Call Now
Website
Call
Business Details
Your Outdoor Adventure Awaits at Celtic Elk Campground
Celtic Elk Campground was founded on a shared passion for nature and outdoor adventure. Our property, with a history dating back to the early 1900s, offers a unique blend of rustic charm and modern revitalization efforts. We specialize in connecting outdoor enthusiasts with the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest through carefully curated camping experiences. Our team combines decades of hospitality experience with deep local knowledge of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mount Rainier region. We're actively enhancing facilities with upcoming amenities like a mineral bathhouse and self-sufficient farm while maintaining our commitment to land stewardship.

Our operation emphasizes personalized service, with direct owner involvement in daily operations and guest relations. We prioritize creating memorable experiences through thoughtful touches like themed events and wildlife conservation initiatives. Our location between three major mountains provides unparalleled access to hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities. We maintain strict quality standards across all aspects of our operation, from site maintenance to customer service protocols. Our vision combines traditional camping elements with innovative upgrades to create a distinctive outdoor destination.
Services
RV Sites Tent Camping Dry Cabins Tipi Rentals Fishing Expeditions Hiking Trails Event Hosting Wildlife Viewing Farm Tours Mineral Baths
Highlights and features
  • Unique location connecting to national forest trails
  • Pet-friendly camping with dedicated wildlife areas
  • Upcoming mineral bathhouse for relaxation
  • Family-friendly amenities including fire pits
  • Owner-operated with deep local outdoor expertise
What people say
Beautiful forest setting Wildlife sightings Friendly owners Great hiking access Unique tipi experience
Services
RV Sites
Our RV sites offer 30 amp electric and water hookups with forest views. Each site provides easy access to trails and amenities while maintaining privacy. Guests enjoy modern conveniences combined with natural surroundings for an optimal camping experience.
Tent Camping
Designated tent areas feature level ground and proximity to shared facilities. These sites balance wilderness access with essential amenities like showers and fire pits. Ideal for backpackers and nature enthusiasts seeking immersive forest experiences.
Dry Cabins
Our cozy cabins provide shelter without electricity or plumbing, encouraging outdoor engagement. Each unit sleeps multiple guests and includes nearby restroom facilities. Perfect for those wanting comfortable base camps with authentic mountain charm.
Fishing Expeditions
The nearby Cowlitz River offers prime fishing for steelhead and salmon. We provide local knowledge about best practices and regulations. Guests receive guidance on accessing prime fishing spots within minutes of their campsites.
Hiking Trails
Direct access to Gifford Pinchot National Forest trails connects to Pacific Crest Trail segments. Routes vary from easy nature walks to challenging mountain ascents. We offer trail maps and safety information for all skill levels.
People
Mary
Co-Owner
Mary co-founded Celtic Elk with Brett, combining her love for nature with hospitality experience. She manages daily operations and guest relations while overseeing farm development projects.
Brett
Co-Owner
Brett co-owns Celtic Elk with Mary, focusing on property improvements and outdoor programming. His background in land management informs conservation efforts and trail maintenance across the campground.
Questions
What types of campsites are available?
We offer RV sites with partial hookups, dry tent camping areas, rustic cabins, and unique tipi rentals.
Are pets allowed at the campground?
Yes, we're pet-friendly with a $5 nightly fee per pet and designated pet exercise areas.
What nearby attractions should I visit?
Mount Rainier National Park, Gifford Pinchot National Forest trails, and Cowlitz River fishing are all nearby.
Can I host special events at Celtic Elk?
Yes, our Burrow clubhouse and grounds accommodate weddings, festivals, and group gatherings.
What future amenities are planned?
Upcoming additions include a mineral bathhouse, hostel accommodations, and expanded farm experiences.
How do I make a reservation?
Book online through our website or contact us directly for specific site requests and group bookings.
Reviews (6)
Spencer White
Sep 17, 2021 Report
Awesome little gem to help escape into nature. Has tent camping with water spickets. Ryan was very nice and brought out a big firepit for us and Mary, one of the owners, was super friendly. Didn't see any elk sadly but apparently many wander through the camp when it's colder. The nice part is this camp is open year round where many close for the season. Highly recommend!
Darwin Moody
Sep 14, 2021 Report
Very quiet and peaceful. Great hiking area. Very scenic. The staff are super nice and always helpful. Really accommodating. And good pricing. Good horseback riding trails. The grounds are full of farm life, goats, cows, a horse, ducks, chickens, and lots of wildlife in the area also. The creek is nice. Perfect for creekside tent camping. It's a little off the main road but don't let that deter because it's very much worth the relaxing stay in a homestead ranch type of setting. Great view of the daily sunset. I'm enjoying my stay very much. Thank you very much to The Celtic Elk RV Park and Campgrounds
Lorraine Gregory
Aug 17, 2021 Report
Immaculate bathroom, showers available and had a tucked away camping spot for our tent! We were the only ones tent camping, lots of RV spots.. open pasture for the kids to run around and play and water spickets throughout the site. A short drive away from Packwood, just over 20 minutes during busy Labor day weekend. Definitely have to return for a great experience!
Hiko Aalona
May 22, 2021 Report
Good campground. Adventurous just to get there. The hosts were awesome. Bigger fire rings would be my only complaint. Beautiful view from our trailer.
Lane Noyes
Jan 09, 2021 Report
We called late on a Labor Day Friday and the owner said sure we can find you a spot. We were a two RV caravan. They got us into our sites, made sure we had everything we needed. Very friendly. It was a perfect campsite for us, everything we needed. Its a small rustic campground, very comfortable and very quiet. Off the beaten path. If you want to get away from WiFi and actually communicate with family it is a good spot! They Elk bugling in the morning was a great way to wake up! Owners are new and we wish them the best with this little gem!
Adam Wade
Dec 05, 2020 Report
I'll start by saying that Mary and her partner seem like nice folks. They took over ownership a few months ago and I can tell that they are committed to running a nice campground. They have a fully functional and current website along with an online booking system, a big plus in my book. The property is about a 5 minute drive from the main road, highway 12, and the town of Randle. We (family of 4 with 11 and 13 year old kids) stayed 2 nights in our 22' trailer. The grounds are fairly basic. An open field divided by a gravel road with partial (elec/water) RV hookups on one side, and tent spots