Killen Creek Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground typically operates from mid-May through mid-September. Walk-in primitive camping is permitted during the off-season.

About

Killen Creek Campground sits at high elevation within the Cowlitz Valley Area of Gifford Pinchot National Forest, near the northern boundary of Mt. Adams Wilderness. The campground is surrounded by a stand of lodgepole pine and silver fir, typical of high-elevation forests in the South Cascades. Its location makes it an ideal base camp for hikers and backpackers heading into the northern trails of Mt. Adams Wilderness, including the Killen Creek Trail which provides direct wilderness access. This small campground is managed by a concessionaire and operates from mid-May through mid-September, with peak season running from mid-June to mid-September. The facility offers basic amenities including vault toilets and each site has a fire pit and picnic table. No drinking water is available, so visitors must bring their own supply. The campground operates entirely on a first-come, first-served basis with no advance reservations. Payment can be made on-site with cash or check, or via the Recreation.gov mobile app using the Scan and Pay feature. The remote location and access via Forest Road 2329 limits vehicle length to 22 feet maximum. The campground sees moderate use, particularly from wilderness users who need to obtain free self-issued wilderness permits at the nearby trailhead before entering Mt. Adams Wilderness. During fall months when the campground is officially closed, the site remains accessible for primitive camping as there is no gate closure.

Directions

From Randle, Washington travel south on State Highway 131 (Forest Roads 23 and 25). Veer left in 1 mile at the Y of Forest Road 23 and Forest Road 25. Continue to follow Forest Service Road 23 for 31.2 miles and turn left onto Forest Road 2329. Follow Forest Road 2329 for 6.2 miles and arrive at the campground on the left.

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