Shannon Creek Campground
4.3175 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
$32 - $64/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
20 campsites
Season
Open from May 16 to ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$32 - $64/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
20 campsites
Season
Open from May 16 to ...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsShannon Creek Campground
$32.00 - $64.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsite fees range from $32 to $64 per night, with an additional $2 to $4 for holiday rates. Fees are for tent or standard non-electric sites....
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Standard Site Fee$32.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$64.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$96.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider360-804-1103
What Campers Say
4.31
Recommended
Based on 75 reviews
38 Google reviews
Most mentioned
cleanlakefriendlywell-maintained
Some mention
crowded
"Shannon Creek Campground is well-loved for its stunning location, cleanliness, and friendly camp hosts. However, some reviewers highlighted issues such as steep drop-offs near certain sites and occasional noise or overcrowding."
Fees & Passes at Shannon Creek Campground
$32 - $64/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Premium Site
Best views or amenities
Stay Limit: Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights at the campground.
Cancellation: Changes to reservations involve a $10 fee; cancellations also require a $10 fee, with late cancellat...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official reservation website.
Best Time to Camp at Shannon Creek Campground
Golden summer days bring temperatures that climb into the pleasant 80s, perfect for afternoon swims and evening s'mores. While mosquitoes make their presence known during peak season, they're a small price to pay for those magical twilight hours on the water. When winter blankets the landscape in pristine white, the campground area transforms into a snowmobiler's paradise, with heavy snowfall creating endless opportunities for powder-filled adventures through the backcountry.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: May 16 to September 13.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open from May 16 to September 13 (reservable period).
About Shannon Creek Campground
Where crystal-clear waters meet towering evergreens, Shannon Creek Campground beckons from the western shores of Baker Lake. This hidden gem in the heart of the Pacific Northwest invites you to wake up to glacier-kissed mountain views and fall asleep to the gentle lapping of lake waters. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, paddling through mirror-like reflections of Mt. Baker, or exploring ancient forest trails, this beloved basecamp transforms ordinary weekends into extraordinary adventures. Here, old-growth giants stand sentinel while families gather around campfires, sharing stories as countless generations have done before.
Shannon Creek Campground accommodates various camping preferences, with options for tent and RV camping. It caters to both single and double-family site reservations.
Weather and SeasonsGolden summer days bring temperatures that climb into the pleasant 80s, perfect for afternoon swims and evening s'mores. While mosquitoes make their presence known during peak season, they're a small price to pay for those magical twilight hours on the water. When winter blankets the landscape in pristine white, the campground area transforms into a snowmobiler's paradise, with heavy snowfall creating endless opportunities for powder-filled adventures through the backcountry.
ElevationFrom your campsite, gaze upward to where Mt. Baker's summit pierces the sky at an impressive 10,781 feet. This dramatic elevation change creates a stunning visual journey from lakeside tranquility to alpine grandeur, offering photographers and nature lovers an ever-changing canvas of light, shadow, and mountain majesty throughout the day.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient Douglas firs and western red cedars stretch skyward, their centuries-old trunks telling silent stories of the forest's past. Mt. Baker's glacier-draped peaks provide a dramatic backdrop to days spent exploring this richly diverse ecosystem, where eagles soar overhead and wildlife thrives in the varied habitats. The lake itself serves as nature's mirror, reflecting the surrounding peaks in its pristine waters and offering endless opportunities for both adventure and quiet contemplation.
Geological RegionCarved into the western slopes of the magnificent Cascades, this corner of Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest showcases the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Here, rugged peaks crowned with ancient glaciers rise above valleys filled with old-growth forests, while scenic rivers carve their paths through the landscape. This dramatic terrain tells the story of volcanic forces, glacial sculpting, and the patient work of water and time, creating a geological wonderland that captivates visitors with its wild beauty.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information provided on accessibility features for campers with disabilities.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as 'large and most can fit more than one tent,' though some users noted that trailer-friendly spots can be tight, with site 3 fitting a 23-ft trailer but not a 26-ft one.
Sites PrivacySeveral users appreciated the privacy of the campsites, describing them as 'separate from each other and peaceful.' One reviewer stated, 'Loved that our site was totally private. Can’t see any neighbors.'
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite #5 has steep drop-offs and may not be safe for families with young children. Sites 18 and 19 are recommended for kayaking enthusiasts due to close water access.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is noon.
Check-out
Check-out time is noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights at the campground.
Groups
No specific details provided about group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into loops, with sites offering varying levels of privacy and proximity to the lake. Tent pads and fire pits are standard features.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 16 to September 13 (reservable period).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityReserved sites are held until noon the following day, after which they are released for walk-up reservations.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations involve a $10 fee; cancellations also require a $10 fee, with late cancellations forfeiting the first night's use fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Shannon Creek Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, making it an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts. Popular activities include swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking, with options for kayaking and paddleboarding on the lake. Wildlife viewing and birdwatching are also popular due to the area's rich biodiversity.
Hiking
The campground is close to the Baker Lake and Baker River Trails, which are family-friendly and wind through old-growth forests of Douglas Fir and western red cedar. These trails also connect to North Cascades National Park.Fishing
Fishing is a highlight of the campground. Anglers can find a variety of fish species, and the campground is noted as a 'great base for sockeye fishing,' with one reviewer mentioning success fishing from a kayak.Swimming
Swimming is allowed in Baker Lake. Reviewers describe the lake as clear and beautiful, with one stating, 'The lake was great for swimming.' However, there is no designated swim area.Boating
The campground offers a gravel boat launch suitable for small boats, though there is no dock. Activities like canoeing and kayaking are popular.Wildlife viewing
Visitors can expect to see a range of wildlife, including chipmunks, rabbits, stellar jays, and even occasional bears.Beach activities
The campground has a small beach area suitable for water access and swimming, though some users wished for a more designated beach space.Winter Activities
Winter activities such as snowmobiling are available in the surrounding area, though not directly within the campground.Water Sports
The lake is ideal for kayaking, paddleboarding, and water skiing, providing a great destination for non-motorized water sports.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed unless fire restrictions are in place. Visitors are encouraged to source firewood locally to prevent the spread of invasive insects.
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews mention mosquitos as a consistent issue during warmer months. Additionally, steep drop-offs are noted near certain sites (e.g., site #5), which can pose safety risks for children.
Weather at Shannon Creek Campground
40
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 74%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 0.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
Weather History
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Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16 to September 13.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, but users voiced concerns about a lack of bear-proof garbage cans, with one stating, 'Big dumpster overflowing and inviting bears and raccoons to a feast.' Recycling facilities were not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated along Baker Lake, providing direct lake access for boating, fishing, and swimming. Some sites offer waterfront access.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include the lack of potable water and the condition of the gravel road leading to the campground. A few reviews also mention overcrowded areas near the boat ramp and a lack of bear-proof garbage cans.
HostUser reviews frequently praise the camp host for maintaining cleanliness and being helpful. Hosts like "Cindy" and "Dee" are specifically mentioned as friendly and hardworking.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Seattle, go north on I-5 to Burlington. Take Exit 230 on State Highway 20. Go past the Mt. Baker Ranger District Office in Sedro-Woolley and follow State Route 20 east for 16 miles to milepost 82. Turn left (north) on the Baker Lake Highway (Forest Service Road 11). Continue for 23.3 miles to the sign for Shannon Creek Campground on the right.
Accessible via a long gravel road with potholes. According to user reviews, the gravel road makes the campground feel remote and peaceful, but the potholes are described as challenging. SUVs are recommended for easier travel.Reviews from booking and map sources
4.3
75 reviews
Shannon Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Shannon Creek Campground is well-loved for its stunning location, cleanliness, and friendly camp hosts. However, some reviewers highlighted issues such as steep drop-offs near certain sites and occasional noise or overcrowding.
Review Summaries
Based on 75 reviews
What Campers Love
Guests frequently praised the cleanliness of the campground, the beauty of Baker Lake, and the helpfulness of the camp hosts. Common phrases include 'clean and well-maintained,' 'absolutely gorgeous...
Based on 75 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints include steep drop-offs near some campsites, lack of designated swim areas, and occasional maintenance issues like overflowing dumpsters. Several users found some areas unsuitable for...
Based on 75 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring potable water as the hand pump water can be murky. Reserve sites in advance and avoid sites with steep drop-offs if camping with children. Bug spray is essential due to mosquitoes.
Based on 75 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is the most popular and recommended season, with warm temperatures and active fishing. However, reviewers noted heavy mosquito activity during this time. Winter activities like snowmobiling...
Based on 75 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'The bathrooms and grounds are kept well-maintained and clean.'
- 'The lake was beautiful, a must for kayakers.'
- 'Loved that our site was totally private. Can’t see any neighbors.'
- 'The...
Based on 75 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
- Site 3: Fits a 23-ft trailer but not a 26-ft one.
- Site 10: Complaints about uneven terrain and leftover trash.
- Sites 18, 19, 20: Praised as the best sites for their views and proximity to...
Based on 75 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews address accessibility features, though uneven terrain and steep drop-offs may pose challenges.
Based on 75 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome, and the campground is pet-friendly, though no specific pet amenities are mentioned.
Based on 75 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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