La Wis Wis Campground

CAMPSITES: 115 | GROUP SITES: 25 double sites | WEBSITE: Gifford Pinchot National Forest | Recreation.gov

LOCATION:  From Packwood, WA travel four miles east on U.S Hwy 12 to the campground.

SEASON:  Generally open Memorial Day – Labor Day

PHONE: 360-497-1100

Campground Reservation Line 877-444-6777

Situated at the confluence of three waterways near Mount Rainier, La Wis Wis is nestled under a canopy of towering Douglas firs and red cedars. The handful of sites that dot the riverbank enjoy the most sunshine.

With an abundance of activities nearby, La Wis Wis is a popular destination for long-stay camping. Its close proximity to Mount Rainier National Park makes it an excellent base for exploring all of the area’s natural wonders. Located in southwest Washington state, the Gifford Pinchot National Forest encompasses 1.3 million acres and includes the 110,000-acre Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument, established by Congress in 1982.

La Wis Wis is located in the Tatoosh Wilderness area of the Cowlitz Valley Ranger District.

The campground sits where the Ohanapecosh River, Cowlitz River, and Purcell Creek meet. The campground features old-growth forests and opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife. Hikers can easily access the Blue Hole Trail and Purcell Falls Trail from La Wis Wis.

Anglers can fish for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and whitefish at either Butter Creek or Skate Creek. La Wis Wis is ideal for tents, car campers, and truck campers with a slide-in. The Hatchery Loop sites can accommodate RVs, but navigation through other parts of the campground may be difficult due to narrow roadways and large trees.

The campground features 122 sites, including walk-in tent camping.

Both vault and flush toilets are available. Picnic tables, picnic shelters, and grills are provided. Drinking water is available on-site at the main part of the camp. Campers staying at the Hatchery Loop need to bring potable water or get water at the main site. La Wis Wis is located near the entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. The popular Henry M Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise within Mount Rainier National Park is 28 miles away. (source)

Q: How far is it from the La Wis Wis Campground to the Packwood Lake Trailhead? 

A: It’s approximately 13 miles or a 26-minute drive from the campground to the trailhead. 

Q: How far is it from the La Wis Wis Campground to Grove of the Patriarchs trailhead? 

A: It’s approximately 7 miles or a 15-minute drive. 

Q: Can you have more than one vehicle at your campsite? 

A: Yes, you’ll just need to pay the extra vehicle fee which is $8.00 in 2022.