Swift Creek Campground

Star4.54
309 reviews
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

837 ft

Price

$37 - $190/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

66 campsites

Season

Open season begins M...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Recreation.gov 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
Swift Creek Campground
$37.00 - $190.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates vary by season and site type. Standard Nonelectric ranges are $37.00 to $74.00 nightly, group standard nonelectric sites are $190.00...
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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$190.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
360-804-1103
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What Campers Say

4.54

Top-Rated

Based on 309 reviews

189 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanspaciouslake

Some mention

noisecrowdedmosquitoes

"User experiences at Swift Creek Campground are diverse. Many praised the beautiful views, clean facilities, and helpful camp hosts, while others expressed concerns over odors from bathrooms and trash bins, mosquito infestations, and lack of privacy in some sites."

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Campground Map

Swift Creek Campground

48.7296, -121.6586

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 20 miles to the sign for Swift Creek Campground Road (Forest Service road 1142). Turn right and travel about 1/3 mile to the campground at the end of the road.
Access is via paved roads from the Baker Lake Highway (Forest Service Road 11) to Forest Service road 1142. No seasonal closures mentioned in authoritative sources.

Best Time to Camp at Swift Creek Campground

From late spring's awakening through early fall's golden days, Swift Creek welcomes visitors with a delightful mountain climate. Expect sun-drenched days perfect for hiking and water activities, followed by refreshingly cool evenings ideal for campfire stories and stargazing. Summer visitors should come prepared with insect repellent, as the warm months bring out the local mosquito population—a small price to pay for experiencing this pristine wilderness at its peak.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 4% in WA

Peak season mid-May–mid-Sep; best for swimming, boating and warm conditions July–Aug.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Pleasant early fall conditions but campground closes Sep 20, limiting late-fall access.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 23% in WA

Open mid-May; late spring offers awakening forest and pleasant weather for visiting.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Sep 20–May 16; winter overnight stays at site not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season is mid-May through mid-September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season begins May 16 and closes September 20 for reservable sites.

About Swift Creek Campground

Nestled within the emerald embrace of a mixed-conifer forest along the shores of Baker Lake, Swift Creek Campground offers an enchanting retreat where modern amenities meet wilderness charm. Whether you're setting up a tent beneath towering evergreens or parking your RV with a view of pristine waters, you'll find everything needed for a comfortable stay—from refreshing drinking water and clean vault toilets to convenient picnic areas complete with tables and grills. Adventure beckons just steps away at the campground's intimate beach, while the nearby marina and boat ramp invite you to explore Baker Lake's crystalline waters at your leisure.
The campground offers spaces for tent camping, RV camping, and group camping, with additional options for multi-use sites.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in is at noon.
Check-out
Check-out is also at noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay allowed is 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Swift Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, boating, fishing, picnicking, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. The nearby Baker Lake Trail provides easy hiking opportunities with historical and scenic elements.
HikingThe Baker Lake Trail provides family-friendly hiking along Baker Lake with views of Douglas firs and remnants of virgin cedar trees. It has historical significance as visitors can see burned snags from Mt. Baker's 1843 eruption.
FishingFishing is available in Baker Lake but reviews are mixed regarding success. One reviewer noted, 'The fishing was not the best though, and I heard this from several anglers. They do have sockeye, but it seems that the salmon ate all the other species of trout.'
SwimmingThe campground features a small beach area for swimming. User reviews describe it as 'nice but small,' with rocky entry points. Water shoes are recommended.
BoatingBoating is a popular activity at Swift Creek, supported by a concrete boat ramp and marina. Many reviews describe convenient access for boats and kayaks.
Wildlife viewingMountain goats, squirrels, black bears, and migratory birds are commonly spotted in the area.
Beach activitiesBeach activities include swimming and launching paddleboards and kayaks. The beach area is described as 'small but nice' in reviews.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes are abundant during summer. Additionally, vault toilets emit strong odors near certain campsites (e.g., Site #41). Bears are present in the area.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Swift Creek Campground

Reviews

4.5
309 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Swift Creek Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User experiences at Swift Creek Campground are diverse. Many praised the beautiful views, clean facilities, and helpful camp hosts, while others expressed concerns over odors from bathrooms and trash bins, mosquito infestations, and lack of privacy in some sites.
Review Summaries
Based on 309 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviews highlight stunning lake views, clean vault toilets, spacious campsites, and friendly staff. Quotes include: 'Beautiful campground and most helpful & friendly camp host ever,' and 'Lake access...
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Based on 309 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include the smell from trash bins and bathrooms, lack of privacy in some sites, and mosquito infestations. 'Spot #41 should be closed, free, or come with a warning,' one user mentioned due...
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Based on 309 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring mosquito repellent and water shoes. Some users suggest choosing sites further from the trash bins or bathrooms. 'Make sure to bring bug spray, as mosquitoes will eat you alive,' noted one...
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Based on 309 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are busiest, with higher mosquito activity reported. Late July through August is preferred for swimming due to warmer water temperatures. Winter activities like snowshoeing are possible...
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Based on 309 reviews

Camper Quotes

Direct quotes include: 'Amazing views with lots of camping,' 'Vault toilets were cleaned daily,' and 'This is our 3rd Annual Family camping trip here. We ALWAYS have a great time!'
Based on 309 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #41 received negative feedback for its proximity to a bathroom and resulting odors. Site #44 was noted for spaciousness and lake access.
Based on 309 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcome, but reviews recommend monitoring them to avoid confrontations with wildlife or other campers. 'Nice pier and swimming area...but if you can somehow put up with the skeeters, it's a...
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Based on 309 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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