Map showing campground location near Marblemount, Washington

Camper submitted image from Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area

Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area

Six sites occupy a small peninsula on Gorge Lake, where the water resembles a flowing river due to the nearby dam. This free National Park Service campground sits just off Highway 20, though the sound of small rapids naturally masks most road noise. Each site includes a tent pad and picnic table, with vault toilets and trash collection provided but no potable water.

Most sites face the water directly, offering unobstructed lake views from camp chairs and tents. The boat launch provides direct access for fishing and kayaking, with Jess G. noting the "boat launch accessible to access gorge lake." Sites sit close together with limited privacy screening, though the compact layout tends to attract like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and fills quickly on summer weekends.

Sourdough Mountain trailhead begins nearby, climbing 3,000 feet in the first three miles for those seeking a challenging day hike. The adjacent company town of Diablo provides emergency supplies if needed. For additional options in the region, campers can explore places to camp around Marblemount or check nearby Colonial Creek North Campground.

Bring water filtration equipment and arrive early during peak season to secure a waterfront site.

Description

Overview

Gorge Lake Campground is a small, primitive campground with 8 sites. The campground is set on a steep bank overlooking Gorge Lake. The sites are small and do not accommodate large RVs or trailers. There is an accessible boat ramp at the lower end of the campground.

Recreation

The campground has an accessible boat launch and small dock. This boat launch is not recommended for large powerboats. Ideal for canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and small power boats. Practice boating safety while on the water. Fishing is allowed in Gorge Lake with a Washington State Fishing license. The nearest location to purchase a license is in the town of Marblemount, WA. Follow Washington State Fishing Regulations when recreating. Hiking and other recreation opportunities can be found across the park. 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

Primitive camp with no water or services. Bring water and pack out all trash. Vault toilets. Gathering firewood is prohibited. Firewood is available outside the park. Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring, and some sites have tent pads.

Natural Features

Gorge Lake Campground is a minimally forested campground with surrounding views of the Gorge Lake. At an elevation of 900 this campground experiences bouts of powerful winds from the Fraser Valley Outflow.

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 7.5 miles (12 km) west on State Route 20 from Gorge Lake Campground, operating seasonally, typically from May to September. Campers can find the passport stamps, exhibits, park film, park store, and much more. Traveling east on State Route 20: Diablo Lake Overlook is 6.5 miles (10 km) east on State Route 20. There is ample day use parking and vault toilets. Ross Lake Overlook is 10 miles (16 km) east on State Route 20, this is a less developed vista point. There are two pull off areas with interpretive way sides and with views of the Ross Dam and the Ross Lake.

Suggest an Edit

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Gorge Lake Campground remains closed until further notice due to debris flow and flooding hazards following the 2023 Sourdough Fire.

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Location

Public Campground

Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area is located in Washington

Directions

Located just outside the community of Diablo, north of SR 20 at mile post 126. 20 miles (32 km) east of Marblemount, 67 miles (108 km) west of Winthrop.

Address

GORGE LAKE CAMPGROUND C/O NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMPLEX 810 STATE ROUTE 20
Sedro-woolley, WA 98284

Coordinates

48.71571285 N
121.151532366 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 3/13/26
Verizon
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AT&T
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Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verified by 1 user
Last on 3/13/26
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

Trash
Picnic Table
Phone Service
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

Reservations

+18774446777

Drive Time

1 hr 26 min from Mount Vernon, WA
1 hr 39 min from Bellingham, WA
2 hrs 13 min from Seattle, WA
4 hrs 58 min from Wenatchee, WA

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4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

Campers regularly cited the beautiful lakefront sites with excellent water views and clean facilities including vault toilets and boat launch. Limited privacy between sites was noted, though road noise is minimal due to natural sound barriers.

K O.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 2, 2021

Awesome Sites!

Almost every site in this campground has an amazing water view. Nice and small, private, ample parking, clean bathrooms (vault toilet) and easy to get to town if you forgot supplies. Lots of tiny spots to explore nearby the water. Plenty of space between sites, but you can definitely see other campers.

SiteSite 4, 5

Month of VisitJune

Shannon K.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 12, 2020

A great place

This campground is so beautiful by and on the lake. Excellent hike and privacy in each lot. Clean bathrooms and great host.

Thurman G.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 29, 2020

No longer free

This campground is now listing at $10 night

Natalie B.

Legend

Reviewed Oct. 1, 2018

Cozy campground

Smaller campground with 6 sites on a peninsula in the lake. Boat ramp at the campground, great if you are fishing. There are restrooms only, but these sites are free! Less privacy here since it is right off the road, but a little more sun than other campgrounds that have tree cover which is wonderful if it's raining or snowing!

(8) View All

Jess G.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 20, 2018

Blink and you'll miss this spot

Small turn around kind of spot, 6 sites with tent pads and picnic tables. 1 vault toilet. Boat launch accessible to access gorge lake. Which I will say was more like a river due to the dam near by. Even though this site is right off the highway the noise isn’t too bad since you’re right on the water. The sites are pretty close together so I wouldn’t say theres much privacy at this camp ground but its free and I will be back. Right by diablo lake!

Month of VisitSeptember

(10) View All

Shari G.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2016

Free and Beautiful!

Great little quiet spot on Gorge Lake, just on the edge of the Seattle City Light company town, Diablo. It’s one of the only free NPS-run camping area with clean pit toilets, trash/recycling, and a boat launch that I have ever seen. No water spigots, but if you come prepared with a filtration system, you have all the water you need from Gorge Lake. Not much privacy between sites, but tends to attract some cool people. Just seconds off Hwy 20, but you do not hear the road as the small rapids just near the campground naturally drowned out most noise. This the perfect spot for a few days or just an overnight on your way over Washington Pass. Great hiking in the area, including one of the most steep roadside hikes in the park. Sourdough Mountain is no joke, with 3000 feet of elevation gain in the first 3 miles. Cost=free! No permit required, no reservation possible, just good ol’ fashioned first come, first served. Like all car-camping spots within North Cascade NP this place fills up on the weekends during the summer.

(9) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Gorge Lake Campground located in Washington?

Gorge Lake Campground is located on the edge of Diablo, a Seattle City Light company town in Washington's North Cascades. The campground sits on a peninsula in Gorge Lake within the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. It's conveniently positioned right off the highway, making it easily accessible for visitors while still providing beautiful lakeside views. The location offers a good balance of seclusion while maintaining proximity to town for supplies if needed.

What's the difference between camping at Gorge Lake vs Ross Lake in the National Recreation Area?

Gorge Lake Campground offers a more intimate experience with just 6 sites situated on a peninsula with excellent water views. It's a quieter, smaller alternative to the more extensive camping options at Ross Lake. Gorge Lake feels more like a river due to the nearby dam, while Ross Lake provides a true lake experience. Gorge Lake Campground is accessible directly from the highway with a small fee, making it ideal for spontaneous trips. The campground's proximity to Diablo (the Seattle City Light company town) provides convenient access to supplies while still enjoying the natural setting of the National Recreation Area.

What amenities and facilities are available at Gorge Lake Campground?

Gorge Lake Campground features 6 sites with tent pads and picnic tables, each offering ample privacy despite the campground's small size. Facilities include clean vault toilets, trash and recycling services. There's no potable water available on-site, so campers should bring their own water or filtration systems. The campground provides adequate parking space for vehicles. Each site has good spacing between neighbors, though you can still see other campers. While the campground is near the highway, noise isn't significant due to the water proximity. There's a small fee per night to camp here.

Is there boat access or fishing available at Gorge Lake?

Yes, Gorge Lake Campground has a boat launch directly at the campground, making it an excellent base for fishing activities. The lake, which feels more like a river due to the nearby dam, is accessible right from the campground. The peninsula setting gives campers great water access with tiny spots to explore along the shoreline. This setup is particularly convenient for anglers who want to maximize their time on the water while having a comfortable campsite to return to.

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