Go if
You want a small, managed campground near the North Fork Skykomish with access to alpine trails and don't mind seasonal operation.
Select a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$32 - $68/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
24 campsites
Season
Open from mid-May to...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
Select a month, then check for open campsites
Price
$32 - $68/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
24 campsites
Season
Open from mid-May to...
Cell
No Service
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
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47.8982, -121.4027
You want a small, managed campground near the North Fork Skykomish with access to alpine trails and don't mind seasonal operation.
You need potable water on-site or prefer easy road access and widely spaced campsites.
Reference information about Troublesome Creek Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →
<p>Troublesome Creek Campground offers 25 sites nestled in a mixed conifer forest on the banks of the scenic North Fork Skykomish River and its tributary, Troublesome Creek. Water is abundant in this area, offering visitors easy access to fishing, kayaking, and swimming. There is also a mile long nature trail that follows the creek. Guests will be lulled to sleep by its subtle, but ever-present gurgle. This campground is ideal for escaping the hustle of everyday life to enjoy time with friends and family. Countless recreation opportunities await visitors with easy access to the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbs/recarea/?recid=79424">Wild Sky</a> and <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbs/recarea/?recid=79420">Henry M Jackson Wilderness</a> areas.</p>
The elevation is 1,200 ft. NOTE: Because of road damage to a section of the access road, the authors were unable to survey campground; information provided by Skykomish Ranger District Office. This popular campground has two spurs, a loop, and a walk-in tent only area stretching along North Fork Skykomish River and bisected by the snow melt-fed, blue-green, Troublesome Creek. This is truly a "troublesome" creek that every year seems to tempt campers to take a dip, only to discover this creek can be dangerous. The campground meanders through a riparian environment of Salmon berry, fern, hemlock, Douglas and Silver fir as well as Big Leaf and Vine maples. The upper section with a spur and loop enjoy good privacy between sites but the lower section, with the spur and walk-in sites, has only fair privacy.
Open May 24 through September 9
The water spigot is a handpump.
The parking aprons are paved. No travel trailers permitted in the upper section's spur, Sites 19 thru 25.
In Gold Bar, WA, at the intersection of 10th St. and US Rt. 2, take Rt. 2 east 7 miles to Index Galena Rd. (Forest Rt. 63). Turn left onto Index Galena Rd. and go 11 miles to campground on right. NOTE: Because of flood damage to a section of the access road, the authors are estimating the directions.
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Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to Troublesome Creek Campground — expect daytime highs around 65–80°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to low-50s, with only occasional Pacific Northwest showers. This is peak season for hiking, river fishing, and swimming/wading in the North Fork Skykomish (water is chilly), and trails to nearby alpine lakes and ridgelines are fully accessible. Weekends in July–August can be moderately busy, but campsites still feel remote compared with low‑ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January
Peak season: pleasant temps (65–80°F), lush river scenery; mosquitoes and dirt road noted as downsides.
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Troublesome Creek Campground offers a variety of amenities suitable for both tent and RV camping. Visitors can expect vault toilets and picnic tables at their campsites. However, there are no electrical or water hookups, and potable water availability appears inconsistent based on user reviews. Access to the Skykomish River from the campground is a notable highlight, and several sites are located near the river’s edge.
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Pulled from per-site mentions in 181 reviews.
Campsite 18: "Secluded, surrounded by large trees, close to the river, but has private access.".
Campsite 17: "Great site, but be careful with parking due to a small decline.".
Campsite 15: "Large enough for two 6-person tents and overlooks the river.".
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