Fishing and kayaking draw campers to Goodell Creek Campground, where the Skagit River runs close enough to several sites that water access is a consistent draw. Site 5 gets mentioned by multiple visitors for its proximity to both the creek and the river. The campground sits within forested terrain along Highway 20, with moss-covered trees surrounding individual sites that are spacious and well-spaced from one another.
Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring with grill grate, flat gravel tent pad, and a bear box. Several water spigots are distributed through the campground during the warmer months, though water is shut off in the off-season. Pit toilets remain available year-round. Verizon users report 1 to 3 bars of cell coverage, which is worth noting for those planning to stay connected. The campground accommodates RVs up to 56 feet and has water hookups, making it a workable stop for camping near Ross Lake National Recreation Area in a range of rig sizes.
Seasonal patterns affect both cost and crowd levels. The $20 fee applies during the spring and summer season; the campground is free and first-come, first-served in the off-season, though it can still fill up on fall weekends. Upper Goodell Group Campground — North Cascades National Park is just down the road for larger parties. "Tuff to do anything here besides hiking/fishing," notes Kevin B., which is an honest summary for anyone expecting a full-service setup. Anglers, paddlers, and hikers with self-sufficient gear will find the most value here.
Description
Overview
Goodell Creek 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, Goodell Creek 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 - #13 are available for reservations 6 months in advance. Campsites #14 - #19 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. Goodell Creek Campground is open as first-come, first-served before and after the peak season, from January through late May, and early September through December of each year. The campground is a small, yet comfortable facility close to the town of Newhalem along the Skagit River. It is surrounded by forests that that can be explored through the area's many hiking trails. The campground has 19 individual campsites. It is private and secluded, yet the town, a visitor center and other amenities are close by.
Recreation
Campers can walk to several of Newhalem's hiking trails from the connecting trail to the Newhalem Campground. The creek and river are popular for fishing, and boating access is available from the raft launch at the campground. Black bears 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.
Facilities
The campground is set along the Skagit River. The entire facility offers drinking water, vault toilets, trash and recycling, and paved roads. Each campsite includes a bear box for food storage, a picnic table, and a fire ring.
Natural Features
The campground has a shaded forested canopy with western redcedar, western hemlock, Douglas-fir, wild red huckleberries, and other native shrubs. Nearby is Newhalem Creek and the Skagit River. The river is the largest river that flows into the Puget Sound area and provides critical habitat for all species of Pacific salmon. The river drains cold, clean glacial meltwater from the mountains of British Columbia and northern Washington. Bald eagles return to its shores every winter.
Nearby Attractions
The North Cascades Visitor Center is nearby and operates seasonally, typically from May to September. Visitors can find the passport stamp, exhibits, park film, gift store, and much more. The town of Newhalem is a short walk from the campsites, there visitors will find a general store and information center operated by Seattle City Light.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (360) 854-7200.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Effective Monday, June 29, 2026, campfires or the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans, and barbeque grills, are banned in all portions of North Cascades National Park Service Complex. This applies to anything that produces ash, including charcoal grills. Propane fire pits are not allowed during the ban.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsGoodell Creek Campground is located in Washington near Marblemount
Directions
Goodell Creek Campground is located at milepost 119 on State Route 20. From Burlington, WA, drive 60 miles (97 km) east on State Route 20. The west entrance to the park is at milepost 112. From Twisp, WA, drive 82 miles (132 km) west on State Route 20.
Coordinates
48.673 N
121.267 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/21/26
VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 56 usersLast on 7/21/26
AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 58 usersLast on 7/21/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/21/26
- VerizonLTEGood CoverageVerified by 56 usersLast on 7/21/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 58 usersLast on 7/21/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 14 min from Mount Vernon, WA
- 1 hr 27 min from Bellingham, WA
- 2 hrs 1 min from Seattle, WA
- 3 hrs 48 min from Wenatchee, WA
