Clear Creek Campground

For those in Washington State seeking a peaceful and natural escape, Clear Creek Campground near Darrington offers a charming and serene setting. Tucked away within the magnificent Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, this campground provides a balance of rustic charm and essential amenities, making it a wonderful destination for individuals, couples, and families. It's a place where the sounds of the nearby Sauk River and the rustling of towering fir trees create a calming ambiance, allowing campers to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the beauty of the North Cascades foothills.

Clear Creek Campground has earned praise from visitors for its quiet atmosphere and well-maintained facilities, especially its accessible restrooms. While it's located near a highway, the overall experience is one of tranquility and natural beauty. It's a fantastic spot to enjoy campfires, engage in a "cold plunge" in the creek, or simply relax amidst the majestic old-growth trees. If you're looking for a clean, accessible, and peaceful camping spot that feels removed from the everyday hustle, Clear Creek Campground stands out as a clear choice for your next Washington outdoor adventure.

Clear Creek Campground is strategically located near Darrington, WA 98241, USA, placing it directly within the expansive and beautiful Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This prime location makes it highly accessible for residents across Washington, offering a convenient gateway to the stunning North Cascades region. The campground is situated along the Mountain Loop Highway (Forest Road 20), a well-known scenic byway that winds through picturesque forests and offers breathtaking mountain views.

From Darrington, the campground is easily reached by taking the Mountain Loop Highway south for approximately 3 miles. While the highway is generally maintained, parts of it can be unpaved, and conditions may vary seasonally. It is always a good practice to check current road conditions with the Forest Service, especially if you plan to visit during the shoulder seasons or if you are driving a larger RV or a vehicle with lower clearance. Despite its proximity to the highway, the campground's setting within the dense forest often provides a sense of seclusion and immersion in nature.

The campground's location near the Sauk River is a significant highlight, offering opportunities for riverside enjoyment, fishing, or simply appreciating the flowing water. Additionally, its position serves as a perfect staging area for adventures deeper into the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, including access to various hiking trails and other recreational sites. This balance of easy access and natural immersion makes Clear Creek Campground a practical and appealing choice for a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts in Washington.

Clear Creek Campground offers a range of essential services designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience, focusing on basic amenities that facilitate a true outdoor getaway.

• Accessible Restrooms: The campground features accessible bathrooms, which are noted by visitors for being clean and well-maintained.
• Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring, perfect for building campfires for cooking, warmth, and evening enjoyment. Always check for current fire bans and restrictions.
• Picnic Tables: Individual picnic tables are provided at each site, offering a convenient surface for meal preparation and outdoor dining.
• Tent and Trailer Sites: The campground accommodates both tent and RV/trailer camping. Many sites have room for RVs, though visitors should note specific pad lengths for maximum sizes.
• Pet Friendly: Clear Creek Campground is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry companions along for the adventure (standard leash rules and waste disposal practices apply).
• Trash Pickup: Trash disposal services are available, contributing to the cleanliness and overall maintenance of the campground.
• Communal Feel: The undergrowth is described as fairly sparse, offering a more open, communal camping experience, which can be great for groups or making "new forest friends."
• Camp Host: The campground is often hosted by a camp host from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, providing assistance and ensuring a pleasant stay.

Please note that there is generally no piped drinking water available at Clear Creek Campground, so campers must bring their own supply. Additionally, there are no dump stations or showers on-site.

Clear Creek Campground boasts several features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for campers seeking a tranquil and natural setting in Washington.

• Beautiful and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite its proximity to the highway, visitors consistently praise the campground for its overall quiet and peaceful ambiance, making it ideal for relaxation.
• Riverside Access: Located near the Sauk River, many sites offer the soothing sound of flowing water, and some provide direct access to the river for enjoyment, including opportunities for "cold plunges."
• Towering Fir Trees: The campground is nestled under a canopy of stately old-growth fir trees, providing ample shade, a fresh forest scent, and a beautiful natural backdrop.
• Spacious Sites: The campsites are well-spaced, offering a degree of privacy, and many provide ample room for tents or RVs.
• Clean Facilities: The accessible restrooms are frequently noted for their cleanliness and good maintenance, which significantly enhances the camping experience.
• Proximity to Hiking Trails: The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring nearby hiking opportunities, including the one-mile Frog Lake nature trail and the three-mile Old Sauk Trail, allowing campers to easily venture into the forest.
• Base for North Cascades Exploration: Its location along the Mountain Loop Highway positions it as a perfect starting point for further exploration into the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, offering access to numerous other trails and scenic points.
• Suitable for Fires: The presence of fire rings and the enjoyment of campfires are highlighted as key activities, allowing for classic camping relaxation.

For more information or to inquire about Clear Creek Campground, please use the following contact details for the managing Forest Service Ranger District:

Address: Darrington, WA 98241, USA (This is the general location. The campground is located directly off the Mountain Loop Highway.)

For detailed and up-to-date information regarding reservations, site availability, road conditions, fire restrictions, and any specific alerts for Clear Creek Campground, it is best to contact the Darrington Ranger District:

Darrington Ranger District

Address: 1405 Emens Ave N, Darrington, WA 98241

Phone: (360) 436-1155 (This number is often associated with the Darrington Ranger District which manages the campground.)

Additionally, for reservations, Clear Creek Campground sites can typically be booked through the National Recreation Reservation System (Recreation.gov). Checking this platform is crucial for planning your visit, especially during peak seasons.

Clear Creek Campground is an excellent choice for Washington locals seeking a relatively accessible yet wonderfully peaceful camping experience within the state's stunning natural landscapes. Its proximity to Darrington and the scenic Mountain Loop Highway makes it a convenient getaway, while its placement amidst towering firs and near the Sauk River ensures an authentic connection with nature.

For those who appreciate clean, well-maintained basic amenities like accessible restrooms and dedicated fire pits, Clear Creek delivers. While there might be occasional highway noise, as noted by some visitors, the overall serene atmosphere, combined with the beauty of the old-growth forest and the calming presence of the river, far outweighs this minor detail. It's a fantastic spot for families, individuals, and pet owners looking to enjoy fires, engage in cold plunges, or simply relax in a beautiful, quiet setting. Clear Creek Campground provides a reliable and enjoyable option for Washingtonians eager to embrace the outdoors without venturing too far off the beaten path, solidifying its place as a cherished local camping destination.

Clear Creek Campground

Darrington, WA 98241, USA