Iron Creek Campground

Star4.36
384 reviews
Gifford Pinchot NF Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, Randle, WA 98377, USA

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

Opens Gifford Pinchot National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Iron Creek Campground
$27.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $27 to $50 per night depending on the type of site. An extra vehicle fee is $8 per night.
Standard Site Fee$27.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$50.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
541-338-7869
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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 384 reviews

156 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanfriendlysites

"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."

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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

Driving directionsTake Highway 12 from I-5 and proceed 40 miles to Randle, turn south on Forest Road 25 and continue for 12 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via Forest Road 25, which is a paved road but described as having rough patches and potholes. Visitors have suggested driving carefully due to poor road conditions.
Nearby places
Randle (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Packwood (approximately 15-minute drive), Mount St. Helens Windy Ridge Viewpoint (approximately 20 miles).
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies are available in Randle, WA, which is a 20-minute drive away.

Best Time to Camp at Iron Creek Campground

Summer brings the perfect camping weather to Iron Creek, with sun-dappled days that warm the forest floor and refreshingly cool evenings ideal for campfire gatherings. The maritime climate means occasional rain showers that release the intoxicating scent of cedar and fir, while keeping the forest vibrantly green. As seasons change, so does the campground's character – from summer's lush abundance to winter's quiet majesty, each visit offers its own unique Pacific Northwest experience.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in WA

Open May–Sep; summer described as ideal camping weather though busy on holiday weekends.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Evergreen old-growth limits dramatic fall color; likely quieter but wetter than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens late May; early spring likely wet, buggy and variable—shoulder-season conditions mixed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonal (closed outside May–Sep); winter camping not supported.

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

About Iron Creek Campground

Nestled where Iron Creek meets the mighty Cispus River, Iron Creek Campground offers an enchanting escape into the Pacific Northwest's ancient forests. Here, towering Douglas firs, majestic cedars, and graceful hemlocks create a cathedral of green, their branches forming a living canopy overhead. Each campsite feels like its own private sanctuary, thoughtfully tucked among dense vegetation that ensures peaceful solitude for every visitor. This is camping as it should be – immersed in nature, yet comfortably secluded from neighboring sites.
Iron Creek Campground caters to a variety of camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and group sites.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

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.
HikingThe campground features the .3-mile Iron Creek Old Growth Trail, which weaves through the forest and along the Cispus River. This barrier-free trail is accessible to all skill levels. A longer trail circles the campground and provides access to the river.
FishingThe Cispus River, which runs adjacent to the campground, offers fishing opportunities for cutthroat trout, whitefish, and rainbow trout. However, some users reported mixed success with fishing, influenced by seasonal factors such as water clarity and flow.
SwimmingDesignated swimming areas are not explicitly mentioned, but the river has spots where campers can wade. Families commonly find shallow, calmer areas suitable for children near Loop A and elsewhere along the river.
BikingThe paved roads within the campground are ideal for biking and scootering, particularly for children.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is located in an old-growth forest, offering opportunities to observe native wildlife and birds. The Woods Creek Watchable Wildlife Interpretive Site is a nearby attraction.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include fast-moving sections of the Cispus River, steep trails, and high insect activity at certain times of the year.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Iron Creek Campground

Reviews

4.4
384 reviews
Recommended
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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,...
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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...
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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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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