Tower Rock Campground
4.2642 reviewsGifford Pinchot NF Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, Randle, WA 98377, USA
Quick Facts
Price
$25/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
20 campsites
Season
Open May 23 through ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$25/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
20 campsites
Season
Open May 23 through ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsTower Rock Campground
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season nightly fee is $25 for standard non-electric sites. Extra vehicle fee is $8 nightly. Firewood sold locally for $10 per bundle.
Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$25.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider541-338-7869
What Campers Say
4.26
Satisfactory
Based on 42 reviews
37 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewsquietclean
"Tower Rock Campground is generally well-regarded, with a focus on its quiet environment, cleanliness, and accessibility to outdoor activities. The average sentiment score for campground-specific reviews is 4.1/5."
Fees & Passes at Tower Rock Campground
$25/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum stay of 14 nights
Cancellation: Cancellations up to 2 days before incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations or day-of cancellations forfei...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Gifford Pinchot National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Tower Rock Campground
Summer transforms Tower Rock into a camper's paradise, with gentle temperatures and clear skies creating perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. As autumn arrives, the landscape shifts dramatically—maple leaves burst into fiery colors while nearby streambeds may run dry, revealing hidden geological features and creating unique exploration opportunities. Each season brings its own magic to this mountain sanctuary.
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: May 23, 2025 - September 20, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open May 23 through September 20, 2025. Out-of-season reservations are not available.
- Current Alerts: Occasional burn bans during dry conditions. Drinking water rust issue makes it unsuitable for consumption.
About Tower Rock Campground
Escape to Tower Rock Campground, where semi-private sites are thoughtfully tucked beneath a canopy of ancient cedar, fir, and maple trees. This pristine retreat combines the tranquility of old-growth forest with modern comfort, featuring well-maintained picnic tables, campfire rings perfect for evening gatherings, and clean vault toilets. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and immaculate grounds, Tower Rock provides the ideal basecamp for those seeking a genuine connection with nature.
Tower Rock Campground accommodates a mix of campers, offering options suitable for tent camping and small RVs or trailers.
Historical SignificanceJourney through time along the interpretive trails of nearby Layser Cave, where ancient geological formations tell stories spanning millennia. These carefully curated pathways offer fascinating glimpses into the region's rich natural and cultural heritage, adding layers of discovery to your camping experience beyond the traditional outdoor escape.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Tower Rock into a camper's paradise, with gentle temperatures and clear skies creating perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. As autumn arrives, the landscape shifts dramatically—maple leaves burst into fiery colors while nearby streambeds may run dry, revealing hidden geological features and creating unique exploration opportunities. Each season brings its own magic to this mountain sanctuary.
ElevationNestled at a comfortable mountain elevation that offers refreshing temperatures and crisp air, Tower Rock sits at the perfect height to provide both accessibility and that coveted mountain camping experience.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to filtered sunlight dancing through towering evergreens, with mountain peaks standing sentinel on nearly every horizon. Tower Rock's unique position creates an intimate forest sanctuary where dense stands of cedar and fir give way to sun-dappled meadows. While the campground doesn't offer direct river access, the surrounding landscape more than compensates with its cathedral-like forest setting and panoramic mountain views that inspire awe at every turn.
Geological RegionPositioned on the eastern flanks of the legendary Mount St. Helens within the vast Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Tower Rock occupies a remarkable intersection of volcanic legacy and ancient forest ecosystems. Here, meadows carved by time nestle between mountainsides clothed in dense cedar and fir forests, creating a diverse landscape that showcases the Pacific Northwest's most dramatic natural features in one spectacular location.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the data.
Sites SizeCampsites can accommodate vehicles between 20 and 30 feet. Some sites are noted as spacious, while others are described as small or uneven.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies among campsites. Some are described as semi-private, while others are noted for their lack of seclusion.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 005 offers quiet camping but lacks river access. Site 016 is ideal for privacy and clean restrooms. Avoid Site 012 for lack of privacy and overgrown vegetation.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM (noon)
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights
Groups
No dedicated group sites are described.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutAround 20 semi-private sites nestled in dense forest.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 23 through September 20, 2025. Out-of-season reservations are not available.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov via website or mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityCertain sites are non-reservable and available onsite on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations up to 2 days before incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations or day-of cancellations forfeit the first night's fee. No-show visitors are charged a $20 fee and forfeit the first night's fee. Refund requests can be submitted within 7 days of reservation end date.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Tower Rock Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking, and exploring nearby attractions such as Mt. St. Helens and Layser Cave. However, some limitations include no direct river access from the campground.
Hiking
The Burley Mountain trailhead, located approximately 4 miles away, provides access to multiple waterfalls, including Angel Falls. Several users noted the abundance of nearby hikes, with one stating, "There were a couple of groups that were up late and talking and laughing, but it was never loud and it didn't bother us. The Layser Cave was interesting, and the hike to Angel Falls—Curtain Falls?—was nice."Fishing
Fishing is available in a privately-owned trout pond nearby, as well as in the Cispus River, which is known for brook trout.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned. The campground appears to be more suitable for summer use, given the seasonal operation dates.Water Sports
No specific water sports are highlighted.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Firewood is available for $10 per bundle. Burn bans are occasionally in effect but are not always well communicated.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned in the source.
Hazards
General hazardsRusty drinking water; visitors are advised to bring their own. Occasional rowdy campers and potential navigation issues due to unclear signage.
Active alertsOccasional burn bans during dry conditions. Drinking water rust issue makes it unsuitable for consumption.
Weather at Tower Rock Campground
46
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 81%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Limited staffing at campground, nearest services include Randle Police Department and hospitals within Randle.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - September 20, 2025
Trash and recyclingA dumpster is available for trash disposal. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresA quarter mile from Cispus River but lacks direct river access. Closest swimming is at Yellowjacket Creek.
Common complaintsNo direct river access despite proximity. Rusty drinking water. Some older facilities in need of repair including picnic tables and pavement.
HostHosts receive positive reviews for friendliness and maintenance, though occasional lack of host presence is noted.
Campground Map
Gifford Pinchot NF Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, Randle, WA 98377, USA
Driving directionsTake Highway 12 east from I-5 and head south on Road 25. Go left at Y towards Highway 23 and continue for 8 miles. Take a right on Road 28 and another right on Road 76. Proceed to the campground.
Accessible by paved roads. Seasonal closures and signage issues may make navigation challenging; visitors are advised to closely follow directions and avoid relying solely on Google Maps.Nearby supplies
Randle offers groceries, fuel, and camping supplies. Firewood available locally for $10 per bundle.
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.3
42 reviews
Tower Rock Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Tower Rock Campground is generally well-regarded, with a focus on its quiet environment, cleanliness, and accessibility to outdoor activities. The average sentiment score for campground-specific reviews is 4.1/5.
Review Summaries
Based on 42 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews emphasize the cleanliness of the vault toilets, the friendliness of the hosts, and the quiet, serene environment. The proximity to hikes and attractions like Layser Cave is also...
Based on 42 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include the lack of running water or undrinkable water due to rust, no direct river access, and some sites being small or in need of repair. One user stated, "The drinking water is no...
Based on 42 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend bringing their own drinking water, double-checking directions to avoid confusion with a similarly named RV campground, and being prepared for the lack of cell service. "Bring your...
Based on 42 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews indicate the campground is busiest during summer. Mosquitos are mentioned in mid-July, while the Cispus River was reported as dry in early September. Winter use is not discussed, suggesting...
Based on 42 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Vault toilet was kept spotless, hosts monitored the campground frequently." "Hosts were great, and it was clean and very beautiful." "The vault toilets were the cleanest I've ever experienced."
Based on 42 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews vary: Site 2 is spacious and quiet, while Site 12 is described as lacking privacy and being overgrown. Site 5 is noted for cleanliness, and Site 16 is praised for its privacy. A...
Based on 42 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews are available.
Based on 42 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed, and users generally appreciated the pet-friendly policy. However, no detailed reviews are specifically about pets.
Based on 42 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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