Our family just returned from our epic summer road trip through the Pacific Northwest. We splashed in the Pacific Ocean, walked through historic districts, and hiked in two new national parks–well, new to us. This was our first big road trip with our travel trailer that we bought last fall and it was a pretty incredible experience! During our two week trip we stayed at six different campgrounds, and there were definitely some that were leaps and bounds above the others. One of our favorites was the perfect place to go camping near North Cascades National Park–Thousand Trails Grandy Creek. This article is in partnership with Thousand Trails, all opinions and experiences are my own.

what is Thousand Trails?

If you haven’t heard of Thousand Trails before, or aren’t quite sure what it is, Thousand Trails is a membership-based network of campgrounds and RV resorts. As a Thousand Trails member you have access to over 200 locations across the United States and Canada. Each of these locations offers a range of amenities and activities your whole family will love! Plus, you have the peace of mind when booking through a company that has been helping families enjoy the great outdoors for over 50 years.

The membership structure allows families to choose which regions they’re most likely to utilize. Purchase a Camping Pass for your desired region (Southwest, Southeast, Northwest, Northeast, or Midwest) and then you can add on more regions at discounted rates. You can also add on the Trails Collection, which gives you access to reciprocal campgrounds across the country, giving you even more campgrounds to choose from!

If you don’t have an RV it’s no problem, you can also purchase a Cabin Pass so you can utilize the glamping options at various campgrounds. The Cabin Pass is not divided into separate regions like the Camping pass is.

Taking your RV? Print up your Camper Checklist below!

camping near North Cascades at Thousand Trails Grandy Creek

Our family had one last national park we needed to visit in the Pacific Northwest. Luckily for us, Thousand Trails Grandy Creek was the perfect place to go camping near North Cascades National Park! Our kids didn’t want to leave this campground and all of its great amenities. Honestly, neither did Mike or I!

location of Thousand Trails Grandy Creek

Thousand Trails Grandy Creek is conveniently right off of the North Cascades Highway. However it’s far enough away that you don’t notice the road at all. Thousand Trails Grandy Creek is also a KOA location and it’s easy to find with large signs at the turnoff on Cascades Highway, as well as at the entrance to the campground. We were in the town of Concrete, only about a 30 minute drive from the West Park Entrance sign. We were also approximately an hour from the Visitor Center in Marblemount. The campground is near state parks and public playgrounds, as well as a handful of small restaurants, markets, and gas stations. Upon arrival at Thousand Trails Grandy Creek you will receive a campground map which also suggests several local businesses. This is a very handy reference after a long day exploring in North Cascades!

what is the check in process like at Grandy Creek?

If checking in during regular hours, you will pull up to the front Ranger Station. There they’ll give you a campground map and they’ll share all the pertinent information with you regarding their park. They’re very friendly and you should ask them any questions you have! Thousand Trail campgrounds are typically first come, first serve. So after you check in you can drive around and find your site! Since this is a combo Thousand Trails and KOA campground, you will need to find a campsite with a green power pedestal–the KOA sites have yellow power pedestals. After you’ve picked out your campsite then you bring the information back to the Ranger Station. It’s really fun being able to pick your own site based on your own preferences!

camping options at Thousand Trails Grandy Creek

We were excited to stay in our trailer while we were at Grandy Creek–the sites are set amidst tall trees and so beautiful! There are pull through sites and back in sites available. However, if you don’t have an RV or trailer, no worries! Grandy Creek also offers traditional tent sites. Or, if you’d prefer, they have cabins and yurts available too! I also noticed a large group camping corral in the back that looked very peaceful. It would be the perfect place for a family reunion or friend get together! There really is an option for every type of camper!

amenities while camping near North Cascades

for the kids

Even though you’re camping near North Cascades National Park, Thousand Trails Grandy Creek is far from roughing it! Thousand Trails locations pride themselves on having a range of fun amenities that meet a certain standard. Grandy Creek is no different. In the three days we were there we enjoyed all the fun and comforts that the campground had to offer!

My kids probably loved the jumping pillow most of all. It is right next to the playground and a large grassy area, so there is plenty of room to run around and play. There is also a swimming pool and hot tub–perfect for relaxing after a long hike. Other amenities include a 9 hole mini golf, clubhouse, horse shoes, and gaga ball pit, to name a few. And if you’re traveling with Fido you’ll be happy to know there is also a dog park on site!

| Read: Tips for Camping with Kids |

for the adults

Whereas Mike and I also appreciated all the fun extras, we really loved the things that make camping with kids a little easier. The laundry room was large and clean, a nice change after other campground visited on the trip. It can use a card or app which was very convenient. The laundry room was open 24 hours and was attached to the main restroom block. This building had several showers, as well as the restrooms. There are also more shower and restroom facilities near the swimming pool.

What really made Thousand Trails Grandy Creek so special for us was that it gave us that classic camping experience. Tall towering trees, the faint sound of kids running around and being kids, cool evenings breathing in the mountain air–there’s just something special about it. We would not hesitate to stay again!

Follow along with our family’s adventures on Instagram!