Beaver Campgrounds

For Washington residents seeking a comfortable, family-friendly, and amenity-rich camping experience amidst the natural splendor of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Beaver Campground near Carson, WA, stands out as an exceptional choice. Nestled among large, old maple and sycamore trees along the serene Wind River, this campground offers a quiet and private atmosphere, making it a perfect escape for those looking to reconnect with nature without sacrificing convenience.

Beaver Campground is particularly appealing to families with children, a sentiment echoed by numerous positive reviews. It boasts on-site playground equipment and horseshoe games, providing fun for all ages right at your doorstep. The campsites themselves are spacious and well-dispersed, often offering good privacy, with plenty of old hardwood trees perfect for stringing up a hammock and enjoying a good book or simply soaking in the tranquil surroundings. Whether you prefer a sunny spot or deep shade, you'll find a site to suit your preference.

One of the significant advantages of Beaver Campground, distinguishing it from many more primitive forest camps, is its commitment to providing clean and accessible facilities. Visitors consistently praise the quality of the restrooms, which include both vault and, notably, flush toilets. The availability of crisp, clean potable drinking water is another highly appreciated amenity, ensuring a more comfortable stay for all campers. These conveniences make Beaver Campground an excellent option for those who enjoy the outdoors but prefer a few more comforts than what typical backcountry camping offers.

The campground's location along the Wind River creates a natural hub for a variety of recreational activities. Anglers will find opportunities for Chinook salmon and steelhead trout fishing, while those who prefer water sports can enjoy kayaking and canoeing. The surrounding forest is a treasure trove for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a network of hiking, horseback riding, and biking trails. During the season, berry picking, especially huckleberries, is a popular activity, adding a delightful local flavor to your camping adventure.

Beaver Campground also offers a mix of reservable sites and first-come, first-served options, providing flexibility for trip planning. Its welcoming environment and diverse activities make it a cherished spot for Washington locals looking to create lasting memories in the heart of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.

Beaver Campground is ideally situated at Washington 98610, USA, specifically within the Mount Adams Ranger District of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. This places it in southwest Washington State, making it one of the closest Forest Service campsites to the Columbia River Gorge and the greater Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area.

Access to Beaver Campground is straightforward and relatively easy, a significant benefit for Washington residents planning a trip. To reach the campground, you generally take Highway 14 to Carson, WA, and then proceed north on Wind River Highway for approximately 13 miles. The road leading to the campground is mainly paved, providing a smooth journey for most vehicles, including RVs and trailers. While some minor sections of gravel with potholes may be encountered on connecting forest roads in the wider area, the direct access to Beaver Campground is typically well-maintained, particularly during its operational season.

The campground is nestled along the scenic Wind River, offering pleasant views and easy access to the water. Its elevation is approximately 1053 feet, providing a comfortable climate during the summer camping season, which typically runs from May to the end of September. The relatively low elevation means it opens earlier and closes later than higher-altitude campgrounds in the forest, extending the camping season for locals.

Beaver Campground offers a total of 23-25 campsites, including single sites and several "double" sites, which are larger and feature two picnic tables, designed to accommodate bigger groups. Additionally, a massive group campsite is available, capable of hosting up to 60 campers and 20 vehicles, making it perfect for large family reunions, organizational outings, or scout groups. This variety in site sizes ensures that a broad range of local campers, from small families to large gatherings, can find suitable accommodations.

Its proximity to the town of Carson, known for its hot springs, and other local attractions like the Wind River Arboretum, golf courses, restaurants, and shopping, adds to the convenience and appeal for Washington locals looking for a blend of outdoor recreation and nearby services.

• Approximately 23-25 individual campsites.
• One large group campsite, accommodating up to 60 campers and 20 vehicles.
• Picnic tables at each campsite.
• Fire rings at each campsite (check for current fire restrictions).
• Potable drinking water available on-site.
• Flush toilets and vault toilets available (cleanliness is often praised).
• On-site playground equipment for children.
• Horseshoe games area.
• Camp host typically on-site to assist campers.
• Pet-friendly (dogs must be kept on leash and picked up after).
• Trash cans/dumpsters for waste disposal.
• Mix of reservable campsites (via Recreation.gov) and first-come, first-served sites.
• Overnight fees apply (e.g., $20 per night for a single site, plus potential extra vehicle fees).
• Firewood often available for sale from camp host (do not gather wood from the forest).
• Can accommodate both tents and RVs/trailers (no hook-ups).
• No showers available.

• Family-friendly atmosphere with playground and horseshoe games.
• Quiet and private campsites nestled among large, old maple and sycamore trees.
• Access to the scenic Wind River for fishing (Chinook salmon, steelhead trout), kayaking, and canoeing.
• Clean and well-maintained restrooms, including flush toilets (a significant highlight for many).
• Reliable potable drinking water.
• Spacious sites, many offering good privacy and ample shade.
• Opportunities for hiking, horseback riding, and biking on nearby trails.
• Proximity to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife fish hatchery, offering opportunities to view spring Chinook salmon.
• Popular spot for berry picking, especially huckleberries, in season.
• Good basecamp for exploring the Columbia River Gorge and nearby attractions like Carson Hot Springs.
• Accessible via mainly paved roads, suitable for RVs and trailers.
• Mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites for flexible planning.
• Pet-friendly community that encourages good dog etiquette.
• Generally less "backwoods" and more "luxurious" (relatively speaking) for a forest campground, making it suitable for new campers.

Address: Washington 98610, USA (Specifically, Beaver Campground is located in Carson, WA 98610, within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest).

For campground inquiries and information, contact the concessionaire managing the campground, ExplorUS:

Phone: (661) 702-1420

Mobile Phone: +1 661-702-1420

For more general information about the Gifford Pinchot National Forest or the Mt. Adams Ranger District, including forest-wide conditions, road closures, or fire restrictions, you may also contact the district office:

Mt. Adams Ranger District Phone: (360) 729-0018 or (509) 427-3677 (check for the most current number as these can vary).

Reservations for sites can typically be made through Recreation.gov.

For Washington State residents, Beaver Campground offers a compelling and highly suitable option for their next outdoor adventure. Its strategic location in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, combined with its family-friendly amenities and convenient access, makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of campers, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to those new to overnight experiences.

What truly sets Beaver Campground apart for locals is the balance it strikes between natural immersion and comfort. The availability of clean flush toilets and potable drinking water is a significant advantage, particularly for families or those who prefer a less rustic experience. These features, often absent in more primitive forest camps, contribute to a more relaxed and enjoyable stay, allowing campers to focus on creating memories rather than managing basic necessities.

The campground's design, with spacious, shaded sites and dedicated play areas, directly caters to the needs of families, ensuring that children have plenty of space to explore and engage in outdoor fun. Furthermore, its pet-friendly policy, coupled with observed good dog etiquette, means that beloved canine companions can join in the adventure, making it a truly inclusive destination for many Washington households.

Beyond the campground itself, the abundance of recreational activities along the Wind River – from fishing and kayaking to hiking and biking – provides endless opportunities for exploration and engagement with the natural environment. The seasonal draw of huckleberry picking adds a unique local flavor, connecting visitors to the rich natural bounty of the region. With its easy accessibility via paved roads and proximity to local towns like Carson, Beaver Campground offers a convenient and fulfilling escape into the heart of Washington's scenic beauty. It's a place where comfort meets wilderness, making it a perfect and highly recommended choice for locals seeking memorable outdoor experiences.

Beaver Campgrounds

Washington 98610, USA