Leavenworth / Campgrounds
Johnny Creek Campground
Large two-section Forest Service campground about 12 miles from Leavenworth — 65 sites including 9 doubles, creek-side spots in the lower loop, and upper sites accommodating RVs up to 50 feet. No hookups. Best fallback when smaller campgrounds are full.
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Overview
Johnny Creek Campground sits about 12 miles west of Leavenworth on Icicle Creek Road and is one of the largest campgrounds in Icicle Canyon — 65 sites spread across two completely separate sections, each with its own entrance off the main road. Lower Johnny Creek holds sites 1 through 15 and runs directly along Icicle Creek; several of those sites sit on the bank with the creek just steps from the tent pad. Upper Johnny Creek covers sites 16 through 65, set back from the water with the larger parking spaces and pull-ins that can accommodate RVs up to 50 feet.
Because of its size, Johnny Creek tends to have open sites when smaller campgrounds like Bridge Creek are long full. It is not a guarantee — summer weekends still fill — but with 65 spots it is the most reliable first-come option in this stretch of Icicle Canyon. Both sections have vault toilets and running water. Double sites (sleeping two camping parties) are scattered through both loops and are particularly good for larger groups traveling together. There are no hookups of any kind.
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
Icicle Creek runs along the lower section of the campground, and several of the lower sites sit directly on its banks. The creek is cold and clear — fed by snowmelt from the Enchantments — and draws campers for wading, fishing, and cooling off on warm afternoons. Rainbow and cutthroat trout are present in Icicle Creek; a Washington fishing license is required. The current can run fast in spring and early summer during snowmelt, so use caution if wading with kids.
Leavenworth Camping Guide →Enchantments Trailheads
Johnny Creek's position at mile 12 on Icicle Creek Road puts it within driving range of several Enchantments-area trailheads. The Stuart Lake Trailhead (Colchuck Lake and Stuart Lake) is about 3 miles back toward Leavenworth via FR 7601. Snow Creek Trailhead for the Enchantments core is further along Icicle Creek Road. Day hiking from camp is practical — plan an early departure since trailhead parking lots fill by mid-morning on weekends.
Fishing
Icicle Creek supports rainbow and cutthroat trout throughout its length. The lower section of Johnny Creek Campground provides easy access to the creek. Icicle Creek is subject to Washington state fishing regulations — check WDFW for current season dates, catch limits, and gear restrictions before fishing. A valid Washington fishing license is required.
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Things to Know
Johnny Creek has two completely separate sections with separate entrances off Icicle Creek Road. Lower Johnny Creek (sites 1–15) and Upper Johnny Creek (sites 16–65) are not connected internally — if the lower section is full, drive back to the road and use the upper entrance.
The lower section (sites 1–15) runs directly along Icicle Creek, with several sites sitting on the bank. If creekside camping is the priority, head to the lower section first.
The upper section has extended parking spaces that can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 50 feet at certain sites — one of the few USFS campgrounds in Icicle Canyon with this capability. There are no hookups of any kind.
All 65 sites are first-come, first-served with no reservation option. Because of the large site count, Johnny Creek is one of the better bets for finding an open spot when smaller campgrounds like Bridge Creek or Eightmile are full.
Running water is available at the campground. Both sections have vault toilets. Always confirm current water status with the Leavenworth Ranger District before your trip, as seasonal shutoffs can occur.
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Compare Nearby Campgrounds
Five closest campgrounds to Johnny Creek Campground.
| Name | Type | Hookups | Reservations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Icicle Group Campground | USFS | No | Reservable |
| Ida Creek Campground | Concessionaire | No | First-come |
| Bridge Creek Campground | USFS | No | Mixed |
| Chatter Creek Campground | USFS | No | Mixed |
| Eightmile Campground | USFS | No | Mixed |
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