Buck Creek Campground
4.2632 reviewsBuck Creek Campground
$27.00 - $54.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$27.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees range from $27 to $54 depending on the site type and season. An additional $2 is charged during holiday periods. Reservation fees are non-refundable and may include cancellation fees.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Buck Creek Campground beckons those seeking an authentic wilderness escape. Here, where ancient giants stretch skyward and the glacier-fed waters of Buck Creek sing their eternal song, 29 thoughtfully placed campsites offer a perfect balance of rustic charm and natural immersion. Three dedicated tent-only sites provide the ultimate back-to-basics experience, while the remaining sites welcome all camping styles beneath the protective canopy of old-growth forest.
Buck Creek Campground primarily caters to primitive camping experiences, with options for tent camping and RV use. Group camping is available for larger gatherings.
Historical SignificanceBuck Creek Campground carries the memory of nature's raw power within its boundaries. In the early 2000s, a fierce storm swept through these ancient woods, forever altering the campground's footprint and permanently closing several sites. Today, this event serves as a humbling reminder of the dynamic relationship between human recreation and the untamed forces that shape our mountain landscapes.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Buck Creek into a temperate paradise, with comfortable daytime temperatures reaching 74°F before cooling to a perfect sleeping temperature of 57°F under star-filled skies. As autumn gives way to winter, the landscape undergoes a dramatic transformation—heavy mountain snows blanket the forest, temperatures hover around freezing, and the campground enters its quiet season of rest, becoming inaccessible until spring's warmth returns to unlock these mountain treasures once more.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a cathedral of towering old-growth trees where filtered sunlight dances through the canopy and the crystal-clear waters of Buck Creek provide nature's soundtrack. This glacier-fed stream forms the campground's beating heart, with many sites offering coveted creekside locations where you can fall asleep to its gentle murmur. Keep your camera ready for encounters with the area's charismatic residents—mountain goats navigating rocky outcrops, porcupines ambling through the underbrush, elusive pine martens darting between ancient trunks, and a colorful parade of migratory birds filling the forest with their songs.
Geological RegionBuck Creek Campground serves as your gateway to the magnificent Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, a landscape where jagged peaks pierce the sky and pristine alpine lakes mirror the heavens. This protected wilderness showcases the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest, from its ancient forest floors carpeted in moss and ferns to its high-altitude meadows bursting with wildflowers. The diverse ecosystem supports an impressive cast of wildlife, including mountain goats scaling impossibly steep terrain, secretive porcupines, agile pine martens, countless species of migratory birds, and native fish species thriving in the cold, clear mountain streams.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible features for campers with disabilities are not explicitly mentioned.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as large and flat, with many equipped with 10x10 sand tent pads.
Sites PrivacySites are secluded and spaced far apart, providing privacy. "Nice groomed camping spots, far apart like we like them," said one user.
Total Campsites29 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy and proximity to the creek, campsites near the dead-end loop are ideal. Reviews suggest avoiding larger trailers due to narrow roads and limited turn-around points.
Best CampsitesSites 21-26 are recommended for trailer access. Site #1 includes a log shelter and is positioned near the creek.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is by noon.
Check-out
Check-out time is by noon.
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum stay per visit. You may stay up to 14 nights total per month.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground features loops and designated areas for tents and trailers. Some loops are inaccessible due to storm damage.
Open and Closed SeasonPeak season is May 16 through September 13, with reservations starting on June 25.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites not reserved in advance may be available for walk-up/first-come-first-served camping. However, some reviews mention confusion due to improper signage for walk-up sites, leading to disputes over occupied sites.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee and any reservation fee paid will be retained. Late cancellations, defined as cancellations on or after midnight the day before the check-in date, will forfeit the first night's fee. No modifications or refunds are allowed once the reservation start date has begun.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Buck Creek Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. These activities cater to those seeking a remote and quiet nature experience.
Hiking
Several trailheads are accessible from Buck Creek Campground, including the Huckleberry Creek Trail and Lake James Trail, which offer opportunities for both casual and strenuous hikes. User reviews highlight trails as ideal for exploration.Fishing
Fishing is available along Buck Creek. User reviews mention the swift-running creek and opportunities for fishing, although specific fish types are not detailed.Swimming
Swimming opportunities are available in upstream dammed areas that create pools for monitored play.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife in the area includes species such as mountain goats, porcupines, pine martens, and migratory birds. User reviews also mention spotting salmon spawning during late August.Beach activities
A beach near the creek offers opportunities for wading in the water and relaxing. "There is a great beach that is perfect for wading in the water or reading a book," noted one user.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specifically mentioned.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire restrictions may be imposed during dry weather conditions. Firewood must be brought in or purchased from local vendors along the main road.
- Quiet hours are enforced from nighttime hours until early morning.
Hazards
General hazardsRoad hazards include narrow sections with steep sides and potholes. Wildlife such as bears may be present, necessitating secure food storage. Mosquitoes and no-see-ums are common in summer.
Active alertsNone explicitly mentioned.
Weather forecast
87
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 37%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 8.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16th to September 13th.
Trash and recyclingTrash bins are available for garbage disposal. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground lies adjacent to Buck Creek, a glacier-fed stream that runs past many campsites.
Common complaintsMany reviews cite poor road conditions leading to the campground, lack of potable water, and poorly maintained or unstocked restrooms. The absence of a camp host or ranger to regulate check-ins has led to disputes over site occupancy.
HostMany reviews indicate that there is no camp host currently stationed at the campground, though earlier reviews praised hosts like Rob for maintaining clean facilities and trash pickup.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Seattle, take I-5 north to the Arlington exit, then turn east on Highway 530. In Darrington turn north on Highway 20 bypass and continue for 7 miles to Suiattle River Bridge. Cross the bridge and turn right on Suiattle River Road and continue approximately 9 miles to Buck Creek Campground.
The drive to the campground includes approximately 15 miles off the main road, with the last 3-4 miles being rough gravel roads, often narrow, and riddled with potholes. Reviews mention low tree canopies and limited turn-around points, making it challenging for large RVs.Nearby supplies
Several locals sell firewood bundles along the main road before entering the campground. There is no potable water available at the site, requiring campers to bring their own supply.
Camper Reviews
4.3
32 reviews
Buck Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the beauty and remoteness of Buck Creek Campground. Most praise the serene atmosphere and the proximity to Buck Creek, but some raise concerns about the rough access roads, lack of camp hosts, and limited site availability.
Review Summaries
Based on 32 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects mentioned in user reviews include the stunning natural scenery, secluded campsites, clean facilities maintained by camp hosts, and access to nearby hiking trails. "Absolutely...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include the rough gravel road leading to the site, lack of potable water, insufficient toilet paper in vault toilets, and no cell phone service. "The roads getting to the camp area...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
User tips include bringing your own firewood, water, and toilet paper, as none are provided onsite. One user suggests driving slowly on the gravel road due to potholes and steep sides.
Based on 32 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular season for camping at Buck Creek Campground due to favorable weather conditions and extended daylight hours. User reviews mention unique seasonal features such as salmon...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"My site was by the creek and it made for great white noise." "We hiked, we fished, we collected rocks and had so much fun." "Nice place, big trees and rushing river. However, there are millions of...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites along the creek are highly praised for their stunning views and proximity to the water. Site #1 is notable for its log shelter, while sites #22 and #24 are commended for their cleanliness and...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility for campers with disabilities is not specifically addressed in the reviews.
Based on 32 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome at Buck Creek Campground, and dogs are often praised for enjoying the trails and serene atmosphere. "Dogs are welcome. Best place to go to get away from it all," said one user.
Based on 32 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025