How much does camping cost at Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf?

Camping fees at Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf range from $5-$15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf first-come first-served or reservation?

Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf before I book?

Yes! Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf has 3 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 Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf?

Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf is open May 01 to November 30. 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 Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf?

Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf?

Fire policies at Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf: 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.

Are dogs allowed at Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf?

Pets are not allowed at Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

3.93

27 reviews

Top 8% in WAFall

Great Hiking

Real-Time Availability

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Quick Facts

4,029 ft

Price

$5 - $15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Gifford Pinchot National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

4,029 ft

Price

$5 - $15/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Gifford Pinchot National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

$5.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Extra vehicle: $5.00; Standard Non-Electric Single site: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Plan a trip to Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

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Campground Map

Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

46.0483, -121.7545

Driving directionsFrom Trout Lake, Washington drive west on Highway 141. At the forest boundary Highway 141 becomes Forest Road 24. Continue west on Forest Road 24 past Peterson Prairie Campground to the intersection with Forest Road 60. At the intersection turn right to stay on Forest Road 24 and continue north to Cultus Creek Campground, at approximately 9 miles past the intersection with Forest Road 60.

Weather at Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

Current alerts(4)

A valid Recreation Pass is required at Cultus Creek/Indian Heaven trailheads. This $5 fee is separate from the campground fee. Valid recreation passes include: $5 day use fee, Northwest Forest Annual pass, and any of the Interagency Passes.
Maximum vehicle length is 32 feet.
There are no hookups.
There is no electricity at the campground and cell phone reception is poor.

Best Time to Camp at Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of cool, stable weather and quieter trails — daytime highs commonly range from the mid-40s to mid-60s°F (7–18°C) with crisp nights that drop into the 30s–40s°F (1–8°C). Hiking is at its peak as mosquitoes fade, berry season winds down, and the volcanic meadows take on late-season color; trailheads are typically less crowded than the late-summer peak. Expect easier parking and fewer competitors for first-come, first-served sites, though early snowfall can begin at Peak months: September, August, July, October Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 8% in WA

Fall offers stable weather and fewer bugs; reviewers call it the best season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to November 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

Cultus Creek Campground sits at 4,029 feet on the edge of Indian Heaven Wilderness in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The first-come, first-served sites offer direct access to Trail #33 and nearby Leimi trail to Lake Wapiki. Expect primitive conditions: no running water, vault toilets only, and mosquitoes through summer.

Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis; campsites may not be reserved in advance and must be claimed in person. Specific site types (tent, RV, primitive, group, cabin, glamping) are not stated.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of cool, stable weather and quieter trails — daytime highs commonly range from the mid-40s to mid-60s°F (7–18°C) with crisp nights that drop into the 30s–40s°F (1–8°C). Hiking is at its peak as mosquitoes fade, berry season winds down, and the volcanic meadows take on late-season color; trailheads are typically less crowded than the late-summer peak. Expect easier parking and fewer competitors for first-come, first-served sites, though early snowfall can begin at Peak months: September, August, July, October Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation4029 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense conifer forest surrounds the campground, where volcanic soils from ancient lava flows support the old-growth stands and huckleberry fields that define the area. The wilderness boundary begins just beyond the campsites. Trails wind through forest into volcanic meadows dotted with high lakes. The elevation and thick canopy keep daytime temperatures cooler than lower-elevation campgrounds, even in summer.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsNot reservable. Payment can be made via Recreation.gov mobile app (Scan and Pay) or cash on site.

Recommended SitesDownload the Recreation.gov mobile app before arrival to use Scan and Pay via the on-site QR code; arrive in person to purchase and claim a site.

Amenities available

First-come, first-served campground: campsites must be claimed in person on arrival. Payment accepted by cash on site or via the Recreation.gov mobile app using the on-site Scan and Pay QR code. Facility contact phone: (509) 395-3400.

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.9

27 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Campers describe Cultus Creek Campground as a quiet, primitive, and fairly secluded forest campground that works well as a base for hiking Indian Heaven Wilderness and nearby trails. Reviewers appreciate the clean, simple setup and trail access, but repeatedly note heavy mosquitoes, lack of running water, and occasional noise from gunfire in the area.

Review Summaries

Based on 27 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlight the campground as quiet, clean, and “basic, but secluded,” with good privacy compared to more developed sites. Many appreciate the easy access to Indian Heaven/Trail #33, Lake Wapiki...

Based on 27 reviews

Common Concerns

The dominant complaint is extreme mosquito activity in summer, described as swarms bad enough to keep people in their cars. Several reviewers note there is no running water and only primitive...

Based on 27 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest treating this as a primitive stay: bring your own water and be prepared for outhouse bathrooms only. Plan for very cold nights due to the higher elevation and be ready for significant...

Based on 27 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Multiple reviews mention substantial snow on roads and trails in June and even into mid-July, sometimes making the road impassable and limiting hiking distance. Mosquito problems are repeatedly...

Based on 27 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Quiet clean and a great place to camp.” “Basic, but secluded. Decent access to hiking north side of Indian Heaven Wilderness or fishing high lakes… Mosquitoes on another level.” “Quiet, out of the...

Based on 27 reviews

Accessibility Features

One reviewer notes “The handicap bathroom is better, but still just an out house,” indicating there is at least one accessible-design restroom, though still primitive and without running water.

Based on 27 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

One reviewer briefly notes “dogs, kids” at this basic campground, indicating that dogs are present/allowed, but no further pet-specific details or issues are provided.

Based on 27 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Fall hikers planning to run Trail #33 or reach Lake Wapiki via the Leimi trail. Cooler temps, stable weather, and far fewer mosquitoes than summer make September and October the clear window. Bring water and cash or the Recreation.gov app.

Skip if

Summer visits are rough: reviewers describe mosquito swarms bad enough to trap people in their cars. No running water, vault toilets only, and occasional gunfire noise from the surrounding forest are persistent issues regardless of season.

Nearby Campgrounds

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Tillicum sits at 3,898 feet in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, a 21-site campground built for tents and truck campers (18-foot vehicle limit). The wooded setting puts you in prime huckleberry territory, with late July through September drawing foragers to the surrounding trails. Sites cost $10 per night, and the rutted access road requires high clearance.

Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

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Weather at Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

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Best Time to Camp at Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

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About Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

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Overview

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Directions

Plan a trip to Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

Current alerts(4)

Best Time to Camp at Cultus Creek Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns