Looking for an adventure where you can explore Darrington and then fall asleep in your tent? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Darrington, including sites, reviews, and tips. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Darrington, Washington's most popular destinations.
WTA Pro Tip: This is a popular area for camping. On a sunny weekend, start early to allow plenty of time to find a site. Note that Gothic Basin is an extremely fragile area, so be sure that you're camping on an established site or sturdy surface, like rock or dirt, and avoid camping in meadows or grasses, as this can damage the landscape. You’ll also want a bear can, as there are no trees in Gothic Basin suitable for a bear line.
Close to Seattle but a world away, Camano Island Camping offers a mellow, less bustling, but equally friendly alternative to its busier neighbor, Cama Beach State Park.
Forest loop trails provide cool, tranquil hiking, while shoreline strolls offer birding, shell and rock exploration and sweeping views of Puget Sound, Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier.
Are you happiest in or on the water? Go boating, crabbing, saltwater fishing and sailboarding in Saratoga Passage. Curious about the restored 1930's fishing resort at Cama Beach? Hike the 1-mile trail to check out this neighboring state park.
After a fun day exploring the trails or cavorting in the water, you will probably want to kick back in your forested cabin, pitch your tent or get cozy in your RV. There, you can cook up the delicious crab you have caught, or your dinner of choice, and enjoy a bit of sublime R and R before heading back to the world.
What is Dispersed Camping? Dispersed camping is the term used for camping in the National Forest OUTSIDE of a designated campground. Typically, it refers to roadside car camping, but also refers to backpacking in undeveloped sites. Dispersed camping means there are no services like trash removal, and amenities such as toilets, tables and fire pits, are not usually available.
It is your responsibility to plan ahead and learn the extra skills necessary for dispersed camping. Camping rules and regulations apply to make your experience safe, and to keep the natural resources scenic and unspoiled for other campers.
Dispersed camping along Forest Service roads is allowed where there is adequate space to safely park completely off the roadway and not on any vegetation. Whether car camping or backpacking, choose an existing campsite on bare or compacted soil. Unless signed as an area where a fee is required, dispersed camping is free. Dispersed camping is prohibited in developed campgrounds and areas posted closed or no camping. Some designated Wilderness areas have additional restrictions. For the best information on dispersed camping opportunities and local restrictions, please contact the nearest ranger district office.
Rules for Dispersed Camping These rules apply to car camping and backpacking
You may camp in a dispersed area in an individual Ranger District for up to 14 days within a 30-day period. After 14 days, you must move to another Ranger District or off the National Forest until the 30 days has elapsed.
Do not blaze new roads to campsites, create new campsites, clear ground, cut or harm vegetation or construct a trail.
Do not drive beyond constructed physical barriers, such as berms or gates.
Do not drive through streams or wetlands to access a camp.
If campfires are legal in your location and you choose to have a campfire, pick a site with an existing fire pit. Do not create new fire pits. Make sure your campfire is always attended and is dead out and cold to the touch before you leave your site. Fires may be restricted or banned based on the fire danger rating.
Follow Leave No Trace principles and come prepared to “Pack it in. Pack it out.” Pack all trash home. Dispose of human waste in a sanitary manner. In high use locations, areas above tree line and snow-covered areas it is not possible to bury human waste in a sanitary manner. It will need to be packed out and disposed of at home using a wag bag, blue bag, portable toilet or another Leave No Trace approved method.
Do not block roads or gates.
Keep food and scented items secure from wildlife by keeping a clean camp and store items in your vehicle or use a wildlife resistant storage canister.
Failure to follow regulations can lead to legal consequences. Additional Forest rules and links to report crimes can be found on our Law Enforcement page.
$15 - $30 / night
A nice combination of sun and shade, this campground offers exploration of the North Fork of the Skykomish river when you're not sitting by the campfire roasting marshmallows.
Maple Grove Campsites are located on Baker Lake Trail. This is a wonderful family hike for all seasons with its low elevation and level grade. Stands of giant old growth trees draped in lichen and covered in moss are some of the highlights along this trail. Baker Lake Trail is the only trail on Mt. Baker Ranger District open for stock and llama use year round. It can also be accessed at the north via Baker River Trail 606. This trail leads into a majestic stand of Douglas fir that regrew after Mt. Baker erupted and started a forest fire in 1843. You can still see the burned snags of the cedar trees that once dominated the area. From south to north, the trail contours the eastern shoreline of Baker Lake, offering glimpses of Mt. Baker. All along the trail spot western trillium, twinflower, foamflower, coralroot and twisted stalk.
$20 - $60 / night
Sahale Glacier Camp is a collection of flat spots ringed with rocks piled up against the wind. Camping in the Sahale Glacier Camp requires a backcountry permit, available on a first-come, first-served basis at the ranger station in Marblemount.
Ranger
The Clear Creek campground is off the Mountain loop Rd in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Clear Creek is only ten minutes or so from Darrington WA. Only 13 campsites with tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. Vault toilets were also available. Firewood is not available on site, but local residents have firewood for sale at the roadside. 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, couldn't get my camera ready in time,
Guide
Has tent camping and bathhouse
Guide
Great tent camping, clean, great walk to beach. Train was super loud throughout the night.
Guide
Living just north of Seattle, Deception Pass State Park was a great stay for us in WA! We enjoyed a quick one night tent stay at one of the parks tent sites. The campground was equipped with nice restroom and shower facilities, as well as a trail and nearby store/restaurant walkable from the tent site! We look forward to returning again soon for a longer stay and to explore more of the area!
Legend
Half way along the mountain loop highway you encounter numerous spacious tent sites with fire rings and gorgeous river & Mountain View camp grounds.
Traveler
The campsites are nice, large and separated. A tent pad, table, and grill is provided at the tent sites. Our house near sites. Plenty to do at jim creek while you are there!
Legend
The tent sites are all walk in on a big lawn by the river. Sites are nicely spaced between one another. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. There are some nice trees spaced in the lawn so you get shade.
It's one of my favorite spots because of the fishing access. The tent sites are right on the waterfront behind a row of foliage. The Skagit is a fishable river and spectacular when the salmon pinks run every other year. You can hear them jumping and splashing from your camp site. It's amazing.
And on your way home you have to stop by the 4B's Cafe in Concrete. Is a from scratch bakery and amazing!!!
Scout
Their are several sites with hookups, cabins, tent sites. Beach walks and a county path nearby. There is also a marine center with small aquarium nearby.
TravelerWe have tent camped and most recently taken our travel trailer to this park. It my fav! Wake up early in am take your warm beverage and sit on the logs & listen to the wave come in. Also you can occasionally spot whales from the shore.
Legend
Primitive tent camping at its best. Water available in campground along with latrines. Heavily wooded and lots of entry level trails to hike. Easy terrain and lots to see. Also did some geocaching along the trails here! Was here with group of Boy Scouts and they loved it.
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! The tent sites at Hearth Street Properties offer secluded spots near the water, with conveniences like restaurants nearby. Check them out and share some pics from your trip on the Dyrt!
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! Cedar Groves has some great tent sites surrounded by tall dense trees, with tons of wildlife all around you! Check them out and share some pics from your stay on the Dyrt!
Scout
We got there a bit late in the evening but managed to set up camp quickly. We did tent camping and the ground was actually nicely flat and made for a good tent platform. The bathroom was well maintained and there was a picnic table at each location we saw along with a fire pit. Overall it was a good trip and would gladly return once more.
Guide
We stayed on a Sunday night, arrived when there was only 3 tent sites remaining. The campground is right at the ferry dock so you will get that early morning fog horn. Easy walk up the hill to the fort. We had a bald Eagle in the morning which was awesome. The restrooms are very clean. Showers are available, but quarters are needed!!
Scout
Arrived around 4pm on a Friday and there were a few spots left. Pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables available. No water. Got a spot with lake and Mountain View’s. Very small, quiet, stunning campground. Felt safe. We have a rooftop tent, not many sites with large enough spots to park trailers or vans. Mostly tent sites that are walk in. Mostly open, some sites in the forest. Had one bar of Verizon service. Would stay again!
Legend
There are several pullout towards the end of the Middle Fork Road that offer access to the river and dispersed tent campsites. These are in National Forest Land NOT in DNR land where dispersed camping has different regulations.
Great views of the river and the mountains above. No facilities and no cell-reception.
Legend
We were surprisingly pleased with this campground. Our site was was a tent site only. The sites are spread out and do offer a little privacy. The sites have a picnic table, fire pit and a bear box. The restrooms a bit dated and you could defiantly tell they need to be updated. Diablo lake is beautiful and plenty of hiking trails to keep you busy. We will be back.
GuideWhat can I say that others haven't!? Some of the best car camping in the Cascades. The lake is shockingly blue and COLD, but after a sweaty day of hiking is the ultimate in refreshment! Camp sites are close but feel secluded enough. If you walk into the tent sites on the north side of the campground you have some better options if you want to lug all of your gear with you.
Guide
There are multiple campground areas within the recreation area ranging from RV camping to hike in areas within the National Forest. The tent camping areas offer a great amount of seclusion while making it easy to move around the recreation area. There are multiple rivers and large lakes for activities or to lull you to sleep as the snow melts fill the river beds. We got incredibly lucky finding this place and will be back. Would recommend waiting until June for camping as it can be quite cold.
Guide
There are a few tent sites at this location. We chose to stay at one that had more exposure but was closer to the fire lookout, with the hopes that we could stay in the fire lookout the next night. It was fairly windy but gorgeous with a great view of the sunset. There is a bathroom. We easily found an area to pump water. It's an easy hike to the lookout and to nearby ponds and crests.
ScoutThis campground is beautiful! We had a site on the Mountain Loop Hwy side, so the road noise was kind of bothersome. If you’re lucky enough to get a site along the river, I don’t think the road noise would be a problem. The campground has beach access, fishing access, running water, and indoor plumbing (no showers, but sinks and toilets). It was a little stressful watching people trying to get their RV’s through the tight loop of the roadway lined with trees. We were tent camping though, so we didn’t have that issue personally. Would definitely return to this campground.
Ranger
Neve Camp is another far off adventure that is totally worth taking; located in the North Cascades not too deep off the thickly forested Thunder Creek Trail.
When planning our trip, we read reviews on other sites where folks thought the trail was boring, but we disagree. It is thickly forested but we were still able to glimpse the icy blue creek through the trees here and there and there was so much more to see! We found snails, mushrooms, wild flowers, all kinds of edible wild berries, trees large enough to stand inside, a rock cave in the hillside, and, of course, the sweet wooden foot bridge leading across Thunder Creek right into the first camp of the trail, Thunder Creek Camp . We bypassed this camp for two main reasons; 1) it’s located uncomfortably close to the trail, and 2) it’s only 1.5 miles into the trail (though not a bad spot if you got a late start and wanted to skip spending the night at Colonial Creek campground at the trail-head) and we wanted to see what lay ahead. We trekked another easy 1 mile before finding signs to Neve Camp. We wandered the nicely spread out campsites until settling on the dope site with the awesome river views from the fire pit/cook area. The tent sites for this camp are located on a small side trail up the hill a bit. They even have a nice pit toilet which isn’t enclosed so you can enjoy the surrounding forest while there. We had originally planned to head out the next morning, heading further up the trail but at breakfast our group of four decided we weren’t going anywhere as we were all in love with Neve Camp! We had an amazing view and sounds of the river to help lull us to sleep at night. During the day we watched all kinds of birds use the river as a freeway to head up or downstream. We saw many osprey, herons, a few formations of Canadian geese, a family of woodpeckers and more small birds we didn’t have names for. Did I mention the berries? The boys wandered the forest collecting all kinds of berries; blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, salal berry, salmon berry, and strawberry. We assume all those berries is why we found fresh bear scat on the trail, and spotted a black bear across the creek from us on our last morning in camp.
This location could be used as a mini base camp to hike up or down the trail a bit more. Neve Camp is also located very near the trail fork leading to Fourth of July Pass.
Really the only remotely negative thing I can say about this spot was that the tent sites were a bit small. We rock a Marmot Limelight 2P and we hardly had enough room to set up our tent! Once we jammed it in the tent site, however, we were good to go and the tent site size no longer mattered.
Ranger
Great spot for living by the water for a few days. Plenty to do as long as you're into beach-combing, hiking, crabbing, fishing, kayaking, or just watching the water. There's a sweet spot late summer when you can add berry-picking to the activities list. It gets quite busy, but not as overrun as other parks in the islands. This place is ideal for tent camping and hiking around the green trails with pretty awesome views of the sound. If you'd rather go RV/cabin experience, you might be better off down the road at Cama (?) I think.
Guide
This is a nice little place. The tent sites aren’t great. It’s worth the 10 bucks to upgrade. They were very nice and helpful. Connie is fantastic if you call and book. lots of trees and trails. They have a neat suspension bridge and a trail that leads to the river and one that leads to town. Close enough to town to be convenient, but far enough away that you aren’t bothered by noise. Showers and bathrooms were ok but clean. Loved staying here.
ScoutOverall we had a good time here, river is close by for water playing, and there is a playground for kids in the park. Grocery store is only two minutes away which makes it super convenient. However, the tent campsites have no shades, so on a sunny day it can get really hot. It's not a place where you can spend much time at the campsite during the day in my opinion.
LegendHoward Miller Steelhead is luxury camping. Lots of spots for RV's, but not a lot of trees. Paved roads everywhere. There are only a few tent sites, but they are right along a beautiful river. Again, no trees between sites though. When looking for a site in the dark, I definitely stumbled across a few other people's spots. I'm more of a rustic person, so this campsite wasn't for me. But it's location is great - it's right along the North Cascades Highway. The backdrop of the mountains is beautiful. Sorry no pictures. I was on my way to a rustic backpacking trip before sunrise.
Scout
Located directly in front of the North Cascades Visitor Center. The campground is as described. We tent camped in loop A near the hike-in sites. Of course it was rainy but we were still very happy with this campground. The bathrooms were clean and had one electric outlet. The water spigot was in front of the restrooms. The bear box was excellent and there were plenty of trees for privacy. There is one general store nearby but no restaurants so I’d recommend coming prepared. The NP Rangers are lovely and pointed us in the right direction for hikes. We drove into Newhalem to hike the Ladder Creek Falls Trail behind the Gorge Powerhouse. It is beautiful! Then we drove up Lake Diablo - Gorgeous!
Darrington, Washington, offers a fantastic selection of tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Darrington, WA is Squire Creek Park & Campground with a 4-star rating from 9 reviews.
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