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Overall, an amazing place. Hidden little gem for DoD members in the Pacific Northwest to camp, explore, kayak, or just relax. Everything about this place is wonderful.
Jim Creek was absolutely stunning and the staff really made all of our dreams come true. We were getting married at a nearby venue (Jackson Manor Events, also perfection!) and wanted to have our friends and family stay with us for a whole wedding weekend. We rented out the lodge and a number of other cabins. The lodge had a massive kitchen where we were able to feed all 60 of our guests easily. We stayed up all night around the fire telling stories and watching relationships develop. It was pure magic and it wouldn't have been possible without the help of the Jim Creek staff, who were accommodating and sweet, despite our many strange requests. We can't wait to come back for a reunion!!
My family and I stayed at Jim Creek for a 4 day memorial weekend (2018). Reservations were made through the DoD Lodging contact number. Attended with husband and 2 children, ages 3 and 4.
We rented an on-site, brand new Mallard Travel Trailer that included hookups (electric and water). Fantastically priced at only 90$ a night! Maintenance emptied tanks upon request through the front office.
If you check in after hours, there will be a pick up area located in the 24 hour lounge of the main building, number 4.
Here are some perks we enjoyed:
- low cost rentals for things we didn’t bring (ie: firewood, corn hole bags, helmets for bikes (helmet required when on site), bikes, horse show for games, variety of boats, fishing poles- you name it!
- at least 2 parks on site that all the children love
- each site had a fire pit (cabins, lodge, individual RV site)
- on site grey/black water dumping
- general store for basic items
The lake is about a 20 minute drive. Be mindful of the signs that lead you to the correct road to the lake as there is a car path and a mountain bike path.
If you run out of food to cook, or didn’t bring everything on your way to the camp, there is a wonderfully priced grocery store in Arlington (which has organic items in stock!). There is a gas station about 5 miles outside of the site, in the main road.
There is no cell phone service but you’re able to connect to their Wi-Fi and have access to their 24 hour lounge (with WiFi and computers). Don’t worry about cell phone service! You’re there to enjoy yourselves and your friends/family. Your experience will be better without technological distractions!
There are at least (2) hiking trails
This is my 3rd time here and it never ceases to amaze me. The place is really a disconnect from the busy and connected world we live in now. I was here with family and friends and we were able to drink by the campfire and relax without getting disturbed.
There's also entertainment and lots of things to do on this place like a Theatre and a park where kids can enjoy and have fun.
There's no clean running water here so bring tons of water when you go and also just enjoy the stay and stay disconnected.
There's plenty of parking here so no problem.
This place is off the beaten path but is well worth it. The first thing you will notice is how well maintained the facilities are. Nice touches like, lights on the signs, dog hitching post and well maintained RV pads. The shower and bathroom are clean but be prepared for the stainless steel toilets, they are cold (hahhah). There many trails that you take a hiking stick with you, it will be wet even if the sun is out.
The MWR team is great and very helpful, as well as the little store, which has beer, candy souvenirs as well as a small lounge. If your looking for the internet here forget it. Unless you have a directional antenna pointed toward the cell tower there will be no internet for you. I saw a couple of RVers who had a Weboost Antenna at the campground and the were good to go. The internet at the campground was not working, you could see it but you could not use it.
Over it is a great place for all and the kids.
If you go fishing be AWARE that the road is very, very narrow and can only support on car going up or down. If you do fish you will need a Washington Fishing License. MWR, does not say that in their brochure but just a heads up.
Be aware you are in the woods and you may see some mist or rain because you are in the North Cascades.
Go, enjoy 😉
