Tinkham Campground

Star3.71
354 reviews

Quick Facts

1,578 ft

Price

$32 - $34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Open May 16, 2025, t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens U.S. Forest Service site

Official Website
Get Directions

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
Tinkham 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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
360-804-1103
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.71

Mixed Reviews

Based on 354 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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Tinkham Campground

47.4025, -121.5675

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.

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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Summer reviews praise beauty and hiking access; cite crowds and I-90 noise during peak season.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Early fall noted as active season with good hiking and scenery; fewer specifics than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Late spring (after May 16) is open and pleasant, but spring details are limited in description.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed off-season; open May 16–Sep 13 per seasonal info.

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.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

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.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
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.
HikingSeveral 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.
FishingFishing is a noted activity in the area, with opportunities to catch native fish in nearby rivers.
BikingBiking is mentioned as an activity, but no specific trails or details are provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife 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
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent bear sightings necessitate secure food storage. Poor road conditions, potential flooding during heavy rain, and proximity to I-90 traffic are notable hazards.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available at each site to protect food.

Weather at Tinkham Campground

Reviews

3.7
354 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed 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 354 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...
Show more
Based on 354 reviews

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...
Show more
Based on 354 reviews

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...
Show more
Based on 354 reviews

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,...
Show more
Based on 354 reviews

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...
Show more
Based on 354 reviews

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 354 reviews

Accessibility Features

Some accessible sites are available, but no specific reviews from disabled visitors are noted.
Based on 354 reviews

Pet-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 354 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Tinkham Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in Washington

Campgrounds
Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Tinkham Campground