Nestled in the lush Yacolt Burn State Forest of southwest Washington, Dougan Creek Campground offers a serene escape into Pacific Northwest wilderness. Located 16 miles up Washougal River Road near the community of Washougal, this compact, seven-site campground immerses visitors in a landscape of ancient Douglas firs, cascading creeks, and the thunderous Dougan Falls—a iconic 100-foot waterfall just steps from camp 138. Managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and requires a Discover Pass for access.
Designed for rustic immersion, Dougan Creek provides minimal amenities—vault toilets, picnic tables, and stone fire rings—but maximizes natural appeal. The ever-present rush of the Washougal River sets the soundtrack for days spent swimming in emerald pools, fishing for trout, or hiking through misty forests 237. Summer transforms the area into a vibrant hub for families and adventurers, though its popularity demands early arrival. With sites accommodating tents and small RVs (up to 16 feet), Dougan Creek balances accessibility with untamed beauty, inviting campers to unplug amid waterfalls and wilderness.
Why Dougan Creek Campground Captivates Souls
Dougan Creek Campground isn’t just a place to pitch a tent—it’s an immersion into a living ecosystem. Here’s what sets it apart:
- Primal Proximity to Dougan Falls: Just steps from your campsite, the 19-foot Dougan Falls thunders into a jade-green pool, creating a natural playground for swimmers and photographers. Its accessibility defines the Dougan Creek Campground experience, blending campsite serenity with aquatic adventure .
- Intentional Rusticity: With only *7 first-come, first-served sites*, Dougan Creek Campground forces digital detox. No Wi-Fi, no electricity—just vault toilets, fire rings, and the symphony of the creek. This scarcity preserves tranquility and starry skies unobscured by light pollution .
- Gateway to Wild Exploration: Positioned at the crossroads of Yacolt Burn State Forest and Gifford Pinchot trails, Dougan Creek Campground is a launchpad for hikes to Silver Star Mountain, Three Corner Rock (on the PCT), and hidden old-growth groves .
Table: Key Features of Dougan Creek Campground
| Feature | Detail | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Campsites | 7 primitive sites (tent/small RV-friendly) | Ensures solitude; no overcrowding |
| Water Access | Direct creek access; Dougan Falls swimming holes | Natural “spa” for summer cooling |
| Wildlife | Bald eagles, deer, elk; rare black bear sightings | Untamed biodiversity at your doorstep |
| Seasonal Window | May–October (peak swimming: July-August) | Autumn foliage transforms the landscape dramatically |
The Dougan Creek Campground Experience: More Than Just Camping
Morning: Waterfall Walks & Forest Bathing
Wake at Dougan Creek Campground to mist rising off the creek. A 5-minute amble leads to Dougan Falls, where dawn paints the cascade in gold—ideal for meditation or a brisk plunge. Anglers can cast for trout in gin-clear pools (WA license required) .
Afternoon: Adventure Unbound
- Hiking: Trails like the Dougan Creek Loop wind through fern-carpeted woods, while advanced treks ascend to volcanic viewpoints
- Swimming: The falls’ largest pool, deep and cold, offers cliff-jumping thrills (caution advised) .
- Photography: Capture velvet-green moss, waterfall rainbows, and Roosevelt elk herds at dusk.
Evening: Creek-Side Reverie
As night falls at Dougan Creek Campground, gather around fire pits for storytelling. With minimal light pollution, the Milky Way arcs overhead—a spectacle rivaling the falls themselves
Seasonal Secrets: When to Visit Dougan Creek Campground
- Summer (June–August): Peak for swimming and sunbathing on warm rocks. Tip: Arrive by Thursday to secure weekend sites .
- Autumn (September–October): Maple and alder ignite in crimson. Cooler temps perfect for hiking; fewer crowds amplify serenity .
- Spring (May): Snowmelt swells the falls into a roaring spectacle. Wildflowers blanket meadows .
Pro Insight: Winter access is limited (road closures possible), but snow-dusted firs create a silent wonderland for intrepid explorer.
Critical Know-Before-You-Go Tips
- The Permit Puzzle: A Discover Pass ($30 annually) is mandatory for parking. No on-site sales—buy online in advance.
- Self-Sufficiency Rules: Bring all water (no potable sources) and pack out trash. Limited cell service (AT&T/Verizon spotty) demands offline maps .
- Safety First: Rocks near falls are slippery; supervise children closely. Bear-safe food storage is wise .
- Avoid Crowds: Weekdays in May or September offer near-private stays. Site #8 grants semi-private creek access .
Why Dougan Creek Campground Outshines Typical Campgrounds
Unlike commercialized parks, Dougan Creek Campground thrives on curated wildness. Its scarcity of sites means no RV generators or crowded amenities—just you, ancient cedars, and the creek’s lullaby. As one camper noted: “It’s where you remember camping’s soul: simplicity, awe, and the courage to disconnect” .
The Call to Wildness: Plan Your Pilgrimage
Dougan Creek Campground isn’t just a pin on a map—it’s a pact with wilderness. To secure your slice of Eden:
- Navigate: From Washougal, drive 16.4 miles on Washougal River Road. Bear left at the Y past the fish hatchery
- Arrive Early: Gates fill by noon Fridays in summer. Have a backup plan (like nearby Rock Creek Campground).
- Embrace Ethos: Practice Leave No Trace. Protect Dougan Creek Campground’s magic for generations ahead
FAQs
1. What’s the longest you can stay at Dougan Creek Campground?
You can stay up to 14 consecutive days during the operating season (typically spring to fall), after which you must vacate for at least 48 hours before returning 316. Off-season stays may have different restrictions.
2. What does “FF” mean at a campground?
“FF” stands for First Come, First Served, meaning sites are non-reservable and allocated upon arrival (e.g., Dougan Creek’s 7 sites) 38. Some parks use hybrid systems (e.g., Yellowstone’s mix of reservable/FF sites) .
3. Do you need a pass for Dougan Falls?
Yes, a Discover Pass ($10/day or $30/year) is required for parking at Dougan Falls’ day-use area and the adjacent campground; fines apply for non-compliance 3513. *(Note: Pass prices rise to $45/year after Oct 2025)* .
4. Why is Pebble Creek Campground closed?
Pebble Creek Campground in Yellowstone is closed for the 2025 season due to unspecified operational reasons, part of broader temporary closures (e.g., Norris and Tower Fall campgrounds) 27. No reopening date is confirmed.