Ida Creek Campground
4.7613 reviewsIda Creek Campground
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$24.00
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
Single Site: $24/night (cash/check/digital) Additional Vehicle: $11/night Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to Single Campsites ONLY.
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About this campground
Where the crystal-clear waters of Ida Creek meet the rushing Icicle Creek, you'll discover a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the forest. Ida Creek Campground offers an intimate escape beneath towering Douglas firs and aromatic cedars, with young maples adding splashes of vibrant green. This sun-dappled retreat features prime creekside sites that put you just steps from the water's edge, while secluded spots tucked among the trees provide a more private forest experience. The gentle murmur of converging creeks creates nature's perfect soundtrack for your outdoor adventure.
Ida Creek Campground is a small, rustic campground with a total of 10 sites, primarily catering to tent campers.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of Pacific Northwest seasons at Ida Creek, where summer brings glorious sunshine and temperatures that climb into the comfortable high 70s and mid-80s—perfect for creek-side relaxation and forest exploration. As autumn arrives, watch the young maples transform into a brilliant display of gold and amber. Winter blankets the campground in pristine snow from late November through March, creating a wonderland for those seeking solitude. The dry summer conditions make this an ideal basecamp for warm-weather adventures, while the creek provides natural air conditioning on those warmer afternoons.
ElevationPerched at 2,600 feet in the Cascade foothills, Ida Creek Campground enjoys a perfect balance of mountain freshness and accessible comfort. This elevation gifts campers with abundant sunshine filtering through the forest canopy, while cool breezes flowing down from higher peaks and along the creek corridor keep temperatures pleasant even on summer's warmest days. The mountain air here is crisp and invigorating, offering that perfect alpine clarity without the challenges of high-altitude camping.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a Pacific Northwest paradise where ancient Douglas firs stretch skyward, their massive trunks telling stories of centuries past. Fragrant cedar groves fill the air with their distinctive aroma, while young maples dance in the breeze, creating dappled shade patterns across your campsite. The star attraction remains the icy-cold Icicle Creek, its pristine waters tumbling over smooth river rocks and creating countless spots for quiet contemplation or refreshing dips. Every turn reveals postcard-worthy vistas—from sun-sparkled water scenes to intimate forest groves where filtered light creates an almost magical atmosphere.
Geological RegionIda Creek Campground sits at a remarkable geological crossroads within the majestic Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, where two mountain streams converge in a symphony of flowing water. This confluence has shaped the landscape over millennia, creating the gentle valley that now cradles the campground. The surrounding forest showcases the region's ecological diversity—from the mighty Douglas firs that dominate the canopy to the understory of cedars and maples that thrive in this unique microclimate. The converging creeks have carved out a special niche in the Cascade ecosystem, supporting a rich tapestry of plant and animal life.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is wheelchair accessible, including vault toilets.
Sites SizeUser reviews mention 'big sites,' with space for family camping or large setups, such as attaching hammocks or tarps to trees.
Sites PrivacyThe sites offer limited privacy due to young maples and mixed vegetation, as well as their layout near the creek.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose creekside sites for the best views and ambiance. Maples and firs offer shade and privacy.
Best CampsitesSites 1, 2, and 3 are frequently praised for their proximity to the creek and serene surroundings.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay allowed is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 2 vehicles per site.
Groups
No group sites are available at Ida Creek Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground stretches along Icicle Creek with most sites on the creek banks and a few set back among the trees.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 1 through October 15 (weather dependent).
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are not accepted; sites are walk-up/first-come-first-serve only.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Campers at Ida Creek can enjoy fishing in Icicle Creek and picnicking alongside the water. The area is described as quiet and peaceful, making it ideal for relaxation, but there are limited recreational options beyond these activities.
Fishing
Fishing is available in Icicle Creek, with opportunities to catch rainbow trout. However, reviewers noted challenges like fast currents during early summer. One user commented, 'This is also a great place to fly fish, as the small trout in the creek are feisty.'Winter Activities
No winter-specific recreational activities were mentioned.Water Sports
The campground does not support non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or canoeing.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity is frequent; safe food storage practices are required.
Weather forecast
86
°F
Aug 24
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 18%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo specific details on trash and recycling facilities were provided; campers are advised to adhere to Leave No Trace principles.
Proximity to water featuresLocated at the confluence of Ida Creek and Icicle Creek; ideal for fishing and enjoying the creek’s flow.
Common complaintsSome reviewers noted issues with site reservation theft and poorly ventilated pit toilets.
HostMentioned in reviews as attentive and helpful.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Leavenworth, turn left onto Icicle Road and follow for about 13 miles. Located at the confluence of Ida Creek and Icicle Creek, the campground is on the left.
The road is a single-lane dirt road with washboard surfaces after 12.5 miles. Accessibility for standard vehicles is available, but larger RVs and trailers are limited to 30 feet max.Camper Reviews
4.8
13 reviews
Ida Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the peaceful, scenic nature of Ida Creek Campground, with its location along Icicle Creek being a favorite feature. Many campers appreciated the large, quiet sites and the natural beauty of the area.
Review Summaries
Based on 13 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers praised the 'big sites,' close proximity to the creek, and the peaceful atmosphere. The creek's clear water and scenic views were recurring themes in positive reviews. Friendly and attentive...
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Common Concerns
Some campers noted the stench from the vault toilets, describing the design as not ideal for ventilation. The water available at the site was also criticized for its taste, with one user recommending...
Based on 13 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggested bringing plenty of drinking water, as the on-site water is not potable. Another tip was to leave items like chairs at your campsite if you leave temporarily, as some users...
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Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews mentioned high water currents making fishing challenging but enjoyed the clear creek water for swimming. Early summer had reports of fast currents in the creek, which affected fishing...
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Camper Quotes
1. 'Great campground, close to the water, it also has large trees for cover and attaching a hammock or tarp shelter.' 2. 'The swimming hole was fantastic and water was crystal clear.' 3. 'The camp...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Some users highlighted specific sites, such as sites 1, 2, and 3, as being particularly desirable for their proximity to the creek. Site 7 was described as having beautiful forest surroundings on a...
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Accessibility Features
The campground is wheelchair accessible, including vault toilets. No additional accessibility-related feedback was noted.
Based on 13 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressed pet policies or experiences.
Based on 13 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025