Camping near Baring, Washington centers around the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, with campgrounds situated between 800-2,000 feet elevation in dense evergreen forest. The area receives heavy annual rainfall creating lush vegetation and numerous waterways for recreation. Winter camping options remain accessible despite seasonal snowfall that typically begins in November and can last through April.
What to do
River access exploration: Clear Creek Campground provides direct water access with sites #12 and #13 offering the best river proximity. "The creek and the Sauk river are absolutely beautiful. There is so much wildlife in the area, keep an eye out, I think I saw a wolverine by the creek," notes a visitor at Clear Creek Campground.
Family hiking adventures: Several campgrounds connect to trail networks suitable for various skill levels. At Middle Fork Campground, "The camp host was super friendly and knowledgeable, dog access is a plus, and a ton of trails nearby. Plus, the road itself on the way up is very well maintained," shares one camper who appreciated the hiking options.
Winter activities: While summer offers water recreation, winter camping in the region provides snow activities. Lake Easton State Park maintains winter access with one reviewer noting, "Nice for camping in the snow," making it an option for year-round glamping near Baring for those prepared for cold-weather conditions.
What campers like
Wilderness immersion: Sites at Bedal Campground provide a genuine forest experience with old-growth trees. "The Trees here are Amazing! 21 campsites to choose from, with some availability to reserve. The sites are large, and there is a large old growth shelter available as well," shares a visitor who appreciated the natural setting.
Convenience to Seattle: Multiple campgrounds offer quick getaways from urban areas. "We loved it here! Non of the sites are reservable, so it's great for last minute trips when everything else has been booked out. Just over an hr from the city," notes a Middle Fork Campground visitor, highlighting its accessibility for spontaneous camping trips.
Campsite privacy: The spacing between sites varies significantly between locations. At Kanaskat-Palmer State Park, "Campsites in the RV loop were spaced out enough with vegetation between them so as to provide some privacy. Our site had a pull-through driveway, 30amp hookup, a fire ring and picnic table," making it popular for those seeking more secluded glamping options near Baring.
What you should know
Water access varies: Not all campgrounds provide drinking water. At Clear Creek Campground, a visitor cautions, "BE AWARE THERE IS NO WATER HERE. Repeat, there is no water spouts here, so you'll have to bring all you need."
Road conditions: Access roads to remote campgrounds can be challenging. One camper at Middle Fork noted, "The roads ads leading in from I90 were passable but confusing with 'Road Closed' signage when the road wasn't actually closed."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At Lake Easton State Park, a reviewer warned, "We had site #11, and the road noise was just too too loud for me. Definitely try to get a spot away from the road."
Reservation requirements: Availability policies differ significantly. "Bedal Campground is off the mountain loop highway in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest... Only 13 campsites with tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. There are trash cans and recycling options," explains one visitor about this smaller glamping destination.
Tips for camping with families
Bathroom facilities: Amenities vary widely between campgrounds. Tall Chief Campground offers "super nice" bathrooms that "have a great 'spa' feeling to their design and make you feel like you are glamping." The reviewer adds, "Bathrooms are usually found to be immaculate."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer water recreation opportunities. One family mentioned, "This park is big, beautiful, and very family friendly. If you venture across the Shakey bridge there are hiking trails, access to the water, and plenty of trees to hang your hammock in."
Weather preparedness: Temperature variations can be significant. A Clear Creek camper shared, "Camped August 8-11 2021 during a burn ban but it was still worth the escape from city life. Temperatures were within the 80s but during our last day, it was in the 90s," highlighting the need for proper cooling options.
Wildlife encounters: Animal sightings add to the experience but require proper precautions. At Bedal Campground, visitors were warned about "an active 'problem bear' around this campground. A cooler got raided the morning of August 1. Bear was also sighted near the campground earlier in the week."
Tips from RVers
Power limitations: Electrical hookups vary by location. At Tolt MacDonald Park, "RV sites are all pull through its fairly quiet. Nice setting lots of outdoor and indoor activities with in a short drive. We didn't use the restrooms since we have a self-contained trailer."
Dump station access: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. A Tall Chief visitor noted, "I do have to knock a star for the fact no sites have sewer hookups. This is fairly understandable though as it appeared that a service needs to pump the septic tank by the dump station for the entire park."
Site sizing: Campgrounds accommodate different RV sizes. At Tall Chief, one camper appreciated that "most sites are pretty big too. We can easily fit our trailer, tow vehicle, and extra vehicle and still have space!"
