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Camping near North Cascades National Park

627 Reviews

Camping near North Cascades National Park puts you in one of Washington's most rugged mountain areas with options for different comfort levels. Colonial Creek South Campground has sites scattered among big cedar trees that give good shade and keep campers from feeling too crowded. Each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring, and there are pit toilets nearby, though you'll need to bring your own water if you visit outside the main season. The park has lots of trails where you might see black bears, deer, and many types of birds while hiking. You'll need to store your food properly in bear-proof containers to avoid attracting wildlife to your campsite. Some campgrounds in the area feel more private than others, with certain sites tucked back in thicker forest sections. Goodell Creek Campground works well if you want something less rustic - it's close to the visitor center and you can get to many trailheads easily from there. The weather can change quickly in the North Cascades, so check the forecast right before you go. Both tent and trailer campers find good spots throughout the North Cascades region.

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Best Camping Sites Near North Cascades National Park (246)

    1. Colonial Creek South Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area

    44 Reviews
    Marblemount, WA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 854-7200

    $24 / night

    "This is by far the nicest campground in North Cascades National Park that one can drive to. "

    "I generally enjoyed this location in North Cascades National Park. It is a beautiful area with hikes nearby and chilly swimming. Mosquitos weren’t bad which was a relief."

    2. Klipchuck Campground

    23 Reviews
    Mazama, WA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 996-4000

    $20 / night

    "We headed out to North Cascades National Park for a close to home camping getaway on Labor Day Weekend. "

    "Nestled just short distance off the main highway through this area, the Klipchuck campground is remote feeling and quiet. Sites here are beautiful with tall trees and lush greenery."

    3. Colonial Creek North Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area

    15 Reviews
    Marblemount, WA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 854-7200

    $24 / night

    "Campground Review: Colonial Creek Campground

    https://thedyrt.com/camping/washington/washington-colonial-creek

    [https://www.recreation.gov"

    "Not a short drive by any means to get there but worth the trouble. Family camped in spot number 1 which is a walk-in. Def recommend this one."

    4. Goodell Creek Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area

    27 Reviews
    Marblemount, WA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 854-7200

    $24 - $75 / night

    "Close to the North Cascades National Park Visitor’s Center and some easy hiking trails. A few spots for larger trailers/campers. Cost=$16. First come, first served, iron ranger."

    "The sound of the river and richness of the forests, along with the proximity to the Visitor Center and some easier hikes, combine to make Newhalem a convenient stopping point for me as I crossed the North"

    5. Lone Fir Campground

    9 Reviews
    Mazama, WA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 996-4000

    "The campground is surrounded by mountains and is located along Early Winters Creek. It’s a great home base to hike the many trails throughout the North Cascades National Park."

    " This campground is located directly off Highway 20. As in, close enough that you will hear road noise anytime a car goes by. But aside from that one downside, this campground is pretty great."

    6. Junction Camp — North Cascades National Park

    3 Reviews
    North Cascades National Park, WA
    7 miles
    Website

    "This is the perfect site for a large group, but it also has quite a few smaller “tucked away” spots for individuals, couples, etc."

    "Along Thunder-creek trail Junction is tucked away about 10 miles in."

    7. Sahale Glacier Camp — North Cascades National Park

    3 Reviews
    North Cascades National Park, WA
    10 miles
    Website

    "This is the perfect site for a medium sized group, with a number of “tucked away” spots for individuals, couples, etc."

    "There’s a pit toilet, and the sites have rock walls built around them because this area is known to get heavy winds."

    8. Fisher Camp — North Cascades National Park

    1 Review
    North Cascades National Park, WA
    0 miles
    Website

    "This is the perfect site for a medium sized group, with a number of “tucked away” spots for individuals, couples, etc."

    9. Newhalem Creek Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area

    12 Reviews
    Marblemount, WA
    19 miles
    Website

    $24 / night

    "Sites are somewhat close to one another, so definitely hear your neighbors, but it is what it is. Bearproof food locker at every single site. (We didn’t use them as we are mostly self-contained)."

    "General: Camping in three loops plus walk-in tent sites and a group site (closed when we were there). No hookups of any kind."

    10. Marble Creek Campground

    10 Reviews
    Marblemount, WA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (360) 804-1103

    $32 - $68 / night

    "It's nice and tucked away off the highway. Lots of space between sites which was awesome. Clean restrooms. No water, so make sure to plan ahead on that front."

    "Washington is the definition of amazing hiking. The mountains are gorgeous, and the hiking views are hard to beat. The "North Cascades" is a little piece of heaven."

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Recent Camping Photos near North Cascades National Park

237 Photos of 246 North Cascades National Park Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near North Cascades National Park

627 Reviews of 246 North Cascades National Park Campgrounds

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Skagit River RV & Camping

    Nice after a day in North Cascades National Park

    Pretty small and quiet campground. Great views. The bathrooms are clean, but the showers are tiny, and not great for tall or chubby people.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite

    Peaceful, but somehow also crowded

    Spots are not near each other so you get privacy that way. A lot of through traffic because of the hikes nearby and the sites are right on the road. A TON of mosquitos so bring your spray!

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    NF 33 Dispersed Camping

    NF 33 Dispersed Camping

    A handful of dispersed sites along this national forest road. A couple sites are near the river/creek, but most are just off the road. Not great, but nice in a pinch or if you're looking to hike the Cougar Divide at the end of this road. The road does get much rougher the further you go, so not big-rig friendly nor for low-clearance vehicles or vehicles with bald/old tires. No amenities nor cell service.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Howard Miller Steelhead County Park

    Howard Miller Steelhead County Park

    Quite expensive for a county park ($40/night) but the hosts are sweethearts, the bathrooms/showers were clean, and the park itself is well-maintained and cared for. Also, good cell service.

  • Eric O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Panorama Point Campground

    Absurd price and no running water

    $37 per night for a standard campsite. No running water at the moment.

  • Eric O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite

    All things considered, good spot

    Many pull offs along the gravel road. Stayed at one that was overlooking the lake. Lots of spots with easy lake access.

    Pros: free, good views, easy to get to, plenty of spots (even on Labor Day), fire rings.

    Cons: some spots have lots of trash (please remember leave no trace), most spots are along the gravel road so there are cars passing by every once in a while and sometimes they go by quite quickly kicking up lots of dust.

    All things considered, pretty good spot and would stay again.

  • Eric O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Klipchuck Campground

    Great spot

    Many available spots, even on a Sunday prior to Labor Day. Campsite cost is $20 per night plus $2 in fees. Each site was very clean, with picnic table, fire pit, and a pretty flat tent pad. Pit toilets were very well maintained, and water spigots were at every other site. Would come again, highly recommend. Only payment option is to “Scan & Pay” where you scan the QR code with the recreation.gov app and you get a confirmation number, which you write down on your site post (once you get service the app will charge your card). No cash options afaik.

  • andrew The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Skagit River RV & Campground

    Super Casual

    No frills camping if you don’t count FHU availability. The campground has a bunch of tent campers in and out. The laundry is fine with 3-4 machines of each. There is a dish cleaning station for the tent campers. The bathhouse was fine but I used my trailer because of all the tent campers. The sites are large and grassy. A little unlevel but no big deal. The views were awesome. Access to the park and Diablo Lake was no problem. Bring all your groceries, not much in way of stores in area. Would definitely stay again.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    Bayview Campground (Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, WA)

    Bayview Campground

    24 fairly private sites, clean vault toilets (but a bit buggy when you lift the lid), and a beautiful day use area with a pavilion and a trail system that connects with Horseshoe Cove Campground. We stayed for a couple days before Labor Day weekend and all the sites were full (both before and during the weekend, according to the dates on the Reserved signs.) Camp host was very active and friendly. No cell service, despite having a booster. Friend's Starlink struggled a bit here with the trees.

Guide to North Cascades National Park

Camping near North Cascades National Park, Washington, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Hiking: The area is packed with trails for all skill levels. At Colonial Creek South Campground, one visitor noted, "Each site has its own bear boxes and the bathrooms were pretty clean," making it a great base for exploring nearby hikes.
  • Swimming: If you’re looking to cool off, head to the lake. A reviewer at Goodell Creek Campground mentioned, "You can swim in the lake, there is a boat launch and there is a hiking trail across the street."
  • Fishing: The rivers and lakes are perfect for fishing. A camper at Marble Creek Campground shared, "There is access to the Cascade River from the campground, and we had a great time hanging out at the beach."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One visitor at Pearrygin Lake State Park Campground said, "It's got mountain views while camping lakeside."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A reviewer at Howard Miller Steelhead County Park remarked, "This is the cleanest, prettiest, best maintained campground I’ve stayed at."
  • Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites. A visitor at Klipchuck Campground noted, "Most sites are relatively private, 2 tiered with tables/fire pits above or below the parking area."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack certain conveniences. A camper at Newhalem Creek Campground mentioned, "No hookups of any kind," so be prepared to rough it a bit.
  • Bear Safety: Wildlife is a real concern. One visitor at Colonial Creek North Campground expressed frustration about the "cavalier attitude to bear safety" they observed during their stay.
  • Busy Weekends: Expect crowds, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Colonial Creek South Campground said, "Lots of people come into the park on the weekends from Seattle."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Winthrop/N. Cascades National Park KOA noted, "A very kid-friendly place to stay as well."
  • Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for family gatherings. One camper at Alpine RV Park & Campground mentioned, "Spots were exactly level so had to spend time leveling the camper."
  • Safety First: Always keep an eye on the kids, especially near water. A visitor at Marble Creek Campground highlighted the importance of being cautious, saying, "There is access to the Cascade River from the campground."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Newhalem Creek Campground mentioned, "I think it may have just been the campground I stayed at, but mine was very very small."
  • Plan for No Hookups: Many campgrounds don’t offer electric or water hookups. A camper at Goodell Creek Campground noted, "This is a primitive campground with no hook-ups."
  • Arrive Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A visitor at Klipchuck Campground advised, "Get there early or it will be hard to find a spot for an RV."

Camping near North Cascades National Park, Washington, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but being prepared will make your experience even better!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best campgrounds in North Cascades National Park?

Colonial Creek South Campground is widely considered the best drive-in campground in North Cascades National Park. Located on the shores of the stunning turquoise Diablo Lake, it offers incredible views and water access. The lakeside sites provide privacy and some feature their own beach access. For those seeking a backcountry experience, Junction Camp is an excellent option. This gorgeous backcountry campground includes fire pits and a privy, with easy access to water from Thunder Creek. It's located about 10 miles south of Colonial Creek Campground, making it accessible as a day hike or overnight adventure for more experienced campers looking to escape the crowds.

Where can I find camping near North Cascades National Park if the park campgrounds are full?

When North Cascades National Park campgrounds are full, several excellent alternatives are available nearby. Rasar State Park Campground offers clean bathrooms with showers and is just a short drive from the park with easy access to the Skagit River. Another great option is Howard Miller Steelhead County Park, located about 20 miles from the park entrance with spacious sites, mountain views, and convenient amenities. This riverside campground also features a playground and serves as an excellent jumping-off point for park adventures. Additional options include Klipchuck Campground and Swift Creek Campground, which provide alternatives when the main park facilities reach capacity.

Are there RV-friendly campgrounds in and around North Cascades National Park?

Yes, several RV-friendly options exist in and around North Cascades National Park. Lone Fir Campground accommodates RVs with paved roads and dedicated sites, offering a perfect home base for exploring the park. Surrounded by mountains and located along Early Winters Creek, it provides shade and scenic beauty. Newhalem Creek Campground is another RV-accessible option with reservable sites, water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. For those wanting hookups, Howard Miller Steelhead County Park provides water and electric connections with clean gravel sites, fire rings, and picnic tables, located just 20 miles from the park entrance. Most RV sites in the area are better suited for smaller to mid-sized rigs.

Which specific campgrounds in North Cascades National Park are most popular?

Colonial Creek South Campground consistently ranks as the most popular campground in North Cascades National Park due to its exceptional lakeside location and amenities. Its popularity stems from its accessibility via the main road and spectacular views of Diablo Lake. Goodell Creek Campground is another sought-after destination, particularly for its wooded, private sites along the Skagit River. It offers water spigots, picnic areas, a boat launch for kayaks and rafts, and basic facilities. During peak season, these campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. In the off-season (October onwards), Goodell Creek operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no fees, though it remains popular even in autumn.

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