Sitting along the Mountain Loop Highway in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Red Bridge Campground runs beside the Sauk River roughly 13 miles south of Darrington. The drive in follows a scenic highway corridor, though the access road has a reputation for rough patches worth noting before arrival. The campground's 13 sites sit in forested terrain, with river-facing spots on one side of the loop and highway-adjacent sites on the outer edge where guardrails are visible from some positions.
Water access is the defining feature here. Several sites sit directly on the river, and at least one has a short trail to a creek behind the fire ring. Each site comes with a tent pad, picnic table, and fire ring. No drinking water is available on site, and as Andrea R. notes, "you must bring your own water." Vault toilets, bear-proof trash cans, and a camp host who sells firewood round out the amenities.
Highway noise reaches some sites, particularly those not buffered by the river. The campground draws hikers, anglers, and paddlers, with nearby trailheads giving access to glacier caves and multiple peaks along the loop. Boardman Creek Group Campground sits about a mile to the west for groups needing larger facilities. The season runs late May through mid-September. Reservations are available and worth securing for summer weekends, when the area sees consistent use.
Description
Overview
Red Bridge Campground is located just off the Mountain Loop Highway along the pebble-strewn bank of the South Fork Stillaguamish River in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Red Bridge Campground is a beautiful camp, offering visitors access to fishing, kayaking and hiking opportunities.
Recreation
The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has 1,500 miles of trails. From smooth paths meandering through deep quiet forests to challenging ascents up a boulder-studded mountain, opportunities abound for every skill level. The Mt. Dickerman Trail switchbacks steeply for 3.0 miles through a dark forest of timber to an alpine meadow that was replanted in 1915 after a major forest fire. From this point, the trail rises above timberline to an alpine meadow full of wildflowers in July and August. The trail offers spectacular views in all directions as the trail climbs to the 5,723' summit.
Facilities
Red Bridge Campground offers single-family sites for both tent and RV camping. Picnic tables, campfire rings and vault toilets are available, however there are no electrical hookups or drinking water. Visitors must bring their own supply of water.
Natural Features
Rugged peaks, scenic rivers and abundant wildlife define the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and surrounding designated wilderness areas. On a clear day visitors can see Mt. Baker, which rises to an elevation of 10,781 feet. The active volcano is perpetually snow-capped. Mt. Baker's summit, Grant Peak, is actually a 1,300-foot-deep mound of ice, which hides a massive volcanic crater. Old-growth forests line the wide, gently-flowing South Fork Stillaguamish River, known for its salmon run. Chinook, Coho, chum, pink and sockeye salmon, steelhead trout, sea-run cutthroat and bull trout use the river and its tributaries for spawning. Undeveloped wilderness, clean streams and diverse forests provide important habitat for wildlife. Many species of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles make their homes in the area, which also sustains rare species such as lynx, moose, wolves and wolverine.
Nearby Attractions
Visit or stay in one of the historic lookouts in the area. Lookouts are tangible symbols of Forest Service heritage, perched on high peaks with unobstructed views where they have been used to detect and control fires. Take some time to visit nearby North Cascades National Park or Mount Rainer National Park. Considered scenic wonderlands, the parks offer a fantasic glimpse of glaciers, subalpine ecology and volcanic landscapes. Discover the Verlot Public Service Center near the South Fork Stillaguamish River. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1933 to 1942, Verlot`s handsome buildings reflect the architectural style and fine craftsmanship of that era and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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.
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!
Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy for sensitive groups.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRed Bridge Campground is located in Washington near Darrington
Directions
From Seattle, take I-5 north to Everett. Take Exit 194 onto Highway 2, then head north on Highway 204 toward Lake Stevens. Turn north on Highway 9, then east on Highway 92 to Granite Falls. Continue about 19.5 miles past Granite Falls to the campground.
Coordinates
48.070752 N
121.650441 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/21/26- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 3/21/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 21 min from Mount Vernon, WA
- 1 hr 27 min from Seattle, WA
- 1 hr 45 min from Bellingham, WA
- 2 hrs 24 min from Bremerton, WA
