The South Fork Stillaguamish River flows directly alongside Gold Basin Campground, creating a natural soundtrack for the 99 sites spread across this Forest Service facility. Located along the Mountain Loop Highway in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, the campground accommodates RVs up to 45 feet and operates from mid-May through early October at $37-78 per night.
River access drives site selection here, with waterfront spots filling first during peak season. The campground features both forested sites offering privacy and open terrain near a large grass field suitable for group activities. "Lots of granite rock, natural exposed canyon erosion, and beautiful grayish-black clay and sandstone" characterize the river environment, as Maria S. describes it. Swimming opportunities exist in slower sections downstream, though the water runs cold year-round.
Facilities include flush toilets, drinking water spigots, and trash service, though recent visitors report occasional water outages requiring trips to nearby Verlot for supplies. The campground maintains a first-come, first-served policy during some periods due to past flood damage, though reservations typically operate during peak season. Sites accommodate multiple tents, and new picnic tables have been installed at several locations.
For a smaller group setting, Verlot Campground offers fewer sites two miles northwest.
Description
Overview
Gold Basin Campground sits near the banks of the tranquil South Fork of the Stillaguamish River, close to several wilderness areas and hiking trails, offering visitors opportunities to experience both the serene and wild aspects of the Cascade region. Gold Basin features 39 primitive campsites and vault toilets.
Recreation
In addition to being a prime location for hiking, biking, fishing, picnicking and horseback riding in summer and early fall, Gold Basin offers excellent skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months. A large, open field offers opportunities for sports and group activities. For visitors wanting to learn more about the natural and cultural history of the area, the Gold Basin Mill Pond interpretive trail is located across the street from the campground. This interpretive site includes a short, barrier-free trail that passes by mill relics and ends on a floating viewpoint. Interpretive signs discuss the history of the mill and the wildlife in the area.
Facilities
Gold Basin features 29 primitive campsites and vault toilets.
Natural Features
Old-growth forests of cedar, fir and hemlock line the wide, gently-flowing Stillaguamish River and tower over trails winding through moss-covered rocks.The surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams and diverse forests support an abundance of wildlife. A multitude of mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles make their homes here, and the area sustains more rare species like lynx, moose, wolves and wolverine.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 932-0242.
Nearby Attractions
Visitors enjoy the North Cascades and Mt. Rainer National Parks, where interpretive programs and exhibits offer education about the diverse landscape and history of the area. The spectacular Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), one of the world's premier National Scenic Trails, showcases some of North America's most fantastic scenery, winding its way its way from Mexico to Canada through California, Oregon and Washington, and is accessible near the campground.
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.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundGold Basin Campground is located in Washington
Directions
From Seattle, Washington, go north on I-5 to Everett. Take exit 194 onto Highway 2, then turn north at Highway 204 toward Lake Stevens. Turn north on Highway 9 then east on Highway 92 to Granite Falls. The campground is located 13.5 miles east of Granite Falls.
Coordinates
48.07758 N
121.738008 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/2/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/2/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 9 min from Mount Vernon, WA
- 1 hr 15 min from Seattle, WA
- 1 hr 33 min from Bellingham, WA
- 2 hrs 12 min from Bremerton, WA
