Camping near Rockport, Washington offers diverse forest and riverside experiences within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. At elevations ranging from 300 to 1,500 feet, campgrounds in this area experience moderate summer temperatures averaging 70-80°F during peak season. Winter campers should prepare for temperatures that can drop to the mid-20s with significant rainfall from November through April.
What to do
Hiking through old-growth forests: Bedal Campground provides access to some of western Washington's premier hiking trails. Located 6 miles down a gravel road, Bedal sits deep in the forest with 21 sites nestled among ancient trees. One camper noted, "I have to mention the crazy amount of small waterfalls/cascades on the way in. This place is surrounded by some of the nicest forest I have seen."
River activities along the Sauk: Clear Creek Campground offers immediate access to the rocky shores of the Sauk River. With only 13 sites, this smaller campground provides a more intimate setting. A visitor shared, "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."
Lake swimming and boating: Baker Lake offers multiple access points for water recreation during summer months. According to one camper at Swift Creek Campground, "The swimming area is great for kids and adults, lots of places in the shade on the hill next to it with or without picnic tables, a few bathrooms nearby and water spigots."
What campers like
Quiet, secluded sites: Marble Creek Campground receives high marks for its spacious sites and tranquil atmosphere. "We stayed two nights. I highly recommend making reservations online prior... The loop road is about 3/4 of a mile. The sites are well spaced out and all are very spacious," one reviewer reported.
Private beach access: Several campgrounds feature direct water access, which proves popular with visitors. At Panorama Point Campground, "Nearly all the sites have their own beach. Lots of tree cover and perfect views from every site, even if the sites are a bit crowded together. Picturesque and quiet little campground!"
Variety of tent pads: Most campgrounds in the area provide level tent platforms. A camper at Horseshoe Cove Campground mentioned, "We had sites 28 and 30 for Labor Day weekend. Site 30 had a nice flat tent pad but was overall smaller. Site 28 took a little more effort to set up our family's tent on level ground, but was overall more spacious."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: During peak season (May-September), securing sites in advance is crucial. At Panorama Point, a reviewer advised, "This is not a big campground at all so make sure you reserve in advance (a few are non-reservable)."
Water availability varies: Not all campgrounds offer potable water. A Clear Creek visitor warned, "BE AWARE THERE IS NO WATER HERE. Repeat, there is no water spouts here, so you'll have to bring all you need."
Military aircraft noise: Deception Pass State Park Campground sits near a naval base, affecting the noise levels. "Definitely worth a stay with its proximity to the beach, stargazing, hiking. The whole area feels magical... The only downside is the noise from the naval base nearby. You'll hear jets overhead on a regular basis."
Tips for camping with families
Shallow swimming areas: For families with children, certain sites offer safer water access. At Swift Creek, "The roped of shallow swim area was great for the kids and the dog. Lots of trees for the hammock."
Nature exploration opportunities: The diverse ecosystems support wildlife viewing chances. "Deer stroll through camp," reported one visitor to Horseshoe Cove, making it an excellent opportunity for children to observe wildlife.
Yurt camping options near Rockport: For families seeking more comfort than traditional tent camping, Thousand Trails Grandy Creek offers yurt accommodations. "This is great for kids because of the amenities like the pool and other games. Good for people now into glamping," shared one reviewer, highlighting why yurt camping in Rockport, Washington appeals to families.
Tips from RVers
Access road considerations: Many campgrounds require driving on unpaved roads. A Bedal camper cautioned, "You have to drive out about 30 minutes on a gravel road with giant potholes from either direction to reach this campground."
Site sizing accuracy: RV campers should note that some sites are more spacious than advertised. At Swift Creek, one visitor discovered, "The reservation site said site 46 could only accommodate a vehicle up to 15 feet in length, but there was plenty of room."
Parking arrangements: Some campgrounds have shared parking areas, which affects RV placement. At Clear Creek, a camper explained, "Our site was a walk-in. 4 or 5 shared parking area served 3 close campsites."
