The Sultan area offers diverse camping options in the Cascade foothills at elevations ranging from 400 to 1,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 55-85°F with frequent evening cooling, while spring and fall camping often requires preparation for overnight temperatures in the 40s. Weather patterns can change rapidly due to mountain influences.
What to do
Riverside relaxation: Gold Basin Campground provides excellent access to the South Fork Stillaguamish River where visitors can enjoy swimming, wading, and even gold panning. "The river was absolutely beautiful, plenty warm, had a great time," notes one camper, who adds that "the toilets were clean but dark, needed headlamps even if it was daylight and cloudy."
Hiking access: Verlot Campground serves as an excellent base for area trails. "Situated beside the pristine Sauk River & two miles below the trailhead for Lake Twenty Two," one visitor explains. The campground's location makes it ideal for accessing numerous day hikes, including Gothic Basin and Mount Pilchuck.
Swimming and fishing: Flowing Lake Park & Campground offers lake recreation just 10 miles from Sultan. The park includes a swimming area and fishing dock. A visitor notes: "Lake access with boat launch and fishing dock. Small loop trail. We do enjoy this campground for a quick getaway. Fall camping here is beautiful."
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the room to spread out at Flowing Lake Park. "Lovely treed campground. Large sites!" remarks one camper. Another adds, "The site was nice and big. The space had plenty of room. A fun lake to play in."
Natural settings: Tolt MacDonald Park receives praise for its natural beauty. "It was quiet and peaceful," notes one visitor. Another camper adds, "Love this campground! So beautiful here and peaceful!" The park features a suspension bridge over the river and trails on both sides.
Riverside camping: Gold Basin Campground's riverside sites are particularly popular. "This campground is close to the river and has amazing views. The natural qualities of the alpine river are on full display here. Lots of granite rock, natural exposed canyon erosion, and beautiful grayish-black clay and sandstone," reports one visitor who appreciated the geological features.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the Sultan area operate on limited schedules. Gold Basin Campground is typically open "May 14 to Oct 6," while others like Verlot Campground maintain similar seasonal schedules. Winter camping options are limited to year-round facilities like Flowing Lake Park.
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. Flowing Lake Park is described as "very popular especially during the summer. Reserve ahead," by one visitor who warns about availability. Another camper notes about Verlot: "I was lucky to have scored it last second, as despite it being early in the season, that Saturday it was the only spot available day of."
Facilities vary widely: Wallace Falls State Park Campground offers cabin camping but limited tent sites. "We arrived and only had hammocks to camp in and the two walk up sites did not provide trees to manage our hammocks," notes one visitor who had to adapt their setup. "The bathrooms were nice and clean and it was beautiful and peaceful."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Flowing Lake Park provides excellent facilities for children. One visitor mentions: "The most amazing playground," while another adds, "We camped here with my daughter's American Heritage Girls troop. The site was nice and big. The park had lots for the girls to do and explore."
Educational opportunities: Wallace Falls State Park offers nature programs during summer months. A visitor notes: "For the avid hiker & camper, two lakes are available for camping by permit a couple miles past the upper falls." This provides opportunities for teaching children about forest ecology and watershed protection.
Safety considerations: Tall Chief Campground offers well-maintained facilities for families. "The pool, miniature golf, playground and basketball were great," reports one visitor. However, another camper points out: "The amenities needed repairs, such as the play areas," so it's worth checking current conditions.
Tips from RVers
Hookup limitations: Most campgrounds near Sultan offer partial hookups only. At Tall Chief Campground, "no sites have sewer hookups. Most people I saw had a honey wagon. We don't have room for one so we used a pumping service halfway through our time there. The park provided the information for the service. It was $60 though."
Power considerations: Electrical limitations can be an issue at some sites. One RVer at Tall Chief reported: "The majority of the sites are only 30 amp with antiquated posts. There are a few 50 amp sites but from what I saw they were all taken by RVers that are there on a more permanent basis."
Site sizing: Tolt MacDonald Park accommodates various RV sizes. "There are plenty of huge camping spots that include fire pits, picnic tables, and room for your car. There are also spots with RV hookups if you roll like that." The park's layout allows for both smaller and larger rigs, though site selection is important for larger vehicles.
