260 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Several campgrounds surround Gold Bar, Washington, each with its own character. Denny Creek Campground draws many hikers who use it as a base for trails leading to nearby waterfalls. Near Snoqualmie Pass, Tinkham Campground sits among the thick green forests that define this part of the Northwest. Campers who want to fish often pick Beckler River Campground, which runs alongside the water and has good spots to watch for wildlife. Remember that Tinkham doesn't have drinking water, so you'll need to bring your own. Summer brings the best weather for camping in this area, but also brings more people, particularly on weekends when folks drive out from Seattle and nearby cities. If you're heading to Bedal Campground, know that the gravel roads getting there can be rough in places. While getting to some sites takes extra effort, most campers find the mountain views and outdoor activities worth it. It's always smart to look up current rules and check the weather forecast before you pack up your gear.
"This is a good campground just off Hyway 2 and on the river, some site are directly next to the river, however, we choose a site on the other side of the road due to the full hookup there."
"Thunderbird has 3 pools for all age groups (one especially designed for little toddlers) and a hot tub plus other great activities around the park. My kids would live at the playground if they could."
"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."
"This is a nice campground with semi private sites, several of which are generous sized with walking trails, and trails to the lake. Lots of trees for privacy."
"I probably wouldn’t bring a trailer more than 32 or 33 feet long in here as there are tight curves around trees. Did have electric and water."
"Stopped through here on a trip around the mountain loop. This is in a great location being accessible from the city but near all the great trails in the area."
"This amazing little campground on mountain loop highway has it all."
from $32 - $72 / night
Check Availability"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"
"The outhouse and water were close by."
from $32 - $68 / night
Check Availability"We arrived and only had hammocks to camp in and the two walk up sites did not provides trees to manage our hammocks."
"For the avid hiker & camper, two lakes are available for camping by permit a couple miles past the upper falls."
from $12 - $61 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $32 - $96 / night
Check Availability"Gas stations and McDonalds next to the resort 1 mile from town of Sultan"
from $65 - $95 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $32 - $76 / night
Check Availability"It has water and 30 amp power at all spots with access to a dump station. You are limited to 7 nights per month. It's right next to the fairgrounds so you have all the sounds that come with that."
"Notable considerations, near racetrack ongoing races and trials usually quiets down early evening this time of year. Great place to go adventure for the day. A couple major stores to stock up on."
from $35 / night
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TravelerNice campground, well maintained and rangers often patrol the campsite loops. Bathrooms are nice but dated, but quite expensive campground. Paying in-person was $49 for an RV spot with utilities, but booking online was $69 for the same site. Can be busy on the weekend.
ScoutThis place is so nice. We felt welcomed as soon as we walked to the check-in desk. Dave and Victoria are so kind. This place is so nice and neat and clean. They have a pool and a hot tub which is a plus and a sauna. It was very nice to be able to chatter with them and joke back-and-forth like they were old friends. You can’t go wrong staying here. The only thing is I hate to tell anyone how nice it is cause then I might not be able to get in.
ScoutMy review is from my own experience but there are numerous other reviews that express my same sentiments. I was there 7 years and only had infractions during one month. (all from the same ranger) and one speeding infraction.
Port Susan Camping Resort has been a bad experience for me and presently turned to bitter. I sold my lot but the check got lost in the mail. I asked the sales agent to replace the check and I have waited approximately 35 days! I finally asked the board to intervene. This is bad business. This is a sample of the treatment or abuse I was given at Port Susan from the sales office. Replacing a check is easy and the money is not even drawn on Port Susan, it comes from the buyer. What would happen if I were paid but the buyer could not access the lot or wasn't given a gate pass or if the sales had to wait for their commission for 35 days after the sale? I was treated so unfairly! They showed me lots for sale with BLACK MOLD.I would think I am being targeted once again but there are many complaints that have been filed about poor management, unfair fines and being targeted if you speak up. The only recourse you have is to go to Tribal court since Port Susan Camping resort is Tribal owned. If you ask me this is a conflict of interest? Bottom line, absolute power leads to absolute corruption. Port Susan is like living under communist rule: The board took a vote to install 50 amp service, the members voted against it because most trailers use 30 amp. The 50 amp was installed any way and members have to pay for it. I spoke up on Campers Chat, but PSCC has the right to determine what will be allowed to be viewed. Freedom of Speech, NOT sat Port Susan. Members have to be careful who they speak to, if they speak against unfair fines to one of"them" they will be targeted. I have been targeted by one ranger who gave me 1200.00 worth of fines in one month. There used to be one ranger who patrolled lots 24 hours a day now there are 2 or 3. You are under constant survelience and fined for violations. Port Susan changes the rules constantly. One example, the road going downhill to the laundra mat and mailbox changed the speed limit to 5 miles per hour. Try going down a hill at 5 miles per hour. I was fined 200.00 at 5:00 am. This was thrown out because no one could do this but later going down hill to the front gate is a radar controlled system. I accidentally was going 17 mph in a 15 mph and was fined 400.00 for going over the speed limit for a 2nd infraction! no where in this country has fines like this but PSCC has unlimited power and no jusidiction. If you take it Tribal Court,( they lease the land to Port Susan you can be held liable to pay the attorney fees against Port Susan. There is less than 30 years on the lease so your membership is a poor investment. Not to mention that they have water pipe problems and boil water warnings posted periodically. If they decide to change all the water pipes the members will pay. I had rats get into my trucks. One was towed to Toyota and they found a rat. The rats got into the cab. I replaced this truck with a brand new Honda and during an oil change was notified that rat tracks were found all over my distributor cover and it was only at my site for 2 weeks!!! Many members tell the truth once they leave and abuse and mistreatment is the norm. THIS IS A FEAR BASED COMMUNITY Good luck with your purchase
TravelerThe heated bathrooms with showers were definitely comfort on our cross country road trip. We arrived after hours but because we already had made reservations that morning we were able to use the slider and enter the campground. Star gazing is always top priority. We headed down to the lake’s beach to snap some shots with my iPhone 14 Pro night, setting on a tripod and remote.
LegendThe dispersed sites are on the narrow, gravel section. There are a few on the paved area but most have been blocked off. Even on the gravel section most are pull-offs or quite close to the road. They are dispersed sites so no amenities. Most are close or have access to the Sauk River. The road and TH’s were very busy but cleared out as evening settled in.
LegendRoad closures due to a bridge out closed off probably the better sites up top but we did find a great spot off the road with a view. Enjoyed a nice evening under the stars and a campfire.
ScoutIt IS a pretty, private, moderately priced rv park. Too bad -- there is a note announcing their permanent closure 10/31/2026. Enjoy it while you can!
ScoutJust a car park. Do not go to the front of the casino as there are over hanging branches that that can scratch your RV.
ScoutI wanted to like this campground, but I wouldn’t stay here again for more than maybe one night.
There are signs EVERYWHERE warning about theft, which immediately tells you something about the area. I didn’t have anything stolen, but I was extremely careful about what I left out.
The biggest problem is that you’re basically on your own after hours. There is no campground host, no posted after-hours ranger number, and no non-emergency number at the campground or through the park’s phone system. The staff hours also seem very limited and inconsistent. I arrived around 6:30 PM and nobody was there, and staff didn’t seem to return until around 9–10 AM.
The bathrooms were dirty, out of toilet paper, and the showers were cold. One morning there was a large unleashed dog in the women’s bathroom that growled at me while its owner was showering. I believe she may have been homeless and using the facilities. Again, there was nobody around to contact about it.
Another night, people were extremely loud until almost midnight. Same problem: no host, no ranger and no non-emergency number. Unless something is serious enough for 911, you’re left to deal with it yourself.
There are also a lot of homeless people and visible drug addicts/drug activity around Federal Way. I had been warned about the area before coming here, and I understand why.
The park itself is pretty and might be fine for a quick overnight stay, but for multiple nights, I wouldn’t recommend it. Between the theft warnings, lack of after-hours staff, weird staffing hours, and no way to report non-emergency problems, I never really felt comfortable settling into my campsite.
Camping sites near Gold Bar, Washington offer diverse experiences amid western hemlock forests at elevations between 500-1,500 feet. The Skykomish River basin provides natural waterway access for campers, with seasonal differences affecting site selection. Roads can be challenging during winter months when snowfall accumulates at higher elevations.
River activities: Flowing Lake Park & Campground provides easy water access with a swimming area. "The swimming area is also just rock and mud. A few loads of sand would make it infinitely better," notes Ryan O., highlighting that despite imperfections, many visitors enjoy cooling off during summer months.
Hiking trails: Wallace Falls State Park Campground connects to numerous trails for day hikers. Josiah P. mentions, "The hike to Wallace Falls (lower & upper) is moderate & enjoyable. The 'wooded hike' meanders along the Wallace River, which is said to have salmon & steelhead in August."
Fishing opportunities: Troublesome Creek Campground offers river access for anglers. "The granite lined riverbed is truly spectacular," writes Tracie W., while other reviewers mention salmon and steelhead fishing opportunities throughout the area waterways.
Private sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between sites at Beckler River Campground. "Each site had good privacy considering how many spots there were. Best spots were along the river," shares Cassandra C., reflecting the common preference for riverside spots.
River sounds: The natural sound barrier of flowing water enhances the camping experience. At Money Creek Campground, campers mention, "If you stay right on the river, it drowns out some of the sound," which refers to the nearby train noise that some find disruptive.
Cell reception: Unlike more remote locations, several camping areas maintain reasonable connectivity. At Middle Fork Campground, the accessibility combines with modern conveniences. Jules R. notes, "The roads leading in from I90 were passable but confusing with 'Road Closed' signage when the road wasn't actually closed."
Train proximity: Money Creek Campground sites experience train noise throughout the night. Brian N. warns, "The site is pretty. However, don't plan on sleeping if you are in a tent. Trains go by many times in the night and they woke us up."
Water sources: Not all campgrounds maintain reliable water access. At Troublesome Creek Campground, Tracie W. reports, "Unfortunately there is no water right now for some unknown reason. Signage at the water spigot directed campers to a campground down the road."
Reservation requirements: Verlot Campground sites fill quickly during peak season. Kyna M. advises, "I was there mid-week, early season, so I had it pretty much to myself," suggesting timing flexibility improves your chances of securing a spot.
Playground access: Family-friendly amenities vary between locations. Mindy P. points out that Flowing Lake Park has "the most amazing playground" making it suitable for younger campers who need recreation options beyond natural features.
Seasonal berry picking: Several campgrounds offer natural snacking opportunities. At Middle Fork Campground, Dan P. shares, "There were so many berries around the camp and we could literally sit in camp and pick blue berries," which provides a fun activity for children.
River safety: Water access requires supervision at most locations. "The dogs loved playing in the river! In August the river is down so we weren't able to use our kayaks but just wading in the river was awesome all by itself," explains Bethany G. about Beckler River Campground, highlighting seasonal water level changes.
Pull-through sites: Thousand Trails Thunderbird offers dedicated RV camping with various hookups. Robert K. notes, "We choose a site on the other side of the road due to the full hookup there. The campground has some Semi Permanent residents so we felt a little like we were intruding."
Leveling ease: Several sites require minimal setup adjustments. Russ H. mentions about Tolt MacDonald Park, "The only campground we've been to where we didn't need to level the trailer. RV sites are all pull through, it's fairly quiet."
Dump station access: Plan your water management carefully. Tracy P. points out, "Riverside no sewer hookups but have dump station by where you check in. Perfect to check in dump if you stay on river side."
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there RV-friendly camping options in Gold Bar, WA?
Gold Bar and the surrounding area offer several RV-friendly options. Cascades RV Resort provides full hookups, level sites, and big-rig access close to Gold Bar. For those seeking a balance between amenities and nature, Lake Pleasant RV Park is within driving distance and offers competitive rates with nice facilities, including a man-made duck pond. While not directly in Gold Bar, Flowing Lake Park & Campground near Snohomish is another option with big-rig friendly sites and water/electric hookups. Many RVers also use the Forest Service campgrounds along Highway 2, though these typically offer fewer amenities with no hookups and may have limited space for larger rigs.
Where are the best camping spots in Gold Bar, Washington?
Gold Bar offers excellent access to scenic camping opportunities in the Cascade foothills. Verlot Campground provides sites along the river that are popular with campers, though sites near the highway may experience some traffic noise. For a more secluded experience, Wallace Falls State Park Campground offers walk-in sites near the famous waterfall trails. Just a short drive from Gold Bar, Index Town Wall Parking Area is popular with climbers who set up tents or sleep in vehicles, with easy access to Index's general store. The surrounding area also offers several Forest Service campgrounds like Money Creek and Beckler River for those willing to venture slightly further from town.
What amenities are available at Gold Bar campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Gold Bar typically offer basic to moderate amenities depending on the location. Beckler River Campground provides potable water, vault toilets, and fire rings at each site. Some sites are large enough to accommodate bigger camping setups. For more developed facilities, Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground is within driving distance and features pay showers, well-maintained restrooms, and river access. Most Forest Service campgrounds in the area offer picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets. Campgrounds closer to town may have cell service, while those deeper in the forest typically have limited or no connectivity. Always check seasonal availability as some amenities like water may be turned off during winter months.
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