How much does camping cost at Tinkham Campground?

Camping fees at Tinkham Campground range from $30-$36/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Tinkham Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Tinkham Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Tinkham Campground before I book?

Yes! Tinkham Campground has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Tinkham Campground?

Tinkham Campground is open May 15 to September 11. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Tinkham Campground?

Tinkham Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Tinkham Campground?

Cell phone service at Tinkham Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Tinkham Campground have?

Tinkham Campground has 45 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Tinkham Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Tinkham Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Tinkham Campground?

Tinkham Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Tinkham Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Tinkham Campground?

Fire policies at Tinkham Campground: Fire Restrictions : Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.71

354 reviews

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,578 ft

Price

$30 - $36/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Open May 16, 2025, t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,578 ft

Price

$30 - $36/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Open May 16, 2025, t...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on U.S. Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Tinkham Campground

$30.00 - $36.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT-PREMIUM: $30.00; MANAGEMENT: $30.00 (+$2.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC-PREMIUM: $34.00 (+$2.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $32.00...

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

360-804-1103

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Tinkham Campground

47.4025, -121.5675

Nearby places

Seattle (53 miles, 1 hour), North Bend (10 miles, 15 minutes)

Weather at Tinkham Campground

Current alerts(9)

Click here for more information about Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Conditions along the graveled road to the campground can be variable due to heavy use, weather, and periodic maintenance. We recommend accessing the campground from I-90 Exit 42 (Tinkham Road).
DETOUR: Due to road work occurring on Tinkham Road 0.25 miles west of Tinkham Campground, all visitors arriving between May 15th through May 22nd should plan to use 1-90 Exit 47 to access this facility. Please avoid using Exit 42 during this period.
Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests.

Best Time to Camp at Tinkham Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Tinkham because days are mild and mostly dry (typical highs ~65–80°F, nights ~45–55°F), trails are snow-free, and river flows settle into safer, fishable levels. This is prime time for hiking, biking, and riverside fishing, with wildflowers lingering into early July and long daylight for exploring. Expect moderate weekend crowds (especially July–Aug) but far fewer people than front-country national park campgrounds; pack rain gear for the frequent Pacific NW pop‑ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer reviews praise beauty, hiking and accessibility; peak season May-Sep noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to September 11. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 16, 2025, through September 13, 2025, with off-season closures.

About Tinkham Campground

Tinkham Campground sits in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest foothills, less than an hour east of Seattle along I-90. Operated by the U.S. Forest Service, this mid-sized campground offers shaded tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers use it as a base for hiking, fishing, and biking on nearby trails, though highway noise from I-90 carries through the forest.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Tinkham because days are mild and mostly dry (typical highs ~65–80°F, nights ~45–55°F), trails are snow-free, and river flows settle into safer, fishable levels. This is prime time for hiking, biking, and riverside fishing, with wildflowers lingering into early July and long daylight for exploring. Expect moderate weekend crowds (especially July–Aug) but far fewer people than front-country national park campgrounds; pack rain gear for the frequent Pacific NW pop‑ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation1578 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits beneath a dense canopy of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and cedar. Moss drapes from branches, and the forest floor stays shaded even in summer. The South Fork Snoqualmie River runs alongside the campground, clear and cold, offering fishing access and the background rush of moving water. The terrain is typical temperate rainforest: thick understory, uneven ground, and that Pacific Northwest green that saturates everything. Views are filtered through trees rather than panoramic.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

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 camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via Recreation.gov with options to book online, through the app, or via the contact center.

AccessibilityA few accessible sites are available, as noted in the campground description.

Site 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.

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 SitesRiver-adjacent sites (#22 and #24) are recommended for their views and sounds of the water, but earplugs are advised for I-90 noise.

Best CampsitesSites 22 and 24 get mentioned for river proximity and scenery. Other sites vary significantly in size and appeal, so confirm dimensions before arrival if you're bringing an RV or multiple tents.

Need help booking Tinkham Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Tinkham Campground offers a mix of basic amenities located alongside the South Fork Snoqualmie River. These include picnic tables, campfire rings with grills, vault toilets, and a hand pump for drinking water. The sites are shaded by Douglas firs, cedars, and western hemlocks, providing ample shelter from direct sunlight. However, guests have noted some issues. One user commented, 'The pit toilets could use more cleaning,' while another mentioned that 'the water was brown,' suggesting challenges with cleanliness and water quality. The campground does not provide electrical hookups.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Fishing

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available at each site to protect food.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Fire PolicyFire Restrictions : Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.

Trash & 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.

Cell CoverageUser reviews generally indicate good cell phone reception. "Good cell reception," one camper noted, while another described it as 'strong.'

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.7

354 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...

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...

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

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 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,...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want quick forest access from Seattle for hiking and fishing and can sleep through traffic hum.

Skip if

You need quiet nights away from highway noise or paved access roads.

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Denny Creek Campground

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Denny Creek Campground sits in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest foothills at 2,283 feet, offering electric hookups and flush toilets alongside creek access and trailhead proximity. The Forest Service site draws hikers and anglers to spacious sites shaded by old-growth forest, though Interstate 90 hum carries through the trees. Camp hosts maintain clean facilities, and the creek provides a scenic backdrop for tent and RV campers willing to trade some quiet for convenience.