Map showing campground location near Index, Washington

Camper submitted image from Troublesome Creek Campground

Troublesome Creek Campground

Fishing enthusiasts will find Troublesome Creek Campground positioned along the North Fork of the Skykomish River, accessed via a 30-minute stretch of forest service road after leaving Highway 2. The US Forest Service facility operates from late May through early September, accommodating RVs up to 30 feet with sites arranged in east and west loops. Despite its name referencing a creek, the campground sits beside what reviewers describe as "a full on river" with a granite-lined riverbed.

The east loop provides closer river access and more privacy between sites, while spots directly on the water tend to be more closely spaced. Campers report the sound of rushing water masks other noises throughout the night. Sites away from the river offer greater isolation. A hiking loop follows the riverbank where visitors spot fish and occasionally encounter snakes. Mosquitoes can be problematic in the evening hours, though they're less dense near the water.

"The granite lined riverbed is truly spectacular," notes Tracie W.. Water availability has been intermittent, with signage directing campers to nearby facilities when the on-site spigots are offline. Firewood should be purchased before turning off Highway 2, as camp hosts aren't consistently present.

For alternative options, campers can explore San Juan Campground located further east along the same forest service road system.

Description

Overview

This campground is located approximately 20 miles east of Index, Washington in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. It offers guests a wonderful spot to take in the scenery and enjoy a multitude of recreational activities in the Northern Cascade Range. Sites are nestled in a mixed conifer forest on the banks of the scenic North Fork Skykomish River and its tributary, Troublesome Creek. Water is abundant in this area, offering visitors easy access to fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Guests will be lulled to sleep by its subtle, but ever-present gurgle. This campground is ideal for escaping the hustle of everyday life to enjoy time with friends and family.

Recreation

At the campground, Troublesome Creek is a delight for exploring. A footbridge crosses the bubbling creek beneath towering pine and fir trees. For guests wanting to relax at the water's edge, or children searching for newness in nature, this is an ideal spot without even leaving the campground. The adjacent North Fork Skykomish River offers fishing for steelhead and salmon. For those wanting to venture further, the Beckler Peak Trail may be included on the agenda. Located 10 miles from the town of Skykomish, this trail is challenging, but worth the effort, offering hikers the opportunity to view the diverse landscapes of the area from a variety of perspectives. At the Jennifer Dunn Trailhead, the trail starts out on a decommissioned logging road, and climbs through young alder and vine maple to an expansive vista of the Skykomish Valley. The trail continues to switchback through huge trees and by the remains of a trapper's cabin. Climbing higher, and upon reaching the final ridge top through steep alpine forest, hikers will be in awe of the panoramic view of near and distant peaks.

Facilities

Troublesome Creek Campground offers standard sites, accommodating both tent and RV camping. Tent-only sites are available as well.The campground is equipped with picnic tables and vault toilets. No electrical hook-ups are available. Access to the Skykomish River is available from the campground, and several sites are near the river's edge.

Natural Features

The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest showcases rugged peaks, sparkling alpine lakes, and old-growth forests, providing visitors with unique and surprising landscapes. Mt. Baker, the most prominent feature of the Mt. Baker Wilderness Area, dominates the landscape on a clear day. Rising to an elevation of 10,781 feet, the active volcano from which the forest takes its name is perpetually snow-capped and mantled with an extensive network of creeping glaciers. Mt. Baker's summit, Grant Peak, is actually a mound of ice 1,300 feet deep, which hides a massive volcanic crater. Wildlife in the area includes mountain goats traversing the higher elevations, to coyotes and pine marten in the forests. Migratory birds and native fish find ample habitat in the varied ecosystems as well. These species, along with many others, depend on surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams, and diverse forests to live.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (530) 932-0242.

Charges & Cancellations

Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

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Location

Public Campground

Troublesome Creek Campground is located in Washington

Directions

From Everett travel east on US-2. Pass through Monroe and continue another 21 miles then turn north (left) on Index Galena Road. Continue for 11 Miles, arriving at Troublesome Creek Campground on the right.

Coordinates

47.898188 N
121.402685 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

Trash
Firewood Available
Reservable
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

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Drive Time

1 hr 42 min from Seattle, WA
1 hr 54 min from Mount Vernon, WA
2 hrs 34 min from Bremerton, WA
2 hrs 42 min from Wenatchee, WA

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5 Stars

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1 Star

4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the campground's serene setting with well-spaced sites along a beautiful river. Water system outages and occasional mosquito issues were noted concerns. Many appreciated the remote wilderness feel while remaining accessible to help.

Jake G.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 24, 2022

I’ll be back

The campground at Troublesome Creek is an absolute gem. Located about two hours from any significant population base, accessible off of a (mostly) dirt forest service road, you'll marvel at the serenity of this idyllic campground. There are two sides to this campground, an east and a west loop. My spot was on the east loop, space 15 and I'd definitely recommend the spaces on the east loop, as they give you ample privacy with equally ample access to the creek and the North Fork of the Skykomish River. No power hookups means you can set the devices aside and worry little about what's happening in the city. Out here, the entertainment is happening in nature. Views of surrounding peaks, the rush of the water as it flows past and as night falls, the dotting of stars in the inky black sky will give you exactly what you need before heading back to civilization. Nature truly is the best. I'll be back to this campground again, no doubt.

Site15

Month of VisitAugust

(8) View All

Tracie W.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 30, 2021

Beautiful granite bed river

I don't know why this is named as a "creek" when it is a full on river. At any rate, the granite lined riverbed is truly spectacular! The campground itself is nice, but the spots right on the river were really close in. Being retired, we have the luxury of staying mid-week. We were fortunate enough the the spots on either side of us were not occupied which gave us a little bit of privacy. The sites in the rest of the campground that were further away from the river were much more isolated. I would really hate to be there on the weekend. Everything in this area is fully booked weekends thanks to all the covid campers. Not knocking them, but it is a fact that everyone is flocking to the beautiful outdoors right now. I just hope they leave it intact. That being said, the campground was blissfully quiet for us. I am sure the roaring river masked sounds. There is nothing like that sound to put my insomniac brain out like a light a night!

Unfortunately there is no water right now for some unknown reason. Signage at the water spigot directed campers to a campground down the road. There is also a road closed, which creates a detour to get to our campground, which added an extra 1/2 hour to our journey. The campground with the water is just before the detour which means that it will take you an hour to get your water if you didn't bring a water source with you.

If there were available water and if the river camp sites were further apart, I would rate this a 5-star place. But I am docking a star for each con.

(5) View All

Marcus M.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 8, 2020

Kids had fun, so did the Mosquitoes!

Paved road, dirt road (30min), paved road to get to campsite. Not a problem on the dirt road, saw plenty of sedans and small hybrids going in and out. Camp area was quiet, spaces spread apart well. Nice hiking loop along the river. Fun river for splashing and some baby fish chasing. Saw a snake, so watch where you’re stepping. Only major issue, which brought down a star, was Mosquitos! Seems to be less mosquitoes by the river. Once we got back to camp from activities, it was a rush to cook, eat, and jump into the tent, as the mosquitoes were relentless. Took my wife, 6 and 3 year old. Spent 2 nights. Had a lot of fun away from the Mosquitoes!

Kim D.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 3, 2020

Loved it!

This place was a slice of heaven. Tip: get your firewood BEFORE turning off highway 2. We were there three days and never saw a host. Drove to multiple campgrounds to see if the host was there and no such luck.

Carrie J.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2016

Wild and Relaxing

My favorite type of campsite is when you're in the wild blue yonder on your own just using your own wits and tools around you to survive. My second favorite, is when you feel like you're out in the wild but you're really not too far from civilization. This campground fits the second description. There are plenty of amenities such as picnic tables and fire rings. You're just a short drive from town but it looks and feels like you're in the middle of nowhere. It's a great place to relax and feel at one with nature while knowing that if an emergency pops up, you aren't too far from help. If you're having doubts about camping, try Troublesome Creek out for sure! You get the best of both worlds here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Troublesome Creek Campground located and how do I get there?

Troublesome Creek Campground is located near Index, Washington, about two hours from major population centers. To reach the campground, take Highway 2 and then turn onto a forest service road. The access involves driving on paved roads, followed by approximately 30 minutes on a dirt/gravel forest service road, before reaching more paved road to the campground. Despite the unpaved section, the road is accessible for most vehicles including sedans and small hybrids. Be sure to get supplies and firewood before turning off Highway 2, as there are no services nearby.

What amenities and facilities are available at Troublesome Creek Campground?

Troublesome Creek Campground offers a rustic camping experience with basic amenities. The campground has designated campsites with fire rings for campfires. There are no electrical hookups or shower facilities, maintaining its wilderness feel. Visitors should bring their own firewood, as it's not readily available at the campground. There doesn't appear to be a permanent camp host onsite, so campers should come prepared with everything they need. This is an ideal location for those seeking a more primitive camping experience while still having some basic facilities.

Is there a campground map for Troublesome Creek and what are the best sites?

Troublesome Creek Campground is divided into east and west loops, providing different camping experiences. The sites located directly along the river (which is larger than a creek) are particularly desirable but tend to be closer together. For more privacy, consider sites set back from the water. The campground layout offers good spacing between most sites, creating a sense of seclusion. For specific site recommendations and an official map, contact the managing forest service office before your trip, as site conditions may change seasonally.

What activities can I do while camping at Troublesome Creek near Index, WA?

Troublesome Creek Campground offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation. The main attraction is the impressive granite-lined riverbed where you can splash around, observe small fish, and enjoy the spectacular water views. There's a nice hiking loop that follows the river, perfect for day hikes and exploration. Wildlife viewing is also possible—visitors might spot various creatures including snakes. The serene setting makes this spot ideal for relaxation, photography, and connecting with nature. The remote location creates a peaceful environment away from crowds, perfect for stargazing and unwinding in the wilderness.

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