Gold Basin Campground

Star4.04
77 reviews

Quick Facts

1,135 ft

Price

$37 - $74/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

99 campsites

Season

Open May 16 to Septe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Gold Basin Campground
$37.00 - $74.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $37 to $74, with additional charges for holidays ($2-$4 per night).
Standard Site Fee$37.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$74.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
360-804-1103
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What Campers Say

4.04

Satisfactory

Based on 77 reviews

33 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsspacioushikinglake

Some mention

noise

"Gold Basin Campground is appreciated for its scenic beauty along the Stillaguamish River, spacious campsites, and proximity to hiking trails. However, recent closures and maintenance issues, including vault toilets and shower availability, have been points of contention."

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Campground Map

Gold Basin Campground

48.0776, -121.7380

Driving directionsFrom Seattle, Washington, go north on I-5 to Everett. Take exit 194 onto Highway 2, then turn north at Highway 204 toward Lake Stevens. Turn north on Highway 9 then east on Highway 92 to Granite Falls. The campground is located 13.5 miles east of Granite Falls.
Accessible from paved major roads; no mentions of seasonal closures or challenging terrain. Roads are described as well-maintained.
Nearby supplies
Granite Falls, 20 minutes away, has groceries, firewood, and fuel. A local store 9 minutes west sells firewood for $7 per bundle.

Best Time to Camp at Gold Basin Campground

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformation of the Cascades at Gold Basin. When winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, the campground becomes a gateway to Nordic adventures, with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails beckoning the intrepid. As summer arrives, temperatures climb into the comfortable 70s, creating perfect conditions for trail exploration, mountain biking adventures, and lazy afternoons fishing in the refreshingly cool river waters. Early fall paints the understory in golden hues while maintaining ideal hiking weather.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in WA

Peak season May 16–Sep 13; summer is most popular for hiking, river activities and full access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall offers quieter visits and scenic changes; access still reasonable in shoulder season references.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens mid-May; late spring access limits some early-season activities and services.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 16–Sep 13; winter camping from the site is not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 to September 13.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 16 to September 13; closed outside this period including a reservation period from June 27 to September 13.
  • Current Alerts: Currently closed for construction to address landslide damage and improve salmon runs.

About Gold Basin Campground

Nestled in the heart of the Mountain Loop Highway, Gold Basin Campground stands as the region's largest wilderness retreat, where ancient forests meet the crystal-clear waters of the South Fork Stillaguamish River. This fully developed, accessible sanctuary invites adventurers to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in nature's cathedral of towering evergreens. Please note: The campground is temporarily closed for construction as we enhance facilities for future generations of outdoor enthusiasts.
Gold Basin Campground offers diverse accommodation options, including primitive camping, tent sites, and RV spots. There is also a large group site that accommodates up to 75 guests.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 nights

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Gold Basin Campground caters to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts with opportunities for hiking, fishing, biking, picnicking, and horseback riding during the warmer months. Winter activities include skiing and snowshoeing. The nearby Gold Basin Mill Pond interpretive trail offers a cultural and historical perspective of the area.
HikingThe campground is located near several popular trails, including the Lake 22 Trailhead, which is a mile away and accessible on foot. Other nearby hikes include Heather Lake and Mt. Pilchuck trails.
FishingFishing is available along the South Fork of the Stillaguamish River. User reviews did not elaborate on the quality of fishing opportunities.
SwimmingThe campground provides river access at several points, with shallow areas suitable for wading and swimming. Reviewers noted clear, cool water in the summer months.
BikingCampground roads are paved, making them suitable for children on bikes. There are also nearby trails suitable for mountain biking.
Wildlife viewingThe area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, ravens, eagles, and rare species like lynx and wolverines. Campers are advised to bring binoculars for optimal viewing.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe Gold Basin Mill Pond interpretive trail offers educational insights into the area's natural and cultural history, including interpretive signs discussing mill relics and local wildlife.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLandslides have been a recurring issue, causing closures. The riverbank is prone to erosion.
Active AlertsCurrently closed for construction to address landslide damage and improve salmon runs.
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.

Weather at Gold Basin Campground

Reviews

4.0
77 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Gold Basin Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Gold Basin Campground is appreciated for its scenic beauty along the Stillaguamish River, spacious campsites, and proximity to hiking trails. However, recent closures and maintenance issues, including vault toilets and shower availability, have been points of contention.
Review Summaries
Based on 77 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include scenic river views, spacious and private campsites, and proximity to popular hiking trails like Lake 22. Wildlife spotting is common, and many reviewers appreciated the helpfulness...
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Based on 77 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of running water, showers, and flush toilets, as well as maintenance issues with vault toilets. Noise from neighboring sites and the absence of a walk-in policy for...
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Based on 77 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing drinking water, bug spray, and extra toilet paper. Site #71 is noted for its good location near amenities, while site #93 offers privacy. Reviewers advise reserving sites...
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Based on 77 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular camping season, with access to hiking and river activities. Winter is less frequented but offers activities like skiing and snowshoeing. Multi-day stays during holidays are...
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Based on 77 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The North loop of the campground is along the river and great for views, but use caution near drop-offs." – Troy Center. "This used to be a city; the campground layout reflects its unique history."...
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Based on 77 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #93 is highly rated for privacy and proximity to the river. Site #71 offers convenience near restrooms and amenities but is less private. Sites #22, #63, and #93 are recommended for their...
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Based on 77 reviews

Accessibility Features

The short, barrier-free interpretive trail provides an accessible option for exploring local history. No specific campsite accessibility features were noted.
Based on 77 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed and welcomed by most campers, though no specific pet-related facilities are mentioned.
Based on 77 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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