Leavenworth / Campgrounds
Ida Creek Campground
Small concessionaire-operated campground about 14 miles from Leavenworth on Icicle Creek Road. 10 sites, most directly on the river bank, set well back from the road with no traffic noise. First-come, first-served. Some sites fit trailers up to 30 feet.
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Overview
Ida Creek Campground sits about 14 miles from Leavenworth on Icicle Creek Road, between Johnny Creek and Chatter Creek, and is one of the quieter options in Icicle Canyon. The campground is operated by a concessionaire rather than the Forest Service directly, though you would not notice the difference on the ground. What you will notice is that the sites are set well back from the road — far enough that headlights and road noise are not a factor even on summer evenings, which is a real advantage in a canyon where most campgrounds sit closer to traffic.
Ten campsites ring the campground, and all but campsite 9 are positioned directly on the bank of Icicle Creek. The creek is cold and clear, fed by snowmelt from the Enchantments above, and the sound of moving water carries through camp all night. A handful of sites have room for trailers or RVs up to 30 feet, making Ida Creek one of the few mid-canyon options for smaller rigs when the larger campgrounds at Johnny Creek are full. Two vault toilets serve the campground. A water faucet is on-site but may not be operational — confirm with the Leavenworth Ranger District before relying on it, and plan to bring your own water as a backup. All sites are first-come, first-served.
Fit Snapshot
A quick read on who this campground suits — and where it falls short — so you can decide in under a minute.
At a glance
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Campground Photos
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Activities
Icicle Creek
Nearly every site at Ida Creek sits directly on the bank of Icicle Creek. The water is cold and clear year-round, fed by snowmelt from the Enchantments above, and runs fast in spring and early summer. Rainbow and cutthroat trout are present throughout Icicle Creek; a Washington fishing license is required. Wading is popular on warm afternoons, though the current can be strong during peak snowmelt — use caution with kids near the bank.
Leavenworth Camping Guide →Chatter Creek Trailhead
Chatter Creek Campground and its trailhead are about 2 miles further up Icicle Creek Road from Ida Creek. The Chatter Creek Trail climbs into the Enchantments wilderness toward Lake Edna and the upper basin — a less-trafficked alternative to the Stuart Lake and Colchuck corridors. Ida Creek makes a reasonable base for a day hike in this direction.
Fishing
Icicle Creek holds native rainbow and cutthroat trout along its entire length. The direct river access from most Ida Creek campsites makes fishing easy without a hike to the water. Check current WDFW regulations for season dates, catch limits, and gear restrictions before fishing. A valid Washington state fishing license is required.
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Things to Know
Nine of the ten campsites sit directly on the bank of Icicle Creek. Campsite 9 is the one exception, set slightly back from the water. If a creekside spot is the priority, arrive early — these are the first sites to fill.
The campground is set well back from Icicle Creek Road. Even though there is not a lot of traffic this far up the canyon, the distance means headlights and road noise do not reach camp — a meaningful upgrade over campgrounds that sit right on the road edge.
Some sites have room for trailers and RVs up to 30 feet. No electric, water, or sewer hookups are available. If you are towing, scout the site before pulling in — not all sites have the same clearance.
A water faucet is on-site, but it may not be operational. Always call the Leavenworth Ranger District or check Recreation.gov current conditions before your trip, and carry enough water to cover your stay in case the faucet is off.
Ida Creek is concessionaire operated rather than directly managed by the Forest Service — but the experience on the ground is identical to any other USFS campground in Icicle Canyon. All sites are first-come, first-served. No online reservations.
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Compare Nearby Campgrounds
Five closest campgrounds to Ida Creek Campground.
| Name | Type | Hookups | Reservations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Johnny Creek Campground | USFS | No | First-come |
| Chatter Creek Campground | USFS | No | Mixed |
| Icicle Group Campground | USFS | No | Reservable |
| Rock Island Campground | USFS | No | First-come |
| Bridge Creek Campground | USFS | No | Mixed |
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