Atkisson Group Camp

For Washington locals seeking a rugged yet accessible group camping experience, Atkisson Group Camp in Trout Lake presents a practical and unique option. This campground stands out not for luxurious amenities, but for its straightforward functionality, particularly catering to those with trailers, large groups, or an adventurous spirit, including those interested in winter camping. Its design prioritizes ease of access and communal gathering, making it a distinct choice for specific outdoor pursuits in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Atkisson Group Camp is more than just a cluster of individual sites; it's a dedicated space built for communal activities and convenient vehicle access, a valuable asset for larger gatherings or those bringing extensive gear. We understand that finding the right campground involves considering various factors, from its location and accessibility to the specific services it offers and its unique features that align with your camping style. This comprehensive overview is designed to provide you, as a Washington resident, with all the essential information to confidently plan your visit to this functional Trout Lake camp.

Throughout this article, we will delve into the specific aspects that make Atkisson Group Camp a noteworthy choice. We’ll begin by detailing its precise location on WA-141 near Trout Lake, Washington, and discuss its excellent accessibility, particularly noting its suitability for pulling trailers. Understanding the ease of access is crucial for planning a smooth arrival, especially when coordinating a group or managing a larger vehicle.

Following this, we will outline the services and amenities available at the campground. It’s important to note upfront that Atkisson Group Camp offers a more rustic experience, with basic facilities such as a dry toilet and no potable water on-site. We aim to provide a clear picture of what comforts and practicalities to expect during your stay, ensuring you can pack and prepare accordingly for a self-sufficient adventure.

Beyond the basic amenities, we'll shine a light on the unique features and highlights that distinguish Atkisson Group Camp. This includes its large circular lot designed for easy trailer maneuverability, the covered cooking and picnic area that provides shelter for group activities, and its strategic proximity to popular regional attractions like Ruler Ice Cave, particularly appealing for snow camping enthusiasts. We’ll also share insights from past visitors that emphasize its suitability for specific types of camping, ensuring you can determine if it aligns with your outdoor plans.

Our goal is to offer a factual, engaging, and informative account of Atkisson Group Camp, empowering you, a Washington local, to make an informed decision about your next outdoor excursion. Prepare to discover a campground that is built for practicality and group fun, serving as your sturdy base for adventures in the breathtaking landscapes surrounding Trout Lake.

Location and Accessibility

Atkisson Group Camp is conveniently located on WA-141, near Trout Lake, WA 98650, USA. This position places it within the vast and beautiful Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Southwest Washington, a region renowned for its pristine wilderness, volcanic landscapes, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. For Washington residents, particularly those seeking a functional base for group activities or exploring the eastern side of the Gifford Pinchot, Atkisson Group Camp offers excellent accessibility.

The campground's location directly on a state highway (WA-141) ensures straightforward access. WA-141 connects to major routes like US-12 and WA-14, making it relatively easy to reach from various parts of Washington State, including areas closer to the Columbia River Gorge or communities further north. This direct road access is a significant advantage, especially for those traveling with trailers or multiple vehicles as part of a group.

One of its key accessibility features highlighted in reviews is the "Big circular lot to easily pull trailers through." This design is specifically beneficial for larger vehicles and trailers, allowing for easy maneuverability and parking without the typical challenges sometimes found in smaller or more winding campground loops. This makes it an ideal choice for RV rallies, group events, or simply families with larger camping setups.

Furthermore, its proximity to Trout Lake itself means that while the campground offers a more rustic experience, the nearby community can provide some essential services or a starting point for further exploration. The location also serves as a strategic jump-off point for exploring the natural wonders of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, including hiking trails, other natural features, and recreational sites, particularly those accessible from WA-141.

Services Offered

Atkisson Group Camp offers a more rustic and minimalist set of services, emphasizing its suitability for self-sufficient campers and groups. It's designed to provide basic necessities for a comfortable outdoor experience without extensive modern amenities. Based on available information and customer reviews, here are the primary services offered:

• Dry Toilets: The campground provides "dry toilets," which are typically vault toilets. These are a basic form of sanitation, common in more remote or rustic campgrounds, and are designed to be environmentally friendly.
• No Potable Water: It is crucial for visitors to note that there is "no water" available on-site. Campers must "prepare to filter or pack water in" for all drinking, cooking, and hygiene needs. This requires careful planning and preparation before arrival.
• Large Parking Lot for Vehicles and Trailers: A significant service feature is the "Big parking lot" or "Big circular lot to easily pull trailers through." This spacious area is designed to accommodate multiple vehicles, including large trailers and RVs, making it highly suitable for group camping and easy maneuverability.
• Covered Area for Cooking and Picnicking: The campground boasts a "covered area to cook and picnic." This sheltered space is invaluable for group gatherings, providing protection from sun or rain, and a dedicated common area for meal preparation and shared meals.
• Designated for Group Use: As a "Group Camp," it is intended for larger parties, offering a communal space that individual campsites typically cannot provide. This allows groups to set up together and have a shared common area.
• Car/Snow Camping Friendly: Its design, particularly the large, accessible lot and the emphasis on dry camping, makes it "great for car/snow camping." This highlights its utility for year-round adventurers, including those who prefer to camp directly from their vehicle or in colder conditions.

Features / Highlights

Atkisson Group Camp, while rustic, possesses several distinctive features and highlights that make it particularly appealing for specific types of campers and outdoor activities:

• Ideal for Group Gatherings: As its name suggests, this is a dedicated "Group Camp," perfectly suited for large family gatherings, scout groups, outdoor clubs, or friends looking to camp together. The design fosters a communal atmosphere that individual sites often lack.
• Excellent for Trailer and RV Access: The "Big circular lot to easily pull trailers through" is a major highlight. This makes it exceptionally "trailer friendly" and easy for even "big rigs" to navigate, park, and set up, eliminating the stress often associated with maneuvering large vehicles in campgrounds.
• Covered Group Area: The presence of a "covered area to cook and picnic" is an invaluable amenity, especially for groups. It provides a sheltered space that is perfect for communal meals, games, or simply gathering out of the elements, be it sun or rain.
• Suitable for Car and Snow Camping: The campground's layout and basic facilities make it "great for car/snow camping." This highlights its versatility for year-round use and for those who prefer to set up directly from their vehicle, particularly appealing for winter sports enthusiasts.
• Proximity to Ruler Ice Cave: Its location is a significant highlight for adventurers, being "20min by snowing" from "Ruler Ice Cave." This makes it an excellent base camp for exploring this unique natural wonder, particularly during winter months when snowshoeing or cross-country skiing might be involved.
• Feels Remote Yet Accessible: Despite being on WA-141, the overall setting in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest allows it to feel sufficiently "far out" for an authentic outdoor experience, while its easy road access ensures convenience.
• Rustic and Unfussy Experience: For campers who appreciate a more basic, self-sufficient approach to camping without the frills of modern amenities, Atkisson Group Camp delivers a straightforward and authentic outdoor experience.

Contact Information

For those interested in reserving Atkisson Group Camp or seeking more information, here is the essential contact information:

Address: WA-141, Trout Lake, WA 98650, USA

Phone: (509) 395-3400

Mobile Phone: +1 509-395-3400

This phone number is typically associated with the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, specifically the Mount Adams Ranger District, which manages campgrounds in the Trout Lake area. It is highly recommended to call this number or visit the USDA Forest Service's official website for the Gifford Pinchot National Forest (or Recreation.gov, as many federal campgrounds are reservable through it) to check availability, make reservations (as group camps are often reservable), confirm current conditions, and inquire about any specific regulations or advisories, especially regarding snow depth for winter access or fire restrictions.

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

Atkisson Group Camp in Trout Lake stands as a highly suitable and practical destination for Washington locals, particularly those planning group outings or specialized cold-weather adventures. Its unique characteristics align perfectly with specific needs and preferences within the local camping community.

For Washingtonians, the camp's primary appeal lies in its excellent accessibility and suitability for groups. Its location on WA-141 ensures an easy drive, and the "Big circular lot to easily pull trailers through" resolves a common challenge for those traveling with larger vehicles or coordinating multiple cars. This convenience makes it an ideal rendezvous point for family reunions, friend groups, or outdoor clubs looking for a dedicated space to gather and camp together without the hassle of individual site bookings across a dispersed area.

Furthermore, Atkisson Group Camp’s rustic nature, with a dry toilet and no potable water, is not a drawback but a feature for self-sufficient locals who are prepared for a more authentic outdoor experience. This minimalist approach often means lower costs and a greater sense of immersion in nature. The "covered area to cook and picnic" is an invaluable amenity for group activities, offering shelter and a communal hub regardless of the weather, which is a significant advantage in the Pacific Northwest.

Crucially, for Washington locals who embrace winter recreation, Atkisson Group Camp’s designation as "great for car/snow camping" and its proximity to "Ruler Ice Cave" (just 20 minutes "by snowing") make it a standout choice. It provides a unique base for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or simply experiencing the beauty of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in winter, an activity many locals cherish.

In essence, Atkisson Group Camp is a highly functional and specialized campground tailored for group convenience, vehicle accessibility, and a rustic yet comfortable experience, especially appealing for year-round adventurers. For Washington locals seeking a straightforward, communal, and perfectly situated base for their group outings or winter explorations in the beautiful Trout Lake region, Atkisson Group Camp is an excellent and practical choice.

Atkisson Group Camp

WA-141, Trout Lake, WA 98650, USA