Reservable through the US Forest Service, Douglas Fir Campground operates from late May through September with sites ranging from $32-$80 per night. The campground sits along the Nooksack River in Mt. Baker National Forest, accessible via the Mount Baker Highway though reviewers note the final approach can be rough.
Most sites line the river, where the rushing water provides natural sound buffering between neighboring campers. Esther Y. found her riverside spot offered "lots of trees and shade" with "grounds [that] were clean and well maintained." The campground accommodates RVs up to 100 feet, though some sites present backing challenges for larger rigs. Site spacing varies significantly—some spots sit very close to neighbors while others offer more room.
The river access draws many visitors for fishing and cooling off during summer months. A trail at the far end of the loop leads under the road through forest along the water. Cell service proves spotty throughout the campground. Clean restrooms and a camp host help maintain the facility, with firewood available for purchase.
The location serves as a staging point for exploring Mount Baker area trails and Artist Point. For those planning broader regional trips, campgrounds around Maple Falls provide additional options in the North Cascades corridor.
Description
Overview
Situated on the banks of North Fork Nooksack River in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Douglas Fir Campground offers stunning scenery and access to numerous recreational activities popular in the north Cascades Mountains in Washington.
Recreation
The campground provides a prime location for hiking and picnicking in summer and early fall. Horseshoe Bend Trail is an easy forest hike along the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway, highlighting old-growth forests, gushing whitewater and forest wildflowers. Whitewater rafting enthusiasts put in at the trailhead, and experienced kaykers can be seen on rapids as the trail follows the North Fork of the Nooksack River upstream past a stunning view of Church Mountain. Hikers and backpackers are especially fortunate to have access to a variety of trails near the campground and in the surrounding Mt. Baker Wilderness area. One of the most popular hikes in the Mt. Baker Ranger District is the Skyline Divide Trail. This trail climbs steadily for two miles through forest into lush, open meadows with sweeping views of glacier-draped Mt. Baker. The trail then wanders along Skyline Divide for another 2 miles, offering views of rivers, forests and countless peaks.
Facilities
Douglas Fir Campground offers standard sites, accomodating tents and RVs. Several campsites are located at the river's edge, while others are shaded by a mature, mixed conifer forest. A historic sheltered picnic area, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Crew, is also available for reservation. Vault toilets and drinking water are available Individual sites are equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings and tent pads.
Natural Features
Hemmed in by several designated wilderness areas, the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest showcases rugged peaks, sparkling alpine lakes and old-growth forests, providing visitors with a variety of scenic landscapes. On a clear day visitors can spot Mt. Baker, the most prominent feature of the Mt. Baker Wilderness Area. Rising to an elevation of 10,781 feet, this active volcano is perpetually snow-capped and mantled with an extensive network of creeping glaciers. Mt. Baker's summit, Grant Peak, is actually a 1,300-foot-deep mound of ice, which hides a massive volcanic crater. Wildlife in the area include a variety of salmon species, elk, bald eagle and black tail deer. Migratory birds and black bears find ample habitat in the surrounding ecosystems.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 932-0242.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking and photography in the Heather Meadows area located along the upper reaches of the Mt. Baker Scenic Byway, SR 542. Many popular hikes and climbing routes are located in the surrounding Mt. Baker Wilderness and backpackers enjoy visiting the northern reaches of North Cascades National Park.
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.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Riverside campsites in this facility may have been impacted by recent flood events. Campsite availability will be updated as facilities are assessed.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsDouglas Fir Campground is located in Washington near Maple Falls
Directions
From Seattle, Washington, go north on I-5 to Bellingham. Take exit 255 onto Sunset Drive/Mt. Baker Highway SR 542. Continue on SR 542 past the town of Glacier near mile 33 and continue approximately 2 miles to the campground. The campground is on the left (west) side of the highway just after crossing the bridge over the North Fork Nooksack River.
Coordinates
48.902656 N
121.911954 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 44 min from Bellingham, WA
- 1 hr 6 min from Mount Vernon, WA
- 2 hrs from Seattle, WA
- 2 hrs 57 min from Bremerton, WA
