About this campground
La Wis Wis Campground is a serene and scenic camping destination nestled in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, near Packwood, Washington. Situated at the confluence of the Ohanapecosh and Cowlitz Rivers, the campground offers a tranquil setting surrounded by towering Douglas firs, hemlocks, and cedars. It's an ideal base for exploring nearby Mount Rainier National Park and the Tatoosh Wilderness.
🏕️ Accommodations
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Total Sites: 122, including walk-in tent sites and a group site.
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Site Types:
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Standard: Suitable for tents, trailers, and RVs (18–40 ft).
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Tent-Only: Walk-in sites for a more secluded experience.
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Group Site: Coho Group Site accommodates 25–30 people and 5 vehicles.
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Amenities:
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Picnic tables, fire rings with grates, and grills.
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Vault toilets; note that drinking water is currently unavailable; campers should bring their own.
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Firewood available for purchase at $10 per bundle.
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Overflow parking and a campground host on-site.
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🌲 Activities & Recreation
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Fishing: Opportunities for fishing in the Ohanapecosh and Cowlitz Rivers.
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Hiking: Access to Purcell Falls Trail #162A and Blue Hole Trail #167, offering views of waterfalls and the river.
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Wildlife Viewing: Observe diverse wildlife in the surrounding old-growth forest.
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Picnicking: Day-use picnic area with a shelter, tables, and an interpretive plaque.
💰 Fees & Reservations
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Camping Fees:
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Standard Sites: $20 per night.
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Double Sites: $38 per night.
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Group Site: $90 per night.
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Extra Vehicle: $8 per night.
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Season: Typically open from mid-May through late September; check current conditions for any seasonal changes.
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Reservations: Available through Recreation.gov; some sites are first-come, first-served.
⚠️ Important Notes
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Water Availability: As of May 22, 2025, there is no drinking water available at the campground. Campers should bring all necessary water for their stay. Recreation.gov
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Cell Service: Limited to no cell phone reception in the area.
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Firewood: To prevent the spread of invasive species, it's recommended to obtain firewood locally.
What campers say
La Wis Wis Campground sits along a scenic river with easy river access and a popular swimming spot (Blue Hole). Sites range from roomy, private forested loops to tighter riverfront sites that can be snug for trailers; some double sites offer good privacy. Camp hosts are reported as friendly and attentive. Practical tradeoffs include intermittent lack of potable running water and vault toilets that can smell, though cleanliness varies by visit. Expect limited cell service, occasional highway noise near lower loops, and seasonal maintenance/debris after storms. Close to Mount Rainier area, making it a convenient, rustic base.
Our summary of 230 traveler reviews.
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
More
- Fire Ring
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Picnic Tables
- Tents
- Wildlife
230 reviews
Photos
Location
- Address
- Howard Lake Road,, Randle, WA 98377
- GPS
- 46.3704° N, 121.2970° W
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