How much does camping cost at Paradise Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Paradise Creek Campground are $25 - $45/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Paradise 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 Paradise Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Paradise Creek Campground has 6 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 Paradise Creek Campground?

Paradise 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 Paradise Creek Campground?

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

How many campsites does Paradise Creek Campground have?

Paradise Creek Campground has 42 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Paradise Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Paradise 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 Paradise Creek Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Paradise Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Paradise Creek Campground include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Paradise Creek Campground

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

Fire policies at Paradise 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.

4.50

284 reviews

Gifford Pinchot NF Mt Adams Ranger District, CARSON, WA 98610, USA

B+Report Card

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Washington Pet-Friendly Campgrounds Washington Forest Camping Washington +2 more

Quick Facts

1,200 ft

Price

$25 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025 - ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Gifford Pinchot National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,200 ft

Price

$25 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

42 campsites

Season

Open May 23, 2025 - ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Gifford Pinchot National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Paradise Creek Campground

$25.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $36.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $45.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online /...

Standard Site Fee$25.00

Premium Site Fee$45.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

541-338-7869hwilliamson@goexplorus.com

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Gifford Pinchot NF Mt Adams Ranger District, CARSON, WA 98610, USA

Paradise Creek Campground

Gifford Pinchot NF Mt Adams Ranger District, CARSON, WA 98610, USA

Nearby places

Carson (12 miles), Portland (approximately 55 miles), Vancouver (approximately 50 miles)

Weather at Paradise Creek Campground

Current alerts(5)

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

Best Time to Camp at Paradise Creek Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to Paradise Creek Campground (open May 23–Sept 20), with comfortable daytime highs around the mid-60s°F and crisp nights near the upper 40s°F — ideal for sleeping in a forested creekside site. Trails, fishing access on the Wind River, and wildlife viewing are at their peak, and wildflower meadows at lower elevations are bright and accessible. Expect busier weekends and holiday periods, so midweek stays in July–August give the best balanceof Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Positive fall reviews; foliage and quieter visits late season noted by reviewers.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 18. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 23, 2025 - September 20, 2025. Closed outside of these dates.

About Paradise Creek Campground

Paradise Creek Campground sits in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest foothills near Carson, offering forested creekside sites along the Wind River drainage. Operated by the Forest Service, this mid-sized campground provides seasonal access to fishing and hiking in a quiet setting that reviewers praise for spacious sites and helpful hosts. The lack of cell service enhances the backcountry feel, though logging truck traffic can intrude during weekdays.

Paradise Creek Campground accommodates tent camping and small RVs with its 42 back-in sites. Some premium sites are located by the Wind River, offering scenic views and enhanced privacy. There are no group sites, cabins, or glamping options available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to Paradise Creek Campground (open May 23–Sept 20), with comfortable daytime highs around the mid-60s°F and crisp nights near the upper 40s°F — ideal for sleeping in a forested creekside site. Trails, fishing access on the Wind River, and wildlife viewing are at their peak, and wildflower meadows at lower elevations are bright and accessible. Expect busier weekends and holiday periods, so midweek stays in July–August give the best balanceof Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation1200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryAncient cedar and Douglas fir tower over the campground, with alders and big-leaf maples filling out the canopy. Ferns and moss carpet the forest floor. The Wind River runs along one edge of the campground, providing fishing access and swimming holes. Sites near the river have thick undergrowth that increases privacy. Others sit in more open forest with wider spacing between trees. Highway noise carries to some sites despite the forest buffer.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations are available within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum number of guests per site is not specified.

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 on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground has paved parking spurs and relatively level tent pads at most sites. However, some visitors noted the water hand pumps are difficult to operate and not fully accessible.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with parking spurs ranging from 20 to 40 feet. Some sites are spacious enough for multiple tents or small RVs.

PrivacyThe sites by the river offer greater privacy due to lush undergrowth, while the other sites feel more open and spacious.

Total Campsites42 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose premium sites near the Wind River for scenic views. Avoid sites close to vault toilets if sensitive to odors.

Best CampsitesSite 25 sits next to the river. Site 39 gets frequent mentions for shade and quiet. Site 18 offers more space and privacy. Sites closer to the highway pick up logging truck noise, especially early morning.

Need help booking Paradise 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

Paradise Creek Campground offers 42 back-in sites with paved parking spurs of varying lengths (20-40 feet). Each site comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets are available and maintained regularly, though some users report issues with cleanliness or odor at times. Drinking water is provided via an on-site hand pump, but multiple campers have noted that the water appears rusty, discolored, and has a strong iron taste. Firewood is sold on-site for $10 per bundle. The campground lacks showers, Wi-Fi, and cell phone reception.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Paradise Creek Campground

Paradise Creek Campground offers a range of activities including fishing (outside the campground on the Wind River), seasonal berry picking, and hiking on the nearby Lava Butte Trail. Wading is allowed in Paradise Creek. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant in the surrounding old-growth forest.

Hiking4.0/5

Lava Butte Trail #200 is accessible from campground; shaded routes and abundant old-growth trees.

Fishing4.0/5

Wind River runs along campground edge; steelhead & Chinook present; fishing permitted outside campground.

Water Sports2.0/5

Boating/kayaking not mentioned; Wind River presence suggests limited, informal paddling only.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Old-growth trees, moss, creeks and rivers provide strong nature photography opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete 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. Vault toilets are provided 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.

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 & RecyclingTrash facilities are present but recycling options are not mentioned.

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

284 reviews

Top-Rated

Paradise Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors generally praise the beautiful old-growth forest setting, quiet atmosphere, and proximity to recreational activities. The camp hosts receive frequent commendations for their helpfulness. Other highlights include spacious sites and the relaxing sound of nearby creeks. However, some concerns include road noise at sites near the highway, the quality of the hand-pump water, and occasional issues with vault toilet cleanliness.

Review Summaries

Based on 284 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 284 reviews.

Site 19Loved
Site 19: Spacious and quiet, close to water.
Site 25Loved
Site 25: Perfect spot by the river.
Site 39Loved
Site 39: Nice and peaceful, but lots of bugs.
Site 11Issues noted
Site 11: Too short for larger setups, lacks a table.

What Campers Love

Campers love the serene environment, spacious sites, and the friendly and helpful hosts. The presence of nearby trails and rivers adds to the charm. Many visitors appreciate the lack of cell service...

Based on 284 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include rusty, discolored water from the hand pumps, noise from nearby roads, and issues with vault toilet odors during peak periods. Some visitors also mention mosquito problems...

Based on 284 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own drinking water due to the rusty taste of the on-site water. Choose sites away from the highway for reduced road noise. Be prepared for mosquitoes and pack bug spray. Utilize the nearby...

Based on 284 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are busiest and can result in crowding and noise. Late in the season, some facilities like bathrooms may see reduced maintenance. Mid-week visits are recommended for quieter experiences.

Based on 284 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The camp hosts were amazing, they did such a nice job patrolling, cleaning, and visiting with guests.' 2. 'Our site (010) was great but it's pretty close to the pit toilets so every now and then...

Based on 284 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews mention that water pumps are difficult to operate for individuals with limited strength or mobility. Paved parking spurs and relatively level tent pads are available at most sites.

Based on 284 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and many campers enjoyed bringing their dogs. The quiet and spacious environment was appreciated by pet owners.

Based on 284 reviews

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Paradise Creek Campground

$25.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $36.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $45.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $25.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online /...

Standard Site Fee$25.00

Premium Site Fee$45.00