94% (75 reviews)
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Gifford Pinchot National Forest adventure.
Explore old-growth forests, volcanic peaks, and thousands of miles of trails.
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99%
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Cowlitz River Rentals
54 sites · RVs, Tents70 acres · WA
WELCOME to Cowlitz River Rentals!
We will be hosting a number of events this year, so be sure to plan your stay accordingly.
2024 EVENTS
May 4 - Summit to Swamp Obstacle Mud Run (on foot)
May 4-5 - Beasts Endurance 1 adventure event (on foot)
May 24-27 (Memorial Day wknd) - Moonshiners Jeep Races
July 27-28 Muddaubers Jeep Races
Aug 2-4 - Flivvers at the River
Aug 3 - Gambler 500 "Run Forest Run" road rally & forest trash cleanup
Aug 3-4 HooptieX car racing
Aug 10 - Trail Mix 2024 endurance trail race (on foot)
We plan to be open from May 1 - September 30, 2024. We do have some sites open for Labor Day this year.
What is special here?
-- Very large and spacious sites, w/no charges for extra tents and vehicles.
-- Distance between sites for privacy.
-- Room to accommodate large groups with multiple camp vehicles.
-- River views from almost every site.
-- "Float the Loop"-A 20-30 min river float without leaving the property.
-- Pets off leash as long as they are under control.
-- Four beaches that can be accessed by all campers.
-- Many paths for walking and bicycling.
-- An atmosphere to relax and play like a kid again!
Thank you, to all who stayed with us in our first season. We hope you had lots of fun, in spite of the dust.
We are now in the process of revamping some of the camping areas to allow for a better camping experience. We have created some new sites and have changed the capacity of others. Many names have changed, so be sure to read the descriptions. The names on the 2023 reviews may be off as well, since we changed some names and moved things around. We are also now have a website: CowlitzRiverRentals.com It is online with basic info. We will be adding more site information soon.
Within the site listings here on Hipcamp, I will clearly notate if a site is brand new, or if it has a name/location change for 2024.
We had to adjust our check-in/check-out to noon. You are welcome to come to the property early, and stay on the property until early evening to enjoy the river....there are plenty of places to park before you check-in or after you check-out. This is only valid for the days that you are booked.
We will have a spigot with potable water available at the gate area. There will be plenty of porta potties spread throughout the property. These are cleaned weekly.
This year we will have an option to pack out your own garbage or use our dumpster for $10/bag.
Our 2024 season will have 10 Group sites and 15 Individual sites on 70 acres.
Our sites are listed as:
-Individual - up to 6 people
-Group - up to 16 people.
All of our group sites can accommodate much larger groups. Please call to make those reservations, so that we can make sure your specific needs can be met.
USE THESE COORDINATES (46.5354948, -121.9697498) to get to the access road at Milepost 114.5 on Hwy 12, just west of Randle, WA. Once arriving there, follow the posted instructions.
or USE THE WRITTEN DIRECTIONS in the BOOKING CONFIRMATION.....PLEASE!
The sites are listed based on reviews, as a default of the Hipcamp site.
Please scroll through. Not all sites can accommodate groups. Some sites are not feasible for large trailers. Click on a site for more details in the description.
We offer some of the most beautiful scenery in western Washington. Here you will find the peaceful quiet of being "away from it all", yet in reality you are only a little over a mile from the local grocery store, restaurants, and gas stations along Hwy 12 in Randle.
Randle is a gateway to many other outdoor areas and activities including Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, and Mt. St. Helens. We have a private entry from the highway, so you can feel safe leaving your camp set up while you take day excursions.
We have sites scattered across 70 acres. Your perfect camping site may be found in the fields, in the shade of the trees, by the river, in view of Mt. Adams, or a combination of these. You can be assured plenty of space for privacy and quiet, even if other campers are in the vicinity.
We currently host newly developed, private river access, camp areas on the upper Cowlitz River. Many of the sites may have a lot of dirt rather than grass. This dirt turns to dust in dry weather. We are hoping to have most of them seeded with grass, but we will see how that goes (grows).
This has been a cattle grazing pasture for the past 100 years. It is also flood plain, so we get a fresh covering of river silt almost every year. This also turns to a fine powdery dust in dry weather. However, many say that the river access, the surrounding beauty, and the privacy, far outweigh the inconvenience of any dust.
The property has a TWO MILE perimeter.....there is plenty of room!
We have 25 site locations strategically spread across this large acreage, each with its own "personality" and benefits. All campers have the ability to access the river at any of the four beaches. One of the most common comments from our campers is that they cannot believe how much space is between campsites. This year, almost all of the sites have a view of the river.
We make an effort to maintain site privacy and a peaceful atmosphere. We value being in the outdoors, with the feeling of "getting away", without having the rules, restrictions, and the crowded conditions found in typical campground areas.... we figure you do too. We just ask that you respect other campers, especially concerning campsite noise levels at night.
Campers can "float the loop" which consists of launching on the upriver side of the peninsula, floating/kayaking around to the downriver side, getting out and walking across the field to launch again.
PLEASE READ THE DESCRIPTION FOR EACH SITE to find out what type of vehicle it can handle. We have pictures for many, but we will be working through the winter and spring to develop others.
The only Hipcamp site location pinpoint will be for the access road at the highway. Please look at the picture of our site map to see where your site is located. We have to do this because people have not been reading the directions given, and our neighbors have given negative feedback about strangers driving into their yards.
New pics will be added as we get them. Please feel free to ask questions about any site.
Most areas can be accessed with 2wd vehicles, although certain areas may be a little rough for something with low clearance. Some sites are more friendly to larger trailers than others. Please read the descriptions and ask questions if you are unsure.
We have four separate riverbars, some with sandy beach areas. There is plenty of river space for all. Ask us about river floating and kayak options.
Let us know if you have a special group event. We are very flexible and can help you create the situation that would suit your group the best.
Pets are welcome, but be aware that coyotes, bobcat, and cougar have been sited in the valley. There are also eagles and hawks to be aware of for smaller animals.
Feel free to reach out with questions before booking to make sure all of your needs can be accommodated.
Things to be considered: Need for campfire wood, need for water, types of vehicles, your camping goal (group get together or total solitude with peace and quiet), quick easy access to the main road or camping way off the path, best pet areas, best kid friendly areas, ect.
We welcome your questions. Our goal is to help you make great memories!
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(9)
River's Edge Escape & Fish Camp
8 sites · RVs, Tents4 acres · Ellensburg, WA
With 300ft of private waterfront river access across 4 acres, River's Edge provides easy access to the best fly fishing in Washington state. There are endless opportunities to relax, fish and enjoy a quiet stretch of the Yakima River. Complete with 4 RV hook-ups offering 30/50 AMP + water service and 4 tent only sites, you can enjoy this slice of unique Washington wonderland with your whole family. Rustic and remote, you will feel instant peace and relaxation as you arrive.
Just over an hour east of Seattle sits our beautiful property. It's an easy and beautiful drive on I-90 all the way, then a short drive to the property. Being on the east side of the Cascades, this campground is almost always sunnier than the city, warmer in the summer, and snowier in the winter.
But the riverfront is where the true magic is. Fly fishing and bird watching heaven! Many hours have been spent relaxing in, on, or near the river with friends, family, and dogs. It's always changing, always alive, and that's why we love it.
If you need supplies, groceries or a restaurant, the town of Ellensburg is just 13 minutes away, and the fun town of Cle Elum/Suncadia resort with its restaurants and the Swiftwater Winery, is about 22 minutes away. Remote yet connected!
Our property amenities include a shared, central fire pit & gazebo/table/chairs for all guests to use. There is a flush toilet available on site (however no shower or laundry access). Our site is intentionally rustic and we can't wait to share it with others who love being outdoors with nature.
Suggested Packing list: River shoes, bug spray, sun hat, suncreen, camping chairs, binoculars, layers (it can go from chilly to blazing and back again), a good book, board games, s'more supplies, floaties/life jackets, leashes/poop bags.
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91%
(32)
Rainier Hideaway
7 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Ashford, WA
This location is only a mile away from the Mount Rainier National Park entrance. There is usually traffic going towards the National Park on weekends during peak season (July-August), so we encourage everyone to leave the site by 9 am during those days if you are planning on heading into the park. There is a full service restaurant (WildBerry Restaurant) that offers both traditional American and select few Nepalese dishes right next to the camping site. There are also more restaurants, gas station, and a grocery store about 5 miles from the location. You may see some elk and deers on the property if you get lucky.
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98%
(32)
Two Frog Bog
6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Roy, WA
Welcome to Two Frog Bog, a 20-acre forested haven featuring 5 acres of wetland. Our accommodations include a 24-foot yurt with a private, semi-attached bathhouse, two 10 x 20-foot tent cabins with outdoor kitchens and private outhouses with composting toilets. You’ll enjoy the outdoor shower that is available for all guests. The communal fire pit is a great place to roast s’mores and maybe meet new friends. But wait, there’s more: a two-tent campground where we provide the tents, a shared, covered and fully equipped outdoor kitchen, a shared composting outhouse (cleaned at least once a day). Campground has access to shower and fire pit as well.
Explore our forest trails leading to the serene wetland, and don't miss our unique 26-foot-wide, 10-foot-tall Woodhenge – a magical spot to relax in a hammock, read a book, or stargaze. Two Frog Bog invites you to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the variety of accommodations and shared spaces we offer.
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$35
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97%
(168)
Masabaje Camp
4 sites · Lodging, Tents20 acres · Ellensburg, WA
Purchased in 2013 after a fire came through the area.
We've spent the last 7 years regenerating the land, planting trees, building our house and collecting places for people to rest their heads.
Masabaje is the first two letters of each of our parents names (Margaret, Sandy, Barry, Jerry).
We offer three listings - a converted schoolbus, retro trailer, and tent spot.
Meet Birdy, a semi-converted Blue Bird school bus with a comfortable queen mattress, couch, two recliners, dry kitchen, cooking utensils, and
camp stove. There is access to a toilet, shower and sink (clean up area) in back room of main house (about a 4 minute walk).
Birdy sits at "Top Pond", farthest from the house in a super quiet and private spot.
You must bring your own bedding or sleeping bags, pillows, etc.
(available here for an additional fee).
There is no electricity available in Birdy.
Battery operated lights are provided.
Devices can be charged up at the house. There is also no heater in Birdy, overnight temperatures in September and October can dip down into the mid-low 40's or lower.
Meet Tin Man, we found him after he had been in an accident.
Bandaged him up and he became the first place to sleep when we bought our empty land. He has
a comfortable double mattress, couch, chair,
kitchen, cooking utensils, and two burner stove. There is access to a toilet, shower and sink (clean up area) in back room of main house (about a 30 second
walk).
Tin Man sits on our driveway round-a-bout and is closest to the house.
You must bring your own bedding or sleeping bags, pillows, etc.
(available here for an additional fee).
Ellensburg is known for its wind and our land is just down from a wind farm.
We cannot control the wind, but Birdy sits in a pretty wind protected oasis.
We are less than 2 hours from Seattle, 1 hour to Yakima wine country, 40 minutes to Vantage, 40 minutes to Leavenworth, 50 minutes to Snoqualmie Pass, 15 minutes to Ellensburg, 25 minutes to Roslyn, 25 minutes to Yakima River Canyon for floating and hiking, and so much more!
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98%
(215)
Painter’s Paradise
7 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Randle, WA
Nestled between three of the most magnificent mountains in the Pacific NorthWest, and backing on to the Pinot Gifford National Forest, this delightful farm is surrounded by open space, beautiful views and forest trails.
With zero light pollution, a myriad of stars fill the clear night sky here, and the only sounds that break the utter peace of an evening are the sounds of nature.
We are located 1hr and 40 minutes from Mount Rainier National Park and 2.5 hrs south of Seattle.
We have 3 tent sites and 2 tent/RV sites available. For the RV sites, we can accommodate vehicles under 45ft in length and the sites are flat. Electrical hookup available: Both 30 amp plus 50 amp hookups are suitable for RV and electric vehicle charging. Regular Electric sockets are also available in the studio barn for charging devices.
Water hookup available and TV hookup available.
Campfires are permitted as long as there is no fire ban. Pets are allowed. Flush toilet available. Potable water is available. Cooking equipment provided. Wifi available.
International artist C J Elsip offers creative experiences, painting holidays and classes here for the artistically inclined in her multipurpose studio gallery.
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94%
(97)
Mountain Lavender Escape
5 sites · RVs, Tents47 acres · Randle, WA
Cowlitz Falls Lavender Co. is quietly nestled in the heart of Randle, Washington, surrounded by the beauty of the Cascade Mountain Range and just a stone's throw away from the majestic Mount St. Helens. The fertile ground, courtesy of the active stratovolcano once known as Mount Lawetlat'la, provides the perfect foundation for our lavender fields. With pomace-enriched soil that aids in drainage, our farm boasts lush lavender plants thriving beneath a foot of rich topsoil. A hub for nature enthusiasts, our farm is a gateway to a plethora of outdoor adventures, from nearby campgrounds to the serene Lake Skanewa and the meandering Cowlitz River. The spirit of our farm traces back to 2014 when we embarked on a journey of turning neglected land into a flourishing lavender sanctuary. Despite facing setbacks like the loss of Debbie in 2018, we remain steadfast in carrying forward her vision. Our recent milestone was the grand celebration of Debbie's dream at our largest festival, where thousands flocked to revel in the lavender harvest, painting classes, and community spirit. As we navigate the challenges of farming and entrepreneurship, we are grateful for your support in shaping our lavender legacy.
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$42
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95%
(120)
Wildfern Grove
8 sites · Lodging, Tents40 acres · Buckley, WA
Learn more about this land: Immerse yourself in tranquility at our unique sanctuary nestled on 40 acres of pristine Pacific Northwest forest. Our property offers a captivating blend of intentional community living, event hosting capabilities, and short-term rentals.Find solace in one of our beautifully crafted yurts, each designed to provide a comfortable and harmonious living space amidst the towering trees. Step outside your yurt and into a relaxing meadow, perfect for quiet reflection or gathering with friends and family under the vast, starlit sky. Whether you seek a transformative community experience, a memorable event venue, or a peaceful retreat, our haven offers an unparalleled opportunity to reconnect with nature and yourself.
10 minutes from Bonney Lake, 15 minutes from Lake Tapps and one hour from Mt Rainier. We have 40 acres of sloped land with trails, wildlife, and nature to explore. Your yurt/tent site has territorial views of South Prairie, and includes a fire pit. Owners live on the property about a quarter mile away from the tent site, where you will find a communal kitchen and bathroom available for use.
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89%
(74)
Silver Ridge Ranch & Campground
79 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents22 acres · Easton, WA
Silver Ridge Ranch is located on 22 acres in the base of the Cascade mountains. There are 45 RV Sites, 35 tent sites, 8 lodge rooms, and horse corrals at many of the sites. You can ride your horse, or hike right from the property, enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing at nearby Lake Easton and Lake Kachess. Refer to Campground Map for Site # and location.
Take a short day trip to Roslyn, Wa. most noted for the filming of the Northern Exposure series. Roslyn was founded in 1886 as a coal mining company town. During the 20th century, the town gradually transitioned away from coal, and today its economy is primarily based on forestry and tourism. Don't forget to visit The Roslyn Cafe and The Brick.
Another fun day trip is to Snoqualmie Falls one of Washington state's most popular scenic attractions. Approximately 45 minute drive from Easton. More than 1.5 million visitors come to the Falls every year. At the falls, you will find a two-acre park, gift shop, observation deck, the Salish Lodge and the famous 270 foot waterfall.
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Booked 11 times
Riverside Camping Near Mt Rainier
9 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Elbe, WA
Welcome to our campsite located near Mt. Rainier. Our property is close to the Nisqually River on one side and the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad track on the other.
The entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park is just a 15-minute drive away, making our campsite a convenient base for exploring the park. Enjoy fishing, hiking, and watching the scenic railroad pass by.
Our campsite offers a peaceful place to relax and enjoy nature. Whether you're here for the outdoor activities or just want a quiet spot to camp, we look forward to hosting you.
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Wilderness Path
5 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Ashford, WA
Our rental property was once a mini Rail Road with full size locomotive's, train cars, pumper cars and more. My dad & grandpa layed all the tracks & put together the buildings in the 1970's. Once done my grandma sold tickets to the tourist and my grandpa ran the engine around the 7 acre oval track pulling a train car full of happy tourist through the woods over the train bridge and past the big water tower back to their vehicles so they could finish their journies with a drive to Mt. Rainier. There is a lot of history on this property for our family and we hope by sharing it with others they will be able to experience some fun here as well.
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Aquaman Mountain
9 sites · RVs, Tents322 acres · Black Diamond, WA
322 acres that was cut down in 2020. We are growing over 150,000 trees on it now with plans to line the 1.5 mile driveway with Japanese Cherry Blossoms from DC (Yoshino, Kwanzan, Weeping, Okame, Higan). The mountain starts at 600 feet elevation and climbs to 1600 feet. Very peaceful and remote yet you can see Seattle and Mt Rainer.
In the Fall/Winter of 2023-2024, we have spread millions of wildflower seeds. We are very excited to see the results in Spring 2024.
As I will spend over $60k a year fighting blackberry, cottonwood, red alder, and elk damage to get our forest established in the next few years, your contribution by staying here will 100% assist with helping the trees.
There are 9 different secluded campsites on the mountain.
All the sites can be used to host parties of up to 150 people (we have done it several times). The issue to consider is traffic. For large parties, we ask most people (usually car people) to park below on Green River Gorge Rd (there is a large county pull off) and then load into the back of trucks for the drive up the mountain. It is a one lane road, so it could get congested if 100 cars drove up it. One retirement party rented a bus for running people up and down and a porta potty at their site for guests. I am very happy to assist with party planning and setup if you have a wedding or retirement or business party. (or anything else)
Boy and Girl Scout troops and Explorer scout units are welcome to camp free (when doing unit camping). Site 4 would be best for large troops.
Hip camp gets people the property entrance great, but the coordinates to the driveway entrance are 47 19’15.7”N 121 58’05.6”W or 47.321039, -121.968225 should you want them.
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The best camping near Gifford Pinchot National Forest guide
Overview
About
One of the oldest national forests in the United States, Gifford Pinchot spans a massive 1.3 million acres and encompasses Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument. With more than 1,200 miles of trails, 1,300 miles of streams, 100 lakes, and a landscape that spans old-growth forests, volcanic peaks, and glaciers, the region is prime for adventure seekers. More than 30 established campgrounds offer plenty of overnight options, while campers seeking solitude can take advantage of dozens of designated backcountry campsites and dispersed backcountry camping in remote locations.
Notable campgrounds
- Best for Mount Adams views and access: Located at the base of Mount Adams, the Takhlakh Lake Campground offers easy access to nearby trails.
- Best for lake access: The Forlorn Lakes Campground is set near 16 scenic lakes and ponds, with several lakeside sites.
- Best for families: The Beaver Campground offers flush toilets, a playground, and easy access to hiking and biking trails.
Tips for snagging a campsite
- Plan ahead and make your peak season reservation as soon as possible. Reservations for most sites can be made up to six months in advance.
- If you don’t have a reservation, arrive first thing in the morning to grab any potential unreserved sites, or those available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Seasonal opening and closing dates vary from campground to campground.
When to go
Summer is the busiest time in the forest, so you should plan ahead to grab popular campsites. During peak season, reservations are required to enter popular areas and permits are required for climbing and some backcountry camping. Late summer and early fall are peak huckleberry and mushroom harvesting season, while snow-dependent downhill skiing is usually available at White Pass Ski Area from late November to early April. Check the weather and the status of campground, trails, roads, boating sites, and other facilities before finalizing plans.
Know before you go
- Permits are required for fishing, hunting, and the harvesting of berries and mushrooms.
- Advanced reservations are required for the Lewis River Recreation Area and Mount Adams Wilderness Area from mid-June to September. Climbing permits are required for Mount St. Helens (April to October) and Mount Adams above 7,000 feet (May to September). An overnight camping permit is required for Mount Margaret Backcountry between March and November.
- Bring headlamps or flashlights to explore Ape Cave. Tickets are required for vehicles parking on-site.
- Cell phone coverage is limited in many areas of the park.
Top parks near Gifford Pinchot National Forest
- Gifford Pinchot National Forest
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