Cat Creek Campground sits in a wooded pocket where Cat Creek meets the Cispus River, offering five first-come, first-served sites popular with off-highway vehicle riders. The rustic setup draws campers looking for trail access and creek proximity without developed amenities. Payment is handled through Recreation.gov's Scan and Pay, though cell service can be spotty enough that downloading the app beforehand is smart.
Rustic campground offering 5 first-come, first-served campsites in a wooded setting. The site is small and popular with OHV users accessing nearby multi-use trails.
Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best balance of warm, dry weather and full access to nearby OHV trail networks and creekside recreation; expect daytime highs commonly in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s°F. Trails, fishing holes, and the campground's five sites are most usable and comfortable in summer, with minimal mud and lower river/creek levels for easier wading. Crowds remain modest because the site is small and rustic, but expect weekends and holiday periods to be busier than mid‑/
Peak months: July, August, June, September
Avoid: December, January, February
Natural Features and SceneryTall timber creates a canopy over the campground, filtering sunlight and providing shade between sites. Cat Creek and the nearby Cispus River add a steady background soundtrack. The surrounding forest opens onto multi-use trails used heavily by OHVs. It's a functional mix of wooded cover and trail access rather than a scenic showpiece.