## 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 ][1] safety while on the water.\_\_\_\_ [Fishing][2] 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][3] and other recreation opportunities can be found across the park.\_\_\_\_ [Black bears][4] 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.\_\_\_\_ 

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

Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area

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.

Free and Beautiful!

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!

Blink and you'll miss this spot

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!

Cozy campground

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

A great place 

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.