How much does camping cost at Troublesome Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Troublesome Creek Campground range from $16-$26/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Troublesome Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Troublesome Creek Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Troublesome Creek Campground?

Troublesome Creek Campground is open Mid-May to early September.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Troublesome Creek Campground?

Troublesome Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Troublesome Creek Campground have?

Troublesome Creek Campground has 25 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Troublesome Creek Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Troublesome Creek Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Troublesome Creek Campground?

Troublesome Creek Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Troublesome Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Troublesome Creek Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Troublesome Creek Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Troublesome Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Troublesome Creek Campground: Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Firewood may be available for purchase.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.30

63 reviews

In Gold Bar, WA, at the intersection of 10th St. and US Rt. 2, take Rt. 2 east 7 miles to Index Galena Rd. (Forest Rt. 63). Turn left onto Index Galena Rd. and go 11 miles to campground on right.

Featured in:Hiking Camping Washington

Quick Facts

1,200 ft

Price

$16 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,200 ft

Price

$16 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open seasonally from...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Set up an alert →Official Website

Get Directions

Troublesome Creek Campground

$16.00 - $26.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range between $16 to $26 per night depending on site type. A 50% discount is available for single site camping with passes like Interagency...

Standard Site Fee$16.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$26.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.30

Satisfactory

Based on 63 reviews

68 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulclean

"Overall, users praise Troublesome Creek Campground for its scenic and remote location, describing it as a tranquil and well-maintained site ideal for escaping city life. Accessibility issues due to road closures and the lack of potable water are commonly mentioned."

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Campground Map

In Gold Bar, WA, at the intersection of 10th St. and US Rt. 2, take Rt. 2 east 7 miles to Index Galena Rd. (Forest Rt. 63). Turn left onto Index Galena Rd. and go 11 miles to campground on right.

Troublesome Creek Campground

In Gold Bar, WA, at the intersection of 10th St. and US Rt. 2, take Rt. 2 east 7 miles to Index Galena Rd. (Forest Rt. 63). Turn left onto Index Galena Rd. and go 11 miles to campground on right.

Nearby places

Gold Bar (approximately 18 miles), Index (approximately 11 miles), Skykomish (approximately 15 miles).

Nearby supplies

The closest store for gas and minimal food supplies is located near Beckler Road, approximately 45 minutes from the campground.

Driving directionsDrive US Highway 2 to just west of milepost 50. Turn north on Beckler River Road (Forest Service Road 65) toward Beckler River Campground. Stay on Forest Service Road 65 for 15 miles to the junction with North Fork Skykomish (Forest Service Road 63). Continue straight on the paved road for .7 miles. San Juan Campground will be on your left. Continue past for another 2 miles to Troublesome Creek Campground.

Access is significantly impacted by a washout on Index-Galena Road. The most reliable route is via Beckler River Road and Forest Service Road 63. Some reviewers note that the roads are mostly gravel and require extra travel time, especially during summer when the detour adds 30 to 45 minutes.

Best Time to Camp at Troublesome Creek Campground

Summer delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs reach the mid-60s to low-70s°F with cool nights, and trails are fully snow-free. The river is safe for swimming and boating once spring runoff subsides. Expect the campground to fill on summer weekends. Autumn turns the maples gold and red before winter snow closes access entirely. Spring brings high water hazards.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer brings perfect temps (60s–70s°F); peak season though mosquitoes noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Mid-May to early September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open seasonally from May 24 through September 9.
Current Alerts: Road access via Index-Galena Road remains closed due to long-term flood damage. The only access is through Beckler River Road.

About Troublesome Creek Campground

Troublesome Creek Campground sits at 1,200 feet where its namesake creek meets the North Fork Skykomish River in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The 25 tent sites spread across two loops plus a walk-in area, with paved parking aprons and vault toilets. Fees run $16-26 per night. Road closures complicate access, and there's no potable water on-site or cell service within a 30-minute drive.

Troublesome Creek Campground caters to tent camping and group camping with 25 combined sites available. RV camping is not accommodated.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best conditions. Daytime highs reach the mid-60s to low-70s°F with cool nights, and trails are fully snow-free. The river is safe for swimming and boating once spring runoff subsides. Expect the campground to fill on summer weekends. Autumn turns the maples gold and red before winter snow closes access entirely. Spring brings high water hazards.

ElevationPerched at 1,200 feet above sea level, the campground sits in nature's sweet spot—high enough to escape summer's heat yet low enough to extend the camping season. This perfect elevation creates a refreshing microclimate where cool mountain air mingles with the mist from rushing waters, offering relief on warm afternoons and crisp, star-filled nights.

Natural Features and SceneryDouglas firs and bigleaf maples shade the campground, with salmonberry bushes in the understory. Troublesome Creek runs clear over river stones before joining the North Fork Skykomish. The convergence creates a riparian corridor thick with moss and wildflowers. Mornings and evenings bring good wildlife viewing. The forest canopy filters light onto the forest floor, and the snow-fed water stays cold even in summer.

Geological RegionThis enchanting campground claims its place within the vast Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, where the dramatic Cascade Range has sculpted a landscape of remarkable diversity. Here, in the heart of a thriving riparian ecosystem, the marriage of mountain and river has created a unique environment where mixed conifer forests flourish alongside the life-giving waters of the North Fork Skykomish River and Troublesome Creek. This convergence of ecosystems makes the area a natural crossroads for wildlife and a paradise for those seeking to experience the raw beauty of the Cascades.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 p.m.

Check-out

12:00 p.m.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutTwo loops divide the campground: an east loop with more secluded spacing and a west loop with creek access. A separate walk-in tent area sits in the lower section. Paved parking aprons accommodate tents and smaller vehicles. Some west loop restrooms close periodically.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up sites available; reservations are strongly recommended for weekends and peak times.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made through Recreation.gov. Specific penalties or refund policies are not provided.

AccessibilityThe vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly, but there are no further details provided about other accessibility features.

Site SizeStandard campsite sizes are provided, suitable for tents and smaller vehicles. The parking aprons are paved.

PrivacyThe upper section with a spur and loop enjoy good privacy between sites, but the lower section, with the spur and walk-in sites, has only fair privacy." Some reviewers noted that sites on the east loop are more secluded and spaced out, while the west loop sites, particularly creek-side ones, were less private.

Total Campsites25 campsites

Recommended SitesEast loop sites are more secluded, while west loop sites offer creek-side tent pads. Consider bringing mosquito repellent and planning for a longer drive due to detours.

Need help booking Troublesome Creek Campground?

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When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

This campground offers a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, hiking, and non-motorized boating. It is situated in a picturesque location with access to the North Fork Skykomish River and Troublesome Creek.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSwift waters in Troublesome Creek and the North Fork Skykomish can be dangerous, especially for swimmers. Aggressive mosquitoes and other insects are prevalent in summer.

Active AlertsRoad access via Index-Galena Road remains closed due to long-term flood damage. The only access is through Beckler River Road.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Firewood may be available for purchase.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

Emergency ServicesSkykomish Fire Department and basic emergency services in Skykomish (approx. 15 miles). For major emergencies, the nearest hospital is in Monroe, WA, approximately 40 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingThere is no specific information regarding trash and recycling facilities at the campground.

Water FeaturesTroublesome Creek runs through the campground, and the North Fork Skykomish River borders it, offering easy access for fishing and scenic views.

Camp HostHosts are noted for keeping the campground clean and providing helpful local information. No contact details provided.

Weather at Troublesome Creek Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.3

63 reviews

Satisfactory

Troublesome Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, users praise Troublesome Creek Campground for its scenic and remote location, describing it as a tranquil and well-maintained site ideal for escaping city life. Accessibility issues due to road closures and the lack of potable water are commonly mentioned.

Review Summaries

Based on 63 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlight the beautiful natural surroundings, including views of the river and nearby trails. Many appreciated the peaceful and remote setting as well as the cleanliness of the campground and...

Based on 63 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the difficulty in accessing the site due to road closures, the lack of potable water, and aggressive mosquitoes. Some users also noted issues with privacy at certain sites.

Based on 63 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water and mosquito repellent. Follow the campground-provided directions to avoid road closures, and plan for a longer drive due to detours. East loop sites are recommended for more...

Based on 63 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, but users noted the presence of mosquitoes and aggressive insects during this time. Mid-week visits are recommended for solitude.

Based on 63 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful campground off the beaten path. This is as remote as you can get and still be car camping." - Chris Lagueux; "Google directions warning! This was very hard to get to but well worth the...

Based on 63 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 15 on the east loop is recommended for its privacy and creek access. Site 18 is described as beautiful with shared access to the river but lacking privacy. Sites 17-20 have some space between...

Based on 63 reviews