Mineral Park Campground
4.4961 reviewsMineral Park 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
Peak season fees range from $27 to $54 per night depending on the site type, with additional charges for holiday reservations ($2-$4 extra). Discounts, taxes, or incremental charges are not reflected in this fee.
About this campground
Nestled where the North and South Forks of the Cascade River converge, Mineral Park Campground offers a rare escape into tranquility. The campground's thoughtfully designed East and West sections provide generous spacing between sites, creating private retreats beneath towering old-growth giants. Here, the gentle murmur of converging waters serves as nature's soundtrack while ancient Douglas firs and western red cedars form a living cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into a soft, green glow.
Mineral Park Campground offers a primitive camping experience with basic facilities. It caters to tent campers as well as RV users, but without hookups.
Historical SignificanceMineral Park sits at the gateway to protected wilderness, serving as a basecamp for exploring the Cascade River—a designated National Scenic River that flows through centuries of history. This pristine waterway has been carefully preserved not just for its natural beauty, but as a living testament to the region's rich cultural heritage and as a sanctuary for diverse wildlife. The river corridor continues to tell the story of the Pacific Northwest, from ancient forests to the communities that have long cherished these wild places.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Mineral Park into a mild-weather paradise perfect for camping adventures, though visitors should come prepared with insect repellent as mosquitoes and biting flies thrive in the lush environment. When winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, the campground area becomes a wonderland for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing enthusiasts. However, winter adventurers should prepare for extreme cold and potentially heavy snowfall that can create challenging but rewarding conditions for those seeking a true wilderness experience.
ElevationPerched in the dramatic mountainous terrain beneath the watchful presence of Mt. Baker, Mineral Park occupies a sweet spot where dense forests give way to glimpses of glacial peaks and alpine meadows. While exact elevations vary throughout the campground, visitors will find themselves immersed in true mountain country, where the air grows crisp and clear, and the landscape rises dramatically toward snow-capped summits and pristine high-country meadows painted with wildflowers in season.
Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by designated wilderness areas, Mineral Park serves as your gateway to the breathtaking Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest—a landscape of dramatic contrasts where jagged peaks pierce the sky and crystalline alpine lakes mirror ancient forests below. Old-growth giants stand as sentinels over a thriving ecosystem where lucky visitors might spot mountain goats navigating rocky cliffs, hear the wild call of coyotes at dusk, or catch a glimpse of elusive pine martens darting through the understory. Overhead, migratory birds follow ancient flyways while native fish dance in the clear mountain streams.
Geological RegionMineral Park Campground occupies a spectacular position within the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, where multiple wilderness areas converge to create an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. The commanding presence of Mt. Baker—an active volcano soaring to 10,781 feet—dominates the horizon, its glaciated slopes telling a story of fire and ice that has shaped this landscape for millennia. Ancient forests cloak the lower elevations in emerald green, while hidden alpine lakes sparkle like jewels throughout the rugged terrain, each one a testament to the powerful geological forces that continue to sculpt this magnificent corner of the Pacific Northwest.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information is not explicitly detailed in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, with some accommodating larger tents and others being described as small. "Site 9... was quite elevated above the river sites and had good privacy."
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies depending on the site. User reviews often praise the secluded nature of some spots, with one stating, "Nice, private camp sites with wide spacing and forestation in between," while others criticize their exposure, such as: "Site 014 was very exposed and tiny with no privacy."
Total Campsites22 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 013 offers river proximity but lacks privacy due to paths. Site 018 is quiet and spacious. Site 004 is described as elevated and private. Site 011 provides proximity to trails and clean vault toilets.
Best CampsitesUser reviewers mentioned site 013 for proximity to the creek and privacy, site 018 for its quiet ambiance, and site 017 for convenience and natural isolation.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Reservations must be occupied by noon the day after the start date.
Check-out
Sites must be vacated by noon on the check-out date.
Stay Limit
Visitors may stay up to 14 nights within a visit and 14 nights total within each month.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Single sites generally allow one RV with tow vehicle or one vehicle per tent site. Double sites can accommodate two vehicles, and an extra vehicle may be allowed for an additional fee collected at the campground.
Groups
Group site information is not explicitly detailed in the authoritative sources.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutDivided into East and West loops with private and well-spaced sites. Reviews mention proximity to paths and shared facilities.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 16 to September 13 (peak season). Closed for reservations from September 14 to May 15 (off-season).
Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov which charges an $8-$9 service fee.
Walk-in AvailabilityMost sites are reservation-only during peak season. Non-reservable spots are mentioned, but user reviews suggest these are inconsistently reserved.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled or modified in advance with a $10 fee. Late cancellations incur the first night's fee, and changes close to check-in require local staff assistance.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Mineral Park Campground provides a wide array of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, skiing, snowshoeing, and horseback riding. The proximity to Cascade River and trailheads like Hidden Lake Trail makes it appealing for outdoor enthusiasts. Winter activities such as skiing and snowshoeing are highlighted, creating year-round appeal.
Hiking
Trailheads like Hidden Lake Trail are nearby, offering challenging but rewarding routes. A reviewer described Hidden Lake Trail as having "Spectacular views of high, jagged Cascade peaks." Additionally, trails directly from campsites to the river are mentioned as convenient options.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are mentioned in the authoritative content, although one user criticized the lack of access due to cliffs: "River side spots are fenced off because of 50' cliffs down to the river and no way to access it anywhere within 20 miles of the area."Wildlife viewing
Wildlife includes mountain goats, coyotes, pine martens, migratory birds, and native fish. One review highlights the diversity of critters: "Be aware of critters both big AND small... we saw a few mice late at night."Winter Activities
Winter activities such as skiing and snowshoeing are popular in colder months. The campground's remote location and trails provide excellent opportunities for these pursuits.Water Sports
No specific water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are generally allowed but may be restricted during hot, dry weather.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazardsReviews mention steep cliffs near river access, challenging for those seeking safe waterside activity. Wildlife hazards include bears and small critters like mice. Mosquitoes and biting flies are significant annoyances reported.
Weather forecast
90
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 36%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
No direct emergency services near the campground. In case of emergency, visitors will need to drive back to Marblemount.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16 to September 13 yearly.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, with some sites noted as close to garbage areas. Recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresCascade River flows adjacent to the campground, but access is restricted by cliffs. User reviews mention occasional spots for river access but emphasize caution.
Common complaintsInconsistent availability of first-come-first-serve sites, mosquito infestations, and steep cliffs restricting river access.
HostHosts operate from Marble Creek Campground, 7 miles away. Firewood must be purchased en route.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Seattle, take I-5 north for about 42 miles. Exit onto WA-530 East, then continue east on Highway 20 for about 40 miles. At the town of Marblemount, cross the bridge over the Skagit River and continue east approximately 16 miles to the Mineral Park Campground.
Access to the campground involves approximately 16 miles of driving east from Marblemount, including about 6 miles of gravel roads. While the gravel road is generally maintained without potholes (as reported in late August 2020), user reviews have mentioned that road conditions can vary, with one citing it as 'so bad we turned around about a mile past the end of pavement.' Seasonal accessibility may be affected by snow and rain, given the gravel and unpaved sections.Nearby places
Marblemount (16 miles, approximately 30-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Marblemount (16 miles away) for groceries, fuel, and firewood, which needs to be purchased at Marble Creek Campground en route.
Camper Reviews
4.5
61 reviews
Mineral Park Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise the campground for its natural beauty, cleanliness, and privacy. However, complaints about mosquitoes, lack of water, and site discrepancies are common. "Clean toilets" and the soothing sound of the river are recurring positives across reviews.
Review Summaries
Based on 61 reviews
What Campers Love
Numerous reviews emphasize the cleanliness of vault toilets, scenic location, and privacy of many sites. "Very quiet with clean out toilet restroom" and "Beautiful and well kept campground" appeared...
Based on 61 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include heavy mosquito infestations: "Relentless as it’s deep in the woods and next to a creek," and confusion or stress over reservation issues: "My site had someone else's name on the...
Based on 61 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are urged to bring plenty of water and mosquito repellent. Using a water filter for creek access and arriving early to secure non-reservable spots are advised.
Based on 61 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer months are busy and crowded according to several reviews, and finding first-come, first-serve sites during weekends can be challenging. Winter reviews highlight skiing and snowshoeing as...
Based on 61 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Clean bathrooms!" - Evan Thiessen. "The campground is split into a west and east section without a connection between them." - Michael Barton. "Vault restroom was always clean." - Kacy B.
Based on 61 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews vary widely. Site 017 was described as "wonderfully private but still close enough to the toilets and garbage areas." However, Site 014 was criticized for being "very exposed...
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Accessibility Features
Accessibility features and reviews specific to those with disabilities are not mentioned.
Based on 61 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and reviews confirm they are welcome as long as leashed and picked up after. One user noted, "Our dog left with 15 bites on her nose due to mosquitoes."
Based on 61 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025