Camper submitted image from Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area - 3
Roads
Camper submitted image from Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area - 4
Activities
Camper submitted image from Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area - 5
Buildings

Established Camping

Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area

Gorge Lake Campground, near Sedro-Woolley, Washington, is a cozy spot that offers a fantastic lakeside experience. With sites that boast stunning water views, it’s a great place to unwind and soak in the natural beauty.

The campground features clean vault toilets and ample space between sites, allowing for a bit of privacy while still being part of a friendly community. Campers have noted the easy access to nearby hiking trails and the chance to explore the surrounding wilderness, making it a hit for those who love the outdoors. One visitor mentioned, “Almost every site in this campground has an amazing water view,” which really captures the essence of this place.

For those who enjoy fishing or boating, there’s a boat ramp right at the campground, making it super convenient to get out on the water. While there are no showers or water hookups, many campers appreciate the simplicity and charm of the area. As one reviewer put it, “This campground is so beautiful by and on the lake,” highlighting the serene atmosphere.

Located within the North Cascades National Park, Gorge Lake Campground is a perfect base for exploring the park’s rugged beauty. Just a short drive from Sedro-Woolley, you can easily stock up on supplies if needed. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer adventure, this campground offers a welcoming spot to enjoy nature and make lasting memories.

Description

National Park Service

North Cascades National Park

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.

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

Location

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

Detail location of campground

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

Open in Google Maps

Is Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More

Access

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

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

50%
34%
0%
0%
17%

4.0

out of 5

6 Reviews

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
  • Review photo of Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area by K O., June 2, 2021
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.

  • Review photo of Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area by Shannon K., August 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area by Shannon K., August 12, 2020
  • Review photo of Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area by Shannon K., August 12, 2020
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!

  • Review photo of Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area by Natalie B., October 1, 2018
  • Review photo of Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area by Natalie B., October 1, 2018
  • Review photo of Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area by Natalie B., October 1, 2018
  • (8) View All
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
  • Review photo of Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area by Jess G., September 20, 2018
  • Review photo of Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area by Jess G., September 20, 2018
  • Review photo of Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area by Jess G., September 20, 2018
  • (10) View All
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.

  • Review photo of Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area by Shari  G., August 31, 2016
  • Review photo of Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area by Shari  G., August 31, 2016
  • Review photo of Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area by Shari  G., August 31, 2016
  • (9) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is available.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area?

    There are 8 campsites at Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts