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2 sites
Riverfront Forest Camping-2
67%
(18)Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Riverfront Forest Camping-1
78%
(9)Short walk to site
Campfires allowed
Toilet
Reviews
70% Recommend27 ratings · 22 reviews
This campsite offers a mixed experience. Many campers appreciate the site's convenient location and natural beauty, with easy parking and a short walk to the campsite. However, the proximity to frequent train noise and the steep, potentially challenging trail to the river can be drawbacks for some. The sites are close together, which might affect privacy, but the hosts are noted for their helpfulness and responsiveness.
Summary AI-generated from real reviews
Recommends
· September 2026
Tent ·
Riverfront Forest Camping-2
The platform was nice to keep camp organized and clean, it was big enough to spread out and have seating, a table, and plenty of storage space off the ground with an 8x7 tent. The smaller site is directly on the path to the larger one. The table, broom, and yard tools were appreciated. The walk in is short, a little steep at first but we were able to get in a lot of gear without any issues. Figured out if you want to go to the main river going to the left is faster to get around the island. Hosts are fast to respond and helpful. Yes you can hear the trains pretty much wherever you stay along highway 2, but they weren't close enough to wake us up. Excellent views of the mountain cliff face where people were rock climbing, trees partially blocking the morning sun for those who enjoy sleeping in, and distant sound of the river for nice white noise.
Mixed feelings
· August 2025
Tent ·
Riverfront Forest Camping-1
The proximity to the river was great, though it was a bit of a climb to get down there, which we didn’t mind. The platform for the tent was great as well. However, it was a bit of a steep trek to and from the car for setting up/taking down, and the trail and property was a little overgrown. Overall a nice experience but I would probably choose something else next time.
It was a nice patch of woods in earshot of the river, but the multiple fright trains were very loud all through the night, so close that i could feel their vibration (I counted 5, my kiddo slept through 2 so maybe I slept through some others too?) Loved being able to hike down to the beautiful river spot, though it was a steep trail/ ladder. As we were setting up our tent, 3 locals came up the trail and right past the tent site, so I wasn't sure how much of a public trail it was and if there would be more people waking through. When the trains weren't passing, it was very peaceful, but just because of them I couldn't recommend the campsite. I had environmental concerns about lots of paint chips flaking off the small outdoor bench and tent platform, and disintegrating plastic tarp bits at the outhouse. Before arrival, hosts were very communicative and kindly let us know we could sleep on to the larger tent platform since we were the only ones staying that night.
Recommends
· August 2025
Index, WA from river side property.
Tent · With kids ·
Riverfront Forest Camping-2
Perfect for the rugged crowed that craves the quiet solitude of a tent camp site with access to the river 150' feet along dry river bed rocks that opens up to view the town of Index rail road crossing bridge for a refreshing dip while basking on warm rocks. When parked it is a trail decidedly steep marked with red fabric periodically to indicate direction to site. To the right of the camper a make shift building (owners) is next to the 'communal' fire pit - a short sticks toss from the 2 tent pad clearings and main tent platform. To gain river access: not the outhouse direction, (non-powered) is a all natural small path leading north FROM the steps of the 15'x20' tent platform (we used some rocks and lumber stacked close to weigh down our tarp and sun cover) when fallowed turns towards the river embankment 20' aprox through light cover where you will find river access requiring use of the metal ladder, rope and some careful foot work descending and ascending. Once at the opening of the river rocks follow the river north about 150' stay to the left of the open area traversing many rocks until it opens up - choose your victory! (Privacy not in this open area). Well secluded from most road noise, wedding dance reception(s) (Index, WA) and various midnight speedsters and river side dog walkers across the river. My son saw his first incredibly bright shooting star.
If you have read this far, I thank the owners for the chance to camp on 1 hours notice from reservation. TNX!!!
We had a lovely time camping here. I feel like the listing could be a bit clearer, so here's a summary of our experience.
The parking is easy, right off the road. You walk down a pretty steep but short trail to get to the sites. There's no chance of wheeling a cart or anything, just a heads up -- you'll have to carry your things. Down at the bottom there are two, maybe three sites – one is just a small flat area for a tent and a bench, the other is a raised platform. The platform has a beautiful elevated feeling and great views through the trees – highly recommend booking this one. The sites are quite close to one another, so if they're both booked I wouldn't expect much privacy.
The river is a constant quiet backdrop, and the occasional passing train is quite charming. The train reverberates through the valley in a way that I thought was really cool. The road is at the top of the hill and audible, but not distracting by any means and very quiet at night.
Getting to the river is no joke. It's a sketchy climb down a 45 degree ladder with some climbing rope to hang onto. Once you're down there, you have to walk ~100 yards to get to the river. I imagine in springtime it might overflow to the rocky area just below the ladder, but in early August, it was only passing to the north of what is sometimes an island. But it's a peaceful place to hang with beautiful views and super clean water. But again, you won't be able to carry much stuff given the trek.
That's about it, enjoy!
Mixed feelings
· August 2025
Tent ·
Riverfront Forest Camping-2
Overall positive experience and convenient location. The path from parking on the road down to the site is very short, but preciously eroded and steep (>50°). The path to the river access is also precious requiring ropes and an extended ladder for which both hands are needed to climb and descend safely. Though these were manageable they kept us from going to the river much and we left most of our gear in the car.
The campsites are close enough you can hear conversations but were lucky to have great and neighbors. Site 1 is directly on the path. Sites are not marked, but we did get written directions to help us figure it out. Hipcamp noted we would have a picnic table but there was not one there.
Recommends
· July 2025
Tent ·
Riverfront Forest Camping-2
Very nice campsite!! The trail to the river wasn’t too far and it was nice to be able to go hang by the river!! Extremely beautiful as well
Recommends
· July 2025
Tent ·
Riverfront Forest Camping-1
Easy to find, secluded and gorgeous. The way to get down to the river was pretty steep & I didn't venture down. The road was fairly close by but wasn't super busy, and you can hear trains nearby throughout the night. If that bothers you, it might be an issue but I had no problems!
Very pretty spots near to the river (but not exactly riverfront, you do need to currently be able to hold onto a rope and shimmy down a ledge to get to water access). This wasn't a struggle for us but something good to know for any older/less able bodied individuals. There is also a somewhat steep walk/hike down to the campsites so if you are imaginging full car camping don't bring anything too heavy! The spots themselves are fairly close to the other spots nearby, so if you don't book all of them with your group know you might be friendly with neighbors! However, the sites are very well shaded, have a lovely view of the mountains especially at sunset and the river was so great to trek down to and hop in during the heat! The outhouse was a nice feature and we overall thoroughly enjoyed our stay! Hosts were responsive and helpful!
Not recommend
· July 2025
Tent ·
Riverfront Forest Camping-2
The camp is directly next to a railroad and I picked a night when the train ran by every hour through the night. The camp is also close to the road and you can clearly hear cars drive by. Also the sites for camping are packed in together maybe 10’ apart. The actual river is a 1/4 mile walk away and you have to traverse down a very steep cliff to get there. I paid $60 and I do not think it was worth it. Overall the site is fine, I am mostly frustrated with the train and the price.
Recommends
· July 2025
Tent ·
Riverfront Forest Camping-1
This place is so NEAT! We drove in, and parked up by the RV and then adventured down to the river where we spent the day! We also drove around and explored Index as well as the Sand Bar Tavern! (Such amazing people wow)
We would love to come back 🩷
Recommends
· June 2025
Tent ·
Riverfront Forest Camping-2
It was a nice place, nice view in my opinion and the host was nice too...
Recommends
· May 2025
Tent · With pets ·
Riverfront Forest Camping-1
Excellent hosts. Detailed directions. Easy to find. Quiet and very relaxing.
Brenda was super kind and showed us around the place. It’s really pretty and well put together.
The reviews about the approach seemed really dramatic when I got here. It’s no different than any small camping approach or trail you would find. Really a short walk ( 1-2mins).
Composting toilet was surprisingly nice!
+ there’s a new platform you can camp on which was awesome! It’s a wood platform raised off the ground about a foot and fit 4 of us comfortably but I’m sure we could have fit 6.
Site is poorly organized and barely maintained. No facilities available at all and very small, unpleasant sites. There's junk and partially built buildings around the property. Would not recommend.
Recommends
· August 2021
Riverfront Forest was perfect for a nearby weekend getaway! The camp site was private, and easily marked. We enjoyed seeing the river access and relaxing under the trees.
Mixed feelings
· August 2021
Great location must walk trail to end to find good access to river. Camp is clean the hike to camp is steep be careful.
We were happy to stay here! It was nice and quiet, close to the road. Close to a ridge hike, easy down to the river, and Index is a few minutes away. We had a great time!
Not recommend
· July 2021
It’s just not private enough. There were 2 other campsites very close to us and the flashlights from people walking past our tent over and over was too much.
Recommends
· July 2021
After getting screwed over by another Hipcamp Host (*cough* Derek *cough) who cancelled our 2-month reservation an hour before arrival, we were able to find some magical accomodations at the Riverfront Forest Camp with Kyle & Brenda.
The location is literally right around the corner from trailheads, in addition to the adventures to be had right on the property. The stars at night on the riverbank were enchanting, as was the forest where you stay.
Check in was super smooth and the spot was quite spacious!!
Would highly recommend! Cannot wait to return!
Recommends
· July 2021
Kyle and Brenda’s campsite was great. The campsite was so great! It was quiet at night since it’s close to a stream away from the road and a quick walk to the river, so you can relax and take in the mountain view’s. The hosts were so hospitable and friendly! Would definitely stay again the next time checking out climbing in Index.
This place is truly special. The location is fantastic, it is easy to find and very secluded. The owner made it clear that it is a work in progress, and I can tell they have big plans for the space. That being said, it was well set up, clean, and functional. There is no bathroom or water, but there is a port-a-potty about a 10 minute walk away. The river is just a short walk or climb down from the site, and there's a little inlet that is perfect for swimming, separate from the intense rapids of the Skykomish. The train passes really close by all night, so keep that in mind if you are very sensitive to noise. I look forward to coming back to this site many times in the future! Such a gorgeous site.
Location
Index, Snohomish, Washington, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Kyle & Brenda G.
Joined in June 2021Things to do nearby
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