Mt. Baker National Forest encompasses Clear Creek Campground, a 13-site Forest Service facility that sits alongside the Sauk River just off Mountain Loop Highway. Located approximately 10 minutes from Darrington, this drive-in campground accommodates RVs up to 50 feet and operates from early June through late September at $32-36 per night.
The campground's defining feature is direct river access, with site 12 offering particularly close water proximity according to multiple campers. Each site includes a tent pad, picnic table, and fire ring, though no potable water is available on-site. Two vault toilets serve the campground and receive consistent praise for cleanliness. The sites are well-spaced among the forest canopy, with site 13 at the far end providing notable privacy despite requiring navigation of a somewhat steep trail.
Several reviewers mention missing the campground entrance initially, as it sits close to the road with a turnaround available just past the entry point. Maria S. emphasizes a key limitation: "there is no water spouts here, so you'll have to bring all you need." Cell service is available, and firewood can be purchased from roadside vendors before entering the campground.
The Old Sauk Trailhead sits about a mile away for hikers, while campers seeking different amenities can explore Adventure Awaits Campground nearby.
Description
Overview
Clear Creek Campground is located just off the Mountain Loop Highway in the stunning Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Nestled in a towering canopy of fir trees, this campground offers plenty of open spaces, making it perfect for small groups and family excursions. Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest sits on the west side of the Cascades in Washington, showcasing glacier-covered peaks, wide mountain meadows and old-growth forests, rich in history and outdoor opportunities.
Recreation
The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest boasts 1,500 miles of trails. From smooth paths meandering through deep quiet forests to challenging ascents up boulder-studded mountains, opportunities abound for every skill level. Access to biking, rafting and fishing is also readily available. The nearby Frog Lake Trail is a short nature hike, climbing steadily up the side of the hill, with views of Clear Creek far below. The trail comes out at the road after nearly a mile, then makes a sharp turn back toward the lake, passing through dense forest, and eventually ending at the 1.5-acre Frog Lake. Old Sauk Trail winds along the banks of the Sauk River, providing a pleasant hike amongst the wildlife and waterfowl that frequent the area.
Facilities
Clear Creek Campground offers 12 standard sites. Picnic tables, tent pads, campfire rings, and vault toilets are provided for guests. Visitors can access the Sauk River from the campground.
Natural Features
Along the banks of the Sauk River an outstanding show of wildflowers in July and August includes paintbrush, phlox, tiger lilies, aster, columbine and lupine. During the summer salmon and steelhead appear in abundance as they head up the river to spawn.The surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams and diverse forests support an abundance of wildlife. In addition to being home to a multitude of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles, the area sustains more rare species such as lynx, moose, wolves and wolverine.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors enjoy the North Cascades and Mt. Rainer National Parks, where interpretive programs and exhibits offer education about the diverse landscape and history of the area.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 932-0242.
Charges & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundClear Creek Campground is located in Washington
Directions
From Seattle, take I-5 north to the Arlington exit. Turn east on Highway 30 to the town of Darrington, then turn south on Mt. Loop Highway and continue 3 miles to Clear Creek Campground.
Coordinates
48.220268 N
121.574083 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileLTESome Coverage- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/4/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 5/4/26
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileLTESome Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 5/4/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 5/4/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr from Mount Vernon, WA
- 1 hr 24 min from Seattle, WA
- 1 hr 24 min from Bellingham, WA
- 2 hrs 21 min from Bremerton, WA
