Boardman Creek Group Campground

For Washington locals seeking a tranquil and well-maintained group camping experience, Boardman Creek Group Campground in Granite Falls offers an excellent opportunity to immerse yourselves in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Tucked away along the scenic Mountain Loop Highway and nestled beside the South Fork Stillaguamish River, this campground provides a perfect setting for families, friends, or organizations looking to gather and enjoy the great outdoors. It combines a sense of seclusion with convenient access, creating an ideal balance for those who appreciate both wilderness and ease of reach.

Boardman Creek Group Campground is a testament to Washington's abundant natural resources, offering a space where the sounds of the river can wash away the stresses of daily life. Designed specifically for groups, it fosters a communal atmosphere while still providing comfortable individual spaces. Whether your group plans to hike, fish, swim, or simply relax by a campfire, this campground offers the essential elements for a memorable adventure. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of Boardman Creek Group Campground, detailing its location, the services it offers, its unique features, and why it's perfectly suited for local Washingtonians seeking their next collective outdoor escape.

Boardman Creek Group Campground is conveniently located on the Mountain Loop Highway in Granite Falls, WA 98252, within the vast Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This strategic placement makes it easily accessible for residents across the Puget Sound region and beyond. Situated approximately 8 miles east of the Verlot Public Service Center, the campground is a straightforward drive from population centers like Seattle (roughly 1.5 to 2 hours), Everett (about an hour), and Bellingham (around 2 hours).

The Mountain Loop Highway itself is a renowned scenic byway, offering a picturesque journey that gradually transitions from developed areas into lush forest landscapes. While the campground is adjacent to the highway, the soothing sounds of the Stillaguamish River often help to mask any traffic noise, maintaining a sense of peace and natural immersion. Getting to Boardman Creek Group Campground is generally straightforward, though visitors should always consult current road conditions, especially during shoulder seasons or after heavy weather, as Mountain Loop Highway can experience closures. The campground is noted for its "exclusive" feel, partly due to the need for a gate key, which is typically obtained from the host at the nearby Gold Basin Campground upon checking in for your reservation. This controlled access contributes to a more private and secure environment for groups, making it an excellent choice for local Washingtonians seeking a convenient yet deeply natural retreat.

Boardman Creek Group Campground offers a set of well-maintained, primitive services designed to support a comfortable group camping experience within its natural setting. While not offering full hookups, it provides the essentials for an enjoyable stay.

• Group Campsites: The campground is specifically designated as a group camp. It can accommodate up to 35 people and typically features a main group site with multiple tent pads. Reviewers mention 4 tent pads with one or two extra small sites for additional tents, demonstrating its flexibility for various group sizes.
• Tent Pads: The tent pads are described as "well maintained and comfortable," providing a clear, relatively flat, and comfortable surface for pitching tents.
• Fire Pits with Grills: Each designated area includes fire pits, often with grills, allowing for campfire cooking, warmth, and the classic camping ambiance. Firewood is typically available for purchase at nearby larger campgrounds like Verlot or Gold Basin.
• Picnic Tables: Ample picnic tables are available within the group area, providing convenient surfaces for dining, food preparation, and group gatherings.
• Primitive Restrooms (Vault Toilets): The campground is equipped with vault toilets, described as "clean" and "stocked with TP." While primitive, their cleanliness is a significant positive for campers. It's noted there is only one pit toilet, so groups should plan accordingly.
• No Drinking Water On-Site: It is crucial for visitors to note that Boardman Creek Group Campground is a "NO WATER facility." Campers must bring their entire supply of potable drinking water. Water is sometimes available at the nearby Verlot Campground.
• No Hookups: There are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups available at the campsites, making it a true primitive camping experience, suitable for small campers and RVs that are self-contained.
• Gate Key Access: Access to the campground typically requires a gate key, obtained from the camp host at Gold Basin Campground. This controlled entry contributes to the secluded and secure nature of the site.
• Pet-Friendly: The campground is generally pet-friendly, allowing dogs on leash, provided owners clean up after them.

Boardman Creek Group Campground offers several compelling features and highlights that make it a desirable destination for outdoor enthusiasts in Washington, especially those seeking a group-oriented experience.

• Riverfront Location on Stillaguamish River: A major highlight is its setting directly on the banks of the South Fork Stillaguamish River. This provides "beautiful" river access, perfect for a refreshing dip, swimming, or fishing. The sound of the river helps to create a peaceful atmosphere, masking some of the road noise from the adjacent highway. The river is known to sustain populations of various salmon (Chinook, Coho, Chum, Pink, Sockeye) and trout (steelhead, sea-run cutthroat, bull trout).
• Secluded Group Setting: As a designated group campground, it offers an exclusive feel that is hard to find in individual public campsites. While some sites might feel spread out, allowing for individual space, the overall area is reserved for a single group, fostering a private and intimate gathering. The gate key access further enhances this sense of exclusivity.
• Well-Maintained and Clean: Reviews consistently highlight the campground's cleanliness and good maintenance, from the general grounds to the tent pads and vault toilets. This attention to detail significantly enhances the camping experience.
• Proximity to Mountain Loop Scenic Byway: Located directly on the Mountain Loop Highway, the campground serves as an excellent base for exploring this iconic scenic drive. The highway offers access to numerous trailheads, natural attractions, and stunning mountain vistas within the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
• Access to Hiking and Outdoor Activities: The surrounding national forest provides vast opportunities for recreation. Visitors can enjoy hiking, including sections of the renowned Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), picnicking, and wildlife viewing. During winter months, areas nearby offer opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing.
• Wildlife Viewing: The diverse ecosystems of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest are home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, amphibians, reptiles, and potentially more elusive species like lynx, moose, and wolverine. Black bears are common, adding to the wilderness experience.
• Scenic Views: On clear days, campers may be treated to views of Mt. Baker, a perpetually snow-capped active volcano, adding to the dramatic natural scenery. The old-growth forests of cedar, fir, and hemlock also create a visually stunning environment.

For inquiries, reservations, or specific information regarding Boardman Creek Group Campground, the primary contact details are associated with the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, under which the campground operates.

Address: Mountain Loop Hwy, Granite Falls, WA 98252, USA

For general inquiries about the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest or the specific Ranger District that manages Boardman Creek:

Phone: (541) 338-7869 (This number is listed in the provided information. Note: While listed with a 541 area code, indicating Oregon, it is sometimes used for a central reservation line or an associated office. Always cross-reference with official federal recreation sites.)

Mobile Phone: +1 541-338-7869

For reservations, which are highly recommended for group campgrounds and can be made up to 6 months in advance due to demand, the best resource is the national reservation system:

Website: Recreation.gov (Search for "Boardman Group Camp" or "Boardman Creek Group Campground" within the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest).

Additionally, for site-specific information or to obtain the gate key, you will likely need to check in with the camp host at the nearby Gold Basin Campground. For up-to-date information on road conditions, fire restrictions, or any alerts, it's always advisable to check the official USDA Forest Service website for the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest before your trip.

Boardman Creek Group Campground is an excellent choice for Washington locals, particularly those in the Puget Sound area, for several compelling reasons. Its convenient location on the scenic Mountain Loop Highway means that a refreshing group escape into the wilderness is easily achievable, even for a weekend trip, minimizing travel time and maximizing enjoyment. The primary appeal lies in its designation as a group campground, offering a private and exclusive setting that allows families, friends, or organizations to gather without the crowds often found at individual campsites. This fosters a stronger sense of camaraderie and allows for tailored group activities.

Despite being a primitive campground with no water hookups, the commitment to cleanliness and maintenance, particularly of the vault toilets and tent pads, ensures a comfortable experience. The beautiful riverside setting on the Stillaguamish River provides not only a soothing natural soundtrack but also direct access for recreational activities like fishing and swimming. For Washingtonians who cherish outdoor adventures, the proximity to extensive hiking trails within the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, including sections of the Pacific Crest Trail, makes Boardman Creek a perfect basecamp. It's an ideal spot for those seeking a true disconnect from city life, a place where natural beauty, group togetherness, and the simplicity of camping combine to create unforgettable memories right in their own backyard.

Boardman Creek Group Campground

Mountain Loop Hwy, Granite Falls, WA 98252, USA