Alice Creek Campground

Welcome to Alice Creek Campground, a hidden gem nestled along the historic Milwaukee Road (railroad grade) in North Bend, WA. While not your typical large-scale recreational vehicle park, Alice Creek offers a unique and highly appealing primitive camping experience, especially popular among those exploring the scenic Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail. This small, secluded campground provides a tranquil retreat for tent campers, with a particular draw for cyclists looking for a convenient and comfortable stopover on their biking adventures. Its rustic charm, combined with easy access to the trail and the refreshing Alice Creek, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a back-to-basics outdoor escape in the heart of Washington's natural beauty.

Alice Creek Campground embodies the spirit of simplicity and connection with nature. It’s a place where the sounds of the forest replace urban noise, and the refreshing waters of the creek offer a perfect respite on a warm day. Unlike bustling commercial campgrounds, Alice Creek provides an intimate setting, encouraging a sense of community among fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re on a multi-day cycling tour, seeking a quiet weekend getaway, or introducing your family to the joys of primitive camping, this campground offers a unique and memorable experience. Its focus on essential amenities and natural surroundings ensures a genuine outdoor adventure for all who visit.

Alice Creek Campground is strategically located at Milwaukee Road (railroad grade), North Bend, WA 98045, USA. Its position directly on the former Milwaukee Road railroad grade means it is situated along what is now the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail (formerly the John Wayne Pioneer Trail). This makes it exceptionally accessible for hikers and, most notably, for bikers who are traversing this extensive multi-use trail.

To reach Alice Creek Campground, most visitors will approach via the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail. If driving, access points to the trail are available in and around North Bend. From downtown North Bend, you would typically access the trail and then head east along the old railroad grade. The campground is relatively easy to spot from the trail. Its proximity to the town of North Bend means that while the campground itself offers a secluded feel, essential services and supplies are not far away, making it convenient for resupply stops. This balance of remoteness and nearby amenities adds to its appeal. The flatness of the old rail bed ensures a relatively easy journey to the campground for cyclists, even after a long day of riding. The location off the "freeway" as one review notes, refers to its quiet, set-back nature from major highways, providing a peaceful environment despite being reasonably accessible.

Alice Creek Campground provides a primitive yet functional camping experience, focusing on essential amenities that cater to its primary users – tent campers and bikers.

• Tent Pads: The campground features 6 designated tent pads, offering clear, level spaces for setting up tents, helping to minimize environmental impact and provide a comfortable sleeping surface.
• Additional Gravel Space: Beyond the tent pads, there is extra gravel space available, which can accommodate more people or additional tents, providing flexibility for groups.
• Picnic Tables: There are 3 picnic tables provided, offering convenient surfaces for meal preparation, dining, and socializing.
• Vault Toilet: A clean and regularly maintained vault toilet is available on-site, providing essential sanitation facilities. This is a significant convenience for a primitive campground.
• Creek Access: Direct access to Alice Creek, which provides a refreshing spot for cooling off and enjoyment, particularly on warmer days.

It is important to note that Alice Creek Campground does NOT have potable water available on-site. Campers must bring all their own drinking water or be prepared to filter and treat water from Alice Creek. There are also no showers, electricity, or dump stations, reinforcing its primitive nature. Visitors should be prepared to pack out all trash, adhering strictly to Leave No Trace principles to preserve the natural beauty of the area.

Alice Creek Campground stands out for several key features that make it a highly desirable destination, especially for its target audience.

• Perfect for Bikers: Its location directly on the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail makes it an ideal stopover for cyclists undertaking multi-day trips on the trail. The flat, wide rail trail ensures easy access.
• Secluded and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite its relative accessibility, the campground offers a peaceful and secluded environment, allowing campers to truly disconnect and enjoy the sounds of nature.
• Refreshing Creek Access: Alice Creek runs alongside the campground, providing a fantastic spot for cooling off, wading, and enjoying the natural surroundings, especially on warm summer days. This is a significant draw, particularly for families.
• Tent-Only Focus: The campground is designed for tent camping, ensuring a traditional camping experience away from the noise and generators sometimes associated with RV parks.
• Basic but Essential Amenities: The provision of tent pads, picnic tables, and a vault toilet provides enough comfort and convenience for a primitive site without detracting from the natural experience.
• Family and Kid-Friendly: As noted in reviews, the creek area is "great for kids and families to swim and have fun," making it a good option for those introducing children to camping.
• Proximity to North Bend: While offering a remote feel, the campground is close enough to North Bend for quick access to supplies, restaurants, and other amenities if needed.

These features combine to create a unique and appealing camping option for those who appreciate simplicity, outdoor adventure, and the beauty of Washington's natural landscapes.

Alice Creek Campground is part of the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, which is managed by Washington State Parks. As a primitive, backcountry-style campground, there isn't a direct phone number or dedicated on-site staff for Alice Creek itself. For general inquiries about the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, or state park regulations and conditions, you would typically contact the main Washington State Parks information line or the specific regional office.

Address: Milwaukee Rd (railroad grade), North Bend, WA 98045, USA

For information related to Washington State Parks and the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail:

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission:

General Information Line: (360) 902-8844 (This is a general contact for State Parks, not directly for Alice Creek Campground)

Website: Visit the Washington State Parks website (parks.wa.gov) and search for "Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail" for the most current information regarding trail conditions, advisories, and any regulations concerning camping along the trail.

It is always recommended to check the official Washington State Parks website for the latest updates on trail conditions, potential closures, fire restrictions, and any specific rules related to camping at Alice Creek before planning your trip. Since there is no on-site staff, preparation and self-reliance are key for a successful visit.

Alice Creek Campground represents a perfect fit for a specific type of local outdoor enthusiast in Washington, particularly those residing in the Puget Sound region. Its primary appeal lies in its unique blend of accessibility and primitive charm, offering an authentic camping experience without the extensive travel often required for more remote wilderness sites. For locals, especially those in and around North Bend, it serves as an incredibly convenient escape into nature.

The campground's direct placement on the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail is its greatest asset. This makes it an unparalleled destination for the growing community of local cyclists, from day riders to multi-day tourers, providing a much-needed and well-placed resting point. The ease of access via a relatively flat, scenic trail means that even less experienced riders or families with children can comfortably reach it, fostering a love for bike-packing and outdoor adventure from a young age.

Beyond the biking community, Alice Creek's secluded atmosphere and the presence of the refreshing creek make it ideal for anyone seeking a quiet, tent-only camping experience. It’s a place to unwind by the water, enjoy a campfire under the stars, and truly disconnect from the demands of urban life. The limited amenities reinforce a back-to-basics philosophy, appealing to those who appreciate the simplicity of traditional camping. For Washington locals looking for a low-key, family-friendly, and easily accessible primitive campground that offers a genuine taste of the outdoors, Alice Creek Campground is an excellent and highly recommended choice, embodying the spirit of local adventure in the Pacific Northwest.

Alice Creek Campground

Milwaukee Rd (railroad grade), North Bend, WA 98045, USA