Iron Creek Campground

$27.00 - $50.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $50.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $27.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

Standard Site Fee$27.00

Premium Site Fee$50.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-338-7869

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Iron Creek Campground

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

Nearby places

Randle (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Packwood (approximately 15-minute drive), Mount St. Helens Windy Ridge Viewpoint (approximately 20 miles).

Weather at Iron Creek Campground

Current alerts(5)

$8.00 fee is charged per night of stay for extra vehicles.
Check in: 2 pm, Check out: 12 pm (noon)
Click here for more information about Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Firewood is available for ale at host site for $10.00/bundle.

Best Time to Camp at Iron Creek Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliably dry weather, warm daytime temperatures (typically mid-60s to mid-80s °F) and cool nights (mid-40s to mid-50s °F), making trail hiking, river swimming, fishing and biking most enjoyable. The campground is fully open and services are available from late May through mid-September, so stream levels are lower and trails are drier for exploring old-growth Douglas fir and cedar stands. Expect moderate crowds on weekends and holidays—book early for July and Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season: reliable weather, open facilities, popular for swimming, fishing and hiking.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 18. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 23, 2025, to September 20, 2025.

About Iron Creek Campground

Iron Creek Campground sits in the old-growth forest of Gifford Pinchot National Forest near Randle, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. The large campground offers well-spaced sites under a dense canopy, with access to river swimming and trail hiking during the summer season. Campers appreciate the private feel of the sites and the presence of helpful camp hosts.

Iron Creek Campground caters to a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and group sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliably dry weather, warm daytime temperatures (typically mid-60s to mid-80s °F) and cool nights (mid-40s to mid-50s °F), making trail hiking, river swimming, fishing and biking most enjoyable. The campground is fully open and services are available from late May through mid-September, so stream levels are lower and trails are drier for exploring old-growth Douglas fir and cedar stands. Expect moderate crowds on weekends and holidays—book early for July and Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation1250 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sprawls through classic Pacific Northwest old growth at 1,250 feet elevation. Moss-draped Douglas firs and western red cedars tower overhead while sword ferns blanket the forest floor. Iron Creek and the Cispus River provide constant water sounds and summer swimming holes. The setting sits in volcanic country where Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and Mount St. Helens rise on clear days, their ash and lava flows having enriched these soils for millennia. The forest canopy stays dense year-round, filtering light into shifting green patterns.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available. The campground exclusively offers campsites.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

General guest capacity per site noted but specific number not stated.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe Iron Creek Campground Trail is barrier-free and designed for all ages and skill levels, with benches and resting points along the way. However, some trails leading to the river may have steep banks and are less accessible.

Site SizeCampsites are designed to accommodate a range of setups, including midsized trailers and RVs. Some sites can fit larger RVs, up to 36 feet. Most sites have ample space for tents.

PrivacyThe campsites are well-spaced with lush vegetation and old-growth trees providing excellent privacy. However, some sites have visibility from the trails, particularly in Loop D.

Total Campsites99 campsites

Recommended SitesSites D95, C64, and loops C/D are praised for river access, privacy, and proximity to trails.

Best CampsitesLoops C and D put you closest to the river, where you'll hear water and have easier swimming access. Reviewers single out these riverside sites repeatedly. Loop D trades some privacy for those water views, with trail visibility into certain sites. First-come, first-served spots go fast, so arrive early or book reservations well ahead for July and August.

Need help booking Iron Creek Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Iron Creek Campground offers a wide array of amenities designed to enhance the camping experience. The campground is equipped with 99 single and double family sites, all of which are back-in and paved. Level spurs make it easy for RV parking. Each campsite comes with picnic tables, campfire rings, and drinking water spigots scattered throughout. Although some water spigots were reported as non-functional by users, most loops have working water access. The campground also features vault toilets, which are generally well-maintained, though some reports indicate occasional issues during peak weekends.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Iron Creek Campground offers numerous activities for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to the Cispus River provides opportunities for water-related activities, though water safety is emphasized due to swift currents.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground only has vault toilets.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyDon'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 & RecyclingThe campground provides dumpsters for trash disposal on all loops. Recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned, and some users noted confusion about recycling availability.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

384 reviews

Recommended

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

The campground receives high praise for its scenic beauty, spacious and private sites, and proximity to recreational opportunities like hiking and fishing. However, occasional maintenance issues with water spigots and vault toilets are noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 384 reviews

What Campers Love

Commonly praised features include the dense old-growth forest, well-spaced and private campsites, clean facilities, and family-friendly atmosphere. Many users also appreciate the helpfulness of the...

Based on 384 reviews

Common Concerns

Reported issues include occasional maintenance lapses with vault toilets, non-functional water spigots, and lack of recycling facilities. Some users also expressed concerns about noisy neighbors and...

Based on 384 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Popular sites include D95 for its proximity to the river and bathrooms, and multi-sites that offer larger spaces for groups. Some sites near the vault toilets were deemed less desirable due to odor...

Based on 384 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to secure first-come, first-served sites and bringing bug repellents and extra tarps due to mosquitos and potential rain. Users also advise purchasing firewood...

Based on 384 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are highly popular, with warm days and cooler nights. However, the campground can become busy during holiday weekends, leading to maintenance challenges. Mosquito activity is higher...

Based on 384 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Each camp site is incredible. If you want to be close to the creek, sites C and D are what you want while A and B are a little quieter." - Case Van Kooten. "The trail is an easy and enjoyable hike,...

Based on 384 reviews

Accessibility Features

Several users appreciated the accessibility of the Iron Creek Campground Trail, which is barrier-free and includes benches for resting.

Based on 384 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, and many campers brought their dogs. However, some users noted issues with off-leash dogs causing disruptions.

Based on 384 reviews

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Go if

You want a spacious, forested campground with helpful hosts and easy access to trails and river swimming.

Skip if

You're sensitive to vault toilet conditions or need guaranteed access to multiple water spigots.

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4.2

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Tower Rock Campground

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

Tower Rock Campground sits in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest foothills near Randle, offering tent and RV sites managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The small campground serves as a base for exploring Mount St. Helens trails and nearby Layser Cave, with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Reviewers praise the clean facilities and friendly hosts, though some note aging infrastructure and rusty water.