Woodard Creek Campground

For Washington residents eager to explore the dramatic landscapes of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, **Woodard Creek Campground** offers a strategic and amenity-rich base camp. Located within the boundaries of the expansive Beacon Rock State Park near Stevenson, this small but highly valuable campground is a favorite among RV travelers and those who prioritize convenience alongside stunning natural beauty.

Woodard Creek Campground is distinguished by its primary offering: a limited number of **full-hookup utility sites**. Unlike many other rustic state park campgrounds, Woodard Creek provides electricity (up to 50 amp), water, and sewer connections directly at the site, accommodating RVs up to 40 feet. This level of amenity, combined with its year-round operating schedule, makes it a rare find in the heart of the Gorge and an excellent choice for off-season exploration or travelers who prefer self-contained comfort.

Set right on the winding Woodard Creek, which flows into the Columbia River, the campground is a true launching point for outdoor adventure. Guests have easy access to a boat launch, fishing opportunities, and the extensive network of hiking, biking, and equestrian trails that thread through Beacon Rock State Park’s 4,458 acres. Whether you plan to hike the iconic switchbacks up Beacon Rock itself, or tackle the challenging paths of Hamilton Mountain, this campground places you minutes from the trailheads.

It is important for prospective campers to be aware of the trade-off for this prime location. As noted in customer feedback, the campground is situated near both a major highway (WA-14) and active train tracks along the Columbia River. Reviews frequently mention the noise from passing trains, sometimes quite late at night. One visitor commented, "Right next to the highway with not just one train track, but TWO on either side of the campground... Full hook ups is nice, but unless you're deaf it is not the least bit peaceful." Campers are advised to come prepared with earplugs if they are light sleepers. However, the convenience and quality of the full-hookup sites, clean facilities, and direct access to world-class recreation mean the campground remains in high demand for those willing to accept the occasional noise.

The campground provides a simple, wooded setting. While small, the few sites contribute to a feeling of relative spaciousness and seclusion, according to some guests. The park staff works to maintain the facilities, which include flush toilets and hot showers (often coin-operated), though as with any public facility, cleanliness can sometimes depend on the respect shown by fellow users, as one review pointed out: “Nette en mooie douches. De gebruiker is de viezerik.” Nonetheless, the core offerings—essential utilities, proximity to nature, and ease of access—cement Woodard Creek Campground's status as a top choice for a Washington State Park experience.

Woodard Creek Campground is located on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge, placing it in one of the Pacific Northwest’s most stunning natural areas. It is technically a component of Beacon Rock State Park, which boasts 9,500 feet of Columbia River shoreline.

• **Physical Address:** 34841 WA-14, Stevenson, WA 98648, USA. It is situated directly off Washington State Route 14.
• **Proximity to Attractions:** It is ideally located for accessing all of Beacon Rock State Park, including the iconic Beacon Rock summit trail, Hamilton Mountain trails, and the Doetsch Walking Path. The charming town of Stevenson, with shops and dining, is a short drive away.
• **Columbia River Access:** The park includes a boat launch and moorage area, providing water access for fishing and boating on the Columbia River.
• **Year-Round Operation:** Crucially, the full-hookup sites at Woodard Creek are open all year, offering exceptional camping convenience even in Washington's wet winter months, unlike some of the park’s main forested campgrounds which close seasonally.
• **Site Types:** The campground primarily caters to RVs and trailers, offering a limited number of full-hookup utility sites (typically five) and some standard tent/hiker sites near the water and moorage area.
• **Important Note on Noise:** Due to its location between the Columbia River and the highway corridor, campers should anticipate noise from both road traffic and the active train tracks that run adjacent to the sites.

As a State Park facility, Woodard Creek offers a combination of highly desirable modern conveniences and rustic outdoor essentials.

• **Full Utility Hookups:** Available at the five utility sites, this includes:
  • Water hookups (potable water)
  • Sewer hookups
  • Electrical hookups (20, 30, and 50 amp service)
• **Standard Amenities:** All basic camping needs are met:
  • Picnic tables and fire rings with grills at each site
  • Restroom facilities with flush toilets
  • Hot showers (coin-operated, typically costing a small fee for a timed wash)
• **Waste Disposal:** A dump station is available for sanitary waste disposal.
• **RV Services:** The park offers an RV wash area for general upkeep.
• **Watercraft Facilities:** A boat launch is available for those looking to get out onto the Columbia River.
• **Reservations:** Reservations are highly recommended for the limited full-hookup sites, and are available up to nine months in advance, essential for planning during peak season.
• **Pet Policy:** Pets are generally allowed at the campground but must be kept on a leash at all times, in accordance with state park rules.

Woodard Creek’s appeal is its ability to serve as a convenient, amenity-rich entry point to the rugged beauty of Beacon Rock State Park and the Columbia River Gorge.

• **Columbia River Gorge Location:** The most significant feature is its unparalleled setting within the Gorge, offering stunning scenery right outside your door.
• **Extensive Trail Network:** Campers have direct access to over 26 miles of multi-use trails within the state park, including routes for:
  • Hiking (such as the famed Beacon Rock Trail)
  • Mountain Biking (including the West Hardy Trail and Bridge Trail Loop)
  • Equestrian use (with a dedicated equestrian trailhead and primitive sites available elsewhere in the park)
• **Iconic State Park Landmark:** The campground is only a short distance from Beacon Rock, a massive basalt monolith with an historically significant trail to the summit and breathtaking panoramic views.
• **Year-Round Camping:** As one of the few areas in Beacon Rock State Park offering full hookups year-round, it provides great value and flexibility, particularly for winter and shoulder-season campers.
• **Recreational Variety:** Visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, rock climbing (with some restrictions), and picnicking in the dedicated day-use areas.
• **Wooded Setting:** Despite the proximity to the highway, the campground is set in a small, appealing wooded area right on Woodard Creek.

Woodard Creek Campground is managed by Washington State Parks as part of the greater Beacon Rock State Park complex.

**Park Address:** 34841 WA-14, Stevenson, WA 98648, USA

**Beacon Rock State Park Phone:** (509) 427-8265 (Call for current rates, winter schedules, and specific restrictions.)

**Reservations:** Reservations for the limited full-hookup sites are handled through the Washington State Parks reservation system.

Woodard Creek Campground is the superior choice for Washington-based **RV travelers who demand full utility hookups and year-round availability** while exploring the Columbia River Gorge. Unlike the main campground, which is more suited to tents and small RVs and often closes seasonally, Woodard Creek provides the ultimate convenience of water, sewer, and high-amperage electricity. This allows for comfortable, self-contained travel regardless of the weather. What truly makes it worth choosing is the seamless access to the spectacular recreational opportunities of Beacon Rock State Park—from world-class hiking to river activities at the boat launch—all without having to drive far from your campsite. While the proximity to the rail line is a consistent drawback mentioned by guests, for many, the trade-off of occasional train noise for the exceptional combination of full hookups, scenic location, and year-round accessibility in the heart of the Gorge is a deal that cannot be beat. Secure one of the limited spots well in advance, and you'll have an ideal base for your next Pacific Northwest adventure.

Woodard Creek Campground

34841 WA-14, Stevenson, WA 98648, USA