Best Campgrounds near Skykomish, WA

Camping options near Skykomish include both established forest service sites and dispersed camping areas along the river corridors. Beckler River Campground and Money Creek Campground offer developed sites with amenities such as vault toilets, picnic tables, and seasonal water access. Old Cascades Highway provides dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking a more primitive experience. The campgrounds primarily accommodate tent and RV camping, with most sites requiring reservations during peak season. The region features forested settings with riverfront access at select campgrounds, making it popular for summer recreation.

Seasonal availability significantly influences camping in the Skykomish area, with most developed campgrounds operating from late May through mid-September. As one camper noted, "We had two beautiful days at Beckler River CG. There's no water available in the CG so make sure you bring extra water." Winter closures affect all established campgrounds, while forest service roads providing access to dispersed camping may become inaccessible due to snow. Cell service varies throughout the region, with several campgrounds reporting surprisingly good coverage. Most established campgrounds maintain clean vault toilets but lack shower facilities. Road conditions generally accommodate standard vehicles, though some dispersed sites may require higher clearance.

The Skykomish River and surrounding waterways represent the primary attraction for many campers visiting the area. River access points provide opportunities for wading, fishing, and cooling off during summer months. A visitor commented, "Amazing quiet little place. The River was amazing and it was not crowded." Proximity to popular hiking trails makes these campgrounds convenient basecamps for outdoor recreation. Noise levels vary significantly between campgrounds, with Money Creek frequently mentioned for train and highway noise disturbances. Several reviewers note that riverside sites offer more privacy and better sound buffering from transportation corridors. Mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, though tent campers should carefully select sites away from noise sources for better overnight experiences. Weekends typically see high occupancy rates, especially at developed campgrounds with reservation systems.

Best Camping Sites Near Skykomish, Washington (278)

    1. Beckler River Campground

    14 Reviews
    Skykomish, WA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 419-5115

    $32 - $68 / night

    "Good cell reception  Water temporarily unavailable 

    Skykomish 2 miles…. Shower, laundry,library, over priced food available . free mini train rides for the kids.

    History of gold in the river…..?"

    "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"

    2. Middle Fork Campground

    23 Reviews
    North Bend, WA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 804-1103

    $32 - $96 / night

    "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."

    3. Money Creek Campground

    11 Reviews
    Skykomish, WA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 419-5115

    $32 - $76 / night

    "It’s convenient to drive into because it’s right off the highway and about five minutes or so is the town of Skykomish with an incredible deli library a laundromat and a coffee shop I hope to visit here"

    "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."

    4. Old Cascades Highway Dispersed

    8 Reviews
    Skykomish, WA
    7 miles

    "Just a couple miles East of Skykomish, up a paved road, the campsite is just before you go over the bridge on your right and had enough room for high clearance vehicles to pull into it and smaller cars"

    "We really enjoyed our spot off of Old Cascades Highway. There are a few good tent spots that are pretty tucked away."

    5. Tinkham Campground

    45 Reviews
    Snoqualmie Pass, WA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 804-1103

    $32 - $36 / night

    "Although the Camp Ground and facilities are great at Tinkham, my advice would be to get into your lifted Off-Roader and hit the mountain roads for this camping trip of a lifetime!"

    "It is a small Forest Service campground next to the south fork of the Snoqualmie river. The site well shaded and fairly privet for the most part."

    6. Kachess Campground

    34 Reviews
    Snoqualmie Pass, WA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 852-1100

    $27 - $158 / night

    "Pros Close to Seattle about 1.5 hr - 2 hrs away depending on traffic.

    - It has numbers of walk-in sites with great access to the lake.

    - Lots of loop for kids to ride bike and explore.

    - Great"

    "The Camp sides had good space separating them. oh and the bathrooms didn’t smell. I loved staying here."

    7. Denny Creek Campground

    18 Reviews
    Snoqualmie Pass, WA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 804-1103

    $38 - $140 / night

    "tempted to stop at Dru Bru Brewing just off the exit on your left."

    "Far from bathrooms but close to path to river (but not directly adjacent to path)."

    8. San Juan Campground

    4 Reviews
    Index, WA
    12 miles
    Website

    "Quiet and scenic along the North Fork of the Skykomish river. First come first served."

    "According to the researchers at the Whale Museum (located in the lighthouse at Limekiln Point SP), the orcas that we saw were the first resident orcas spotted that season!"

    9. Lake Dorothy

    2 Reviews
    Skykomish, WA
    9 miles
    Website

    "The lake is ice cold, which is nice if you’re just finished a hot hike in. There are some areas sort of cleared for camping, that have clearly been used before."

    "Easy stair stopped trail; a bit harder with a 40# pack. Lots of camp sites to choose from, but the one on the far shore of the lake is my fav. Great for groups. Primitive toilets along the way."

    10. Troublesome Creek Campground

    5 Reviews
    Index, WA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 804-1103

    $32 - $68 / night

    "Located about two hours from any significant population base, accessible off of a (mostly) dirt forest service road, you'll marvel at the serenity of this idyllic campground."

    "Tip: get your firewood BEFORE turning off highway 2. We were there three days and never saw a host. Drove to multiple campgrounds to see if the host was there and no such luck."

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Recent Reviews near Skykomish, WA

1037 Reviews of 278 Skykomish Campgrounds


  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Old Cascades Highway Dispersed

    Bigfoot Lives Here

    If he doesn't, then he's missing out on the most Idyllic campsite ever! There are no fewer than 9 campsites within less than a mile either side of the bridge. The one directly on the south side of the bridge is 4wd access only because of the big rocks protruding into the road bed. But if you go about 3/4 mile up from the bridge, you'll find the most superb spot ever. There is nothing here for TT or large RV's, for small van-lifers and such, it's a pot of gold. There are two absolutely beautific sites at the 3/4mile area. Both sites can access the river for water (it's a small, steep hill). There are no toilets, cell service was spotty, Starlink worked fine.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 9, 2025

    Cascades RV Resort

    Cascades RV Resort

    We are long term RV campers here at Cascades. It is a lovely RV resort with large concrete pads with astroturf lawn and picnic table. Everyone is friendly. Nightly noise is never excessive. Gracie’s place is an onsite cafe that serves food, alcohol, deserts, coffees, and other drinks. You can get package delivery just no USPS. They do offer monthly discounts. Would highly recommend for anyone in an RV.

  • Nicole L.
    Oct. 3, 2025

    Woodlands at Lake Stickney

    BEAUTIFUL LOCATION

    I myself have never parked my RV at the campsite. However, I've been to the public Access area and have to say that it's very peaceful and has a restroom which is nice. I'm a local. I live inside my RV and it has been a major adjustment but having places like this has been extremely helpful.

  • Michelle R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Forest Road 7300 Pull-Off

    Large open pull off

    Lots of pull offs spots on FS Rd 73 but this spot is very open and it’s the one the GPS guided me to from The Dyrt site.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground

    Lake Wanatchee State Park - NORTH Campground

    Unlike the South Campground, the North side has a lot less going on--not a bad thing at all, though! Dinged this side a star because there's no view of the lake from the camping area--you have to walk a (short) path to the beach area. There's one central restroom area with 4 individual shower rooms. Great cell service.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Nason Creek Campground

    Nason Creek Campground

    This campground has 3-4 sections on both sides of the road (one being across the bridge). Most sites are reservable on rec.gov, but the best sites are First Come First Serve (no R on the iron site posts) and along the creek/river (at least in the loop we were in)... which I LOVE that concept; we stayed at Site 4 and then moved to Site 3--the best site imo--once that was available. $27/night, camp hosts, well-maintained, flush toilets, dumpsters, great cell service, but there is a little bit of road noise.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Lake Easton State Park Campground

    Lake Easton State Park Campground

    Had a reservation. Pulled up around 3:30 to the park entrance booth with instructions to check in over the phone. After a short while on hold, was able to complete our check-in. Facilities were clean and fine, but only 1 shower stall in the women's and 1 in the men's for the whole campground. Reviews aren't kidding about the I-90 road noise. This spot was okay for a quick overnight while traveling through the area... but I wouldn't personally make a destination of this place.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Kachess Lake Logging Road Campsites

    NF-4930 / NF-118

    Lots of dispersed camping opportunities leading up to the Rachel Lake Trailhead and the Box Canyon Creek Site on NF-4930. Also many spots on the NF-118 spur, which is where we stayed. Some sites are cleaner than others, but most had garbage left behind by previous boneheads. Please pick up after your stay! Spotty cell service--a cell phone booster helped a lot. About half the sites along NF-4930 were occupied on our way to find camp on a Tuesday. We hiked to Rachel and Lila Lakes on a Wednesday morning and a few other cars were already at the trailhead. By the time we were done hiking in the afternoon, the lot was full. Popular area!

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 16, 2025

    Glacier View Campground

    Glacier View Campground

    We had a great 2-night stay. Arrived Sunday afternoon to the last of the weekenders packing up, then had the place to ourselves. The first few sites had space for RVs, but after that it's primarily hike-in sites, but a one or two sites for a camper van to pull into (which is the option we chose). The sites have great access to water. Amenities include vault toilets and trash. Spotty cell service. A ranger does swing through and checks on receipts. At the moment, it's $24/night cash or you can pay with Scan & Go for an extra online fee plus tax.


Guide to Skykomish

Dispersed camping options near Skykomish sit at elevations between 1,000-3,000 feet in the western Cascades, where summer temperatures average 65-80°F during the day. The river-fed camping areas follow forest service roads that branch from Highway 2, with several primitive sites located along the North Fork Skykomish River where cell service remains surprisingly reliable despite the remote setting.

What to do

Riverside wading: At Beckler River Campground, the sites offer easy river access where summer swimmers can cool off. "The River was amazing and it was not crowded... Next time I will book the River side sites," notes James D., highlighting the appeal of waterfront camping.

Huckleberry gathering: Summer campers at Middle Fork Campground can pick berries right from their sites. "We enjoyed our stay... There were so many berries around the camp and we could literally sit in camp and pick blue berries," reports Dan P., describing the abundant summer foraging opportunities.

Granite riverbed exploration: The North Fork Skykomish River features unique geological formations. "The granite lined riverbed is truly spectacular!" writes Tracie W. about Troublesome Creek Campground, where the river creates natural pools and exploration areas for all ages.

What campers like

Proximity to trails: Tinkham Campground serves as a convenient basecamp for numerous hiking options. "Lots and lots of hiking nearby! The campground is also very close to the ranger station so information abounds," explains Arlene S., highlighting the easy access to recreation information.

Natural sound buffers: The rushing water at certain sites provides natural white noise. "I am sure the roaring river masked sounds. There is nothing like that sound to put my insomniac brain out like a light at night!" shares Tracie W., pointing out how riverside sites offer better sleeping conditions.

Privacy levels: Campers consistently note site separation quality varies across campgrounds. "Each site had good privacy considering how many spots there were. Best spots were along the river," notes Cassandra C. about Beckler River, indicating riverfront sites typically offer more seclusion.

What you should know

Water availability: Several campgrounds have limited or seasonal water access. "Very enjoyable time here. Campground was kept amazing clean. Sites are dry, but there are water spigots in a few locations throughout the campground," explains Justin B., describing Beckler River's facilities.

Train noise: Money Creek Campground experiences significant railway disturbance. "If you are going to camp here...choose the river side of camp. The wooded side is miserable...you basically will feel like a train is headed right through your camp every few hours," warns Mindy P., providing critical site selection advice.

Road condition variations: Access roads vary significantly in quality. "Paved road, dirt road (30min), paved road to get to campsite. Not a problem on the dirt road, saw plenty of sedans and small hybrids going in and out," describes Marcus M. about reaching Troublesome Creek Campground, confirming accessibility for standard vehicles.

Cell service pockets: Coverage exists in unexpected areas. "Campground even had phone service (TMobile)," mentions Cassandra C., noting technology access remains possible at Beckler River despite the mountain setting.

Tips for camping with families

Bug preparation: Bring appropriate repellents for summer camping. "Bring bug repellant. The flies are abysmal," advises Olwyn L. about Lake Dorothy, emphasizing the importance of insect protection in certain areas.

Shower alternatives: No developed campgrounds offer shower facilities. "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," shares Bethany G. about Beckler River, describing how families use the river for refreshing.

Toilet quality: Restroom facilities vary widely between locations. "Bathrooms were relatively clean. Each site had good privacy considering how many spots there were," notes Cassandra C., providing reassurance about basic facilities at Beckler River.

Tips from RVers

Limited hookups: Most Skykomish area campgrounds lack power connections. "Sites cost from $28 to $56 for double site. Good cell reception. Water temporarily unavailable," explains rex N. about Beckler River, detailing the primitive camping setup.

Level site availability: Kachess Campground offers more developed parking. "Paved road and pull thrus, most are level," mentions rex N., highlighting the RV-friendly terrain at certain sites.

Generator regulations: Rules vary between campgrounds about power equipment. "Generators allowed" at Beckler River and Money Creek contrasts with other campgrounds where they're prohibited, providing options for RVers requiring power.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping spots along the Skykomish River?

The Skykomish River area offers several excellent camping options. San Juan Campground sits along the North Fork of the Skykomish River with scenic views and first-come, first-served sites. Just a couple miles east of Skykomish town, Old Cascades Highway Dispersed provides free roadside camping accessible for both high-clearance vehicles and smaller cars. For those seeking additional options, Eagles Reach offers flat tent camping areas near the river, while Money Creek and Beckler River campgrounds provide established sites within a short distance of Skykomish town.

What amenities are available at Skykomish campgrounds?

Money Creek Campground offers bathrooms, potable water, and gray water dump stations. The private campsites provide a good level of intimacy, and the campground is well-maintained with daily cleaned pit toilets. Beckler River Campground features clean pit toilets, two picnic areas available for day use, and seasoned firewood for purchase. Sites cost between $28-$56 for double sites, and the campground boasts good cell reception. While water might be temporarily unavailable at some campgrounds, Skykomish town (about 2 miles from Beckler River) offers showers, laundry, a library, and other conveniences for campers.

When is the best season for camping in the Skykomish area?

The optimal camping season in the Skykomish area is late spring through early fall (May-September) when weather conditions are most favorable. Troublesome Creek Campground offers an idyllic experience during summer months, providing serenity away from population centers. For those seeking less crowded experiences, Chumstick Mountain Dispersed Camping in the southeast corner of Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest provides peaceful camping with minimal traffic even during peak seasons. Be aware that many forest service roads accessing remote campgrounds may be snow-covered or impassable outside summer months, and some campgrounds close seasonally after Labor Day or mid-October.