Swift Creek Campground campground
Washington

Swift Creek Campground

Mixed (reservable + first-come)
43 campsites
Open in maps

43

Total Campsites

Campground

42

Reservable Sites

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Accessible

ADA-compliant sites

Organization

Managing agency

Overview

About Swift Creek Campground

Overview Swift Creek Campground is tucked into a mixed-conifer forest at the edge of Baker Lake in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Recreation In addition to being a prime location for hiking, boating, fishing, picnicking, and horseback riding in summer and early fall, Swift Creek offers opportunities for snowshoeing in the winter months. With a small beach on-site and access to Baker Lake, visitors will have plenty of opportunities to fish, kayak, canoe and swim. The nearby Baker Lake Trail is a family friendly hike that begins in a majestic stand of Douglas fir. In 1843, a small eruption of Mt. Baker caused a forest fire, and visitors can still see the burned snags of virgin cedar trees that once dominated the area. The trail contours above the eastern shoreline of Baker Lake. Facilities In addition to being a prime location for hiking, boating, fishing, picnicking, and horseback riding in summer and early fall, Swift Creek offers opportunities for snowshoeing in the winter months. With a small beach on-site and access to Baker Lake, visitors will have plenty of opportunities to fish, kayak, canoe and swim. The nearby Baker Lake Trail is a family friendly hike that begins in a majestic stand of Douglas fir. In 1843, a small eruption of Mt. Baker caused a forest fire, and visitors can still see the burned snags of virgin cedar trees that once dominated the area. The trail contours above the eastern shoreline of Baker Lake. 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, dominates the landscape on a clear day. Rising to an elevation of 10,781 feet, the active volcano is perpetually snow-capped and mantled with an extensive network of creeping glaciers. Mt. Baker's summit, Grant Peak, is a 1,300-foot-deep mound of ice, which hides a massive volcanic crater. Wildlife in the area includes mountain goats traversing the higher elevations to squirrels and black bears in the forests. Migratory birds and native fish find ample habitat in the varied ecosystems as well. contact_info For facility specific information, please call (530) 932-0242. Nearby Attractions Hike in the mountains above the lake in the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area or Mt. Baker Wilderness, or take some time to visit North Cascades National Park. This unique park is like no other place on earth. It features a deep blue lake surrounded by sheer, 2,000' cliffs, two picturesque islands and a violent volcanic past. Hiking trails, a visitor center and educational programs are available. 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.

  • 43 total campsites listed.
  • 42 reservable sites plus first-come options.
  • Most common site type: standard nonelectric (38).
  • Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Swift Creek Campground photo 2
Swift Creek Campground photo 3

Our Take

What makes Swift Creek Campground special

Swift Creek Campground rests in a gorgeous mixed-conifer forest along the shore of Baker Lake in Washington's Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The setting is pure Pacific Northwest grandeur — dense stands of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and red cedar frame views of turquoise glacial water backed by the snow-draped flanks of Mount Baker. Paddlers love the easy lake access for kayaking and canoeing, and the fishing here can be outstanding, with kokanee salmon and rainbow trout drawing anglers throughout the summer months. Hikers can explore nearby trails that wind through old-growth timber and along ridgelines with sweeping views of the North Cascades. Summer, from late June through September, is the sweet spot for visiting, when the campground is fully accessible and daytime temperatures are comfortable without being oppressive. Wildflowers carpet the understory in July, and by September the vine maples begin their fiery autumn display. Swift Creek is a top pick for paddling enthusiasts, nature photographers, families seeking lakeside fun, and anyone who wants to camp in the shadow of a volcanic peak without venturing too far from civilization. The blend of forest solitude and waterfront recreation makes this one of the most rewarding campgrounds in the entire Baker Lake corridor.

Campsite Inventory

43 sites to choose from

STANDARD NONELECTRIC

38total sites

38

Reservable

0

Accessible

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC

2total sites

2

Reservable

0

Accessible

YURT

2total sites

2

Reservable

0

Accessible

MANAGEMENT

1total sites

0

Reservable

0

Accessible

Amenities & Details

Everything you need to know

Campfire Allowed

Yes

Site capacity

Double, Quad, Single

Check-in time

02:00 PM, 2:00 PM, :00 PM

Check-out time

12:00 PM

Double Driveway

Yes

Driveway entry

Back-In

Driveway length (ft)

18, 20, 24, 26

Driveway surface

Gravel

Fire Pit

Fire Pit, Yes

GRILLS

Yes

Grills/Fire Ring

Yes

Max guests

12, 30, 6

Max vehicle length (ft)

18, 20, 24, 26

Minimum guests

Yes

Pets allowed

No, Yes

Picnic Table

Picnic Table, Yes

Shade

Yes

TENT PADS

Tent Pads

Reservations & Contact

Plan your stay

Mixed (reservable + first-come)

Phone

360-804-1103

Getting There

From Seattle, go north on I-5 to Burlington. Take Exit 230 on State Highway 20. Go past the Mt. Baker Ranger District Office in Sedro-Woolley and follow State Route 20 east for 16 miles to milepost 82. Turn left (north) on the Baker Lake Highway (Forest Service Road 11). Continue for 20 miles to the sign for Swift Creek Campground Road (Forest Service road 1142). Turn right and travel about 1/3 mile to the campground at the end of the road.

FAQ

Common questions

Everything you need to know before your trip to Swift Creek Campground.

How do reservations work for Swift Creek Campground?

Reservation availability for Swift Creek Campground can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.

What campsite types are available at Swift Creek Campground?

Swift Creek Campground currently lists STANDARD NONELECTRIC (38), GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC (2), YURT (2), MANAGEMENT (1).

Where is Swift Creek Campground located?

Swift Creek Campground is in Washington. Coordinates: 48.7296, -121.6586.

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