How much does camping cost at La Wis Wis Campground?

Camping fees at La Wis Wis Campground range from $22-$115/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is La Wis Wis Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

La Wis Wis 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 La Wis Wis Campground before I book?

Yes! La Wis Wis 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 La Wis Wis Campground?

La Wis Wis 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 La Wis Wis Campground?

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

How many campsites does La Wis Wis Campground have?

La Wis Wis Campground has 122 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at La Wis Wis Campground?

Pets are not allowed at La Wis Wis Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at La Wis Wis Campground?

La Wis Wis Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at La Wis Wis Campground?

Popular activities at La Wis Wis Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

La Wis Wis Campground

4.22

510 reviews

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping Washington

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,378 ft

Price

$22 - $115/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

122 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

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

1,378 ft

Price

$22 - $115/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

122 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Gifford Pinchot National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

La Wis Wis Campground

$22.00 - $115.00 / night

Campsite Fees

A-MANAGEMENT: $22.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $115.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $46.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $23.00; TENT ONLY...

Standard Site Fee$27.00

Premium Site Fee$50.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$27.00

Group Site Fee$115.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-338-7869,

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

La Wis Wis Campground

Nearby places

Packwood (5 miles, approximately 10 minutes by car)

Mount Rainier National Park (28 miles, approximately 45 minutes by car).

Weather at La Wis Wis Campground

Best Time to Camp at La Wis Wis Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, driest conditions (typical daytime highs around 65–80°F and nights in the 40s–50s) and full access to La Wis Wis Campground (open May 23–Sept 20), making it ideal for hiking, swimming in river pools, fishing, and long daylight hours under the old-growth canopy. Trails into the Tatoosh Wilderness and access toward Mount Rainier are at their clearest and safest, while group loops and walk-in sites are fully serviced. Expect moderate to busy crowds in July–August, so book Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Quieter than summer with attractive foliage; trails and scenery still appealing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 18. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 23 to September 20 (peak season) with no bookings from September 20 to June 5 (off-season).

About La Wis Wis Campground

La Wis Wis Campground sits in the foothills of Gifford Pinchot National Forest, minutes from Mount Rainier National Park and the Tatoosh Wilderness. Operated by the Forest Service, this large campground offers riverside sites under old-growth canopy with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers hike, fish, bike, and watch wildlife along the Cowlitz River corridor during the seasonal operating window.

La Wis Wis Campground accommodates various camping styles, including primitive, RV, tent, and group camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, driest conditions (typical daytime highs around 65–80°F and nights in the 40s–50s) and full access to La Wis Wis Campground (open May 23–Sept 20), making it ideal for hiking, swimming in river pools, fishing, and long daylight hours under the old-growth canopy. Trails into the Tatoosh Wilderness and access toward Mount Rainier are at their clearest and safest, while group loops and walk-in sites are fully serviced. Expect moderate to busy crowds in July–August, so book Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation1378 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThree rivers meet here at 1,378 feet elevation, creating pools and swimming holes beneath a canopy of massive Douglas firs and red cedars. The Blue Hole, a popular swimming spot, has rocky banks and clear water. Trails lead to Purcell Falls and into the Tatoosh Wilderness. Sites near the river tend to be more open and spacious. Sites farther back sit in deeper shade with better seclusion. The old-growth forest keeps temperatures cool even on warm days.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Max guests per site vary
typically 6-12 guests depending on site type.

Groups

Group Standard Nonelectric sites are available, accommodating up to 12 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or via their contact center.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are limited, with some reviews noting that campsite signage is unclear and that vault toilets are available but poorly maintained.

Site SizeSites vary greatly in size, ranging from small tent-only sites to larger group sites. Several reviews mention that sites near the river are more spacious and desirable.

PrivacySite privacy varies significantly. Riverfront sites are described as more open, while others are well-shaded and secluded.

Total Campsites122 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose riverside sites for scenic views (e.g., loops A and D). Avoid Hatchery Loop if not using an RV.

Best CampsitesSites A19, D18M, and C14 get positive mentions for river proximity and privacy. Riverfront sites are generally more spacious and desirable, though they sacrifice some seclusion. Walk-in tent sites offer better privacy than spots in the Hatchery Loop, which is designed for RVs.

Need help booking La Wis Wis Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

La Wis Wis Campground offers a variety of amenities suitable for tent campers, car campers, truck campers, and RVs in the Hatchery Loop. It features 122 campsites, including walk-in tent camping sites. Both picnic tables and fire pits are available, and drinking water is provided at the main part of the campground. Vault and flush toilets are provided, although vault toilets dominate in some loops. Firewood is available for purchase at $10 per bundle. There is no Wi-Fi or cell phone service on-site.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

La Wis Wis Campground provides access to various outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Key trails like the Blue Hole Trail and Purcell Falls Trail are nearby, and the Ohanapecosh River offers swimming opportunities. The campground's old-growth forest provides a serene environment for nature observation.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are present but limited. Some user reviews mention that many flush toilet facilities were closed or locked during their visits, with porta-potties or vault toilets being used instead.

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.

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

4.2

510 reviews

Satisfactory

La Wis Wis Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the natural beauty of La Wis Wis Campground but also raise issues with restroom facilities, campsite privacy, and maintenance. Positive mentions include the scenic riverfront sites, spacious campsites, and proximity to hiking trails. Negative feedback often points to overflowing trash bins, poorly maintained vault toilets, and campsite disputes.

Review Summaries

Based on 510 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 510 reviews.

A23Loved
Popular sites include A23, noted for its riverside location, and C15, described as secluded but farther from restrooms.
Site H12Issues noted
Site H12 received negative reviews for being small and noisy due to nearby campers.

What Campers Love

Positive feedback celebrates the campground's scenic setting, especially riverside sites and proximity to Mount Rainier National Park. Reviews often praise the friendly camp hosts, clean campsites,...

Based on 510 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poor maintenance of restroom facilities, overflowing trash bins, noise from large groups, and issues with campsite reservations. Some reviewers describe conflicts with...

Based on 510 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer due to inconsistent restroom maintenance. Water shoes are advised for swimming in the rocky Blue Hole. Arrive early to secure better sites, and consider...

Based on 510 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with reviews highlighting crowded conditions and maintenance issues during peak times. Fall reviews often note quieter conditions and beautiful foliage. Winter...

Based on 510 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautifully located Campground almost at the gates of Mt Rainier National Park.' - Rich KR 2. 'Some of the bathrooms are perfect and some stink pretty bad.' - Jonathan Melusky 3. 'The campground...

Based on 510 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility is limited, with some reviews noting poorly marked sites and distant restroom facilities.

Based on 510 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

You want a scenic Forest Service base camp for exploring Mount Rainier and the Tatoosh Wilderness on foot or bike.

Skip if

You need flush toilets or prefer campgrounds with consistent facilities maintenance during peak season.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.7

(247)

Ohanapecosh Group Campground

208 Ohanapecosh Road, Packwood, WA, USA, 98361

Ohanapecosh Group Campground sits in old-growth forest within Mount Rainier National Park, near Packwood. Operated by the National Park Service, this very small campground offers group sites with flush toilets, potable water, and direct trail access. Visitors come for hiking among towering trees and a quiet retreat in the park's southeast corner.