Colonial Creek North Campground, near Rockport, Washington, is a fantastic spot for those looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the North Cascades National Recreation Area. With its scenic location along the shores of Diablo Lake, this campground offers a mix of tranquility and adventure, making it a popular choice for campers.

The campground features spacious sites that provide a good level of privacy, although some campers have noted that the walk-in sites can be a bit less secluded. Clean bathrooms and well-maintained facilities are a highlight, ensuring you have a comfortable stay. As one visitor mentioned, “The campground is nice with clean bathrooms. Lots of trails for hiking.”

For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby trails offer stunning views and access to the lake, perfect for hiking and exploring. The area is known for its breathtaking scenery, and many campers appreciate the opportunity to enjoy nature right at their doorstep. Just be prepared for the campground to be busy, especially during peak season, as it can fill up quickly.

While there are no electric hookups or showers, the campground allows for campfires, which is a great way to unwind after a day of adventure. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking your RV, Colonial Creek North Campground is a solid choice for a memorable camping experience in the heart of Washington's wilderness.

## Overview

 Colonial Creek North Campground requires reservations during the peak season, from late May through early September of each year. Important changes to booking windows: To better serve visitors, Colonial Creek North Campground will release campsites in two staggered block releases. These block releases will be 6 months in advance and 7 days in advance. Campsites #1 - #35 are available for reservations 6 months in advance. Campsites #36 - #43 are available for reservations 7 days in advance. Any sites not reserved during the peak season are available same-day as first-come, first-served for 1 night only and can only be claimed in person at the campground. Colonial Creek North Campground may be open as first-come, first-served after the peak season until the campground closes for the year, typically in mid to late September. The campground is remote, yet bustling and is nestled in old-growth forest. Located on the north side of State Route 20 near milepost 130, there are 37 campsites that are surrounded by forest and located on Diablo Lake. Colonial Creek North Campground can accommodate a variety of camping, whether its drive-in camping, or walk-in tent camping. The campsites vary in size from small to medium. Most of the campsites do not accommodate large trailers or RVs. 
## Recreation

 Campers can access several trails from within the facility, such as Thunder Knob Trail located in the North Loop and Thunder Creek Trail from the South Loop. [Fishing][1] is allowed in Diablo Lake with a Washington State Fishing license, the closest location to purchase a license in the town of Marblemount, WA. Follow Washington State Fishing Regulations when recreating. [Black bears][2] are active in this campground and the surrounding trails. Be aware of your surroundings while hiking, picnicking, and camping. Use the provided bear boxes in your campsite to store coolers, cookware, and other odorants when not in use. If you encounter a bear around the campground or on a trail, inform campground staff or go to the North Cascades Visitor Center and fill out a bear report. 
## Natural Features

 Colonial Creek North Campground is forested with western redcedar, western hemlock, Douglas-fir, red huckleberries, and other native vegetation. The campground has easy access to Diablo Lake for recreating. 
## Contact Info

 For facility specific information, please call (360) 854-7200. 
## Nearby Attractions

 Traveling west on State Route 20: The North Cascades Visitor Center is 11 miles (18 km) west on State Route 20 from Colonial Creek North Campground, operating seasonally, typically from May to September. Campers can find the passport stamps, exhibit, park film, park store, and much more. Traveling east on State Route 20: Diablo Lake Overlook is 1.5 miles (2 km) east on State Route 20, the turquoise lake can be viewed safely from this area and there is ample day use parking and vault toilets. Ross Lake Overlook is 5 miles (8 km) east on State Route 20, this is a less developed vista point. There are two pull off areas with interpretive displays and with views of the Ross Dam and Ross Lake. 

[1]: https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/fishing.htm
[2]: https://www.nps.gov/noca/learn/nature/bear-safety.htm

Colonial Creek North Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area

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The Best Camping Near Marblemount, Washington

**Campground Review: Colonial Creek Campground**

[https://thedyrt.com/camping/washington/washington-colonial-creek](https://thedyrt.com/camping/washington/washington-colonial-creek)

[https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/255201](https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/255201)

Colonial Creek Campground, Diablo Lake Washington, is the prettiest place I've been to in Washington! Half the campground is reservation only, the other half is walk in. There is something like 176 total campsites, if I remember correctly. Each campsite is equipped with a large bear box, fire pit, picnic table and tent pad. The restrooms are large with flush toilets and sinks. There are no showers. Large bear proof trashcans, and water spigots are spread through each side of the campground. Thunder knob Trail starts on the south Campground and Thunder Creek trail is on the North campground. There is a fishing dock and a boat launch on the North campground. We stayed in site #15 which was great during the week. I felt this site offered zero privacy, the fire ring was positioned so you had to watch the road, the rest of the large site had a creek, but the trail went past our campsite, so a ton of people, familes, dogs, would all walk past our site. There is parking for the walk in sites right next to you, but those also take the trail. There is also nobody on the other side of you. So it gave a sense of privacy on a Wednesday, but not Friday-Sunday. At $16 a night, I felt it was great compared to other campsites. The beauty of this Campground and surrounding area is unparalleled. Would defiantly be back, but I would probably try for a more secluded site.

**Ranger review: Icemule Cooler**

[https://icemulecoolers.com/collections/pro-coolers/products/the-icemule-pro-large](https://icemulecoolers.com/collections/pro-coolers/products/the-icemule-pro-large)

As a ranger for the Dyrt, I sometimes get products in exchange for an honest review. Icemule coolers are perfection! This is the Large and it is huge! I was very surprised at the quality and size for the price. I love this cooler because it is super easy and comfortable to carry. No more big, heavy, bulky coolers to cart around. On this trip I used it as my main cooler. I froze 14 bottles of water to use as ice. I kept bacon, sausage, chicken, ground beef, hotdogs, butter, syrup and coffee creamer plus all the water bottles and soda in this bag. It was heavy, but held up to the challenge! It kept those bottles of water for 3 days before I had to buy ice. There is a compartment on the front for picnic supplies. I have also used this just as a dry bag. It's got great versatility and it even floats. I am 100% an Icemule cooler fan and recommend to anyone, whether a car camper or hiker, you will enjoy this cooler.

Ranger Review: IceMule Cooler at Colonial Creek Campground. 

Beautiful views anywhere you look. Not a short drive by any means to get there but worth the trouble. Family camped in spot number 1 which is a walk-in. Def recommend this one. It’s conveniently close to a pit toilet and has a view of the water. Situated far enough from other sites to feel like seclusion. 

Fav campground 

My first time camping at Ross Lake was at Colonial Creek - which actually has access to Diablo Lake.  It was pouring down rain - typical for the Pacific Northwest, but we still had a blast.  Clean bathrooms, plenty of space for cooking, cleaning, playing card games.

Even in the rain - this place is great!

Spent 5 nights here, I can’t believe how beautiful it is. I would recommend the walk in sites over the drive up. Much more privacy and better access to the river at 3 out of 4 of the spots. Very busy on the weekend but that’s to be expected anywhere. It’s also a very short walk to the water.

Amazing spot

well maintained campground, quiet while we were there. keep warm clothes and rain gear as you are likely to get a bit of weather. 

beautiful 

Compared to South, Colonial Creek North Campground seems even more “in” the woods! 

You are not as close to Diablo Lake which is probably a good thing considering the traffic. The boat ramp is on the South side and the main traffic that travels through the North side is foot heading up the Thunder Creek Trail. 

It is very easy to feel like you are alone in the woods due to the placement of the multiple sites. Bear lockers, picnic tables and nice size sites to set up in. 
The reservation system is whack! Some sites are reservable , good luck. Then there’s the walk in sites, once again good luck, plan on spending a day getting it done. I’m sure time of year/day if week makes a difference.

Loved the lake! Loved the trails! Loved the drive! I am coming back !

This is camping

I grew up going here. Canoeing on the lake, swimming in the freezing creek! It is a beautiful place in the summer, not anything special in terms of camping but it is a great place. Nice bathrooms, lots of hikes super close, and visitor center. It is usually pretty busy so definitely make a reservation.

Classic North Cascades spot 

Wonderful site tucked away in the North Cascades. Although it was a busy site, everyone was conscious of their noise levels as they enjoyed their time. 
You’ll need to travel quite far to find another lake that rivals the beauty of Diablo and the surrounding area. 
Camp layouts vary greatly so it will pay off to investigate the better sites for your return trips. 


Stunning and relaxing

FYI, there is 130+ campsites here, and every one of them were packed to the brim. I saw reservations people made for a whole week! This is not a free campground, unless you find an open spot which is almost impossible. And if someone reserves last minute they can kick you out. A lot of families here with rowdy kids. If you're fine with that then it may suit you. It probably depends on what camping experience you want. I'm from out of state, solo, and free camp. I guess based on reviews here i didnt fully gather how packed it is here. There arent many other free camping choices around. I thankfully found an open spot at another camp that didnt get snatched from me. 

All is to say. Either reserve a place or stress out finding an open spot, dont expect privacy, and have a backup plan! 

Also, i was here on a thursday and it was soooo packed still. I got there at 4pm and no room. 

Too busy, not enough privacy, loud families

(Stayed 9/ 20) 
North Cascades' campgrounds are free in the off season, however they fill up FAST. ALL of the available spaces were taken in all of the remaining open off season sites. Colonial is mostly closed and only allows walk in sites. A group of vans and cars all slept in the parking lot due to lack of any other option. No trouble from any rangers but I'm not sure how legit it is. Pit toilets were open, all running water is shut off during off season 

Free in off season BUT

(Stayed 9/21)
North Casacdes' campsites are free during off season but they are VERY LIMITED. We got this one the moment someone pulled out of it, and the night before we had slept in a parking lot at Colonial Creek because literally every available spot in the park was taken. If you get a spot, it's fantastic but God speed!

Great BUT

1 star removed for the horrific traffic noise from large semis revving engines to get up the hill.

Otherwise, very clean sites with good access to nearby hikes, lakes, etc.

Clean campground with great access

We had a walk in site. Disappointingly, it wasn’t very private. If you’re going to have to haul your gear, you should at least be rewarded with a private site. Regular sites are worse- all on top of each other.

My eternal complaint that national parks have miserable bathrooms was true here, too. At least there was some hand soap, though.

Decent camp

I’ve stayed here a couple of times in the last few years. The sites are spacious and private. The restrooms are well maintained. 

Great base camp

The campground is nice with clean bathrooms. Lots of trails for hiking. 

Photos of Colonial Creek North Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area

Real photos from real campers