Peterson Prairie Campground
4.5763 reviewsGifford Pinchot NF Mt Adams Ranger District, Carson, WA 98610, USA
Quick Facts
2,800 ftPrice
$25 - $115/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
36 campsites
Season
Open from June 13 to...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
2,800 ftPrice
$25 - $115/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
36 campsites
Season
Open from June 13 to...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsPeterson Prairie Campground
$25.00 - $115.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates range from $25.00 to $115.00 per night, depending on site type. Extra Vehicle Fee of $8.00 per night. Firewood available for $10.00...
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Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$45.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$115.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$185.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider509-427-3677
What Campers Say
4.57
Top-Rated
Based on 63 reviews
28 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanrestroomsspaciousfriendly
Some mention
dusty
"The campground is frequently praised for its cleanliness, spacious sites, and friendly hosts. Many campers return regularly, with one stating, 'We’ll continue to come to this campground every year as long as Cathy is the host.' Complaints include occasional noise from nearby groups and temporary logging operations. Hosts are consistently described as helpful and welcoming."
Fees & Passes at Peterson Prairie Campground
$25 - $115/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Premium Site
Best views or amenities
Group Site
For large groups
Stay Limit: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Cancellation: Cancellations up to 2 days before the reservation start date incur a $10.00 fee and forfeit the firs...
Prices verified December 7, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official US Forest Service - Mt Adams Ranger District website.
Best Time to Camp at Peterson Prairie Campground
At 2,800 feet elevation, Peterson Prairie enjoys a delightfully temperate climate that provides welcome relief from summer heat. The mountain air stays crisp and cool even on the warmest days, with gentle afternoon breezes rustling through the evergreens. While the region typically experiences dry summer conditions, occasional refreshing rain showers keep the forest lush and release the intoxicating scent of pine and earth.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: June 13, 2025 - September 20, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open from June 13 to September 20 for reservable sites.
About Peterson Prairie Campground
Escape to Peterson Prairie Campground, where towering pines, spruce, and fir trees create a natural cathedral of shade and tranquility. Perched at 2,800 feet elevation, this hidden gem offers refreshingly cool summer days and serves as a beloved basecamp for families seeking outdoor adventures and foragers hunting for wild huckleberries. Each generously-sized campsite features level gravel parking, welcoming picnic tables for memorable meals, and fire rings perfect for evening storytelling under the stars.
Peterson Prairie Campground caters primarily to tent and RV campers, with spacious sites suitable for families and groups. Primitive camping is available by default as the campground lacks hookups.
Historical SignificanceYour adventure unfolds within the storied Gifford Pinchot National Forest, home to the awe-inspiring Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument—a testament to nature's raw power, established by Congress in 1982. The surrounding Mt. Adams Ranger District weaves together millennia of geological drama with rich ecological diversity, where ancient volcanic forces shaped the landscape that now harbors pristine forests and alpine meadows.
Weather and SeasonsAt 2,800 feet elevation, Peterson Prairie enjoys a delightfully temperate climate that provides welcome relief from summer heat. The mountain air stays crisp and cool even on the warmest days, with gentle afternoon breezes rustling through the evergreens. While the region typically experiences dry summer conditions, occasional refreshing rain showers keep the forest lush and release the intoxicating scent of pine and earth.
ElevationRising 2,800 feet above sea level, Peterson Prairie occupies a sweet spot in the Cascade foothills where mountain magic begins. This elevation gifts visitors with noticeably cooler temperatures than the valleys below—expect morning mist threading through the trees and afternoons that invite hiking rather than hiding from the heat.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking Mt. Adams Ranger District, where Peterson Prairie serves as your gateway to an outdoor wonderland. Ancient conifers stretch skyward, their canopy filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Beyond your campsite, discover a mosaic of wildflower meadows, mysterious wetlands teeming with life, dramatic glacial landscapes, and pristine alpine lakes that mirror the sky.
Geological RegionPeterson Prairie sits within the magnificent Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southwest Washington State—a landscape that reads like chapters from Earth's autobiography. This remarkable ecosystem encompasses everything from ancient old-growth giants that have witnessed centuries pass, to resilient second-growth forests, thriving wetlands that burst with birdsong, alpine meadows painted with wildflowers, gleaming glaciers that sculpt the peaks, and crystal-clear lakes cradled in volcanic basins.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground does not explicitly mention ADA-specific features, though several reviews note spacious and relatively private sites.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as 'spacious' and able to accommodate large tents or multiple units. Group sites can hold 10-12 camping units.
Sites PrivacySites offer varying levels of privacy, with some well-screened by trees and others less so. A user noted, 'Site was well-screened from neighboring campsites.'
Total Campsites36 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites 7 and 8 lack barriers between them, and areas towards the back offer flatter terrain.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Groups
Group sites at Peterson Prairie are spacious and can accommodate 10-12 camping units. They are highly rated for their ability to host large gatherings like church groups and family trips.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSpacious sites with gravel spurs. The group site accommodates larger gatherings.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from June 13 to September 20 for reservable sites.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made in advance through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability between June 20, 2025, and June 24, 2025.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations up to 2 days before the reservation start date incur a $10.00 fee and forfeit the first night's use fee closer to the check-in date. Group site cancellations less than 14 days before arrival are subject to similar penalties.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Peterson Prairie offers a mix of nature-focused and family-friendly activities. Seasonal huckleberry and mushroom picking are popular pastimes. Nearby attractions such as the Natural Bridges and Ice Cave provide scenic trails and unique geological features. Bird Creek Meadows offers opportunities for birdwatching and wildflower observation. Goose Lake, located 8 miles west, is noted for excellent trout fishing.
Hiking
The campground is close to Natural Bridges and Ice Cave, which feature scenic, family-friendly trails. The Ice Cave includes a stairway for access to its unique ice formations. Other nearby trails offer varying difficulty levels, with some users describing the area as 'a good base camp location for accessing nearby trails.'Fishing
Goose Lake, 8 miles away, is a notable fishing destination with excellent trout fishing opportunities.Wildlife viewing
Bird Creek Meadows, near the campground, is praised for its spectacular wildflower displays and birdwatching opportunities.Winter Activities
No specific winter recreation activities are noted in the authoritative sources.Water Sports
Water-based activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding are not mentioned.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires permitted unless fire restrictions are in place. Firewood available for $10 per bundle.
Hazards
General hazardsSound travels well at night, and wildlife like bees may be present. Temporary logging operations nearby may cause early noise.
Weather at Peterson Prairie Campground
44
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Moderate rain
Precipitation: 4.7%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 90%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 16.8 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Very Light Rain - (4.70% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Moderate rain
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Emergency services are located in Trout Lake, including essential services such as a ranger station. Additional hospitals or larger emergency facilities are likely available in Carson.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 13, 2025 - September 20, 2025.
Trash and recyclingThe campground provides trash collection facilities. No recycling facilities are explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresGoose Lake, located 8 miles west of the campground, offers trout fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsSome reviewers noted dusty conditions in peak summer months and occasional disturbances from large groups or nearby logging.
HostHosts Cathy and her husband are frequently mentioned as friendly, knowledgeable, and maintaining clean facilities.
Campground Map
Gifford Pinchot NF Mt Adams Ranger District, Carson, WA 98610, USA
Driving directionsFrom SR 14 follow SR 141 North to the town of Trout Lake, continue through town on SR 141 till the road ends and FS 24 begins (approximately 5 miles WSW of town). Continue west on FS 24 for another 2.25 miles to the entrance of Peterson Prairie.
The campground is accessible via FS 24, which is a forest service road. There is no mention of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.Nearby places
Trout Lake (5 miles WSW, approximately 10 minutes drive)
Carson (approximately 45 miles, 1 hour drive).
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies are available in Trout Lake, which also features a well-equipped hardware store south of town. Fuel stations are also accessible in Trout Lake.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.6
63 reviews
Peterson Prairie Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
The campground is frequently praised for its cleanliness, spacious sites, and friendly hosts. Many campers return regularly, with one stating, 'We’ll continue to come to this campground every year as long as Cathy is the host.' Complaints include occasional noise from nearby groups and temporary logging operations. Hosts are consistently described as helpful and welcoming.
Review Summaries
Based on 63 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers frequently highlight 'super clean restrooms,' 'friendly and helpful camp hosts,' and 'spacious campsites.' The area is also noted for its proximity to popular attractions like Natural...
Based on 63 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users have noted issues such as noise from adjacent campers or nearby logging operations starting early in the morning. One camper mentioned, 'Sound travels well at night.'
Based on 63 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggest booking sites toward the back for flatter ground and more privacy. One user recommended visiting Trout Lake for supplies and exploring Indian Viewpoint for a scenic photo spot.
Based on 63 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Many users emphasize the campground's popularity during huckleberry season in late summer. Late-season visits are described as quieter and less crowded. Dry and dusty conditions are commonly noted in...
Based on 63 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
'The restrooms here were no doubt the cleanest of any campgrounds I've been to.' 'The spacious sites and tall trees make it a great place to escape.' 'It’s a very, very dusty campground but close to...
Based on 63 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 4 is described as 'private and lovely,' while Sites 7 and 8 lack natural barriers between them. Group sites are highly rated for accommodating large gatherings. Site 10 is noted as secluded with...
Based on 63 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews on accessibility features, but many users comment on the spacious nature of the campsites.
Based on 63 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews mention pets or pet-related experiences.
Based on 63 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated December 7, 2025
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