Johnny Creek Campground
4.4424 reviewsJohnny Creek Campground
$24.00 - $44.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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); Double Site: $44/night; Additional Vehicle: $11/night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to Single Campsites ONLY.
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About this campground
Nestled where Johnny Creek meets the rushing waters of Icicle Creek, this forest sanctuary offers two distinct camping experiences. The sun-dappled Upper Campground beckons tent campers with its collection of walk-in sites, where morning light filters through the canopy and creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Below, the intimate Lower Campground hugs the creek's edge, its pull-through RV sites perfectly positioned to catch the soothing sounds of flowing water. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the natural setting, featuring solar-powered water systems that respect the environment, along with vault toilets, sturdy picnic tables, and fire rings where stories and s'mores are shared under starlit skies.
Johnny Creek Campground offers diverse camping accommodations, including tent sites and limited pull-through RV sites. The Upper section is better suited for tent camping with walk-in sites, while the Lower section provides space for RVs and is closer to the creek.
Weather and SeasonsAs September arrives, Johnny Creek transforms into a peaceful retreat where crisp mountain air greets early risers and the campground population dwindles to those seeking solitude. Winter brings a crystalline beauty to the forest, with freezing temperatures painting frost on tent walls and occasional snowfall blanketing the Douglas firs in white. Come summer, the forest provides natural air conditioning as warm, dry days give way to refreshingly cool evenings perfect for campfire gatherings.
ElevationPerched at 2,500 feet where mountain air stays crisp and pure, Johnny Creek Campground offers a natural escape from valley heat. This elevation creates the perfect recipe for comfortable days and refreshingly cool nights that invite deep sleep under a blanket of stars, with temperatures that remind you to pack that extra layer even in summer.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering Douglas firs stand as ancient sentinels throughout the campground, their massive trunks and spreading branches creating a cathedral-like canopy overhead. In the Lower Campground, Icicle Creek provides nature's soundtrack—a constant, peaceful murmur that lulls campers to sleep and provides the perfect backdrop for morning coffee. Dappled sunlight dances across the forest floor, while the interplay of shade and light creates ever-changing patterns throughout the day.
Geological RegionSet within the vast wilderness tapestry of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Johnny Creek Campground claims a special spot where two mountain waterways converge. This protected forest environment showcases the rugged beauty of the North Cascades ecosystem, where ancient geological forces have carved valleys and peaks that create a dramatic backdrop for outdoor adventures.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground offers vault toilets that are wheelchair-friendly. Specific campsite accessibility details are not provided.
Sites SizeThe campground accommodates a range of site sizes, with pull-through RV sites available in the Lower section. Parking aprons are paved.
Sites PrivacySites in the campground are separated by space and trees, providing moderate privacy, particularly in the Lower section. It is noted that privacy is due more to distance than vegetation.
Total Campsites63 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSeek sites in the 40s for stream sounds, or Lower Campground sites for proximity to water.
Best CampsitesSpot 15 in the Lower Campground is highlighted as 'stellar' for proximity to the river and privacy. Double sites on the left loop are noted for creek views and seclusion.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum guests allowed per site not specified.
Groups
No group camping sites are explicitly mentioned in the sources.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe Upper section contains overlapping loops with walk-in tent sites. The Lower section is smaller, closer to Icicle Creek, and includes pull-through RV sites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from April 20 through October 15, weather-dependent.
Reservation PlatformsNot available for reservations; operates as first-come, first-serve.
Walk-in AvailabilityEntire campground is walk-up/first-come, first-serve.
Cancellation PolicyNo policy stated as the campground operates on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Johnny Creek Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, backpacking, and river fishing. Climbing enthusiasts can enjoy both mountain and rock climbing opportunities nearby. Picnicking facilities are also available. Swimming, kayaking, and other water sports are not supported, as the creek is not suitable for these activities.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available near the campground, with trails along Icicle Road being intermediate to strenuous. One user noted the proximity of 'lots of hiking trails along Icicle Rd.'Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Fishing
Fishing is permitted in Icicle Creek, with rainbow trout being a common catch. This was confirmed by the authoritative source.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not applicable as the campground is open seasonally (April 20 through October 15).Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not supported at the campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted; fire pits are available at each site.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include bear activity; campers are advised to practice safe food storage. Washboard bumps are present on the access road, and bathrooms may have an ammonia smell, as noted by users.
Weather forecast
93
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 23%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.1 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
Closest emergency services are likely in Leavenworth, WA, including hospitals and police stations.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available. Recycling facilities were not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresThe Lower Campground is adjacent to Icicle Creek allowing for water-based activities like fishing for rainbow trout.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight noisy campers during quiet hours, poor water quality at some spigots, and issues with campground hosts. Vault toilets are occasionally reported to be smelly and not well-stocked.
HostMixed reviews for campground hosts; some users report unhelpful behavior, while others appreciate the maintenance of clean bathrooms.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Leavenworth, head southwest on US-2 West for 0.8 mile. Then turn left onto Icicle Road/Forest Road 7600 and continue straight for about 11.5 miles. Campground will be on the left.
The campground is accessible via paved roads up to the site, followed by a dirt road section with washboard bumps as noted in user reviews.Nearby places
Leavenworth, WA (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Supplies are available in Leavenworth, WA, approximately 12 miles away, offering groceries, camping gear, and other essentials.
Camper Reviews
4.4
24 reviews
Johnny Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Johnny Creek Campground highlight its beautiful and quiet setting, clean sites with picnic tables and fire pits, and the scenic sounds of Icicle Creek. However, common complaints include the lack of showers, occasional noisy neighbors, and issues with vault toilet cleanliness. Some users also had negative experiences with camp hosts, specifically regarding rule enforcement and payment issues.
Review Summaries
Based on 24 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the 'beautiful spots' and 'quiet, clean campground nestled in God's creation.' Many users appreciated the proximity to Icicle Creek, describing it as a 'fantastic getaway...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include noisy campers disrupting quiet hours, the 'ammonia smell' in vault toilets, and issues with water quality (yellow/brown, sediment-filled). One reviewer noted, 'The host, Rob,...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Several users recommended bringing your own drinking water, as the water spigots can be rusty or sediment-filled. Others suggested choosing sites in the 40s for proximity to the stream and avoiding...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is described as hot and buggy during the summer, with stars and creek sounds praised at night. Cooler seasons see fewer neighbors, offering a more secluded experience.
Based on 24 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Great fcfs car camping sites right next to Icicle Creek.' 2. 'The lower campground is along the river... the upper campground is across the road and away from the river.' 3. 'Vault toilets w/...
Based on 24 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site recommendations include site 15 ('stellar') and sites in the 40s for stream proximity. The Lower section is noted for its pull-through sites and creek adjacency.
Based on 24 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility for users with disabilities is not widely discussed in reviews, but vault toilets are described as wheelchair-friendly.
Based on 24 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are not addressed in detail, although one user noted that dogs are supposed to be leashed at all times. Issues with unleashed dogs wandering were mentioned.
Based on 24 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025