Gold Basin Campground
Closed — Closed for winter. Mountain Loop Highway is closed to vehicles from November 22, 2025 through May 26, 2026 due to snow. The area remains open for non-motorized winter recreation including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Campground typically operates May through September with check-in at 2:00 p.m.
Alcohol Prohibitions
This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.
Aquatic Invasive Species
This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.
Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products
This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order.
Mountain Loop Highway Closed Due to Landslide
A landslide is blocking the Mountain Loop Highway at milepost 37.5, about 15.5 miles south of Darrington. There is no access to Forest Service Road 49 and N. Fork Sauk and Sloan Creek trails.
Hazardous Conditions likely across Forest
Update December 15th, 2025Hazard Alert: National Forest Roads &Trails
Mountain Loop Highway and Mt. Pilchuck Rd Closed for Winter!
A 14-mile section of the Mountain Loop Highway is closed to vehicles due to snow and road conditions between the Deer Creek and Bedal gates.
Franklin Falls Sno-Park Closed this Winter
The Franklin Falls Sno-Park will not operate this winter, and the Denny Creek Road (Forest Service Road 58) will be closed to motorized traffic. The Denny Creek Road and parking lot at Franklin Falls will not be plowed.
Mountain Loop Highway closed for the winter season from Deer Creek to Bedal Campground
The Mountain Loop Highway on Darrington Ranger District is now closed to motor vehicles for the winter season from Deer Creek to Bedal Campground. Timing of re-opening in the spring depends on weather but typically occurs in mid-May.
Tupso Pass Road (FSR 41) Work
Tupso Pass Road (FSR 41) work has been completed. The road is open and passable to the Canyon Creek Bridge at milepost 8.5.
Fairfax Bridge Permanently Closed
The Fairfax Bridge on State Highway 165 (milepost 11.5) across the Carbon River has been permanently closed by Washington Department of Transportation (DOT) due to safety concerns.
FSR 23 and FSR 27 Closure Order
This alert is to announce the closures of Forest System Road #23 (White Chuck Road) from milepost 3.7 to its terminus with Forest System Road #27 (Rat Trap Pass Road) and Forest System Road #27 (Rat Trap Pass Road) from milepost 4 to its terminus with Forest System Road #23 (White Chuck Road).&nb
Middle Fork Camping Closure
A dispersed camping closure along part of Forest Road 56 and Forest Road 5640 went into effect June 1st. Attached is the closure order and map. The decision to close dispersed camping stems from the 2017 Wild and Scenic River designation of the Middle Fork River.
Camping Restrictions
Camping for a total of 28 days, per calendar year, on National Forest System lands outside of a developed campground is prohibited. [36 CFR § 261.58(a)]
Alcohol Prohibitions
Possessing a beverage, which is defined as an alcoholic beverage by State law, by anyperson under 21 years of age is prohibited. 36 CFR § 261.58(bb)Providing or selling a beverage, which is defined as an alcoholic beverage by State law, to
Entire Forest Under Food Storage Order
The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has a food storage order in effect across the entire Forest. This order requires visitors to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (MBSNF) to store food items in a “bear resistant manner” and to properly dispose of wildlife attractants.
About
Gold Basin Campground sits in old-growth cedar, fir, and hemlock forests along the South Fork of the Stillaguamish River in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. As the largest and most developed campground on the Mountain Loop Highway, it offers 29 primitive campsites with access to numerous wilderness trails and recreational opportunities. The facility features flush toilets and hand-pumped drinking water, along with a spacious open field suitable for sports and group activities. Across the road from the campground, visitors can explore the Gold Basin Mill Pond interpretive trail, a wheelchair-accessible half-mile boardwalk with viewing platforms, benches, and interpretive signs discussing the area's logging history and wildlife. The pond serves as a salmon fry viewing area. The campground provides convenient access to hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and horseback riding during the warmer months, while the closed winter road offers excellent opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The surrounding Cascade region features pristine streams, diverse forests, and abundant wildlife including deer, black bears, and numerous bird species. The campground is located 2.4 miles east of the Verlot Public Service Center and approximately 16 miles from Granite Falls, offering a balance of wilderness experience and accessibility.
Directions
From Seattle, take I-5 north to Everett. Take exit 194 onto Highway 2, then turn north on 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 on Mountain Loop Highway, 2.4 miles east of Verlot Public Service Center.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $37 - $74 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 45ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 45ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (360) 691-7791 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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