Walupt Lake Campground

Star4.27
199 reviews
Gifford Pinchot NF Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, Randle, WA 98377, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

3,957 ft

Price

$25 - $45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Open July 3 to Septe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Gifford Pinchot National Forest site

Official Website
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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
Walupt Lake Campground
$25.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $25 to $45 per night depending on the site type. Additional fees include an $8 extra vehicle fee and a firewood fee of $10 per bundle.
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
541-338-7869
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What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 199 reviews

109 Google reviews

Most mentioned

hikingwaterlakefriendly

"User reviews of Walupt Lake Campground are generally positive, highlighting the stunning natural setting, spacious sites, and recreational opportunities. However, the lack of potable water, challenging access roads, and mosquito prevalence are common complaints."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Gifford Pinchot NF Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, Randle, WA 98377, USA

Walupt Lake Campground

Gifford Pinchot NF Cowlitz Valley Ranger District, Randle, WA 98377, USA

Driving directionsTake I-5 to Highway 12 towards Packwood, then take Highway 21 to FS Road 2160 to the campground.
The road access to Walupt Lake Campground can be challenging, with reports of rough washboard, potholes, and some damaged sections of road. Forest Road 21 from Packwood is 21 miles long and can take over an hour to traverse due to rough conditions. The route from Randle is recommended as it has only about 6 miles of gravel road, while the rest is paved.
Nearby places
Randle (approximately 28 miles
about 1 hour travel time), Packwood (approximately 21 miles
about 1 hour travel time)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in nearby towns such as Randle and Packwood, approximately 28 and 21 miles away, respectively. Firewood is sometimes sold at the campground, but availability may be inconsistent.

Best Time to Camp at Walupt Lake Campground

Summer transforms this mountain retreat into an outdoor paradise, where warm days reach comfortable temperatures in the 70s – perfect for lakeside adventures and trail exploration. As evening approaches, the temperature drops to a crisp 40 degrees, ideal for gathering around the campfire under star-filled skies. Plan your visit wisely: July and early August bring nature's tiny welcoming committee of mosquitoes, so pack your bug spray and embrace the full wilderness experience.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm 70s, prime for water and trail activities; peak season but mosquitoes common in summer.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Early fall quieter with fewer bugs and pleasant conditions; campground open through Sept 20.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site opens July 3; spring visits are outside normal operating season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonally open (July 3–Sept 20); winter access not typical.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: July 11 to September 20.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open July 3 to September 20; reservations accepted from July 11 to September 20.
  • Current Alerts: No potable water is available at the campground. Visitors must bring their own water.

About Walupt Lake Campground

Nestled on the western shores of pristine Walupt Lake, this hidden gem beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of tranquility and adventure. Towering hemlocks, ancient cedars, and fragrant firs create a natural cathedral overhead, offering cool shade and privacy for each campsite. Here, your days unfold with endless possibilities – cast a line into crystal-clear waters, dive into refreshing mountain swimming, or set off on trails that wind through some of Washington's most spectacular wilderness.
Walupt Lake Campground is versatile, offering options for tent camping, RV camping, and group sites. Some tent-only sites are located along the lake shore, providing a unique and scenic camping experience.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Walupt Lake Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating. The nearby trails, like Nannie Ridge Trail and Walupt Lake Trail, are particularly popular among hikers and equestrians. The lake itself is a centerpiece for leisure, featuring opportunities for trout fishing, non-motorized boating, and swimming.
HikingNumerous trails, including the Walupt Lake Trail, Nannie Ridge Trail, and Coleman Weedpatch Trail, originate from the campground. These trails cater to a range of skill levels and are also used for horseback riding. Reviews frequently highlight the stunning views and the proximity to Goat Rocks Wilderness.
FishingThe lake supports trout fishing, with species such as rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout. Anglers have praised the clear waters and the abundance of fish, though one review mentioned that there are no facilities for cleaning fish on-site.
SwimmingThe lake features clear and cold waters suitable for swimming. A shallow shoreline near the beach makes it family-friendly. However, some reviews suggest that it may be more suitable for a quick dip due to its chilly temperature.
BoatingBoth motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed on the lake. Canoeing and kayaking are particularly popular due to the calm, clear water.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is located near Goat Rocks Wilderness, which is home to mountain goats, blue jays, hawks, and other wildlife. Crawfish and frogs can be found in the lake, adding to the family-friendly experience.
Beach activitiesBeach areas near the lakeshore are suitable for sunbathing and family activities. Several sites provide direct lake access.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are a significant nuisance during the summer, particularly in July and early August. The campground is remote, with no cell service and limited access to potable water.
Active AlertsNo potable water is available at the campground. Visitors must bring their own water.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Walupt Lake Campground

Reviews

4.3
199 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Walupt Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Walupt Lake Campground are generally positive, highlighting the stunning natural setting, spacious sites, and recreational opportunities. However, the lack of potable water, challenging access roads, and mosquito prevalence are common complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 199 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently highlight the campground's scenic beauty, proximity to Goat Rocks Wilderness, and excellent access to recreational activities such as hiking, fishing, and kayaking. The lake's clear...
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Based on 199 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include the lack of potable water, poorly maintained access roads, and the prevalence of mosquitoes during summer months. Some reviewers also express dissatisfaction with campground...
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Based on 199 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring sufficient potable water and mosquito repellent. Avoid accessing the campground via Forest Road 21 due to washboard and potholes; opt for the route from Randle instead. Early arrival is...
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Based on 199 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the peak season, with mosquitoes being a significant nuisance. Late summer sees fewer mosquitoes but no potable water. Early fall offers a quieter experience with fewer bugs and more...
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Based on 199 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The lake is amazing and the fishing looks good." "The campground itself is very spacious and well laid out." "Bring netting, Off, citronella or all of the above—mosquitoes are relentless." "The...
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Based on 199 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 38 is noted for its excellent lakefront views, while Site 7 is described as noisy and lacking privacy. Site 13 offers a river view but suffers from intense mosquitoes. Multiple users recommend...
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Based on 199 reviews

Accessibility Features

User reviews did not provide specific insights into accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 199 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific information about pet policies or experiences was mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 199 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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