Near Hamilton, Washington, several campgrounds offer access to Baker Lake, North Cascades wilderness trails, and mountain views. The area sits at the junction of the Skagit and Baker rivers, with elevations ranging from 200-600 feet at most campsites. Summer temperatures typically reach 70-85°F during camping season, with cooler nights in spring and fall.
What to do
Hike to Baker Hot Springs: Located across the road from Swift Creek Campground, this 3+ mile trail leads to popular natural hot springs. "My son and I spent one night here mid week. It is a solid camp ground, quiet and very clean. There are plenty of trails to explore and the lake is beautiful," notes Lucas.
Kayak Baker Lake: The pristine waters offer excellent paddling opportunities. "We've now stayed at this campground twice. It's a bit unique as half the sites are KOA and half are Thousand Trails, but both sections are serene, well maintained, and peaceful. We use this campground as a jumping off point for kayaking adventures into the North Cascades," shares a visitor at Thousand Trails Grandy Creek.
Fish for sockeye salmon: Baker Lake is known for its seasonal sockeye runs. "This is an incredible campground out on a peninsula on Baker Lake with views in all directions, including of Mt. Baker itself. This is not a big campground at all so make sure you reserve in advance. There are a good number of sites pretty close to the water and you can easily put your canoe in the water," reports Kim B.
What campers like
Private beach access: Multiple sites at Panorama Point Campground offer direct water access. "We camped in site 6 double site (best group site) and we loved it! We had our own access to the water and the fire pit is located with an excellent view of the mountains. They don't call it Panorama Point for nothing," writes Michelle G.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain well-kept amenities. "This is a very clean campground. Those responsible for it take a lot of pride in keeping the facility clean for all of us who enjoy camping. There are a ton of amenities here such as flush toilets, a boat ramp, drinking water, picnic areas, and handicap accessible sites," notes Carrie J. about Horseshoe Cove Campground.
Family-friendly activities: "This is one of the top campgrounds in our rotation. The sites are pretty spacious, lots of stuff for kids to do. This weekend there is a lollipop toss, ice cream social, candy bar bingo, and an outdoor movie. The jumping pillow has been repaired and is (new?) better than ever!" shares Kathy A.
What you should know
Limited amenities at some sites: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "The Thousand Trails property is convenient. Only 15 minutes away from town but you feel secluded. Close to a lot of great trails. Campsites are very close together with the exception of a few. Bathrooms are clean," explains Jeracha D.
Seasonal water availability: Some campgrounds have limited services during certain periods. "$37 per night for a standard campsite. No running water at the moment," reports Eric O. at Panorama Point.
Insects: "Very wooded, big and shady campsites. Just spectacular. Site 35 is a double lot - didn't know that when booking. It is a little bit more exposed than some of the other sites available but still had a lovely time," shares a camper about glamping near Hamilton, Washington.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming areas: Baker Lake offers designated swimming zones. "The swimming area is great for kids and adults, lots of places in the shade on the hill next to it with or without picnic tables, a few bathrooms nearby and water spigots," explains Lucas.
Security considerations: Military Park Jim Creek offers an extra level of safety. "Because of this and the base police roll through once or twice a day, I felt very safe compared to a state park or even a private campground. We camped Tuesday-Friday and even when it started filling up in Thursday, it was still super quiet at night. Quiet like not even bug sounds. That was wonderful," notes Christina F.
Kid-friendly glamping: Alternative accommodations work well for families. "The campsite is great for kids because of the amenities like the pool and other games. Good for people now into glamping. If you're looking for a 'nature' experience this isn't it. If you have a trailer or reserve a cabin is great," shares Stephanie P.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Not all sites offer complete services. "This is my first time using a thousand trails membership so I didn't know what to expect. The overall campground is nice with almost all of the sites being surrounded by trees or a view of the bay. But it was disappointing to find that the few sites that have a sewer connection were all taken and no way to know this in advance," advises Jeff M. at La Conner RV.
Concrete pads: Some sites feature improved parking areas. "The RV pads are double wide concrete pads about 50 feet long with full hook-ups. All sites include a fire pit, picnic table, and grill with ash bucket and grill cleaning brush," describes Christina F.
Cell service considerations: Coverage varies dramatically throughout the area. "ATT cell service is solid. I was able to use my phone as a hot spot and work a bit, too. BONUS!!" reports Kathy A. about the Grandy Creek area, while others note spotty service at other glamping locations near Hamilton.
