Wiley Creek Group Camp
4.1912 reviewsWiley Creek Group Camp
$130.00 - $130.00 / 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$130.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The reservation fee for group sites during peak seasons is $130 per night. There are additional fees for cancellations and late changes.
About this campground
Nestled within a cathedral of ancient Douglas firs, Wiley Creek Group Camp beckons youth organizations and adventurous groups seeking an authentic Pacific Northwest experience. This peaceful retreat weaves together the best of the region's natural treasures—moss-draped trails wind through towering evergreens while the melodic Stillaguamish River provides a stunning backdrop for fishing enthusiasts and hikers alike. Here, groups can forge lasting memories beneath centuries-old forest canopies while exploring the rich tapestry of outdoor activities that define this remarkable corner of the Cascades.
Wiley Creek Group Camp caters primarily to group camping with Adirondack-style shelters. Two group sites are available: Group A by the river and Group B with a double-level shelter.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time along the Gold Basin Mill Pond Interpretive Trail, where weathered remnants and carefully preserved artifacts tell the compelling story of the region's logging heritage. This living museum reveals how generations of mill workers and their families shaped these forests, transforming raw wilderness into the communities that dot the Stillaguamish Valley today. The interpretive trail serves as a bridge between past and present, helping visitors understand how the thunderous mills that once echoed through these valleys gave way to today's protected forests and recreational havens.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Wiley Creek in dramatically different hues. Summer transforms the campground into a verdant paradise, with warm days perfect for casting lines into the Stillaguamish's cool waters or exploring sun-dappled forest trails. As autumn arrives, the understory erupts in golden tones while crisp air signals ideal hiking conditions. When winter's snow blankets the higher elevations, the landscape morphs into a wonderland for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing adventures. Throughout the peak camping months, expect pleasantly moderate temperatures punctuated by the region's characteristic misty mornings that give way to spectacular afternoon sunshine.
ElevationWhile the campground itself rests at a comfortable elevation within the forest's embrace, the surrounding landscape tells a story of dramatic vertical relief. The mighty Mt. Baker dominates the horizon at an impressive 10,781 feet, its glaciated summit serving as a constant reminder of the raw geological forces that sculpted this remarkable terrain. This elevation gradient creates diverse microclimates and ecosystems, from the riverside groves to the alpine meadows that carpet the higher reaches of the national forest.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an emerald world where ancient Douglas firs tower overhead like natural skyscrapers, their massive trunks disappearing into a canopy that filters sunlight into ethereal beams. The Stillaguamish River serves as the campground's liquid heartbeat, its crystal-clear waters carving a sinuous path through the forest floor. Soft moss carpets nearly every surface, creating a hushed atmosphere perfect for wildlife watching and quiet contemplation. On clear days, the volcanic cone of Mt. Baker pierces the sky, its perpetual snow crown gleaming against azure skies—a photographer's dream and a constant reminder of nature's grandeur.
Geological RegionWiley Creek sits within the spectacular Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, a landscape sculpted by fire and ice over millennia. This is volcano country, where the active Mt. Baker presides over a kingdom of old-growth cedar, fir, and hemlock forests. At 10,781 feet, Baker's glacier-clad summit represents the dramatic geological forces still at work in the North Cascades. The Stillaguamish River corridor showcases this dynamic geology, having carved its valley through ancient volcanic deposits and glacial till. Here, visitors witness firsthand the ongoing conversation between the region's fiery volcanic heritage and the patient work of water and ice that continues to shape these mountains.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets and trails are mentioned in the facilities overview.
Sites SizeGroup A provides a shelter accommodating 8 people on bunk beds and a second shelter for 12 people, each at approximately 250 square feet. Group B has a two-level shelter with about 400 square feet of space per level.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is mixed, with some reviews highlighting seclusion ('We did not hear nor see other groups,' one user noted), while others experienced issues with groups encroaching on reserved spaces: 'People tried to camp out in our site all weekend.'
Total Campsites2 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGroup site A is recommended for its accessibility to the river and cooking facilities. Group site B offers larger shelter areas with two levels.
Best CampsitesGroup site A is noted for its riverside location and bunk beds.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Official check-in time is not mentioned.
Check-out
Official check-out time is not mentioned.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each group site accommodates up to 20 guests.
Groups
Each group site accommodates up to 20 people. Group A features two Adirondack shelters (one for 8 people with bunk beds and another for 12 on an attic floor), while Group B offers a two-level shelter with 400 square feet per level.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of two group sites with Adirondack shelters, cooking facilities, and picnic tables.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: May 16th - September 13th. Out of season: September 13th - May 15th. Reservations are not available during the off-season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit mention of walk-up availability; reservation in advance is strongly recommended.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations are allowed up to the day prior to check-in for a $10 fee. Late cancellations (14 calendar days or fewer for group sites) will also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of seasonal activities, including hiking, fishing, and horseback riding during summer and early fall, as well as skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. The location by the Stillaguamish River provides excellent opportunities for fishing.
Hiking
Trail access includes shaded paths through old-growth forests and the Gold Basin Mill Pond Interpretive Trail, which features historical and natural exhibits. A user praised hiking to the top of Mt. Pilchuck, describing it as 'an amazing experience!'Fishing
The Stillaguamish River supports a diverse fish population, including chinook, coho, chum, pink and sockeye salmon, steelhead trout, sea-run cutthroat, and bull trout. Anglers have described the fishing as enjoyable and accessible from the campground.Swimming
Swimming opportunities exist in the Stillaguamish River, which is described as being just down a small hill from the campsites. A user review suggests the water can be suitable for swimming on warm days if water levels permit.Wildlife viewing
Visitors can observe diverse wildlife such as birds, amphibians, and rare species like lynx, moose, wolves, and wolverines. The old-growth forest and Stillaguamish River ecosystems offer rich opportunities for wildlife viewing.Cultural and Educational Programs
The Gold Basin Mill Pond Interpretive Trail provides cultural and natural history insights, showcasing mill relics and a floating viewpoint over the millpond.Winter Activities
Winter recreation includes skiing and snowshoeing, taking advantage of the area's snowy conditions.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports, such as kayaking or paddleboarding, are not explicitly mentioned, though the river's proximity may allow for such activities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire restrictions may apply at any time due to hot, dry conditions. Campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed during such periods.
- Quiet hours are Scheduled quiet hours are not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsMice are prevalent and have been noted to infiltrate food supplies. Fire restrictions may be imposed during hot, dry weather. The area is remote with limited cellular service.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 56%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 2.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Emergency Services
Verlot Public Service Center (approximately 5 miles west)
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16th - September 13th
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are present but reportedly not well-maintained. A user noted, 'The garbage cans were overflowing, and no maintenance crew came by during our 4-day stay.'
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located near the Stillaguamish River, which offers fishing and scenic views.
Common complaintsComplaints include poor maintenance (overflowing trash, unclean toilets), lack of signage for group sites, and absence of staff for assistance or resolving issues.
HostCamp hosts are available at the nearby Verlot Campground at milepost 11 on Mountain Loop Highway.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Seattle, Washington, go north on I-5 to Everett. Take exit 194 onto Highway 2. Head north at Highway 204 toward Lake Stevens. Turn north on Highway 9. Turn east on Highway 92 to Granite Falls. Campground is located approximately 14 miles east of Granite Falls on Highway 7 Scenic Byway.
The campground is located approximately 14 miles east of Granite Falls along the Highway 7 Scenic Byway. No specific mention of road types is provided, but the directions indicate paved highways.Nearby places
Granite Falls (14 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as water and firewood are available at the nearby Verlot Campground, located at milepost 11 on the Mountain Loop Highway.
Camper Reviews
4.2
12 reviews
Wiley Creek Group Camp is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful natural setting, affordability concerns, and issues with maintenance and management. Visitors appreciate the spacious shelters and proximity to the river but criticize the lack of amenities like water and electricity.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the campground's scenic location on the Stillaguamish River, spacious group shelters, and access to trails. A user said, 'Truly a diamond in the rough! So much space to enjoy...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints focus on poor maintenance ('garbage cans were overflowing'), lack of clear signage, and inconvenience due to the absence of water and electricity: '109$ a night should get you these...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing water and firewood. One reviewer noted that firewood in the area is often damp, and another emphasized the importance of marking group sites more clearly.
Based on 12 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that the summer and early fall seasons are the most popular due to hiking and fishing opportunities, while winter brings activities like skiing and snowshoeing. Maintenance issues...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'It's a beautiful site – – there's no question about that.' 2. 'We’ve camped at Wiley Creek many times over the years and still believe it to be one of the best available in Western Washington.'...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Group A: Close to the river, offers bunk beds and cooking shelter. 'Site A is going to be our go-to place every year!' Group B: Spacious two-level shelter. 'There is a vault toilet a little bit of a...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Mentions of accessibility features include accessible vault toilets and trails. However, there is no indication of on-site staff providing assistance for accessibility needs.
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025