Goose Creek Campground

For those of us in Washington who truly love getting out into the natural world, especially if that involves the thrill of dirt biking, trail running, or simply finding a peaceful spot by the river, Goose Creek Campground near Leavenworth is a fantastic find. Nestled within the expansive and beautiful Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, this campground offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility. It's renowned for its dirt bike-friendly trails and the quiet solitude it often provides, especially outside of peak times. As one delighted camper put it, "Having a campground to yourself is so worth the price of admission." Whether you're pulling in with a travel trailer, setting up a tent, or looking to hit the trails, Goose Creek provides a welcoming and well-maintained environment that encourages exploration and relaxation. It’s a place where the fresh mountain air and the sounds of nature replace the everyday hustle, making it an ideal escape for Washington locals.

Goose Creek Campground is conveniently located on NF-6100, Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA. This places it along Goose Creek, near the Chiwawa River, within the beautiful Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. For Washington residents, accessing Goose Creek Campground involves a scenic drive into the heart of the Central Cascades. From areas like Seattle or Everett, the most common route is to take US-2 East, passing through picturesque towns and over mountain passes towards Leavenworth. Once near Leavenworth, specific directions provided by the Forest Service indicate traveling southwest on US-2 West for about 15 miles, then turning right onto WA-207 North for 4.3 miles. A slight right onto Chiwawa Loop Road for 1.2 miles, followed by a left onto Chiwawa River Road for 3.2 miles. Finally, a right onto Forest Road 6208 for a short distance, and then another right onto Forest Road 6100 for approximately 1 mile will lead you to the campground on your right. This network of state highways and well-maintained forest roads makes it relatively accessible for both cars and RVs, including larger travel trailers as noted by a past camper. The journey itself offers stunning views of Washington's diverse landscapes, building anticipation for the outdoor adventure ahead. Its location balances a sense of remote wilderness with reasonable proximity to the amenities and charm of Leavenworth.

Goose Creek Campground provides a good balance of essential services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience, catering to both traditional campers and those with a passion for motorized trail riding.

• Varied Campsite Options: The campground offers 29 total campsites, including 26 single sites and 3 double sites. This variety allows for different group sizes and preferences. As one reviewer highlighted, double sites, particularly those by the river, offer excellent space, though at a higher cost.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table for dining and a fire ring, perfect for campfires and outdoor cooking (subject to current fire restrictions, as noted by a reviewer during dry periods).
• Potable Water: The campground provides access to potable water, which is a significant convenience for campers, eliminating the need to haul in all your drinking water.
• Vault Toilets: Clean vault toilets are available on-site, offering essential restroom facilities for all campers.
• Dirt Bike Friendly: A key service or feature is its designation as a dirt bike-friendly campground. This provides a welcoming environment for motorized trail enthusiasts and indicates access to suitable trails directly from or very near the camp.
• Non-Reservable Sites: All campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning no reservations are accepted. This offers flexibility for spontaneous trips but also suggests arriving early, especially during popular seasons, to secure a spot.

Goose Creek Campground is rich with features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those from Washington looking for specific types of recreational opportunities.

• Motorcycle Trail Access: A major highlight is its direct access to motorcycle trails. The campground serves as an excellent staging point for dirt bike riders to explore a vast network of trails in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Reviewers noted the "trails in and around the campground are in great shape" for dirt bikes.
• Riverside Camping: The campground is located along Goose Creek, near the Chiwawa River, offering beautiful riverside camping options. Campers often prefer the "lower campground down by the river" for its scenic beauty and soothing sounds.
• Quiet and Uncrowded Atmosphere: Despite being dirt bike friendly, multiple reviews praise the campground for being "mostly empty" and offering a sense of having the "campground to yourself," especially when visiting during weekdays or outside peak seasons. This provides a truly peaceful and private camping experience.
• Excellent Trails for Running/Hiking: Beyond dirt biking, the trails are also in "great shape" for "running," making it a versatile destination for different types of outdoor activities. Campers can "spend plenty of time walking or running the roads and trails exploring mother nature."
• Upper and Lower Campground Sections: The presence of an "upper campground" and a "lower one down by the river" offers different settings and experiences within the same recreation area, allowing campers to choose their preferred ambiance.
• Proximity to Trinity (Historic Mining Town): Although "nothing really to see" at the private property of the old mining town of Trinity itself, the drive to it (about 2.5 hours north) offers a chance to scout "12 campground that are on the way up," making for an interesting day trip and further exploration of the area.
• Beautiful Natural Setting: The campground is nestled within a beautiful forested environment of pine and fir trees, offering natural shade and a serene backdrop for camping.

For inquiries about Goose Creek Campground, including current conditions, operational status, or fire restrictions, you can directly contact the managing body, which is the U.S. Forest Service. They oversee the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and its recreational sites.

Address: NF-6100, Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA (Specific location can be found on Forest Service maps or detailed navigation apps.)

Phone: (509) 548-2550 (This is the number for the Wenatchee River Ranger District, which manages this area and can provide current information.)

Mobile Phone: +1 509-548-2550

For us Washington locals, Goose Creek Campground is an outstanding choice that perfectly caters to a desire for adventure combined with a peaceful escape into our state's stunning natural landscapes. Its designation as a dirt bike-friendly campground makes it a unique and invaluable resource for the motorized recreation community, providing direct access to well-maintained trails. However, its appeal extends far beyond just dirt bikers; the quiet atmosphere, especially when visited mid-week or in the shoulder seasons, offers an unparalleled sense of solitude that's "so worth the price of admission" for any camper seeking a true break from the everyday. The option of camping right by the river, with its soothing sounds and picturesque setting, elevates the experience, making it a favorite for many. Whether you're looking to hit the trails for a spirited dirt bike ride, enjoy a refreshing run through the forest, or simply unwind with your family by a campfire (when conditions allow), Goose Creek delivers. Its location within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest provides a backdrop of immense natural beauty and endless opportunities for exploration. For Washingtonians, this campground is not just a place to stay; it's a basecamp for creating cherished memories, fostering a deeper connection with our state's diverse wilderness, and experiencing the joys of outdoor life right here in our own backyard.

Goose Creek Campground

NF-6100, Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA