Lower Falls Campground

Welcome to Lower Falls Campground, a serene and picturesque destination nestled within the expansive Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southwest Washington State. As a featured location in the Campgrounds & RV Parks category, Lower Falls offers an exceptional opportunity for local users to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Renowned for its close proximity to the magnificent Lower Falls on the Lewis River, the campground serves as an ideal base for outdoor adventures and tranquil relaxation.

Environment: A Wooded Retreat by the Lewis River

Lower Falls Campground is situated in a delightfully wooded setting alongside the scenic Lewis River. The campsites are thoughtfully positioned among mature evergreen trees, providing a welcome sense of privacy and seclusion for visitors. The campground road is paved and pleasantly shaded by these towering trees, enhancing the overall camping experience. The gentle sounds of the nearby river create a soothing backdrop, perfect for unwinding and connecting with nature. The lush forest floor, carpeted with ferns and moss, adds to the vibrant ecosystem and natural charm of the area.

Services and Amenities: Comfort in Nature

Lower Falls Campground offers 43 standard sites designed to accommodate both tents and RVs (with a maximum length of 60 feet). While no hookups are available, each site is equipped with essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay. You'll find a picnic table for enjoying outdoor meals and a campfire ring with a grill, perfect for cooking and gathering around a cozy fire in the evenings. The campground also provides composting toilets and drinking water for the convenience of its guests. Please note that while drinking water is available, it's always wise to bring extra water, especially for longer stays.

For those planning to bring an additional vehicle, please be aware that there may be an extra vehicle fee per night. It’s advisable to check the current fee structure when making your plans.

Features: Access to Adventure and Beauty

One of the standout features of Lower Falls Campground is its direct access to the Lewis River Trail #31. This popular multi-use trail welcomes hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders, winding along the riverbank through old-growth forests and leading past several breathtaking waterfalls. This provides an excellent opportunity for exploring the stunning natural landscapes surrounding the campground.

Water enthusiasts will appreciate the chance for catch-and-release fishing in the Lewis River, as well as kayaking. The tranquil waters offer a peaceful way to enjoy the scenery from a different perspective.

Within the campground itself, the Lower Falls Day Use Area provides additional opportunities for picnicking and enjoying the immediate surroundings. Furthermore, within a short 15-minute drive from the campground, visitors can discover other spectacular waterfalls, including Lower Lewis River Falls, Curly Creek Falls, Big Creek Falls, and Middle Falls, making this area a haven for waterfall enthusiasts.

For those interested in equestrian activities, the Lewis River Horse Camp is located approximately 5 miles away, offering facilities for those traveling with horses.

Promotional Information and Planning Your Visit

Lower Falls Campground is open for the summer season, typically from mid-May through October. For the current year, 2025, the campground opened on May 19th and is scheduled to close on September 21st. Given its popularity, especially during the summer months, it is highly recommended to make reservations online in advance through Recreation.gov. Reservations can generally be made up to 6 months prior to your desired dates.

The overnight fee for a single site is typically around $20 per night, while double sites may cost approximately $40 per night. Discounts on single site camping fees may be available for those with Interagency Senior, Interagency Access, Golden Age, or Golden Access passes (applies only to the site occupied by the pass holder).

Check-in time is generally at 2:00 p.m., and check-out time is at 12:00 p.m. Quiet hours are observed from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. to ensure a peaceful environment for all campers.

Getting There

Directions to Lower Falls Campground are as follows:

From Cougar, Washington: Drive east on Highway 503 for about 33 miles. Just past the Pine Creek Information Center, the highway intersects with Forest Road 25. Keep right at this intersection and stay on Highway 503, which will become Forest Road 90 at the forest boundary. Continue east on Forest Road 90 until you reach the well-signed entrance to the campground on your right, after passing mile marker 28.

From Trout Lake: Head north to Forest Road 23. Drive approximately 20 miles until you reach Forest Road 90. Turn left onto Forest Road 90 and drive about 16 miles to the campground entrance on the left side of the road.

Please be aware that Forest Road 90 may have some potholes, so drive with caution.

Nearby Attractions and Activities

Beyond the immediate beauty of Lower Falls and the Lewis River Trail, the surrounding Gifford Pinchot National Forest offers a wealth of recreational opportunities. These include additional hiking trails leading to more waterfalls, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and scenic drives through the forest.

The proximity to multiple stunning waterfalls makes this campground a prime location for photography and nature observation. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including various bird species and forest creatures.

Important Considerations

The maximum vehicle length permitted at the campground is typically 36 feet. Be sure to check current conditions and any specific regulations or restrictions that may be in place before your visit, which can often be found on the official Gifford Pinchot National Forest website or Recreation.gov.

As part of responsible recreation, please remember to practice Leave No Trace principles to help protect this beautiful environment for future visitors.

Lower Falls Campground offers a fantastic getaway for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Whether you're looking to hike to spectacular waterfalls, enjoy the tranquility of a riverside campsite, or simply relax in a wooded setting, Lower Falls provides a memorable experience in the heart of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. We encourage local users to explore this gem and create lasting memories in this stunning part of Washington State.