Cascade River State Park Campground

Loved the two nights spent at backpacking site #2. It was very secluded, couldn’t hear/see anyone at any point during our time at the campsite. It has a covered wooden structure, good sized bear box, picnic table, and fire ring. There is also a pit toilet ~50 feet from the campsite, though was in pretty rough shape so did not use that but didn’t really mind since most backpacking sites don’t have this luxury anyway and was not expecting to have a toilet in the first place. The campsite sits atop Moose “Mountain,” which is about a mile hike in from the group site parking lot. Don’t underestimate this hike in!! We are two people in our 20s and in pretty good shape, but with ~35lbs of gear on your back with a very steady incline up, definitely had to take a couple breaks. It was pretty rainy so there were some muddy spots that were relatively easy to avoid. With that being said, it was definitely worth it given the seclusion and privacy of this campsite. If able and willing to put in the extra effort, I would recommend the backpacking sites over the drive-in sites as I have heard they can be pretty cramped. Overall, very happy with BP#2 will definitely be back!

I will start out by saying this was partly my fault but I think the situation was handled poorly.

I was not planning on staying in the area another day but was enjoying the north shore so I stopped in and asked if there were any cancellations. I was told yes so I paid for the site. Ran up the road grabbed some ice and came back and there was someone setting up on the site I paid for. The camp host said I was not in system even though I could show the credit card receipt. So they said they could move me to an overflow site. Ok fine. But that site was so far away from a bathroom and even further from the shower space.

I took it made the most of my night. But the frustration is with these booking on line issues every campsite I have been to they have sites that sit open with no one ever using them. I’m assuming this is because it does not update fast enough. I’m driving through the camp at 5am the next morning there were 5-10 empty sites. They were empty at 10pm the night before and still empty at 5:30 am. I think it costs the state $$ and for sure causes folks who are on road trips to miss out on nice places to stay.

This campground was clean and the shower/bath station was very clean.

Close to some neat hiking.

The campsites are a little bit more crowded than preferred on my opinion, but it’s easily overlooked since there are so many easy hikes near by and wonderful views.