Middle Fork Campground

4.40

245 reviews

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Great Hiking

Featured in:Primitive Camping Washington#3 Best Campgrounds Washington

Quick Facts

1,125 ft

Price

$32 - $96/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

39 campsites

Season

Open season: May 16t...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,125 ft

Price

$32 - $96/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

39 campsites

Season

Open season: May 16t...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Middle Fork Campground

$32.00 - $96.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $32 for standard non-electric sites up to $96 for group sites, with additional charges for holidays ($2-$4). Reservation fees ($8...

Standard Site Fee$32.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$96.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

360-804-1103null

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What Campers Say

4.40

Recommended

Based on 245 reviews

100 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanspacious

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Middle Fork Campground are overwhelmingly positive about its natural beauty, privacy, and access to trails. Complaints often mention issues with potable water availability, bear activity, and occasional host-related conflicts."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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Middle Fork Campground

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Driving directionsFrom Interstate 5 north going toward Seattle, take Interstate 90 east toward North Bend. Take exit 34 and turn north on 468th Ave. Turn right onto SE Middle Fork Road/Forest Service Road 56. Continue about 12 miles to the campground, located about 1/2 a mile past the Middle Fork Trailhead.

The campground is accessible via paved roads with only two small sections with potholes. It is easy to reach even without a 4WD vehicle. Multiple user reviews emphasize the straightforward and well-maintained road conditions, making it particularly suitable for car camping.

Nearby places

North Bend (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes drive), Seattle (approximately 1.5 hours drive)

Nearby supplies

North Bend offers grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel within 12 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Middle Fork Campground

Each season paints Middle Fork Campground with its own distinctive palette. Summer arrives with warm, golden days averaging 70°F, perfect for trail exploration and riverside relaxation, though evenings bring a refreshing coolness that makes campfire gatherings all the more inviting. As autumn approaches, the forest transforms into a tapestry of amber and gold. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, transforming familiar trails into enchanting routes for snowshoeing adventures and cross-country skiing expeditions. Spring awakens the forest with vibrant wildflowers and the cheerful chorus of returning songbirds.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open and peak season; warm days (~70°F) ideal for trails and riverside time; mosquitoes and bear activity noted.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall reviews cite quieter campgrounds and fewer bugs; good for hiking and solitude.

Spring(Mar-May)

Not recommended

Mostly closed through mid-May; limited spring availability so season is not applicable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed Sept 14–May 15; winter-season stays not available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 16th - September 13th annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 16th - September 13th (reservable). Closed season: September 14th - May 15th.
Current Alerts: Currently, the water pump is broken, and potable water availability is unreliable. Fire bans may be imposed due to weather conditions.

About Middle Fork Campground

Nestled beneath a cathedral of towering Douglas firs, cedars, and Western hemlocks, Middle Fork Campground invites you to experience the tranquil beauty of the Snoqualmie River valley. This peaceful retreat features 39 thoughtfully placed campsites, including spacious group areas perfect for family gatherings. The gentle murmur of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River provides a natural soundtrack to your stay, while convenient amenities like vault toilets, picnic tables, and drinking water (though currently experiencing reliability issues) ensure comfort in the wilderness. Adventure awaits just beyond your tent flap, with numerous hiking trails beckoning explorers into the surrounding old-growth forests.

Middle Fork Campground offers camping options for tents, RVs, and groups. The sites are primarily rustic with no electricity, water, or sewer hookups.

Historical SignificanceJust a short drive from your campsite, the historic Verlot Public Service Center stands as a testament to America's conservation legacy. This architectural gem, crafted by the skilled hands of Civilian Conservation Corps workers during the Great Depression, has earned its place on the National Register of Historic Places. The center's rustic timber construction and stone masonry reflect the enduring craftsmanship of an era when young men helped shape our nation's outdoor heritage, creating lasting monuments to both human ingenuity and natural preservation.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Middle Fork Campground with its own distinctive palette. Summer arrives with warm, golden days averaging 70°F, perfect for trail exploration and riverside relaxation, though evenings bring a refreshing coolness that makes campfire gatherings all the more inviting. As autumn approaches, the forest transforms into a tapestry of amber and gold. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, transforming familiar trails into enchanting routes for snowshoeing adventures and cross-country skiing expeditions. Spring awakens the forest with vibrant wildflowers and the cheerful chorus of returning songbirds.

ElevationWhile the campground itself rests in the gentle river valley, you'll find yourself surrounded by a dramatic amphitheater of peaks that soar beyond 10,000 feet. The mighty Mt. Baker dominates the skyline, its glaciated summit serving as a beacon for mountaineers and a stunning backdrop for your camping experience. This elevation contrast creates diverse ecosystems and microclimates, from the temperate riverside setting of your campsite to the alpine wonderland visible on the surrounding ridgelines.

Natural Features and SceneryMiddle Fork Campground serves as your gateway to a landscape that seems lifted from a fairy tale. The second-growth forest creates an emerald canopy overhead, where shafts of sunlight filter through branches to dance on the forest floor. The crystalline waters of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River wind past your campsite, offering both scenic beauty and the soothing sounds of flowing water. Venture deeper into the wilderness to discover the whimsically named Stegosaurus Butte, its granite ridges resembling the spine of its prehistoric namesake. Hidden alpine lakes sparkle like jewels in mountain basins, while ancient groves of old-growth giants stand as silent sentinels. Keep your camera ready for encounters with the area's diverse wildlife – from black bears foraging for berries to mountain goats navigating impossible cliffs, deer grazing in meadows, and the seasonal parade of migratory birds filling the canopy with song.

Geological RegionThe Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest showcases the raw power of geological forces that have shaped the Pacific Northwest over millions of years. Ancient volcanic activity, glacial carving, and tectonic uplift have created this rugged wonderland where your campground sits. Surrounded by designated wilderness areas, the landscape tells a story written in stone and forest. Massive Douglas firs, Western red cedars, and Western hemlocks rise from soil enriched by centuries of forest succession. The distinctive granite formations like Stegosaurus Butte reveal the area's complex geological past, while pristine alpine lakes fill basins carved by long-vanished glaciers. This dynamic landscape continues to evolve, shaped by the endless cycle of seasons, the patient work of flowing water, and the gradual but persistent forces that make the Cascades one of America's most spectacular mountain ranges.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Reserved sites held until noon the day following arrival.

Check-out

Sites must be vacated by noon on the last day of reservation.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights within rolling 30-day period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum number of guests per site depends on site type. Standard sites typically accommodate small groups or families.

Groups

Group sites accommodate larger parties but exact limits on people and vehicles are not provided. User reviews note occasional confusion regarding parking policies.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutLoop layout with sites well-spaced for privacy. West-side sites offer more tree cover and scenic surroundings.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website or app. Contact center supports bookings with an additional fee.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-served sites are available but must be occupied by checkout time on the following day.

Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations for individual sites result in forfeiture of the first night's recreation fee. No modifications allowed once reservation start date begins.

AccessibilityAccessible vault toilets and bear-proof lockers are provided. Some campsites are spacious and level, making them suitable for campers with mobility challenges.

Site SizeThe campsites range from small to large, accommodating setups like tents, travel trailers, and small RVs. Specific reviews praise sites like #9 and #11 for being spacious and private.

PrivacySites vary in privacy, with many described as secluded due to surrounding trees. User comments highlight sites like #9 and #11 for offering high levels of privacy.

Total Campsites39 campsites

Recommended SitesSites west of the campground (e.g., #1-12) offer more forested scenery and are considered quieter. Reviewers recommend bringing water and filtration equipment due to the broken water pump.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Middle Fork Campground provides a wide array of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, horseback riding, biking, and wildlife viewing. Seasonal winter activities like skiing and snowshoeing are also available. The nearby trails, such as the Middle Fork Trail and CCC Trail, are highly recommended.

HikingApproximately 1,500 miles of trails are accessible in the area, accommodating all skill levels. The Middle Fork Trail offers diverse scenery, including rivers, cliffs, and historical logging railroad grades. Trails like CCC and Oxbow are praised in user reviews for their beauty and accessibility.

FishingFishing in the nearby river is permitted, but it is primarily catch-and-release. User feedback highlights the need for proper storage of food and supplies due to the frequent presence of bears.

SwimmingThe nearby river provides opportunities for swimming, with calm shallows suitable for wading. User reviews mention tubing as a popular activity during summer months.

BikingBiking is allowed on trails like the Middle Fork Trail on odd-numbered days. User reviews recommend the area as a scenic spot for bike-packing.

Wildlife viewingThe campground is located in a rich ecosystem featuring mountain goats, coyotes, pine martens, migratory birds, and native fish. Bears are frequently encountered, and users report sightings of deer and birds.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsActive bear population with frequent sightings; campers must follow strict bear safety protocols. Mosquitoes can be prevalent during summer months. River access can be rocky and challenging.

Active AlertsCurrently, the water pump is broken, and potable water availability is unreliable. Fire bans may be imposed due to weather conditions.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food storage lockers provided at all campsites to protect against the active bear population.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within designated fire rings unless restrictions are imposed due to dry weather.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Typically 10 PM to 8 AM, though not always enforced.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are located in North Bend, 12 miles away, including hospitals and law enforcement.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are available, but some reviews express concerns about them not being bear-proof. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesLocated along the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River with access to calm shallows and scenic trails parallel to the river.

Camp HostHosts are generally helpful, although their availability can be inconsistent as they manage multiple campgrounds. Some reviewers noted unprofessional behavior and lack of attention to certain issues.

Weather at Middle Fork Campground

Reviews

4.4

245 reviews

Recommended

Middle Fork Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Middle Fork Campground are overwhelmingly positive about its natural beauty, privacy, and access to trails. Complaints often mention issues with potable water availability, bear activity, and occasional host-related conflicts.

Review Summaries

Based on 245 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean vault toilets, spacious campsites, excellent hiking trails, and peaceful surroundings are frequently praised. 'Wonderful and quiet campground,' one user states.

Based on 245 reviews

Common Concerns

Water pump reliability is a recurring issue. Bears are frequently mentioned, with some users reporting damage to tents and supplies. Parking and host professionalism were noted as concerns by several...

Based on 245 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own water or filtration gear due to unreliable water access. Be prepared for bears and store food securely. Mosquito repellant is advised during summer months.

Based on 245 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight issues with mosquitoes and bear activity. Fall reviews mention quieter campgrounds and fewer bugs. Winter reviews focus on snowshoeing and the area's picturesque landscapes.

Based on 245 reviews

Camper Quotes

User Michelle M: 'Not a bad campsite to be had and more privacy than most.' User Annie Cotton: 'Warning: ACTIVE BEAR. Bear slashed all 3 of our tents while we were out.' User Kaitlin N: 'Vault toilet...

Based on 245 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #9 is frequently praised for its privacy and proximity to the river. Site #11 is noted for its spaciousness. Site #13 is highlighted for its peaceful ambiance despite occasional noise from...

Based on 245 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilets and bear-proof lockers are available. The flat terrain of some campsites provides ease of access for individuals with mobility challenges.

Based on 245 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed, and many users noted enjoying hiking and relaxing with their dogs. 'Our campsite was large enough for two tents and two dogs,' one reviewer mentions.

Based on 245 reviews

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