Best Campgrounds near Baring, WA

The Snoqualmie National Forest surrounding Baring, Washington encompasses a range of camping environments from developed campgrounds to remote dispersed sites. Beckler River Campground provides established sites with amenities like drinking water and toilets, while Old Cascades Highway offers dispersed camping opportunities with more primitive conditions. The region includes several mixed-use campgrounds accommodating both tent and RV camping, with some areas like Money Creek and Tinkham campgrounds featuring fire rings and vault toilets within forested settings.

Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping in this mountainous region, with most developed campgrounds operating from late May through mid-September. Winter snow and spring runoff can make forest roads impassable, particularly at higher elevations. Many campgrounds require reservations through recreation.gov, while dispersed camping on national forest land typically requires a Northwest Forest Pass. Cell service remains limited throughout the area, with coverage spotty or nonexistent at most camping areas. A camper noted, "We encountered tons of people, dogs and horses making their way to the lake on a sunny afternoon. Pete Lake is a relatively short drive from Seattle."

Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, with sites along rivers and alpine lakes being particularly sought after. Campgrounds near Highway 2 provide easier access but experience more road noise, while more remote sites offer greater solitude. The proximity to hiking trails represents a significant draw, with many campgrounds serving as baselines for day hikes or backpacking trips. Several visitors mentioned the region's dramatic seasonal changes, with one review noting, "Mosquitos are thick in June, but leave due to dry hot weather in July." Campers frequently highlight the contrast between the developed amenities at established campgrounds and the rugged, self-sufficient nature of dispersed camping areas throughout the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Best Camping Sites Near Baring, Washington (246)

    1. Beckler River Campground

    14 Reviews
    Skykomish, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 419-5115

    $32 - $68 / night

    "I headed to this campground with the intention of grabbing a site, it was around 3pm on a Saturday so I figured I was out of luck and continued on down the road to look for a spot to camp next to the river"

    "My site was not so good because it was close to the others (luckily no one was there) it was also next to the Dumpster and the Toilets. Otherwise it was good."

    2. Middle Fork Campground

    23 Reviews
    North Bend, WA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 804-1103

    $32 - $96 / night

    "The river is only a five minute walk away, and we spent most of one day there. I was very surprised by how quiet it was for only being an hour outside of Seattle."

    "The campground was quiet, not too crowded (Sunday - Tuesday) and so close to many trails. A quick walk to the river was a nice way to finish the day."

    3. Money Creek Campground

    11 Reviews
    Skykomish, WA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 419-5115

    $32 - $76 / night

    "Near enough to Seattle, but feels far away. Yes, there are trains, reserve away from the sites closest to the tracks if that bothers you."

    "It’s not a long drive from the city of Seattle. You have the river to play with in the hot summer days and have enough room to play around your site."

    4. Tolt MacDonald Park, WA

    22 Reviews
    Carnation, WA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (206) 205-5434

    "The campground is next to a classy laundromat, and I say classy because it’s probably one of the nicest laundromats in the area that even has a dumpsite for RVs."

    "The campground is in 500+ acre Tolt-McDonald Park, far enough away from any busy road so that there is no traffic noise, just the sound of the Tolt River rapids."

    5. Tinkham Campground

    45 Reviews
    Snoqualmie Pass, WA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 804-1103

    $30 - $36 / night

    "Although the Camp Ground and facilities are great at Tinkham, my advice would be to get into your lifted Off-Roader and hit the mountain roads for this camping trip of a lifetime!"

    "It is a small Forest Service campground next to the south fork of the Snoqualmie river. The site well shaded and fairly privet for the most part."

    6. Old Cascades Highway Dispersed

    7 Reviews
    Skykomish, WA
    13 miles

    "couple miles East of Skykomish, up a paved road, the campsite is just before you go over the bridge on your right and had enough room for high clearance vehicles to pull into it and smaller cars have roadside"

    "We really enjoyed our spot off of Old Cascades Highway. There are a few good tent spots that are pretty tucked away."

    7. Troublesome Creek Campground

    5 Reviews
    Index, WA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 804-1103

    $32 - $68 / night

    "Located about two hours from any significant population base, accessible off of a (mostly) dirt forest service road, you'll marvel at the serenity of this idyllic campground."

    "Tip: get your firewood BEFORE turning off highway 2. We were there three days and never saw a host. Drove to multiple campgrounds to see if the host was there and no such luck."

    8. San Juan Campground

    4 Reviews
    Index, WA
    10 miles
    Website

    "According to the researchers at the Whale Museum (located in the lighthouse at Limekiln Point SP), the orcas that we saw were the first resident orcas spotted that season!"

    9. US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass

    4 Reviews
    Baring, WA
    12 miles

    $50 / night

    "Skylomish is a fairly short drive away from the city but towards the mountains. You have a great view of the water in some places and it’s still pretty peaceful and quiet."

    "Hike out to Blanca Lake!"

    10. Barclay Lake

    1 Review
    Baring, WA
    3 miles
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Showing results 1-10 of 246 campgrounds

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Recent Reviews near Baring, WA

1021 Reviews of 246 Baring Campgrounds


  • kThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 15, 2025

    Icicle River RV Resort

    Icicle River campground

    All staff very helpful and nice. Good sites. Close to Leavenworth and hiking. Close to the Enchantments.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 14, 2025

    Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground

    Lake Wenatchee State Park - SOUTH Campground

    I was really impressed with this state park! The campsites are in a beautiful setting, there's a camp store and picnic area next to the beach, and many restrooms/showers scattered in the camping area. Despite the campground being packed this weekend with families and people of all ages and backgrounds, everyone was respectful of one another and quiet during scheduled the Quiet Hours. Good cell service, too.

  • Emma C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Salmon la Sac Road Dispersed Camping

    Multiple Spots, All Great

    there are truly endless amounts of sites along this road- most along the river. they are super fun and each one is pleasantly different. couldn’t recommend this road more for dispersed camping

  • Emma C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 12, 2025

    Kachess Lake Logging Road Campsites

    Never Dissapoints

    i’ve camped at different sites along this road so many times and keep coming back because they are just great!! the river being close is wonderful and every site has fun quirks and lots of space

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Salmon La Sac

    Salmon La Sac

    Very busy campground on the weekend, but found one of the last first come, first serve sites on Friday around noon. Pit toilets were clean but stronger than normal smell. Good family oriented campground with swimming hole at bottom of loop.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Johnny Creek Campground

    Lower Johnny Campground

    Lower Johnny had nice sites, #15 felt pretty private and you could hear and see Icicle Creek about 30 feet below the site. Toilet was very clean. Area did not seem as packed in as Eightmile Campground down the road. If being near the water is not a priority, Upper Johnny had lots of very nice looking sites with more availability than the other nearby campgrounds.

  • Elena M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Kachess Lake Lakebed

    Beautiful but dirty

    Beautiful view, but very dirty, dusty and noisy, dirt bikes are everywhere.

  • L
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Vasa Park Resort

    Vasa Park Resort

    We have enjoyed our 3 week stay at this little water front event and RV campground. This is in the shore of Lake Samammish, giving access to swim, paddle, picnic. The facilities and grounds are kept clean and well maintained. It been fun watching the buffet groups come in and have their celebrations. Everyone is friendly and kind.

  • F O.
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Tinkham Campground

    One night

    Road getting into the campground was horrendous their was alot of road noise but the camp sites were big and clean. And at $32.00 a night with no electric was kind of pricey. The camp host was nice.


Guide to Baring

Dispersed camping options near Baring, Washington extend beyond established campgrounds into several forest service roads with primitive sites. Located in the western foothills of the Cascades at elevations ranging from 800-2,500 feet, these areas experience heavy snowfall from November through April that can make access challenging. A Northwest Forest Pass ($5 daily/$30 annual) is required for parking at most trailheads and some dispersed camping areas.

What to do

Hiking near Barclay Lake: A 2-mile trail leads to several tent sites at the lake. "Not too long of a hike and has very rewarding views," notes a camper at Barclay Lake.

Berry picking: Areas along Highway 2 offer seasonal berry harvesting opportunities. A visitor mentioned, "Fantastic berry picking & great views (when there is no smoke)" when camping near US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass.

River exploration: The North Fork Skykomish River provides swimming and wading spots during summer months. One camper at Troublesome Creek Campground shared, "Fun river for splashing and some baby fish chasing. Saw a snake, so watch where you're stepping."

What campers like

Riverfront sites: Campsites along the Skykomish River are particularly valued. A Beckler River Campground camper noted, "Beautiful little campground nestled by the river. You can hear the river from all camp sites, and see it from almost. Super easy access to the river as well."

Forest privacy: Many campgrounds offer secluded spots. "The campground was kept very clean. Sites are dry, but there are water spigots in a few locations throughout the campground," explains a visitor at Beckler River Campground.

Proximity to Seattle: The area provides accessible wilderness without long drives. According to a review of Tinkham Campground, "This campground is close to Seattle but feels like your hundreds of miles away. Easy to get to. Well maintained and you can reserve online."

What you should know

First-come camping tactics: Many areas fill quickly, especially on weekends. "It's FCFS so we would send a friend earlier in the week to stake out a spot," explains one camper about securing sites at Beckler River.

Noise considerations: Train tracks and Highway 2 generate significant noise at some sites. One Money Creek visitor warned, "If you are going to camp here...choose the river side of camp. The wooded side is miserable...you basically will feel like a train is headed right through your camp every few hours."

Limited amenities: Water sources can be unreliable. A Middle Fork Campground visitor advised, "We pulled up last minute and there were still campgrounds and most of the sites were pretty clean!"

Tips for camping with families

Campfire regulations: Fire restrictions change seasonally, particularly during late summer. A camper at Old Cascades Highway Dispersed camping noted, "Secluded, sadly too dry for a fire."

Bug protection: Mosquitoes can be problematic in certain areas. As one camper at Troublesome Creek explained, "Only major issue, which brought down a star, was Mosquitos! Seems to be less mosquitoes by the river. Once we got back to camp from activities, it was a rush to cook, eat, and jump into the tent, as the mosquitoes were relentless."

Day trip options: Several small towns offer supply runs and activities. "Skykomish 2 miles…. Shower, laundry, library, over priced food available. free mini train rides for the kids," noted a camper at Beckler River.

Tips from RVers

Road conditions: Forest service roads vary widely in quality. At Old Cascades Highway Dispersed, one RVer reported, "It's a lovely area right by a beautiful river. However, it was hard to find a large enough spot that was also level to park our van."

Site leveling: Some campgrounds offer naturally level sites. As one camper at Tolt MacDonald Park explained, "The only campground we've been to where we didn't need to level the trailer. RV sites are all pull through its fairly quiet."

Seasonal access: Winter conditions limit RV options significantly. A reviewer noted, "Paved road, dirt road (30min), paved road to get to campsite. Not a problem on the dirt road, saw plenty of sedans and small hybrids going in and out."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Baring, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Baring, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 246 campgrounds and RV parks near Baring, WA and 45 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Baring, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Baring, WA is Beckler River Campground with a 4.8-star rating from 14 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Baring, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 45 free dispersed camping spots near Baring, WA.

What parks are near Baring, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 parks near Baring, WA that allow camping, notably Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.