Troublesome Creek Campground

Star4.21
181 reviews
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

1,421 ft

Price

$32 - $64/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

24 campsites

Season

Open from mid-May to...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest 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
Troublesome Creek Campground
$32.00 - $64.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates range from $32-$64 per night for standard or tent-only sites, with additional charges for holidays ($2-$4). Out-of-season, no...
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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

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Provider
360-804-1103
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What Campers Say

4.21

Satisfactory

Based on 181 reviews

68 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanhikingfriendly

"User reviews generally praise the campground for its serene setting, proximity to the river, and well-maintained facilities. However, the remote location, difficult access roads, and occasional maintenance issues (such as non-functional water taps) are noted as drawbacks."

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Campground Map

Troublesome Creek Campground

47.8982, -121.4027

Driving directionsFrom Everett travel east on Hwy 2 to just west of milepost 50, then turn north on Beckler River Road (Forest Service Road 65). Stay on Forest Service Road 65 for about 15 miles to the junction with North Fork Skykomish (Forest Service Road 63). Continue straight on the paved road for 0.7 miles. Continue past San Juan campground on your left for another 2 miles to Troublesome Creek campground.
Access is challenging due to the washout of Index-Galena Road. Visitors must use Beckler River Road and Forest Service Road 65. Approximately 9.5 miles of the road is unpaved, requiring slow and careful navigation. Some reviews mention the need for 4WD; others state that standard vehicles can manage the route.
Nearby places
Index: ~20 miles, approximately 45 minutes due to road conditions
Skykomish: ~10 miles, approximately 30 minutes.
Nearby supplies
Closest store for gas and minimal food supplies is near Beckler Road (~45 minutes from the campground). Firewood can be purchased at Beckler River Campground.

Best Time to Camp at Troublesome Creek Campground

Summer brings the gentle warmth of mountain sunshine filtered through evergreen canopies, punctuated by refreshing Pacific Northwest showers that keep the forest lush and vibrant. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings give way to golden afternoons perfect for riverside exploration. Winter transforms this retreat into an inaccessible wonderland buried beneath heavy mountain snows, while early summer reveals a raw, awakening landscape where wildflowers push through recently melted snow and waterfalls roar with snowmelt.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season: warm mountain days, lush forest and river access; mosquitoes and rough access roads noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall reviews note cooler temps and scenery, but campground closes mid‑Sept limiting full fall access.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens mid‑May; late spring is lush and green but early spring conditions/wetness limit access.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in off‑season; winter use not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16, 2025 - September 13, 2025 (Peak Season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from mid-May to mid-September during peak season. Closed during off-season.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts, but ongoing issues with the closed Index-Galena Road and water availability in the campground.

About Troublesome Creek Campground

Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Troublesome Creek Campground offers an authentic Pacific Northwest escape where the North Fork Skykomish River whispers through ancient forests. This hidden gem welcomes both RV campers and tent enthusiasts to experience true solitude beneath towering conifers, making it a perfect basecamp for families and nature lovers craving genuine wilderness immersion far from the crowds.
Troublesome Creek Campground accommodates both tent and RV camping, with a mix of standard sites and tent-only sites. Group camping, cabins, or glamping options are not available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time begins at 2 PM (14:00).
Check-out
Check-out time is by Noon (12:00).
Stay Limit
Up to 14 nights during a rolling 30-day period.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers opportunities for fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, and relaxing by the river. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic Beckler Peak Trail and other nearby trails.
HikingHiking options include trails directly accessible from the campground, such as the short loop around Troublesome Creek, described as "perfect for young kids." The challenging Beckler Peak Trail is also nearby, offering expansive views of the Skykomish Valley and surrounding peaks.
FishingFishing opportunities in the North Fork Skykomish River include steelhead and salmon. One reviewer noted watching salmon swim in the river from the riverside campsites.
SwimmingThe campground is adjacent to the North Fork Skykomish River, where swimming is possible. However, the riverbed is rocky, so visitors should plan accordingly. "The river is very rocky; but was totally empty, and perfect for a camp chair and a book," noted one reviewer.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as mountain goats, coyotes, and migratory birds may be observed in the area. One reviewer commented, "We stood on large boulders and watched salmon swimming in the river."
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsIndex-Galena Road remains closed, requiring a longer detour on gravel Forest Service roads. Aggressive mosquitoes are frequently mentioned in reviews.
Active AlertsNo current alerts, but ongoing issues with the closed Index-Galena Road and water availability in the campground.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Troublesome Creek Campground

Reviews

4.2
181 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Troublesome Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the campground for its serene setting, proximity to the river, and well-maintained facilities. However, the remote location, difficult access roads, and occasional maintenance issues (such as non-functional water taps) are noted as drawbacks.
Review Summaries
Based on 181 reviews

What Campers Love

- Serene and remote setting - Proximity to the river with beautiful views - Clean and well-maintained vault toilets - Friendly and knowledgeable camp hosts - Opportunities for hiking, fishing, and...
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Based on 181 reviews

Common Concerns

- Difficult and confusing access roads, with many users advising against relying on GPS - Lack of potable water at times - Mosquitoes in the summer - Closely spaced sites in the west loop -...
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Based on 181 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring your own drinking water and firewood, as these are not readily available on-site. - Avoid relying on Google Maps for navigation; follow the specific directions provided by the campground. -...
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Based on 181 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the beauty of the river and the lush surroundings, but also note the prevalence of mosquitoes and the challenges posed by the dirt access road. Fall reviews mention the...
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Based on 181 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The river right on the campground provides a beautiful white noise." – Chris L. "Google takes you to a closed road that has been inaccessible for 15 years." – KyLeigh Nichols "The east loop has much...
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Based on 181 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 15: "Large enough for two 6-person tents and overlooks the river." Campsite 18: "Secluded, surrounded by large trees, close to the river, but has private access." Campsites 8, 9, 10: "Great...
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Based on 181 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews are provided, but the lack of mention suggests limited accessibility features.
Based on 181 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed as long as they are leashed and cleaned up after. One reviewer noted, "For fourteen years I have been bringing my dog to camp. This summer was probably his last."
Based on 181 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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