Campground: Big Creek
A map depicting trails in the Sawtooth area within the Cowlitz Valley vicinity. Sites include: Allen Mountain Trail #269, Big Creek Campground, Big Creek Trail #252, Cave Creek Trail #255, Greenwood Lake Trail #253, High Rock Trail #266, Osborne Mountain Trail #250, Silver Creek Trail #258, Teeley Creek Trail #251.
This beautiful campground set in a wooded area close to the west entrance of Mt. Rainier National Park is a great getaway for a camping trip.
Big Creek Campground is a single-loop campground located close to the west entrance of Mt. Rainier National Park. It is also close to Glacier View Wilderness and the Sawtooth Trail system including High Rock Lookout Trail #266. Some sites overlook Big Creek. The lush vegetation provides good privacy between sites.
View a map of Big Creek Campground (.pdf)
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | 10/1/23: Concessionaire hosting is over for season and campground is gated. You can access this by hiking in, but you must follow rules for Disperse Camping and Leave No Trace Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Outdoor Safety & Ethics (usda.gov)! Campground has both reservation and first come first serve sites July 14-Sept. 10. Make reservations on Recreation.gov up to 6 months in advance or you may call 1-877-444-6777. |
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Reservations: | First come, first serve. |
Area Amenities: | Accessible, Tent camping, Camping trailer, Picnic tables, Toilets, Drinking water, Parking |
Fees: |
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Open Season: | 05/19/2023 - 09/24/2023 |
Usage: | Light-Medium |
Restrictions: | Maximum vehicle length 24-40 feet. |
Closest Towns: | Elbe, WA; Packwood, WA |
Water: | Potable Water |
Restroom: | Vault Toilet |
Passes: | 50% discount for single site camping fee with any of these passes: Interagency Senior, Interagency Access, Golden Age, or Golden Access. |
Operated By: | Concessionaire |
Information Center: |
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General Information
Directions:From Ashford, Washington travel east on State Highway 706 for approximately 2.5 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 52 (Kernahan Road). Follow Forest Road 52 for 1.9 miles and arrive at the campground on your right.
Activities
Campground Camping
Each site has a pedestal grill. The campground requires vehicles to have a relatively tight turning radius. Some parking spurs are paved; others are native moss and dirt.
No. of Sites | 26 single site(s), 3 double site(s) |
Reservation Info | This site can be reserved by calling Toll Free 1-877-444-6777 (International 518-885-3639 or TDD 877-833-6777) or on-line at http://www.recreation.gov |
No. of Accessible sites | None |
RV Camping
The campground requires vehicles to have a relatively tight turning radius.
No. of Sites | 27 |
Reservation Info | This site can be reserved by calling Toll Free 1-877-444-6777 (International 518-885-3639 or TDD 877-833-6777) or on-line at http://www.recreation.gov |
Pavement Type for Parking | Native Material or Asphalt |
Hookup - Water | No |
Size Restrictions | 22' |
Hookup - Sewer | No |
Dump Stations | No |
Hookups - Electric | No |
Corrals | 22' |
River and Stream Fishing
Fishing in nearby Skate Creek. See Washington State fishing regulations.
Fish Species | Brook trout |
Picnicking
Picnicking in camp sites is available for a fee.
Amenities
Camping trailer: | space length 24-40' |
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Picnic tables: | |
Tent camping: | |
Parking: | |
Toilets: | |
Accessible: | |
Drinking water: |