Sulphur Creek Campground

Star4.21
8 reviews
Sulphur Creek Campground
$27.00 - $54.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season nightly rates range from $27 to $54, with holiday surcharges of $2 or $4. Displayed rates exclude applicable taxes, discounts, or...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$27.00

Share this campground
Recreation.gov
Provider
360-804-1103

About this campground

Deep in the heart of Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, where ancient Douglas firs stretch skyward like natural cathedrals, Sulphur Creek Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape. Twenty primitive campsites nestle beneath these towering giants, each one a gateway to the raw beauty of the North Cascades. The melodic confluence of Sulphur Creek and the Suiattle River creates nature's soundtrack, while the legendary Suiattle Trail beckons adventurers to explore deeper into this pristine backcountry. As one enchanted visitor proclaimed, "FIRST OFF—this site is absolutely gorgeous," and it's easy to see why this hidden gem has become a cherished basecamp for those seeking solitude among the old-growth forests.
Sulphur Creek Campground provides standard nonelectric sites suitable for primitive camping. It caters to tent campers, small SUVs, and small travel trailers.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsSummer brings gentle warmth filtered through the forest canopy, creating perfect conditions for camping and exploration. As autumn arrives, the campground transforms into a quieter retreat, though winter unleashes the full force of the Cascades' legendary snowfall. Heavy blankets of snow and crystalline freezing temperatures turn this summer paradise into a winter wonderland accessible only to the most intrepid souls.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryHere, where glacier-fed waters have carved their ancient paths, the Suiattle River runs crystal clear and cold, its constant murmur blending with the whisper of wind through centuries-old Douglas fir boughs. These magnificent trees, some standing for over 500 years, create a living cathedral that filters sunlight into ethereal beams. Black bears roam these ancestral forests, reminding visitors that this is truly wild country. The lush understory of ferns and moss creates an emerald carpet, while the interplay of water, stone, and ancient wood crafts scenes of breathtaking natural beauty at every turn.
Geological RegionCarved into the rugged tapestry of the North Cascades, this campground sits at the intersection of two vital waterways—the federally protected Suiattle River, designated as a National Wild and Scenic River, and the rushing waters of Sulphur Creek. This corner of Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest showcases the raw geological power of the Cascades, where glacial forces have sculpted dramatic valleys and peaks. The terrain tells a story millions of years in the making, from the volcanic origins of the surrounding peaks to the patient work of ice and water that created today's stunning landscape of old-growth forests clinging to steep mountainsides.

Campsite details

AccessibilityThe campground has no explicit accessibility features mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeSites are suitable for tents, small SUVs, and small travel trailers. "If you take a travel trailer, make sure it's not more than 20ft. long," cautioned one reviewer.
Sites PrivacySites offer limited privacy. A reviewer noted, "There isn't great privacy among the campsites, but the location is beautiful."
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #6 is recommended for water access. Reviewers suggest bringing a physical map for navigation due to GPS inconsistencies.
Best CampsitesSite #6 was noted for its water access. Sites #14-15 and #16-17 are mentioned in reviews but do not include further details.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Noon the day following arrival for reserved sites.
Check-out
Noon on the scheduled departure date.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
One RV with tow vehicle per single site or one vehicle per single tent site. Two RVs with tow vehicle per double site or two vehicles per double tent site.
Groups
No information about group camping sites is provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground features 20 individual campsites arranged in loops or sections as "AREA SULPHUR." Layout specifics are not provided.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open for reservations from May 16 through September 13 annually.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityReserved sites will be held until check-out time (noon) the day following the arrival date; first-come-first-served sites are dependent on availability.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled at any time before the check-in date. Late cancellations carry a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. Changes to reservation dates outside the original dates incur a $10 fee. Refund requests must be submitted within 7 calendar days of the end date of the reservation.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Sulphur Creek Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, with hiking as the standout attraction. The proximity to the Suiattle Trail and other trails makes it a prime location for hikers. Additional activities include wildlife viewing and fishing.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities abound, with the Suiattle Trail and numerous others starting within a few miles of the campground. "Great campground with easy hikes by the river, and many more challenging hikes if desired," one user described.
Fishing
Fishing is permitted, although specific details about fish species or fishing conditions are not provided.
Biking
The area supports some biking opportunities; however, detailed information about bike trails and terrain is not provided.
Wildlife viewing
The campground's setting in an old-growth forest and near a scenic river provides ample wildlife viewing opportunities, including black bears.
Winter Activities
No specific winter recreation activities are described.
Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking or canoeing are not mentioned.

Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed
  • Campfires allowed unless fire restrictions are imposed, which may prohibit use during hot and dry conditions.
  • Quiet hours are null

Hazards

General hazardsWildlife such as black bears are present, so campers should take precautions. River currents are strong and water too cold for swimming.
Active alertsnull

Weather forecast

55
°F
Oct 10
Friday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 69%

Moderately humid conditions

Wind: 6.9 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Overcast
7-Day Forecast

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Daily & Hourly Insights

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Temperature Trends

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Precipitation Trends

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Weather Summaries

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Emergency Services

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Good to know

Peak season datesMay 16 - September 13 annually.
Trash and recyclingThere is no mention of dedicated trash or recycling facilities. Campers should plan to pack out what they bring in.
Proximity to water featuresSet along the glacier-fed Suiattle River and Sulpher Creek. Site #6 offers direct water access.
Common complaintsComplaints include poor road conditions leading to the campsite, dirty bathrooms, and inadequate toilet paper supplies. "Roads are in horrible condition," and "there was almost no toilet paper in the entire campground," according to reviews.
Hostnull

Campground Map

Driving directionsFrom Darrington travel north on State Route 530 approximately seven miles to the Suiattle River Road/Forest Road 26. Drive this road for approximately 22 miles to the campground, which is located on the right (south) side of the road.
Road access is rough and includes potholes according to reviews, with the final 11 miles taking about an hour to navigate. Some sections are one-lane with turnouts. "Roads are in horrible condition, potholes everywhere," as stated by one reviewer.
Nearby places
Darrington is approximately 29 miles away (7 miles on State Route 530 and 22 miles on Suiattle River Road).
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be purchased in the town of Darrington, approximately 29 miles away from the campground.

Camper Reviews

4.2
8 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Sulphur Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally highlight the campground's natural beauty and proximity to hiking trails. Mixed feedback exists on the condition of facilities and access roads.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground's "beautiful location," "spooky river," and proximity to trails. "Great campground with easy hikes by the river," one user noted.
Based on 8 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints include the poor condition of access roads ('Last 11 miles took about an hour,' said one user), lack of cell phone signal, and mixed reviews on bathroom cleanliness ('The...
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Based on 8 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing a physical map due to unreliable GPS, ensuring travel trailers are under 20 feet, and preparing for a long, bumpy road. 'Stop in Darrington and pick yourself up a physical...
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Based on 8 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is most accessible in summer months, with moderate temperatures. Roads may be difficult to navigate during wetter seasons.
Based on 8 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Perfectly located in relation to the trails," said one reviewer. Another noted, "Map for the campsite numbers is way off on recreation.gov."
Based on 8 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #6 offers water access but is small. Sites 14-15 and 16-17 received specific mentions, with users praising their proximity to trails and scenic beauty.
Based on 8 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific mentions of accessibility features are included in the reviews.
Based on 8 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No user feedback specifically mentions experiences with pets.
Based on 8 reviews

Last updated August 10, 2025

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