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Big Creek trail bridge
Closed

The campground is currently closed for the season and opens May 18, 2026. Operating season runs mid-May through mid-September. First-come, first-served basis.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Alcohol Prohibitions

This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products

This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…

Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited

Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…

About

Situated in the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District of Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Big Creek Campground provides a quieter alternative to the often-crowded campgrounds inside Mt. Rainier National Park. The campground features 26 single sites and 3 double sites arranged in a loop, with lush vegetation providing ample privacy. A handful of sites sit directly along Big Creek, where anglers can try for brook trout. The campground serves as the trailhead for Osborne Mountain Trail, a steep but scenic route open to hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers, and dirt bikes. Glacier View Wilderness and the Sawtooth Trail system, including popular High Rock Lookout Trail #266, are also nearby. The surrounding area lies between three volcanic peaks: Mt. Rainier to the north, Mt. Adams to the east, and Mt. St. Helens to the west. Facilities include vault toilets and potable water from a hand pump. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. The campground accommodates tents, trailers, and RVs up to 22 feet, though some parking spurs are unpaved and tight turning may be required. No hookups, showers, or dump station are available.

Directions

From Ashford, Washington, travel east on State Highway 706 for approximately 2.5 miles. Turn right onto Forest Road 52 (Kernahan Road) and follow it for 1.9 miles. The campground entrance is on the right.

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $25

Vehicle

Max RV Length 20ft
Max Trailer Length 20ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (360) 686-3008

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile Yes

Availability

Photos

Big Creek trail bridge
Big Creek Campground
Big Creek

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