Accessible via Forest Service roads, Soda Springs sits within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and provides 24 sites along the Bumping River. The US Forest Service facility offers water hookups, vault toilets, and a dump station, making it suitable for RVs while maintaining a forested setting. Sites spread out among the trees with varying levels of privacy from neighboring campers.

The campground runs alongside running water, with each site including a picnic table and fire ring equipped with a cooking grate. "Right by the river with bathrooms and clean sites," notes Aidan D.. A small spring feeds into the creek system, and the Cowlitz Trail passes through the area for hikers. Cell service remains unavailable across major carriers, creating a disconnected environment for those seeking time away from digital distractions.

Road conditions can present challenges depending on season and weather. Some sites require four-wheel drive access, and snow may block vehicle access well into spring months, forcing campers to walk in from the main intersection. The facility operates seasonally due to elevation and weather patterns. Wildlife moves through the area regularly, and the forested terrain provides cooler temperatures during summer heat.

For different camping experiences, Summit Creek Campground offers an alternative 2.7 miles west.

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RV Road Trip Guides

Location

Public Campground

Soda Springs is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Directions

<p>From Packwood, WA, proceed northeast on US Highway 12 for approximately 9 miles to Forest Road 45. Turn left on Forest Road 45 and proceed 0.35 miles to Forest Road 4510. Continue straight on Forest Road 4510 4.2 miles to Forest Road 4510 052. Bear right on Forest Road 4510 052 and follow to Soda Spring Campground.  </p>

Coordinates

46.70400041 N
121.48000036 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Water Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Many campers appreciated this small, primitive campground for its peaceful riverside setting and excellent privacy. Guests frequently mentioned the basic vault toilet facilities and lack of hookups make it perfect for those wanting to unplug.

Reviewed Jun. 2, 2024

Very cool site.

We came early June to try and hike near Mount Rainier. Unfortunately it was way too snowy and foggy to do any hiking. However, this campsite was incredible. Right by the river with bathrooms and clean sites.

SiteSite 11 at Soda Springs
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Soda Springs by Aidan D., June 2, 2024
  • Review photo of Soda Springs by Aidan D., June 2, 2024
  • Review photo of Soda Springs by Aidan D., June 2, 2024
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Aug. 21, 2021

Perfect summer getaway

I have been here twice in last few years. It has always been the perfect place to getaway and unplug. Quiet and peaceful. Even in heat waves this area is cooler and at night it is perfect. If you aren't afraid to wander into the woods with no trail. Lots to explore and see. Lots of little treasures near by. This site only has one vault toilet.

Sitesoda springs
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Soda Springs by chris , August 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Soda Springs by chris , August 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Soda Springs by chris , August 21, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jun. 15, 2020

Roughing it is perfect

23 May 2020 - you can drive to the "Y" intersection for the camp grounds and horse camp, but the snow was so deep that walking is the only option. Several car made turning around in the intersection difficult.

  • Review photo of Soda Springs by Eric H., June 15, 2020
  • Review photo of Soda Springs by Eric H., June 15, 2020
  • Review photo of Soda Springs by Eric H., June 15, 2020
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2018

Awesome out of the way Campground

This is an incredibly small and primitive campground. There are a total of 24 sites with the cmap manager. Some are nestled in the trees far away from everyone else. The campground does not have electric hook ups and it would be difficult to bring a larger camper or rv down the trail.

Sites are pretty spread out offering a good amount of privacy, all are along the Bumping River. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring, with bbq grate. The site does not have showers and the toilets are the pit style.

This is a perfect getaway for people looking to unplug as no cell service (tested on sprint, verizon, and google fi) is available. There is tons of wildlife and lots of trails and riverbank to explore. Open seasonally.

  • Review photo of Soda Springs by Mary C., June 26, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2017

Nestled in the Woods

Nice campground with vault toilet. Very quiet. Small spring and running creek. Cowlitz Trail is here. Horse camping and trail in separate area. There are two sites before the main area that are more secluded but require a 4WD vehicle to get to. At least when we were there the drive was flooded over but manageable.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Soda Springs by Breanna R., July 12, 2017
  • Review photo of Soda Springs by Breanna R., July 12, 2017

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recent reviews of Soda Springs Campground worth reading before visiting?

Visitors consistently rate Soda Springs Campground highly for its peaceful atmosphere and natural setting. Recent experiences highlight the campground's proximity to a river, clean facilities, and well-maintained sites. The campground provides a perfect place to unplug and enjoy nature, with comfortable temperatures even during heat waves. Early season visitors should note potential snow conditions that may limit access. The campground's small, primitive nature makes it ideal for those seeking a quiet getaway in a natural setting.

What attractions and activities are available in the Soda Springs Washington area?

The Soda Springs area offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Cowlitz Trail is accessible directly from the campground, perfect for hiking adventures. There's a separate horse trail for equestrians. The campground's location near a river provides water activities and scenic views. For the adventurous, exploring off-trail in the surrounding woods offers discoveries of natural features. The area's proximity to Mount Rainier National Park makes it a good base for mountain exploration, though early season snow can limit access. The cooler temperatures make it pleasant even during summer heat.

What are the best features and facilities at Soda Springs Campground in Washington?

Soda Springs Campground is a small, primitive campground with 24 sites including a camp manager. The best features include vault toilets, a peaceful setting with a small spring and running creek. Some sites are nestled among trees, offering seclusion from other campers. The campground has no electric hookups, making it ideal for tent camping or small campers. There's also a separate horse camping area with its own trail. Two secluded sites located before the main area require 4WD access during certain conditions.

What photos show the actual conditions at Soda Springs Campground?

Photos of Soda Springs Campground typically showcase its wooded sites nestled among trees, the small spring and creek running through the property, and the rustic vault toilets. Images would display the natural setting with campsites of varying privacy levels - some secluded in the trees and others more open. Early season photos might show snow conditions affecting access. Look for pictures featuring the river adjacent to the campground, the Y-intersection separating the main camping area from the horse camp, and the primitive, no-hookup layout that accommodates tents and small campers.