Anglers and hikers use Tinkham Campground as a base for exploring the South Fork Snoqualmie River and surrounding trails within the Snoqualmie National Forest. The Forest Service campground sits along a mile-and-a-half unpaved road that multiple reviewers describe as rough, with significant potholes requiring careful navigation.
Sites spread across two loops with varying levels of tree cover, from heavily forested spots to more open areas that catch occasional sunlight. Most sites include fire rings with grill tops and bear boxes for food storage. "River/creek is right behind the campsite," notes Alisha O., and campers can hear the water flow from nearly every location. The Discovery Trail starts near site 10, offering an easy 1.5-mile walk suitable for families.
Highway noise from I-90 carries through the campground consistently, though some visitors find it becomes background white noise after dark. The river runs cold year-round with glacier-fed water, and while shallow pools exist for wading, the current moves quickly in sections. "Bathrooms were spartan but clean and usable," reports Presley R.. A hand-operated water pump near the entrance provides drinking water, though it requires two people to operate effectively.
The campground operates from early June through mid-September with sites accommodating RVs up to 46 feet. Some sites accept reservations while others remain first-come, first-served. Vault toilets serve both loops, and firewood is available on-site. Free dispersed camping exists along the access road for budget-conscious campers, though these unmarked sites lack amenities.
For a different experience, Alice Creek Campground provides a quieter alternative just over a mile northwest.
Description
Overview
Tinkham Campground is located along the South Fork Snoqualmie River in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. It offers some of the most stunning scenery in Washington's North Cascades, as well as easy access to an abundance of recreational activities.
Recreation
The surrounding area is a prime location for hiking, fishing, picnicking and horseback riding in summer and early fall. In winter, visitors can take advantage of skiing and snowshoeing opportunities. A handful of hiking trails lie within a short driving distance, making Tinkham an ideal setting for both individual and family camping excursions. The 0.5-mile Tinkham Discovery Trail is an easy, family-friendly nature path. It weaves through fallen, moss-covered trees to a small pond. Children love investigating the insects, wildflowers and fungi along the trail.
Facilities
Tinkham Campground offers single-family sites, a few of which are accessible. Picnic tables and campfire rings with grills are provided, as are vault toilets and drinking water. No electrical hookups are available.
Natural Features
The campground sits alongside the river, in a towering canopy of Douglas fir, cedar and western hemlock, providing abundant shade. 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. Wildlife in the area ranges from mountain goats in the higher elevations to coyotes and pine martens 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
Mount Rainier National Park is about an hour away. This beautiful park offers fantastic glimpses of glaciers, subalpine ecology and volcanic landscapes. Hiking and scenic driving are the area's most popular activities.
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 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Beginning 7/23/26, fire restrictions will be in effect that prohibit all fires. Generators with an approved spark arrestor and fires or stoves that use liquid petroleum (LPG) fuels are permitted.
Apple Maps is erroneously showing Tinkham Road as closed. In fact, Tinkham Road is open and the campground is accessible from both I-90 Exits 42 & 47. We look forward to seeing you!
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsTinkham Campground is located in Washington near Snoqualmie Pass
Directions
From Seattle, Washington, go east on I-90 to Exit 42. Turn south and go approximately 1 mile to the campground.
Coordinates
47.402524 N
121.56748 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 23 usersLast on 7/24/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 7/24/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/16/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 23 usersLast on 7/24/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 17 usersLast on 7/24/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/16/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 37 min from Seattle, WA
- 1 hr 16 min from Olympia, WA
- 1 hr 17 min from Bremerton, WA
- 1 hr 43 min from Wenatchee, WA









































