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Established Camping

Swift Creek Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Swift Creek Campground, near Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, is a peaceful retreat that offers a fantastic camping experience right by the stunning Baker Lake. With spacious sites and a friendly vibe, it’s perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in nature.

The campground features clean facilities, including well-maintained pit toilets and water spigots, making it easy to stay comfortable during your stay. Campers rave about the beautiful views and the proximity to hiking trails, with one visitor noting, “Great views along the lake of forests and mountains.” You’ll find plenty of spots to set up your tent or park your RV, and many sites are just a short walk from the water’s edge.

For those who enjoy water activities, the campground provides access to a lovely swimming area and a dock for boating. The area is also known for its picturesque scenery, with Mount Baker looming in the background, creating a perfect backdrop for your camping photos. Just be sure to bring some bug spray, as the mosquitoes can be quite persistent.

Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, Swift Creek Campground offers a serene environment to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. With its combination of natural beauty and convenient amenities, it’s a great choice for your next camping trip.

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Location

Swift Creek Campground is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Seattle, go north on I-5 to Burlington. Take Exit 230 on State Highway 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 20 miles to the sign for Swift Creek Campground Road (Forest Service road 1142). Turn right and travel about 1/3 mile to the campground at the end of the road.

Coordinates

48.729637 N
121.658618 W

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Connectivity

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

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Access

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

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

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

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

12 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 25, 2024

Gorgeous lake, great campground

Lots of flat, wooded sites are a short level walk to the beach on a really beautiful lake. Across the main road from the campground is a 3+ mile trail to popular hot springs.

The best sites for view are 34, 37, 38, 39. We stayed in 46, and loved it because it is very close to the beach. 47 and 44 are also very nice and close to the beach.

The campground reservation site did not have a good map of the campground. I finally found one on the forest service site https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5308652.pdf

The reservation site said site 46 could only accommodate a vehicle up to 15 feet in length, but there was plenty of room.

Site46
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Swift Creek Campground by Annie B., September 25, 2024
Reviewed Jun. 12, 2024

So quiet and relaxing!

Clean, quiet perfect camping location. Site 35 is a double lot - didn’t know that when booking. It is a little bit more exposed then some of the other sites available but still had a lovely time.

Site35
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Swift Creek Campground by 2643 W., June 12, 2024
  • Review photo of Swift Creek Campground by 2643 W., June 12, 2024
  • Review photo of Swift Creek Campground by 2643 W., June 12, 2024
Reviewed Jun. 26, 2021

Beautiful views, quiet campground.

My son and I spent one night here mid week. It is a solid camp ground, quiet and very clean. 

Most sites are reasonably private, water spigots and bathrooms (which for pit toilets were the cleanest I’ve ever experienced) are not too far of a walk from any site. 

There are plenty of trails to explore and the lake is beautiful. Sites 34 - 39 are all along the edge of the water. But even the farther ones away are less than 5 minutes walk. 

If you have the opportunity to get out on the water do it! While you can’t really see it from the camp grounds, Mount Baker is right there behind you, 50 feet out into the lake and it makes beautiful scene. 

The swimming area is great for kids and adults, lots of places in the shade on the hill next to it with or without picnic tables, a few bathrooms nearby and water spigots. 

There are plenty of mosquitoes but they seems to be kept mostly at way with standard bug spray and candles. 

We will come back.

Site20
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Swift Creek Campground by Lucas , June 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Swift Creek Campground by Lucas , June 26, 2021
  • Review photo of Swift Creek Campground by Lucas , June 26, 2021
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Apr. 28, 2021

One of my favs

By far one of my favorite campsites. I go multiple times every year. It's nice to get away from power and the internet and just be in nature

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2018

Quiet, beautiful campground

Beautiful campground on Baker Lake. This is a great spot to take your boat as there is a really nice dock. There's a small beach and swim area. Bathrooms are the built in portapotty type but they're very clean. Really glad I had bugspray because the mosquitoes are everywhere. Overall a great camp we'll visit again!

Site23
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Swift Creek Campground by Melinda C., August 9, 2018
  • Review photo of Swift Creek Campground by Melinda C., August 9, 2018
Reviewed Jun. 22, 2018

PNW awesome

it’s great access to the northern cascades. first time staying there and I have been camping in Washington since I was born

it has great access to some really good trails the scenery is beautiful.

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2017

National forest simple camping

Great views along the lake of forests and mountains, small beaches to explore, lots of small local trails and long challenging trails. The campground is simple. All sites are a short walk from the water’s edge, with some being closer than others. Great tent pads to keep you a little drier. Nice and quiet, but probably fills up on weekends. Can’t say enough about this whole area, and this is a great simple campground to connect to nature.

Reviewed Oct. 21, 2016

Packed tight and very busy. But very scenic

We arrived in Mid August and got one of the last sites. If you are going in the summer, probably better reserve a site! Our site was a walk-in. 4 or 5 shared parking area served 3 close campsites. the campsite was on the river and it was pretty. The campground was quiet - thank god no trains (see money creek review). There was a nice trail past the interpretive area that crosses a bridge over the river - quite pretty. There were full restrooms and running water. Aside from the crowds, we enjoyed our stay.

  • Review photo of Swift Creek Campground by Brian N., October 21, 2016
Reviewed Sep. 29, 2016

Waterfront view

This site behaves like a dispersed campground, so you can get your space and access to the water with your boat. Plus during the summer you might catch a sockeye salmon. The facilities are very basic and it fills up fast in the summer.

  • Review photo of Swift Creek Campground by Ryan L., September 29, 2016

Frequently Asked Questions

What do visitors say in reviews about Swift Creek Campground?

Visitors consistently praise Swift Creek Campground for its stunning views of Baker Lake's emerald green/blue waters and surrounding mountains. Many highlight the clean, quiet atmosphere and spacious, private sites. The campground receives high marks for its excellent access to hiking trails, including a nearby trail to hot springs. Campers appreciate the clean pit toilets and well-maintained grounds, though many mention the aggressive mosquitoes. The boat dock and beach areas are popular features, and several visitors return multiple times per year, considering it a favorite destination for disconnecting from technology and enjoying nature.

What amenities and facilities are available at Swift Creek Campground?

Swift Creek Campground offers basic facilities including clean pit toilets, water spigots throughout the campground (though some campers note a metallic taste), designated tent pads to keep you dry, and spacious campsites. The campground features a boat dock for easy lake access, a small beach with a swimming area, and parking areas that serve multiple walk-in sites. There are numerous hiking trails accessible from the campground, both small local paths and longer, more challenging routes. The campground is intentionally rustic with no power or internet connectivity, offering a true nature experience.

Where is Swift Creek Campground located on Baker Lake?

Swift Creek Campground is located along the shores of Baker Lake in Washington's Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The campground provides direct access to Baker Lake with many sites situated a short walk from the water's edge. It's positioned to offer excellent access to the Northern Cascades region and serves as a gateway to numerous hiking trails. Across the main road from the campground, you'll find a 3+ mile trail leading to popular hot springs. The location combines lakeside recreation with mountain wilderness experiences.

How do I make reservations for Swift Creek Campground?

Reservations for Swift Creek Campground can be made through the federal recreation reservation system at Recreation.gov. It's highly recommended to book in advance, especially during summer months when the campground fills up quickly. Some visitors report getting the last available sites when arriving in mid-August without reservations. If planning a summer visit, securing a reservation is strongly advised. For specific questions about the reservation process or to check site availability, contact the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest office directly.

How much does it cost to camp at Swift Creek Campground?

Standard camping fees apply at Swift Creek Campground. For exact current rates, contact the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest office or check their official website. Fees typically vary based on whether you're reserving a single or double campsite (site 35 is noted as a double lot). The campground operates on a fee system consistent with other National Forest campgrounds in the region. Remember that prices may change seasonally or annually, so it's best to verify current rates before planning your trip.

Is there a map available for Swift Creek Campground?

Yes, maps for Swift Creek Campground are available. For the most accurate and up-to-date map, check the official US Forest Service website or contact the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest office, which manages the campground. Maps typically show campsite layouts, nearby trails, facilities, and lake access points. Some campers recommend getting a map in advance to identify preferred sites, particularly those closest to the water (sites 34, 37, 38, 39, 46, and 47 are noted for their proximity to the beach or views).