Kymberly H.
Scout
ScoutVerlot Campground
Verlot campground
Stayed here for a couple days. It's really nice out here.
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 (279)
1. Beckler River Campground
14 ReviewsSkykomish, WA2 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsNorth Bend, WA14 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsSkykomish, WA3 milesWebsite+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
10 ReviewsSkykomish, WA7 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
46 ReviewsSnoqualmie Pass, WA23 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsSnoqualmie Pass, WA25 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsSnoqualmie Pass, WA21 milesWebsite+1 (360) 804-1103$38 - $140 / night
"Far from bathrooms but close to path to river (but not directly adjacent to path)."
"tempted to stop at Dru Bru Brewing just off the exit on your left."
8. San Juan Campground
4 ReviewsIndex, WA12 milesWebsite"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 ReviewsSkykomish, WA9 milesWebsite"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 ReviewsIndex, WA13 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos near Skykomish, WA
389 Photos of 279 Skykomish Campgrounds
Arlene S.
Beckler River Campground
Libby W.
Money Creek Campground
Lillie P.
Old Cascades Highway Dispersed
Amanda M.
San Juan Campground
Les R.
Index Town Wall Parking Area
Jared M.
Troublesome Creek Campground
Karina J.
US Highway 2 - Skykomish Area east to Stevens Pass
Dan P.
Middle Fork Campground
Megan C.
Pete Lake Backcountry Camping
Jessica C.
Hyas Lake
Amber W.
French Creek
Doris W.
Black Pine Horse Camp
Recent Reviews near Skykomish, WA
1065 Reviews of 279 Skykomish Campgrounds
Monica D.ScoutGlacier View Campground
Great services and lake access
I’m impressed by the service and park maintenance
- EEmma W.
TravelerKachess Lake Lakebed
Perfectly Trashed
It’s a beautiful spot with amazing cell service but every site is so littered. Pick up your trash!
Bekah M.
GuideIssaquah Village RV Park
What you need before a flight
We could not find an rv park willing to rent to us for 1 day before returning our van the next morning to roadsurfer and flying out of SeaTac. This one did and they were so nice. Last minute on our way from mt ranier called and got a 1 night full hookup for the van. We could fill up water and dump before our return. Also took showers in their shower house and bathrooms. They have laundry as well. Everything is clean and everyone was super nice. Lots of nice campers stored and people who have made this their temporary home away from home. It’s old and right next to the highway. No fire pits and just a little grass but we couldn’t be happier!
Rey R.GuideSouth Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site
Busy holiday
We stayed at one of these dispersed camping spots memorial weekend. Wonderful spot. Plenty of room for our 3 dogs to play around in. Only one issue. Whoever was there before is pretty much emptied all their trash out there. We had extra trash bags so we bagged it all but we didn’t have a truck to load it and take it out. It was like 4 or 5 bags full and some random shelving. So weird. Why are some people like this.
Other than that it was a perfect spot for us.
Janet H.TravelerSouth Fork Sauk River
Beautiful and Restful
The site was right next to a rushing creek running down to the Saul River. It was beautiful and we had a restful time even on a holiday weekend! There is an outhouse not far up the road but be prepared with plenty of water as there are no amenities! The campground is right off the road, which wasn’t terribly busy except as the holiday weekend kicked in. Watch dogs and kids because people driving the road don’t always slow down.
- Dana C.Traveler
Old Cascades Highway Dispersed
Beautiful, but crowded and noisy
We found a nice spot along the river to camp here, but the etiquette of other campers left something to be desired. Barely got any sleep due to loud music and singing that carried on until 4:30am. It was also very crowded and most of the spots along the river will require a small trek from the parking area. Not fun if you have a lot of gear to unload. We camped in 3 different places over a long weekend trip and this was our least favorite of them all.
- Dana C.Traveler
Boulder Creek Trail Dispersed
Amazing, secluded spot
We found a fantastic spot to set up camp here. Very secluded with lots of privacy in a beautiful forest with a private trail leading from our campsite to the river. Drive carefully coming in as the road has many potholes and bring bug spray.
- SShelly M.Scout
Tinkham Campground
Tinkham CReek Campground
Nice but noisy from the freeway.
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?
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?
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?
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.
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