About Tower Rock Campground
Overview Tower Rock Campground is named for the impressive pillar that looms nearby and offers semi-private sites shaded by a mix of cedar, Douglas fir and maple.Recreation A privately-owned trout pond offers fishing nearby, but anglers can also cast for brook trout in the Cispus River. The Burley Mountain trailhead is located off of Forest Road 28, about 4 miles from the Highway 23 intersection. From this trailhead, visitors can hike to multiple waterfalls, including Angel Falls. Facilities Tower Rock provides easy RV camping with paved parking spurs that can accommodate vehicles between 20 to 30 feet.Drinking water, picnic tables and campfire rings are provided. This facility has vault toilets. Natural Features Tower Rock Campground is located about a quarter mile from the south bank of the Cispus River on the east side of Mount St. Helens. The terrain is mostly meadow and mountainside, as the campground is surrounded by mountains on almost every side. Nearby Attractions Tower Rock Campground is just east of Mount St. Helens, making it a convenient base for exploring this volcanic monument. Layser Cave Interpretive Site, which has a short trail leading to the cave, is also nearby. Contact Info This location has limited staffing. Please call (360) 686-3008 for general information.Charges & Cancellations Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time o
How to Get There
Take Highway 12 east from I-5 and head south on Road 25. Go left at Y towards Highway 23 and continue for 8 miles. Take a right on Road 28 and another right on Road 76. Proceed to the campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Tower Rock Campground
Heading to Tower Rock Campground? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Tower Rock Campground?
No central reservation system listed for Tower Rock Campground. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232855) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Tower Rock Campground?
Take Highway 12 east from I-5 and head south on Road 25. Go left at Y towards Highway 23 and continue for 8 miles. Take a right on Road 28 and another right on Road 76. Proceed to the campground.
How do I contact Tower Rock Campground?
You can reach the park at phone: 541-338-7869.
References & Official Resources
