Gifford Campground

I stayed in sites 3 then 2. The sites were clean and ready when I arrived. Each Sites 2 & 3 are very close together, sites 1&2 are also very close together. Like they could almost be a group site for friends. Both sites have a great view of the lake and has shoreline access they are also very close to the swimming area, it’s actually within eye sight. But they are quite a hike away from the boat slips and flush toilets. There is a vault toilet for that first loop but it was quite rank when I was there. Despite cleaning and chemical use it was very difficult to use it due to fumes and the smell would waft die to the sites in the evening making outdoor meal time unpleasant. NPS needs to move or pump that one.

These sites are set back in the trees a bit more than others in the campground so if you’re on the parking pads you get partial shade all day long which is important because the campgrounds get a STRONG western sun exposure so it gets HOT there especially in the afternoon/evening. There unfortunately are no tent pads nor a level spot to put a tent in these sites. There is a some what level area in front of the parking pads but it’s far enough away from the trees that you don’t get the afternoon shade, tents roast in the afternoon so plan on being anywhere but you’re tent in the afternoon till sundown. The parking pads for almost every site in this campground are narrow and have steep hills on each side so when you step out your door you slide down a steep hill. Sites 2&3 are also like this. Parking is tricky for bigger vehicles in these sites due to large pine trees that surround the parking pad.

Also keep in mind when the Lake level is low there will be NO water at this campground because the water drains out from the well. Nothing they can do about this, so check lake levels before you come. Lake levels will also determine whether or not there is any beach - high Lake level no beach. Low Lake level no water.

Love the view of lake Roosevelt !
Site 16 in loop 2 needs a tree cut down next to trailer pad. Getting too narrow to back in 14’ trailer between 2 trees.

Love camp hosts -Dennis and Gladys

Love the view of lake Roosevelt !
Site 16 in loop 2 needs a tree cut down next to trailer pad. Getting too narrow to back in 14’ trailer between 2 trees.

Love camp hosts -Dennis and Gladys

I love this campground and have been coming here since I was a child. But it’s showing it’s age and in need of some improvements and repairs. The NPS has no problem raising the price year after year but has put nothing into this campground. The swimming areas need some maintenance at the VERY least. The logs that are supposed to be anchored out to protect swimmers are all disconnected and just floating wherever. THIS IS DANGEROUS for little swimmers I can’t believe they wouldn’t fix this just for liability reasons.

Some additional campsites further back in the trees that are tent friendly with actual tent pads would be nice. There needs to be some work done to the pavement in existing camp spots so there’s not a steep abrupt drop off the moment you step out your door. It’s almost ridiculous that every single campsite in the grounds is like this. Also I’m constantly confused as to why most of these sites have the picnic tables and fire pits on the left side of travel trailer or RV when most doors (and awnings) are placed on the right? I’d also like to see the fish cleaning station updated and functional, most of the time it’s not anymore so people throw the guts in the water near they swim area and it attracts Seagulls - yuck.

When the lake levels drops way low - I realize the well empties out too so there is no running water for bathrooms or drinking, but I would think with as much as they are charging now they could come up with a plan B.

Dear NPS - loosen that belt and spend some money on this campground - it’s so beautiful there. The reservation system has really helped eliminate all the old conflicts over camping spaces and such so go a step further.

I love this campground and have been coming here since I was a child. But it’s showing it’s age and in need of some improvements and repairs. The NPS has no problem raising the price year after year but has put nothing into this campground. The swimming areas need some maintenance at the VERY least. The logs that are supposed to be anchored out to protect swimmers are all disconnected and just floating wherever. THIS IS DANGEROUS for little swimmers I can’t believe they wouldn’t fix this just for liability reasons.

Some additional campsites further back in the trees that are tent friendly with actual tent pads would be nice. There needs to be some work done to the pavement in existing camp spots so there’s not a steep abrupt drop off the moment you step out your door. It’s almost ridiculous that every single campsite in the grounds is like this. Also I’m constantly confused as to why most of these sites have the picnic tables and fire pits on the left side of travel trailer or RV when most doors (and awnings) are placed on the right? I’d also like to see the fish cleaning station updated and functional, most of the time it’s not anymore so people throw the guts in the water near they swim area and it attracts Seagulls - yuck.

When the lake levels drops way low - I realize the well empties out too so there is no running water for bathrooms or drinking, but I would think with as much as they are charging now they could come up with a plan B.

Dear NPS - loosen that belt and spend some money on this campground - it’s so beautiful there. The reservation system has really helped eliminate all the old conflicts over camping spaces and such so go a step further.

Wonderful to be so close to the water. Loved watching the Ferry activity! Very quiet, even with other campers close by. Very clean. Love the host presence without interference in our camping experience. Suggest bringing a shade tarp as the location gives direct sun during the hottest part of the day. Appreciate a variety of sites for different types and sizes of rigs. Be aware cell service is zero or at best very limited.

Wonderful to be so close to the water. Loved watching the Ferry activity! Very quiet, even with other campers close by. Very clean. Love the host presence without interference in our camping experience. Suggest bringing a shade tarp as the location gives direct sun during the hottest part of the day. Appreciate a variety of sites for different types and sizes of rigs. Be aware cell service is zero or at best very limited.

Campgrounds poorly organized, super cramped too. We made the mistake of setting up in the wrong campsite thinking it was ours and didn't even realize until it was too late because we had caused multiple other people to set up in the wrong spots unknowingly. Bear safety is not a thing despite hearing bears are in the area. Hopefully we were just misinformed, luckily saw no bears. Camp hosts seemed like nice people but were very unhelpful. They watched us set up our camp and didn't bother to let us know we were setting up in the wrong area. When we noticed a wasps nest forming and told them about it they handed us bug spray expecting us to take care of it. One of the bathrooms was absolutely disgusting, insane amount of flies came out of the pot upon opening. Luckily there were other very clean bathrooms, just a far walk which was pretty inconvenient.

Campgrounds poorly organized, super cramped too. We made the mistake of setting up in the wrong campsite thinking it was ours and didn't even realize until it was too late because we had caused multiple other people to set up in the wrong spots unknowingly. Bear safety is not a thing despite hearing bears are in the area. Hopefully we were just misinformed, luckily saw no bears. Camp hosts seemed like nice people but were very unhelpful. They watched us set up our camp and didn't bother to let us know we were setting up in the wrong area. When we noticed a wasps nest forming and told them about it they handed us bug spray expecting us to take care of it. One of the bathrooms was absolutely disgusting, insane amount of flies came out of the pot upon opening. Luckily there were other very clean bathrooms, just a far walk which was pretty inconvenient.

Nice riverside campground. Would like to see fish station maintained and open.