South Creek Campground
02 reviewsSouth Creek Campground, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, WA
South Creek Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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: $10/night (cash/check not accepted). Additional Vehicle: $5/vehicle/night (2 vehicle limit). Payment must be made digitally through the recreation.gov mobile app. 50% discount for single site camping with passes like Interagency Senior, Interagency Access, Golden Age, or Golden Access.
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About this campground
Tucked away where South Creek meets the rushing waters of the Twisp River, South Creek Campground offers an intimate basecamp for wilderness adventurers. This peaceful retreat serves as your gateway to three spectacular trails—the Twisp River Trail 440, South Creek Trail 401, and Scatter Creek Trail 427—each winding deep into the pristine Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness. Whether you're seeking a challenging day hike, a scenic mountain bike ride, or simply a beautiful drive through the North Cascades, this small but perfectly positioned campground provides the ideal starting point for your outdoor explorations.
South Creek Campground is primarily a rustic site with limited facilities. Official sources confirm only four campsites are available.
Historical SignificanceWhile the recorded history of this specific site remains quietly held in the memories of the forest, South Creek Campground sits within lands that have witnessed centuries of human connection with the wilderness, from indigenous peoples to early settlers and modern-day adventurers seeking solace in nature.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the North Cascades at South Creek. Winter blankets the campground in deep, pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy cold-weather camper. As spring arrives, the landscape awakens with wildflowers and rushing creekwater, while summer brings perfect camping weather with comfortable temperatures between 60°F and 80°F—ideal for trail adventures and peaceful evenings around the campfire.
ElevationPerched at 3,100 feet above sea level, South Creek Campground offers that perfect mountain elevation where the air is crisp and clear, yet not so high as to leave you breathless. This sweet spot means you'll enjoy refreshingly cool summer nights perfect for sleeping under the stars, while winter transforms the campground into a snow-laden alpine escape. The elevation provides just enough altitude to escape the valley heat while remaining accessible throughout the camping season.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover your own private wilderness sanctuary where South Creek's melodic waters join the Twisp River in a confluence of mountain streams. This secluded campground offers the rare combination of riverside tranquility and immediate access to the magnificent Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness. Towering conifers provide natural privacy between sites, while the surrounding peaks frame stunning vistas that change with every shift of mountain light. It's the kind of quiet, contemplative setting where you can truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the Cascades.
Geological RegionSouth Creek Campground rests in the heart of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of dramatic peaks, deep valleys, and pristine waterways. Positioned at the strategic confluence of South Creek and the Twisp River, the campground offers front-row access to the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness—a protected realm of jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and untouched forests that showcase millions of years of geological artistry. This is where the wet western slopes meet the drier eastern terrain, creating a unique ecosystem that supports diverse wildlife and stunning natural beauty.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features were not detailed in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeNo specific information about campsite sizes is provided.
Sites PrivacyUser-review mentions suggest a quiet campground but no specifics on campsite privacy are available.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesIdeal for those seeking quiet and solitude. "Trails are quiet and empty."
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Unknown
Guests Allowed Per Site
Two vehicles allowed per site.
Groups
No information on group sites is provided.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutFour campsites available, providing a small and intimate camping experience.
Open and Closed SeasonSite Temporarily Closed
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov mobile app
Walk-in AvailabilityNot explicitly stated. Digital payments are enforced, so walk-up availability may be limited.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy mentioned.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, scenic drives, fishing, and horseback riding. Official sources emphasize trail access to the Twisp River Trail 440, South Creek Trail 401, and Scatter Creek Trail 427 leading into the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness.
Hiking
Access to multiple trails, including Twisp River Trail 440, South Creek Trail 401, and Scatter Creek Trail 427. These trails are suitable for day hikes and connect to the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness.Fishing
Fishing opportunities available in nearby streams and rivers. Details about fish types or permits are not provided.Biking
Road cycling opportunities are highlighted through official sources. Trail details are not provided.Winter Activities
No winter recreation options are specified in the authoritative sources.Water Sports
No mention of water sports, such as kayaking or paddleboarding, in the provided materials.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No specific fire policies mentioned.
- Quiet hours are Quiet and secluded location with few campers. Likely quiet throughout the day and night.
Hazards
General hazardsMosquitoes and bugs may be an issue during summer months. "Mosquitos/bugs obligate you to use repellent" - User review.
Active alertsSite is temporarily closed.
Weather forecast
90
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 16%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.7 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
Emergency services are likely accessible in Twisp, WA, approximately 22 miles away.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingOfficial sources state that no trash receptacles are provided, and campers must carry out all waste.
Proximity to water featuresNear South Creek and Twisp River.
Common complaintsLack of potable water and trash facilities. Users must carry out waste.
HostNo information provided on campground hosts.
Campground Map
South Creek Campground, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, WA
Driving directionsFrom Twisp, drive west on paved Twisp River Road (County Road 9114) for 12 miles, then the county road becomes paved Forest Service Road 44. Continue straight on Forest Service Road 44, travel 5 miles, road turns into gravel and becomes Forest Service Road 4440. Continue straight on Forest Service Road 4440 for an additional 4 miles to South Creek Campground. (22 miles total from Twisp).
Accessible via paved roads for the first 17 miles, and gravel road for the last 5 miles. Gravel road conditions may require caution.Nearby places
Twisp (22 miles, approximately 30-40 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies and groceries will likely be found in Twisp, WA, approximately 22 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
South Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews describe South Creek Campground as quiet and family-friendly. Mosquitoes and bugs are noted as a minor inconvenience, requiring repellents. A reviewer praised the tranquility and absence of trail crowds.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Highlights include the peaceful environment, proximity to the Twisp River, and being pet-friendly. Trails are also noted to be quiet and empty.
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
Mosquitoes and bugs were mentioned as a drawback in user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
User advice suggests bringing insect repellent for mosquitoes and bugs.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No specific seasonal experiences mentioned, but general quietness is highlighted.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Quiet. Only 4 campsites. You can hear the Twisp river.' - Pilar Baquero.
2. 'I love this place. Family friendly, pet friendly, and just a really nice place to camp.' - Krystal Vanwinkle.
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
One user review mentions there are only four campsites without specifying details about individual sites.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features or experiences were not mentioned in user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Reviews confirm the campground is pet-friendly.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025