246 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Startup, Washington sits within a diverse camping region with multiple campground options along the Skykomish River and nearby forests. Flowing Lake Park & Campground offers tent sites, RV hookups and cabins in a wooded setting about 10 miles west of Startup, while Wallace Falls State Park Campground provides tent and cabin accommodations near popular hiking trails. The area includes a mix of public and private facilities, from basic forest sites to full-service RV resorts like Cascades RV Resort in Sultan and Thousand Trails Thunderbird along the river corridor.
Many campgrounds in the Startup vicinity operate seasonally, with peak availability from May through October when mountain passes and forest roads remain accessible. "The hike to Wallace Falls is moderate & enjoyable. The waterfall is beautiful & well worth the hike," notes one visitor to Wallace Falls State Park. Several campgrounds like Gold Basin and Verlot operate with reduced services during shoulder seasons, typically closing completely for winter. Weather conditions vary significantly with elevation changes, as sites closer to the Cascade Mountains experience cooler temperatures and earlier snowfall than lower-elevation campgrounds. Travelers should verify current conditions before departure, as mountain weather patterns can change rapidly in this part of Washington.
Riverside camping represents a significant draw throughout the Skykomish Valley. Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites at Thousand Trails Thunderbird, where several sites directly border the river. According to reviews on The Dyrt, "Along the river you see fly fishing, it's amazing." For climbers and hikers, Index Town Wall Parking Area offers convenient primitive camping near popular rock climbing routes and trails. While sites like Evergreen State Fairgrounds provide basic amenities for RVs, reviews indicate noise concerns: "Not a place for tranquility. The price is right for what you get." Most developed campgrounds in the area feature fire rings, picnic tables, and restroom facilities, though amenities vary significantly between primitive Forest Service sites and private resorts with full hookups and shower facilities.
"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."
"Very close to several Walmarts and grocery stores."
"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"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."
"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."
"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."
"Gas stations and McDonalds next to the resort 1 mile from town of Sultan"
from $65 - $95 / 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
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"This campground is close to the river and has amazing views. The natural qualities of the alpine river are on full display here."
"Gold Basin Campground is on the Mt Loop highway, in the Mount Baker- Snoqualmie National Forest. It is stunning. I really love this area!"
from $37 - $78 / night
Check Availability"Located near the Skykomish River, this is a great place to relax after a long day of exploring. Book them here and leave a review!"
from $35 - $55 / night
Check Availability
TravelerThis place is stunningly beautiful. The winding trails throughout the campgrounds are very nice. Restrooms and showers are very well maintained. One of the park rangers helped us book a reservation after showing up since the website wasn't working for us on our side. Overall an amazing time, def my favorite spot in the whole county so far.
TravelerStayed two weeks here. Pretty standard all around. It's nice and quite. Restrooms and showers were well maintained. Camp host tried to pull a fast one on me and up charge for fire wood about 5 mins after I pulled into the campground but other than that it was a nice and pleasant stay.
TravelerUSE AS A LAST OPTION ONLY - It's right behind the racetrack so if you like rednecks reving engines until midnight less than 100yds from your campsite you'll love it here! Didn't even bother with the restrooms or showers, everything looks pretty run down at the RV-2 site. Overall, a pretty crap operation. The other parks in the county are AMAZING, just steer clear of this place
ScoutWhitehorse Regional Park Campground is a Snohomish County public campground just north of Darrington, set in forest at the foot of Whitehorse Mountain in the North Cascades. It has 30 sites in three loops: an RV loop with full hookups and 50-amp power, an equestrian loop with corrals and a highline, and a tent-only loop. Amenities include a dump station, a restroom with showers (two ADA), a timber-framed picnic shelter, and water spigots. With 15 full-hookup sites, it's a rare full-service public campground — and a handy base for the Mountain Loop Scenic Byway, the Whitehorse Trail, the North Mountain mountain-bike trails, and Sauk River fishing and rafting, with downtown Darrington just minutes away. Open roughly mid-March through mid-October; reservations through Snohomish County Parks.
ScoutThis is a place to bring your family camping. It is not a free place for druggies to carry on like trash. North West forest passes not accepted. 24$ a night camping, 8 people per site max, 3 cars per site max. America the Beautiful Senior passes = 1/2 price.Day use applies to anyone that is not a camper. 11$ a day. These fees pay to keep this park open and patrolled.
GuideThe sites were $24 each with water and pit toilets. I wouldn’t recommend drinking the water. When we emptied our water bottles we noticed it was a little brown. You are right along the creek so that is a plus. There were only around 6-8 sites here so get here early on weekends.
GuideThis place is the best free camping in Washington. Coming from the Skykomish direction I believe it’s the turnoff to the right, right before the bridge. The old Cascades Highway road is barely travelled at all and there is rushing river right along the campsite. There is service and other pull offs along the highway if this spot is taken. There’s some large rocks that you have to maneuver around but my Subaru Forester got around it just fine.
GuideTwo sections. Not sure what it is called. Site 3 right on the water. Level. Stayed on a Monday night. Only a few other campers here. Trees around this pull in made it feel even cozier.
GuideStayed on site 38. Perfect for Van camping. Electric,water and sewer. Some sewer locations may need an extension hose. Power ran about 118 to 120 voltage. Cell service where we were at ...ATT had 3 bars and Verizon at 1 or 2 bars at best. Very dated park. But paved narrow roads and tight sites. Reserved on phone, same day of arrival. At 3:18 pm and checkin was closed. So we just went to site. Our loop restroom was very dated and needed some repairs. X1 shower in men's and women's. Men's side had tile missing but had hot water. Overall....just a very dated park. Airport noise noticeable. But spaces are somewhat spaced out with some privacy.
Startup, Washington camping areas see significant temperature fluctuations during peak season, with daytime highs reaching 80°F and nighttime lows dipping into the 40s from May through September. The Skykomish Valley experiences different rainfall patterns than nearby regions, with mountainside campgrounds receiving up to 10 inches more precipitation annually than valley-floor sites. Most camping sites near Startup, Washington close between late October and early May due to heavy snowfall and flood risks.
River activities at Verlot Campground: Located near the South Fork Stillaguamish River, this campground offers excellent spots for swimming and fishing. The campground provides a sandy beach area at its edge for water access. "We had a spot right by the South Fork Stillaguamish River. We fell sleep and woke up to river sounds and were able to walk down to it straight from our site," notes one camper at Verlot Campground.
Rock climbing near Eagles Reach: Eagles Reach provides a convenient base camp for climbers heading to nearby crags. With 5 acres of flat land for tent camping and water hookups available, it serves as a practical starting point for climbing trips. "Located near the Skykomish River, this is a great place to relax after a long day of exploring," mentions a reviewer.
Hiking trails from Middle Fork Campground: This campground serves as an access point for numerous trails, including the popular Mailbox Peak Trail. The campground's location offers quick access to multiple difficulty levels of hiking. "We stayed there to be close to the mailbox trail head. There were so many berries around the camp and we could literally sit in camp and pick blue berries," reports a camper at Middle Fork Campground.
Riverside sites: Many campers specifically request waterfront locations at campgrounds throughout the region. At Gold Basin Campground, riverside sites remain the most popular. "The river is gorgeous, so get a site along the river obviously! Wildlife viewing abound," recommends one visitor to Gold Basin Campground.
Alternative accommodations: Beyond traditional tent and RV sites, several Startup-area campgrounds offer cabins, yurts, and glamping options. Tolt MacDonald Park features unique shipping container conversions. "Spent a night in the yurt. Everything worked," reports a camper, while another notes, "They offer the typical primitive campsites with fire pits and picnic tables, as well as yurts and shipping container conversions for those who want more of a 'GLAMping' outdoor experience."
Water recreation: The multiple rivers and lakes around Startup offer swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. Flowing Lake provides a popular swimming area for families. "Playground is awesome for little kids. Amazing play structure," says a camper at Flowing Lake Park & Campground.
Restroom availability varies: Facility access differs significantly between campgrounds, with some offering full shower facilities while others provide only pit toilets. "The toilets were clean but dark, needed headlamps even if it was daylight and cloudy," notes a Gold Basin camper. At other locations, facility hours may be restricted.
Weather preparation required: Despite summer camping popularity, weather can change rapidly, requiring preparation for rain even during peak season. "We did get a bit of rain and had to put tarps up. The trees close to camp made it very easy to do so," shares a visitor to Middle Fork.
Site differences at same campground: Many campgrounds have significant variations between sites. At Tolt MacDonald Park, one visitor explains: "If you venture across the Shakey bridge there are hiking trails, access to the water, and plenty of trees to hang your hammock in. There are also additional more remote camping spots on the other side of the bridge."
Playground access: Several campgrounds near Startup offer dedicated play areas for children. Flowing Lake Park features an extensive playground structure that younger campers particularly enjoy. "The playground is awesome for little kids. Amazing play structure," notes a visitor.
Field sports areas: Gold Basin Campground includes a large open field perfect for group activities. "There is a huge grass field with plenty of space to get a baseball or soft ball game going, maybe a soccer game," explains a camper at Gold Basin.
Swimming safety considerations: River swimming spots require careful assessment due to variable currents and cold water temperatures. At Cascades RV Resort, campers appreciate the nearby swimming access with more controlled environments. "A new and clean RV resort about 1 hour from Seattle," says one visitor, noting its proximity to family-friendly recreation areas.
Hookup availability: RV services vary significantly between campgrounds, with some offering full hookups while others provide only basic services. "The only campground we've been to where we didn't need to level the trailer. RV sites are all pull through its fairly quiet," notes a camper at Tolt MacDonald Park.
Road conditions: Access roads to more remote camping areas may present challenges for larger rigs. At Thousand Trails Thunderbird, one camper advises: "Riverside no sewer hookups but have dump station by where you check in. Perfect to check in dump if you stay on river side."
Pad surfaces: RV campsites feature different parking surfaces throughout the area. "This campground is set up as expected for a county park campground. Pretty much all the lots are hard pack gravel with no tent pads," reports a visitor to Flowing Lake Park & Campground, while Cascades RV Resort offers "large concrete pads with astroturf lawn and picnic table."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Startup, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Startup, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 246 campgrounds and RV parks near Startup, WA and 35 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Startup, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Startup, WA is Flowing Lake Park & Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 14 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Startup, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 35 free dispersed camping spots near Startup, WA.
What parks are near Startup, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Startup, WA that allow camping, notably Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Keystone Harbor.
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