Gifford Pinchot National Forest — lakeside, fishing, hiking
Location: TROUT LAKE, WA, WA
Price: From $100 per night
Rating: 4.2 out of 5 (50 reviews)
Season: Year-round
Nestled in a grove of towering old-growth conifer trees, the Government Mineral Springs Guard Station is a delightful setting for guests seeking relaxation and recreation in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The Government Mineral Springs area has been a draw to recreation enthusiasts since the early 1900’s. Fox and the Star Brewing Company of Portland began construction of a hotel near Trapper Creek, which eventually became known as Government Mineral Springs.
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Vault Toilets, Drinking Water, Fishing
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/govt-mineral-springs-guard-sta to be notified when sites open up.
Nestled in old-growth conifer trees within Gifford Pinchot National Forest, this historic Guard Station offers a scenic setting for relaxation and recreation with access to fishing, hiking, and water sports.
Wildlife alert: Humboldt's Flying Squirrel, Mule Deer, Townsend's Chipmunk, Red-tailed Hawk, Dark-eyed Junco, Common Nighthawk, Western Wood-Pewee, Northwestern Garter Snake, Common Garter Snake
Insider tips for Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta: Book early — this is a federal campground with only 1 site and high demand Bring your own water — the mineral spring pump is non-functional and water is not certified for human consumption Explore the old cabin on the grounds and historic CCC-built structures
Skip Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta if: You need hookups — no hookups available. You require maintained facilities — campground is unmaintained per recent reports. You need potable water — drinking water source is unreliable.
Best time to visit Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta: Year-round — Campground operates year-round with winter sports available.
Nearby campgrounds: Government Mineral Springs Campground (Trout Lake, WA), Beaver Campground (Carson, WA), Paradise Creek Campground (CARSON, WA), Panther Creek Campground (CARSON, WA).
Cell signal at Govt Mineral Springs Guard Sta (TROUT LAKE, WA): none overall signal based on FCC broadband data.
Coverage data source: FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC). Actual signal may vary due to terrain, tree cover, and distance from towers. Camper reports are more reliable than coverage maps in remote areas.
Nestled in a grove of towering old-growth conifer trees, the Government Mineral Springs Guard Station is a delightful setting for guests seeking relaxation and recreation in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. The Government Mineral Springs area has been a draw to recreation enthusiasts since the early 1900’s. Fox and the Star Brewing Company of Portland began construction of a hotel near Trapper Creek, which eventually became known as Government Mineral Springs.
Known issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Book early
this is a federal campground with only 1 site and high demand
Bring your own water
the mineral spring pump is non-functional and water is not certified for human consumption
Explore the old cabin on the grounds and historic CCC-built structures
Campground operates year-round with winter sports available
FCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal.









From Portland take Interstate 84 east, take Cascade Locks Exit 44 and cross the Bridge of the Gods (toll bridge) to Highway 14 in Washington State. Turn east (right) on Highway 14 and drive 5 miles to the Carson junction with the Wind River Highway. Follow the Wind River Highway through Carson and northwest approximately 14 miles to the Carson National Fish Hatchery. Continue northwest for 1 mile on Forest Road 3065 to the entrance for Government Mineral Springs recreation site. From approximate
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