Clear Creek Campground, near Darrington, Washington, is a charming little spot tucked away in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. With just 13 campsites, it offers a cozy atmosphere where you can kick back and enjoy the great outdoors.

The campground is right by the Sauk River, making it a prime location for river access and some fun water activities. Visitors have noted the well-maintained sites, complete with picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for roasting marshmallows and sharing stories around the fire. One camper mentioned, “The site was clean and well maintained. Easy access to the river,” which sums up the experience nicely.

If you’re into hiking, you’re in luck! There are trails nearby, including the Old Sauk Trailhead just a mile away. Plus, the surrounding forest is a great place to spot wildlife, with one visitor even claiming to have seen a wolverine. Just remember, there’s no running water here, so pack in what you need and leave no trace behind.

While the campground is close to the road, the peaceful sounds of the river often drown out any traffic noise, creating a serene environment for your getaway. Whether you’re camping in a tent or an RV, Clear Creek Campground is a fantastic choice for a relaxing escape into nature.

## Overview

 Clear Creek Campground is located just off the Mountain Loop Highway in the stunning Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Nestled in a towering canopy of fir trees, this campground offers plenty of open spaces, making it perfect for small groups and family excursions. Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest sits on the west side of the Cascades in Washington, showcasing glacier-covered peaks, wide mountain meadows and old-growth forests, rich in history and outdoor opportunities.
## Recreation

 The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest boasts 1,500 miles of trails. From smooth paths meandering through deep quiet forests to challenging ascents up boulder-studded mountains, opportunities abound for every skill level. Access to biking, rafting and fishing is also readily available. The nearby Frog Lake Trail is a short nature hike, climbing steadily up the side of the hill, with views of Clear Creek far below. The trail comes out at the road after nearly a mile, then makes a sharp turn back toward the lake, passing through dense forest, and eventually ending at the 1.5-acre Frog Lake. Old Sauk Trail winds along the banks of the Sauk River, providing a pleasant hike amongst the wildlife and waterfowl that frequent the area.
## Natural Features

 Along the banks of the Sauk River an outstanding show of wildflowers in July and August includes paintbrush, phlox, tiger lilies, aster, columbine and lupine. During the summer salmon and steelhead appear in abundance as they head up the river to spawn.The surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams and diverse forests support an abundance of wildlife. In addition to being home to a multitude of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles, the area sustains more rare species such as lynx, moose, wolves and wolverine. 
## Nearby Attractions

 Visitors enjoy the North Cascades and Mt. Rainer National Parks, where interpretive programs and exhibits offer education about the diverse landscape and history of the area. 
## Contact Info

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

Clear Creek Campground

Looking for the best campgrounds near Darrington, WA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Discover great camping spots near Darrington, reviewed by campers like you.

Darrington

The Best Camping Near Darrington, Washington

10 minutes outside of Darlington city limits is the 13-site Clear Creek Campground locates right along the rocky shores of the Sauk River. For being so near to town, we felt rather far away from civilization with the canopy of green and blue above us and the river only yards away.

It was Sunday, the day before Labor Day, so we were very pleased and surprised to find the camp ground relatively vacant. There were two different bathroom facilities that were well-maintained and accessible. The tent pads made it easy to set up camp. Each site had a fire pit; and right before you leave town, you can snag some camp wood in exchange for dropping money in a cash box from a local resident. The rocky shores of the river made for easy and fun exploring.

Even though the mountain loop highway was merely on the other side of the trees, we rarely heard passing cars over the constant and soothing dull roar of the river, also located on the other side of the trees! It was the perfect location for our last minute, one-night family excursion. We even had our 8-month-old baby with us. 

If you’re not interested in camping around a whole bunch of other people but also not interested in trekking too far into the wilderness, I definitely recommend pitching your tent at the Clear Creek Campground 10 minutes outside of Darrington. 

A Surprising Gem

This campground is on the very senic Mountain loop Rd in the Mount Baker -Snoqualmie National Forest. It's a beautiful drive. The campground is nestled in some great trees. Only 13 campsites with tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. Vault toilets, we'll maintained
 The town of Darrington is close by if you need something. The Sauk River is accessible from the campground and is honestly the highlight. 

Beautiful, small Campground 

The Clear Creek campground is off the Mountain loop Rd in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Clear Creek is only ten minutes or so from Darrington WA. Only 13 campsites with tent pads, picnic tables, and fire rings. Vault toilets were also available. Firewood is not available on site, but local residents have firewood for sale at the roadside. The creek and the Sauk river are absolutely beautiful. There is so much wildlife in the area, keep an eye out, I think I saw a wolverine by the creek, couldn't get my camera ready in time,

Gorgeous camping in the Mt Baker National Forest 

This campground is a little place tucked in beside a bridge right inside the Mt Baker Snoqualmie Forrest boundaries. The campsites are a bit small, but cozy with everything you need. Fire Pit with grill, separate standing charcoal grill, tent pads, picnic tables. The bathrooms(vault toilets) are well maintained and clean, BUT BE AWARE THERE IS NO WATER HERE. Repeat, there is no water spouts here, so you'll have to bring all you need.

Small campground, great river fun 

Site was clean well maintained. Easy access to the river. There is no plumbed water on site but there are a couple of vault toilets and dumpsters available. If following google maps it may have you drive past the entrance, but there is a turn around once you realized you missed it. 

Right on the river  

Camped August 8-11 2021 during a burn ban but it was still worth the escape from city life. Temperatures were within the 80s but during our last day, it was in the 90s. There are 2 vault toilets (one by the host area at Site 3 and one by campsite 10). Rented 3 campsites (10, 12, 13) and stayed on site 13 which was at the very end of the campground and I loved the privacy it had. Site 12 had direct river access which was awesome! Site 13 has a trail leading to it but somewhat steep. I would say that it was very clean and well kept. There's only a few mosquitoes but repellants would be ideal. The town is literally less than 10 minutes away in case you need some essentials. There is cellphone reception which is great if you prefer to camp and still be connected. As always, pack in pack out and leave no trace. The only downside is that it is by the road but good thing is there isn't much traffic come night time. Old Sauk Trailhead is about a mile away. You can get Geocaches too if you're into that. 

Missed the campground entrance but the turnaround is just there. Lots of campers seem to miss it the first time (including us). If you're at Site 13, you'll see the many vehicles that stop and turn which is hilarious.

Riverfront Campground

Beyond cool people and accommodating, we were looking for dispersed camping but this was everything!

Fantastic !! 

A beautiful quaint small campground. Sites are well spaced out.  River access is nice and hiking right from the campground. 

Photos of Clear Creek Campground

Real photos from real campers