McAllister Campground

For Washingtonians who are passionate about backcountry adventures and crave a genuine escape into the raw beauty of the North Cascades, McAllister Campground offers a compelling and rewarding destination. This isn't a campground you drive into; it's a remote, hike-in site nestled deep within North Cascades National Park, promising an immersive wilderness experience away from the bustling front-country. We understand that local Washington users often seek out these more challenging, yet incredibly rewarding, locations to connect deeply with nature, test their skills, and find solitude. McAllister Campground appears to be just such a place, ideal for experienced backpackers looking to explore the heart of one of Washington's most majestic national parks.

Imagine a campsite where the sounds of the distant city are replaced by the murmur of a glacier-fed creek and the rustle of old-growth forests. McAllister Campground offers this tranquil ambiance, known for being a "great hike and good campground" that provides a "quiet spot" for those who make the journey. While one review notes that a bridge to Thunder Creek Trail might be out, requiring alternative crossings for those on the Inspiration Traverse, this simply underscores its remote nature and the need for preparedness, which is second nature to many Washington wilderness enthusiasts. Our aim here is to provide a clear, engaging, and factual overview of what makes McAllister Campground a suitable choice for Washington locals, delving into its precise location, the essential services it provides, its notable features, and ultimately, why it stands out as an exceptional base for your next multi-day backpacking adventure in the North Cascades.

McAllister Campground is a backcountry campsite located within North Cascades National Park, near Rockport, WA 98283, USA. To access McAllister Campground, visitors typically begin their journey from the Thunder Creek Trailhead, which is situated at the far end of Colonial Creek Campground. Colonial Creek Campground is found approximately 24 miles east of Marblemount, just past milepost 130 on State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway).

For Washington locals, reaching McAllister Campground involves a significant hike. The campground is located approximately 6.5 miles from the Thunder Creek Trailhead, making it a suitable destination for an overnight backpacking trip. The trail generally follows the "pale green creek" through "nice forest of old cedars, Douglas firs, and giant ferns." While the initial sections of Thunder Creek Trail are often described as "easy for beginners" or "very moderate with no aggressive inclines," the full 6.5-mile trek to McAllister Camp requires a moderate fitness level and preparedness for backcountry conditions. It's important to note that the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) is typically closed in winter due to heavy snowfall, making McAllister Campground primarily a spring-to-fall destination. Access during November, as mentioned in a review, would require preparedness for snow, even on an "easy hike" if conditions are favorable. The campground's remote location deep within the park ensures a sense of wilderness immersion, yet it remains relatively accessible as a first or second night's stop on longer treks into the park's interior. Its position also makes it a key point of ingress or egress for more extensive routes like the Inspiration Traverse, though current trail conditions, particularly regarding the mentioned bridge, should always be verified with the National Park Service before embarking on such ambitious trips.

As a backcountry campground in North Cascades National Park, McAllister Campground provides essential, minimal services designed to support overnight stays while adhering to Leave No Trace principles. Campers should be prepared for a self-sufficient wilderness experience.

• Designated Tent Sites: The campground offers established sites for pitching tents, helping to concentrate visitor impact and protect the surrounding environment. Descriptions mention "a good camp site on a knoll above the creek" for setting up tents.

• Pit Toilets: Basic pit or vault toilets are typically available at backcountry camps to manage human waste responsibly. While specific details for McAllister weren't found, this is a standard amenity for such sites.

• Food Storage: Given the presence of wildlife, including bears, safe food storage is paramount. Campers are usually required to use bear-resistant food canisters or hang their food from designated cables/trees. One report from the past mentioned bringing a "water bucket back down the main trail about 1/3 mile to a small creek for drinking water as Thunder Creek was full of silt," implying that clean water sources might vary and purification is always necessary.

• Fire Rings: Campsites often include fire rings for campfires, though campers must always check current fire restrictions and adhere to park regulations regarding open flames.

• No Potable Water: Like most backcountry campgrounds, McAllister does not provide potable water. Campers must filter or treat water directly from natural sources like McAllister Creek or Thunder Creek. The mention of Thunder Creek being "full of silt" in one older review highlights the importance of proper water filtration or treatment. A specific side trail is noted for crossing Thunder Creek on a "sturdy bridge" near the camp, which could be relevant for water access.

• Backcountry Permit Required: All overnight stays at McAllister Campground necessitate a backcountry permit from the National Park Service. This system helps manage visitor numbers and ensures the preservation of the wilderness.

• Designated Stock Camp: McAllister is explicitly mentioned as a "designated stock camp," meaning it has facilities suitable for those traveling with horses or mules, distinguishing it from many other backcountry sites.

These essential services underscore the need for self-reliance and proper preparation when visiting McAllister Campground.

McAllister Campground offers several distinct features and highlights that make it a compelling destination for experienced backpackers and wilderness enthusiasts in Washington.

• True Backcountry Experience: Its primary appeal is its remote, hike-in nature, ensuring a genuine wilderness immersion. This provides a deep sense of solitude and disconnection from urban life, highly valued by many Washingtonians.

• Access via Thunder Creek Trail: The journey to McAllister is part of the experience, accessed via the renowned Thunder Creek Trail. This trail is celebrated for its beauty, winding through old-growth forests and alongside the "pale green" glacier-fed creek, offering a scenic approach to the camp.

• Strategic Location for Traverses: McAllister Camp is identified as a key "point of ingress or egress from the Inspiration Traverse." This makes it an ideal base or waypoint for ambitious multi-day backpacking trips across challenging and rewarding routes in the North Cascades, though current bridge conditions should always be verified.

• Designated Stock Camp: The inclusion of McAllister as a "designated stock camp" is a unique feature. This means it has specific accommodations (likely corrals or designated areas) for equestrians, broadening its appeal to those who explore the backcountry on horseback.

• Early-Season and Shoulder-Season Potential: Located at a relatively low elevation (around 1,900 feet), McAllister Camp can be a "good early-season camping destination" even when higher elevations are still snowed in. One review highlights an "easy hike" in November with snow, showcasing its accessibility for those prepared for cooler weather and potential winter conditions.

• Beautiful Forest Setting: The campground is described as a "lovely forest camp, nestled alongside Thunder Creek." This provides a serene and shaded environment, perfect for setting up camp and enjoying the natural surroundings.

• Proximity to Impressive Natural Features: An "impressive washout at a bend in the creek is the signal that you are getting close" to McAllister Camp, indicating interesting natural geology near the site. The presence of a "sturdy bridge" over Thunder Creek near the camp (though its current status for the Inspiration Traverse may vary) also highlights scenic river crossings.

These features collectively make McAllister Campground a compelling choice for those seeking a rugged yet rewarding backcountry camping adventure in the heart of Washington's North Cascades.

As a backcountry campground within North Cascades National Park, direct contact information for McAllister Campground itself is not typically provided. All inquiries, backcountry permits, and detailed trail information are managed through the North Cascades National Park Service Complex or the national recreation reservation system.

General Park Contact Information:

Address: Rockport, WA 98283, USA (This broadly refers to the gateway town and area for accessing this part of North Cascades National Park, not a direct address for the hike-in camp.)

Phone: (360) 854-7200

Mobile Phone: +1 360-854-7200

For overnight stays at McAllister Campground, a backcountry permit is required year-round. These permits are obtained through:

• Recreation.gov: This is the primary platform for checking availability and securing backcountry permit reservations for North Cascades National Park. It is highly recommended to book well in advance, especially for popular routes or during peak season.

• Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Marblemount: Walk-up permits may be available, but they are limited and should not be relied upon for guaranteed spots, particularly for popular camps or during busy periods. The WIC also provides invaluable up-to-date information on trail conditions, bridge status, and bear safety.

It is absolutely essential for prospective campers to thoroughly research permit requirements, current trail conditions (especially regarding the bridge mentioned in reviews for the Inspiration Traverse), weather forecasts, and bear safety guidelines before planning a trip to McAllister Campground. The official North Cascades National Park website and the Washington Trails Association (WTA) are excellent resources for detailed trip planning.

McAllister Campground is exceptionally well-suited for locals in Washington, particularly those with backpacking experience who seek a genuine and immersive wilderness adventure. For many Washingtonians, the allure of the North Cascades lies in its rugged, untamed beauty and the profound sense of accomplishment that comes with earning your destination. McAllister Campground offers precisely this type of experience.

Firstly, its hike-in accessibility means that the campground remains relatively quiet and less crowded than drive-up sites, providing the solitude that many Washington outdoor enthusiasts cherish. The journey along the Thunder Creek Trail itself is a scenic reward, allowing locals to fully appreciate the old-growth forests and powerful waterways that define their home state's natural grandeur. This aligns with the Pacific Northwest's deep appreciation for undisturbed nature.

Secondly, McAllister's strategic location makes it an ideal base camp or waypoint for more ambitious multi-day treks, including significant routes like the Inspiration Traverse. For Washington's seasoned backpackers, this offers endless possibilities for exploration and challenge. Its designation as a stock camp also opens up opportunities for equestrian adventurers, catering to a niche but dedicated segment of the local outdoor community. The fact that it can be an "early-season camping destination" further extends its utility for locals looking to hit the trails as soon as conditions allow, even if it means navigating some snow in shoulder seasons.

Finally, the emphasis on self-sufficiency and Leave No Trace principles, inherent to backcountry camping at McAllister, resonates with the responsible outdoor ethics common among Washington residents. It's a place where you truly connect with the wild, relying on your skills and preparation. For Washington locals seeking a challenging, rewarding, and deeply tranquil wilderness experience that epitomizes the spirit of North Cascades National Park, McAllister Campground stands out as an unparalleled choice for their next great adventure.

McAllister Campground

Rockport, WA 98283, USA