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Activities

Established Camping

Boulder Creek Campground

Boulder Creek Campground, near Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, is a cozy retreat for those looking to immerse themselves in nature. With its dense woods and proximity to a lively creek, it’s a great place to unwind and enjoy the sounds of the wilderness.

This campground offers a primitive experience with basic amenities like pit toilets and picnic tables, making it perfect for those who appreciate a back-to-basics vibe. Visitors have noted that the sites are well-spaced, providing a sense of privacy while still being close to the action. As one camper shared, “The river is amazing and on a clear day you have amazing views of Mt. Baker.”

For outdoor adventurers, there are plenty of trails nearby, including the easy Shadow of the Sentinels loop, which is great for families. The creek offers opportunities for fishing and swimming, while the surrounding area is perfect for exploring. Just keep in mind that cell reception is spotty, so it’s a good idea to disconnect and enjoy the scenery.

While the campground can fill up quickly during summer weekends, it’s worth the effort to reserve a spot ahead of time. Whether you’re van camping or pitching a tent, Boulder Creek Campground provides a peaceful escape into the heart of nature.

Description

National Forest

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Overview

Boulder Creek Campground sits along the banks of Boulder Creek in the stunning Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The unique setting offers many recreational activities and scenic views. Baker Lake is close by, and several hiking trails and climbing routes are within a short driving distance.

Recreation

The surrounding area is a prime location for hiking, climbing, boating, fishing, picnicking and horseback riding in summer and early fall, and snowmobiling in the winter months. Baker Lake is a popular destination for boating, water skiing, canoeing, fishing and swimming. Anglers cast for a variety of fish species. Boat ramps are available at Horseshoe Cove, Swift Creek and Shannon Creek Campgrounds. The nearby Baker Lake Trail is an easy family hike that begins in a majestic stand of Douglas fir. In 1843, a small eruption of Mt. Baker caused a forest fire, and visitors can still see the burned snags of virgin cedar trees that once dominated the area. The trail contours above the eastern shoreline of Baker Lake. The Shadow of the Sentinels Trail begins just south of the campground. This accessible interpretive trail winds through a 500-year old ancient forest. Displays along the path explain the dynamics of the forest. The trail is constructed of asphalt and boardwalks with grades no greater than 8%.

Natural Features

The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest showcases rugged peaks, sparkling alpine lakes and old-growth forests, providing visitors with unique and surprising landscapes. Mt. Baker, the most prominent feature of the Mt. Baker Wilderness, dominates the landscape on a clear day. Rising to an elevation of 10,781 feet, the active volcano is perpetually snow-capped and mantled with an extensive network of creeping glaciers. Mt. Baker's summit, Grant Peak, is a 1,300-foot-deep mound of ice, which hides a massive volcanic crater. Wildlife in the area includes mountain goats traversing the higher elevations to squirrels and black bears in the forests. Migratory birds and native fish find ample habitat in the varied ecosystems as well.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (530) 932-0242.

Nearby Attractions

Hike in the mountains above the lake in the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area or Mt. Baker Wilderness or take some time to visit North Cascades National Park. This unique park features a deep blue lake surrounded by sheer, 2,000' cliffs, two picturesque islands and a violent volcanic past. Hiking trails, a visitor center and educational programs are available.

Charges & Cancellations

Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

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Location

Boulder Creek Campground is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Seattle, go north on I-5 to Burlington. Take Exit 230 East on State Route 20. Go past the Mt. Baker Ranger District Office in Sedro-Woolley and follow State Route 20 east for 16 miles to milepost 82. Turn left (north) on the Baker Lake Highway (Forest Service Road 11). Continue for 17.8 miles to the sign for Boulder Creek Camground on the right.

Coordinates

48.715415 N
121.694457 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Reservations


Reviews

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4.5

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6 Reviews

Reviewed May. 22, 2021

First Time Solo Camping

I was really nervous about camping in a new place and being alone, but this was the perfect place to do it.

I spent one night at camp 9 and it was perfect. The creek is definitely a little noisy, but the white noise helped me sleep and I didn’t hear really any noise from the road or my campground neighbors.

Not too buggy, lots of shade, plenty to poke around and explore both at the site and along the road.

Site009
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Boulder Creek Campground by PJ H., May 22, 2021
  • Review photo of Boulder Creek Campground by PJ H., May 22, 2021
  • Review photo of Boulder Creek Campground by PJ H., May 22, 2021
Reviewed Aug. 8, 2020

Van Camping near Baker Lake

Had a great time van camping here! Campground is small and near the main road but not too much noise from traffic while camping. Most sites are next to the creek. Grounds are densely wooded with berry bushes all around. Our site #6 was closer to the main road and right next to the vault toilets, but even then, no major issues to detract from a great stay in the woods. Would highly recommend reserving ahead of time during the summer weekends as it gets booked up. No cell reception out here. Lots of great trails in the area. For a short, family friendly and interpretive trail, check out Shadow of the Sentinels, only about a 0.4mi loop.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Boulder Creek Campground by Esther Y., August 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Boulder Creek Campground by Esther Y., August 8, 2020
  • Review photo of Boulder Creek Campground by Esther Y., August 8, 2020
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2019

Favorite off the path campground

This campground is primitive with only water and pit toilets but an absolute delight. The river is amazing and on a clear day you have amazing views of Mt Baker. You can go either direction to play on the water of Baker Lake or just relax. The spacing is good between campgrounds and each comes with a table and fire ring. I personally observed all bear precautions as rumors of bears around were plenty.

  • Review photo of Boulder Creek Campground by Tom K., August 9, 2019
  • Review photo of Boulder Creek Campground by Tom K., August 9, 2019
  • Review photo of Boulder Creek Campground by Tom K., August 9, 2019
  • (16) View All
Reviewed Oct. 1, 2016

Mt. Baker National Forest

Tiny campground along the creek with just a toilet (no water, but there’s a creek). If you walk out along the creek bed you can see great views of snow-capped Cascades, but the campgrounds are densely wooded so you don’t have views from your spot. There are a few nice very easy trails are in the immediate vicinity, with lots more serious trails throughout the Mt. Baker area. Baker Lake is just downstream where you can swim, boat and go fishing. Very quiet and private campground, loved it.

Reviewed Sep. 15, 2016

Disperse camping

You need a Disciver pass here but this place does not fill up on most weekends, outside of hunting season. Beware of partiers and other large groups as its not often kept up as the state's resources are spread this. Nice spot along the river though!

  • Review photo of Boulder Creek Campground by Ryan L., September 15, 2016
  • Review photo of Boulder Creek Campground by Ryan L., September 15, 2016
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2016

Free State Forest Campground

State forest campground along the Chewuch River, just north of Winthrop. Easy access to the town of Winthop for groceries and ice cream. HUGE sites with firepits. Very quiet, expect perhaps during hunting season. Lots of deer hangs throughout camping area and lots of fishing options. No picnic tables or potable water. Clean pit toilets, though it appears that hunters occasionally use them for target practice. Cost=free! Note: This is a different campground than the one that popped up in the drop down list. Near this area, but on the other side of Washington Pass.

  • Review photo of Boulder Creek Campground by Shari  G., August 31, 2016
  • Review photo of Boulder Creek Campground by Shari  G., August 31, 2016
  • Review photo of Boulder Creek Campground by Shari  G., August 31, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Boulder Creek Campground?

    Camping at Boulder Creek Campground can cost between $90.00 and $94.00 depending on the site.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Boulder Creek Campground?

    Boulder Creek Campground allows vehicles up to 30 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Boulder Creek Campground?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Boulder Creek Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Boulder Creek Campground have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Boulder Creek Campground does not have wifi.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Boulder Creek Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Boulder Creek Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Boulder Creek Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Boulder Creek Campground?

    There are 14 campsites at Boulder Creek Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts