Dispersed camping options extend throughout the Mountain Loop Highway area, with sites varying from primitive pull-offs to established areas near waterways. The Forest Service maintains multiple campgrounds at different elevations across the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, most accessible from late spring through early fall. Winter camping remains limited due to significant snowfall and closures of higher-elevation roads from November through April.
What to do
Riverside activities: Clear Creek Campground offers excellent access to the Sauk River. "The creek and the Sauk river are absolutely beautiful. There is so much wildlife in the area, keep an eye out," notes a visitor who particularly appreciated the natural surroundings.
Swimming options: Verlot Campground provides family-friendly water access. "Shady but fun to float the river! Best in hot times of year due to shade," shares one camper who found relief during summer heat.
Hiking to alpine lakes: Gothic Basin requires a challenging 7-mile trek from the road to Foggy Lake. "The hike is difficult if you aren't in good shape and you have to be able to climb/hoist yourself over and down large boulders on a steep incline," advises one hiker who completed the journey with her sister.
Overnight backpacking: From Mountain Loop Highway, access numerous trails for backcountry camping. "If staying longer I'd say it's best to keep going to south fork sauk. But it was nice for the one night," reports a camper who found peaceful spots along the stream.
What campers like
River-adjacent sites: Bedal Campground offers prime riverside locations. "We would try to book one of the ones on the river next time. The sites were all really well spaced, and we would try to book one of the ones on the river next time," notes a visitor who appreciated the campground layout.
Privacy between sites: Squire Creek Park features secluded camping areas. "Most sites were very private. The park is beautifully forested and a trail takes you to Squire Creek where there's a little beach area," reports a camper who found the separation between sites adequate.
Old-growth forest settings: Turlo Campground provides camping under massive trees. "Nice big sites. Nice dense PNW forest here. It's a little close to the road, but most sites are very close to the river so you may not mind," shares a camper who enjoyed the forest atmosphere.
Reliable campground hosts: Gold Basin Campground maintains helpful staff. "The camp host was very nice and sold firewood on site," mentions a visitor who appreciated this convenience during their stay.
What you should know
Water availability varies: Many Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest campsites lack drinking water. "Potable water not available, there was a sign directing you to Verlot for water," notes a recent visitor to Gold Basin Campground.
Road conditions change: The Mountain Loop Highway transitions from paved to gravel. "The coordinates had me believing that the dispersed camping was just various pull offs on the highway loop. Once the highway turned into a gravel road is when I started seeing nice dispersed campsites," explains a camper who initially struggled to find suitable spots.
Wildlife awareness: Bears are active in certain areas. "There is 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," warns a visitor to Bedal Campground.
Tent pad conditions: Tent areas vary considerably between sites. "The tent pad had just enough room for two 2-person tents and a 1-person, and was very flat and rock-free," reports a camper at Gothic Basin, contrasting with gravelly surfaces at other campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Scout the right sites: At Verlot Campground, select locations carefully. "I was shocked by the high score and mostly positive reviews, but then I realized there is probably a huge difference between camping in the spots along the river vs. the ones right next to the highway," advises a camper who suggests requesting river sites.
Access to swimming spots: Red Bridge Campground offers safe water access. "This is a great 'car camping' site with great, spacious sites along the river. There are lots of local hikes nearby and you are in the beautiful forest," shares a visitor who found it ideal for family activities.
Field space for games: Gold Basin Campground provides open recreational areas. "There is a huge grass field with plenty of space to get a baseball or soft ball game going, maybe a soccer game," notes a visitor who appreciated the play space.
Toilet facilities: Clear Creek Campground maintains clean facilities. "The bathrooms (vault toilets) are well maintained and clean, BUT BE AWARE THERE IS NO WATER HERE," warns a camper, emphasizing the need to bring sufficient water supplies for children.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: Squire Creek Park requires careful planning for larger vehicles. "If camping in a trailer, take special note of accessibility of the site by checking out the campground map. The site we chose was based on length but it was narrow, with a tree branch that kept us from going further back on the site and some tricky turns to get to it," advises an RV camper.
Limited hookups: Most Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest campsites lack RV amenities. Prepare for dry camping without electric, water, or sewer connections.
Level parking areas: Bedal Campground offers suitable terrain for RVs. "Some sites were called double sites, and cost $36, regular sites cost $18, half price allowed with the senior pass," notes a visitor who found the pricing reasonable for the space provided.
Cellular connectivity: Cell service becomes unreliable in deeper forest areas. "Good connectivity on verizon," reports a visitor to Squire Creek Park, one of the few locations maintaining reliable service.
