Largest Gifford Pinchot NF campground with 99 paved RV sites near Mt. St. Helens and Randle. Best NF infrastructure in SW Washington — all sites level and paved.
Iron Creek is the premier RV campground in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, with 99 fully paved back-in sites across four loops in old-growth Douglas fir and cedar forest along the Cispus River. RVs up to 40 feet fit easily on the level, paved pads with handpump water and vault toilets. Just 12 miles from Randle, it serves as a base camp for Mount St. Helens exploration. Windy Ridge Viewpoint and Johnston Ridge Observatory are scenic day-trip destinations. Woods Creek Watchable Wildlife site is nearby.
Iron Creek Campground sits in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest 9 miles from Mount St. Helens, in a landscape shaped by the 1980 eruption and now representing one of the world's most closely monitored post-volcanic forest recovery ecosystems. The Cispus River flowing past camp is a tributary of the Cowlitz, draining the south flank of Mount Rainier and the north slopes of Mount St. Helens — a volcanic watershed where lahars have repeatedly reshaped valleys over millennia. The surrounding Gifford Pinchot National Forest connects the St. Helens blast zone to the old-growth Dark Divide Roadless Area, one of the largest unprotected roadless areas in Washington and critical habitat for elk, black bear, and mountain lion.
Practical guidance assembled from current operator maps, park pages, and clearly identified community observations.
Large campground with a good variety of sites. Cispus River sites (1–35) are most scenic. Loop B has pull-through sites suitable for rigs up to 40 ft. A popular base for Mt St Helens exploration via the northeast approach. The campground fills on summer weekends — book early. Morning fog off the Cispus is beautiful; early risers are rewarded.
| 📍 Nearest Town | Randle, WA |
| ⛽ Gas Station | 12 mi |
| 🛒 Grocery Store | 12 mi |
| 🏪 Costco | 60 mi |
| ☕ Starbucks | 55 mi |
| 🏕️ Nearest State Park | 30 mi |
Stock up in Randle, WA before heading out — services get limited near the campground.
Ready to book?
Reserving 6 months in advance. Confirm current rules, site dimensions, and conditions with the operator. Booking and availability are handled externally.