Map showing campground location near North Cascades National Park, Washington

Big Beaver — Ross Lake National Recreation Area

Accessible only by boat or on foot, Big Beaver sits along Ross Lake within Ross Lake National Recreation Area, drawing paddlers and hikers who can reach it by kayak or trail. Sites include picnic tables and toilets, with campfires permitted and firewood available. Mosquitoes can be heavy, and the beach is rocky. Reservations are available and worth securing, as open sites are not guaranteed.

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Map & DirectionsBig Beaver is located in Washington near North Cascades National Park

Public Campground

Coordinates

48.77560884 N
121.0583124 W

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Connectivity

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AT&T
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Connectivity

T-Mobile
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Verizon
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AT&T
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Access

Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
Dispersed
Group

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Reservable
Toilets
Alcohol
Fires

Contact

General Info

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Drive Time

1 hr 36 min from Mount Vernon, WA
1 hr 48 min from Bellingham, WA
2 hrs 22 min from Seattle, WA
4 hrs 38 min from Wenatchee, WA

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Reviews2 Camper Reviews - Big Beaver

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

3.5

out of 5

2 Reviews

Christian N.

Ranger

Reviewed Sep. 23, 2020

Good campsites, warm-ish water??

Was a little smoky while we were here. Rating it a little low because of annoying kids who definitely weren’t honoring quiet hours after midnight in the site next to us.

Bad mosquitos, rocky beach, uneven ground, but at least there were toilets! I’d recommend picking Pumpkin Mountain campsite or one on the other side of the lake.

George

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 6, 2020

Awesome Site

Kayaked into this site, and unfortunately did not have time to hike at all, but the trail is supposed to be great. New toilets, very well kept sites. Mosquitos could be bad, and they were for us. Never assume an open site is available, always check when getting permits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What activities can I do around Big Beaver Campground and Ross Lake?

Ross Lake offers excellent kayaking and boating opportunities, which are popular ways to explore the area surrounding Big Beaver Campground. Hiking is a major attraction, with the Big Beaver Trail accessible from the campground - this trail is reportedly excellent though you'll want to allocate sufficient time to enjoy it. Swimming is possible from the rocky beach area. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound in this pristine wilderness setting. Pack mosquito repellent, as the insects can be quite bothersome during certain times of the year.

What amenities are available at Big Beaver boat camp?

Big Beaver boat camp features newly constructed toilets and well-maintained campsites. The grounds have uneven terrain in some areas, so finding a flat tent spot might require some searching. The beach area is rocky rather than sandy. There are no potable water sources, electricity, or shower facilities, so campers need to bring all necessary supplies, including water for drinking and cooking. Be prepared for primitive camping conditions despite the toilet facilities.

How do I access Big Beaver Campground on Ross Lake?

Big Beaver Campground is a boat-in campsite on Ross Lake that requires water transportation to access. Visitors typically reach the campground by kayak or boat across Ross Lake. There is no direct road access to this site, making it a true backcountry experience. Plan your trip carefully and be prepared for paddling or boating to reach this remote location. The campground is situated where Big Beaver Creek meets Ross Lake in the North Cascades National Recreation Area.

Do I need permits to camp at Big Beaver Campground in North Cascades National Park?

Yes, permits are required to camp at Big Beaver Campground in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area (part of the North Cascades National Park Complex). Never assume a site is available without securing the proper permits beforehand. Contact the North Cascades National Park Service to obtain backcountry camping permits, which may be limited to manage visitor impact. During peak season, permits can be competitive, so apply well in advance. Check with park authorities for the most current permit application procedures and availability.

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