Tinkham Campground
3.82161 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
$32 - $34/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
45 campsites
Season
Open May 16, 2025, t...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$32 - $34/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
45 campsites
Season
Open May 16, 2025, t...
Cell
Has Service
Pets
Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsTinkham Campground
$32.00 - $34.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season nightly rates are $32-$34, with an additional $2 charge during the holidays. Out-of-season rates and discounts weren't available.
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$32.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider360-804-1103
What Campers Say
3.82
Mixed Reviews
Based on 161 reviews
216 Google reviews
Most mentioned
shadelocationsites
Some mention
noisereservation
"Tinkham Campground receives mixed reviews, with praise for its natural beauty and location close to Seattle but criticism for its proximity to I-90, leading to significant traffic noise. The gravel road access is another common complaint, with numerous potholes noted."
Fees & Passes at Tinkham Campground
$32 - $34/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: Maximum stay is 14 nights consecutively during a visit, and up to 14 nights within any rolling 30 days.
Cancellation: Cancellation allowed before the arrival date with a $10 fee and reservation fee non-refundable. Late...
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official U.S. Forest Service website.
Best Time to Camp at Tinkham Campground
Experience the gentle rhythm of North Cascades seasons at Tinkham. Summer brings mild, comfortable days perfect for hiking and fishing, though wise campers pack rain gear for those refreshing Pacific Northwest showers. When winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, the campground becomes a gateway to exceptional snowshoeing and cross-country skiing adventures through pristine, snow-laden forests.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
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, 2025 - September 13, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: Open May 16, 2025, through September 13, 2025, with off-season closures.
About Tinkham Campground
Escape to Tinkham Campground, where 45 peaceful sites await beneath a cathedral of towering conifers in the heart of Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Here, the South Fork Snoqualmie River whispers past your campsite, inviting you to cast a line or explore winding forest trails. While the distant hum of I-90 reminds you civilization isn't far away, the ancient trees and riverside serenity create a natural sanctuary perfect for both adventure seekers and those craving quiet moments in nature.
Tinkham Campground features single-family sites with a mix of reservable and first-come, first-served options. There are no group sites, cabins, or other specialized accommodations.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape rich with centuries of stories. The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has long been sacred to Native American peoples, who traveled these mountain passes and fished these rivers for generations. Later, intrepid explorers and mountaineers carved paths through these same Cascade peaks, leaving behind a legacy of adventure that continues to inspire today's visitors.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythm of North Cascades seasons at Tinkham. Summer brings mild, comfortable days perfect for hiking and fishing, though wise campers pack rain gear for those refreshing Pacific Northwest showers. When winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland, the campground becomes a gateway to exceptional snowshoeing and cross-country skiing adventures through pristine, snow-laden forests.
ElevationPositioned at a comfortable mountain elevation that offers the perfect balance of accessibility and alpine atmosphere.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in an enchanted forest where massive Douglas firs, aromatic cedars, and stately western hemlocks create a living green canopy overhead. The South Fork Snoqualmie River dances alongside the campground, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding peaks. On those magical clear days, catch your breath as the legendary Mt. Baker reveals itself on the horizon, its snow-capped summit gleaming against azure skies.
Geological RegionDiscover the raw beauty of the North Cascades, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a dramatic landscape of jagged peaks and deep river valleys. Tinkham sits perfectly positioned along the South Fork Snoqualmie River, surrounded by the dense temperate rainforest that defines this corner of Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Here, Douglas fir giants, fragrant cedar groves, and moss-draped hemlocks create an emerald tapestry that stretches from rushing rivers to alpine heights.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityA few accessible sites are available, as noted in the campground description.
Sites SizeSites are reported to be varied, with some large enough to accommodate RVs or multiple tents, while others are described as too small for larger setups. 'Double check your campsite size,' one user noted.
Sites PrivacySites are generally described as well-spaced and private, though some reviews indicate that not all sites share these qualities. 'The sites were well maintained and the bathrooms were clean,' one reviewer noted.
Total Campsites45 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRiver-adjacent sites (#22 and #24) are recommended for their views and sounds of the water, but earplugs are advised for I-90 noise.
Best Campsites
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Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Reserved sites must be occupied by noon the day following the arrival date.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights consecutively during a visit, and up to 14 nights within any rolling 30 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Exact guest limit per site not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are well-spaced with privacy but lack general trails to access the river, often requiring traversal through occupied campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 16, 2025, through September 13, 2025, with off-season closures.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov with options to book online, through the app, or via the contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are available for walk-ups, though reviewers noted difficulty in finding unreserved sites due to extensive reservations.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation allowed before the arrival date with a $10 fee and reservation fee non-refundable. Late cancellations incur the first night's use fee in addition to standard penalties. Changes to reservations incur a $10 fee when altering dates entirely.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Tinkham Campground provides a range of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Summer and early fall are particularly active seasons, while winter visitors can enjoy skiing and snowshoeing. The Tinkham Discovery Trail is a family-friendly highlight.
Hiking
Several trails are within a short driving distance, making the campground a good base for hikers. The Tinkham Discovery Trail, at 0.5 miles, is an easy, family-friendly option.Fishing
Fishing is a noted activity in the area, with opportunities to catch native fish in nearby rivers.Biking
Biking is mentioned as an activity, but no specific trails or details are provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife ranges from mountain goats to pine martens, with birds and native fish also present. One user described it as 'a good place for observing the varied ecosystems.'Winter Activities
Skiing and snowshoeing are popular winter activities in the surrounding area.Water Sports
No specific information on water sports is provided, though the nearby river offers potential opportunities.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire restrictions are implemented during dry seasons, prohibiting campfires and charcoal fires.
- Quiet hours enforced late at night; noise from I-90 frequently violates the intent.
Hazards
General hazardsFrequent bear sightings necessitate secure food storage. Poor road conditions, potential flooding during heavy rain, and proximity to I-90 traffic are notable hazards.
Weather at Tinkham Campground
44
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 93%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 2.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
Weather History
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Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are in North Bend, approximately 10 miles away, which includes hospitals, police stations, and fire services.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16, 2025 - September 13, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available but have been criticized for being inadequate at times. 'The trash cans were overflowing with garbage,' one user mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresSouth Fork Snoqualmie River runs adjacent to many campsites, providing access for wading and scenic views.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include loud traffic noise from I-90, poor road conditions leading to the campground, and challenges with reservation enforcement.
HostReviews suggest intermittent host presence. Firewood may be sold on-site if hosts are available.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Seattle, Washington, go east on I-90 to Exit 42. Turn south and drive approximately 1 mile to the campground.
Conditions along the graveled road to the campground can be variable due to heavy use, weather, and periodic maintenance. Heavy potholes and sections of washed-out gravel are reported, requiring cautious driving. The road reportedly has been improved as of May 2023, reducing drive time from 30 minutes to about 10 minutes.Nearby places
Seattle (53 miles, 1 hour), North Bend (10 miles, 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
North Bend (10 miles) provides grocery stores, camping supplies, and gas stations.
Reviews from booking and map sources
3.8
161 reviews
Tinkham Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Tinkham Campground receives mixed reviews, with praise for its natural beauty and location close to Seattle but criticism for its proximity to I-90, leading to significant traffic noise. The gravel road access is another common complaint, with numerous potholes noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 161 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the beauty of the campground and its convenient location for outdoor activities. 'The sites were beautiful and well maintained,' and 'The campground is in deep forest with plenty of...
Based on 161 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Frequent complaints include traffic noise from I-90, poorly maintained access roads full of potholes, and inconsistent maintenance of facilities like bathrooms and trash bins. 'The constant freeway...
Based on 161 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring earplugs to mitigate road noise and extra drinking water due to the quality of the hand pump water. Firewood may not be available for purchase on-site, so plan accordingly. Avoid low-clearance...
Based on 161 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight the campground's beauty and accessibility to hiking but also emphasize the I-90 noise and crowds. Winter reviews focus on its utility as a base for skiing and snowshoeing,...
Based on 161 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
'The sites are nice and pretty private.' 'The road is extremely horrible. Even in my truck, it's still uneasy.' 'The vault toilets are clean for the most part.' 'Firewood was not available, but we...
Based on 161 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 22 is described as having 'great access to the river.' Site 13 is noted for its excellent location near toilets and the river but has been subject to reservation conflicts.
Based on 161 reviewsAccessibility Features
Some accessible sites are available, but no specific reviews from disabled visitors are noted.
Based on 161 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
The campground is dog-friendly, with multiple reviewers mentioning bringing their pets. 'Dog-friendly and right by the creek,' one user noted.
Based on 161 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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