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A dark green Toyota pickup with a roof tent parked in tall dry grass as mist closes in.

Forest Service campground

Forlorn Lakes Cg (Wa) Gifford Pinchot Nf

Forest Service campground in Gifford Pinchot National Forest, Washington.

Managed by
Forest Service Gifford Pinchot National Forest
Reservations
First come, first served Claim a site when you arrive. Recreation.gov lists it for Scan and Pay, so the fee can be paid from its app at the campground

Overview

This location is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Campsites may not be reserved in advance. Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Visitors can pay by cash on site, or by using Scan and Pay . Download the Recreation.gov mobile app before you arrive at the campground, and pay through your phone using the Scan and Pay QR code which is located on site.

Recreation

Forlorn Lakes, one of the most popular campgrounds in the southern part of the forest, offers 25 campsites scattered around the wooded shores of small, picturesque lakes. Swimming and fishing are possible in the larger lakes. Huckleberry bushes grow in the campground and surrounding area making this site very popular during huckleberry season. The campsites at a maximum 18 feet long are suitable for tent camping and small campers or RV's. The day use area has lake views, picnic tables, and fire rings.

Natural Features

Forlorn Lakes, one of the most popular campgrounds in the southern part of the forest, offers 25 campsites scattered around the wooded shores of small, picturesque lakes. Swimming and fishing are possible in the larger lakes. Huckleberry bushes grow in the campground and surrounding area making this site very popular during huckleberry season. The campsites at a maximum 18 feet long are suitable for tent camping and small campers or RV's. The day use area has lake views, picnic tables, and fire rings.

Nearby Attractions

The campground is very popular, the camping spots fill early in the week. Forlorn Lakes offers nearby access to Indian Heaven via the East Crater Trailhead.

The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.

The federal record has no coordinates for this campground, so it is listed under its county and left off the map rather than placed by guesswork. Use the directions above.

More in Washington County

Camping near

Source: Recreation Information Database (Recreation.gov), record updated February 25, 2026. Elevation from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Seasons, fees, water and fire rules change; the managing office has the final word.

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