Colonial Creek South Campground and surrounding sites experience temperature ranges from 34°F at night to 69°F during summer days. Campsites at 1,200-4,000 feet elevation sit amidst steep mountains with limited cell service. The region's dense forests limit sunlight at many sites, keeping temperatures cool even during mid-summer.
What to do
Kayaking at Diablo Lake: Access the turquoise waters directly from Colonial Creek North Campground, where camping puts you minutes from launching points. "Kayaking was rough as the winds were strong while we were here," notes Jess G., adding that conditions are best in mornings when winds are calmer.
Winter stargazing: Experience spectacular night skies during colder months at Colonial Creek South Campground. "It's deserted in winter, and it's located right before where the highway closes off in winter... on a cold winter night, the stars are spectacular," shares Danielle S., who recommends listening for "ice cracking all night" on the lake.
Hiking to Hidden Lake: A moderate 9-mile round-trip trail near Marble Creek Campground offers exceptional views. "I spent one morning just sitting in the creek (which was still cold in August) sipping a local brew," reports Ethan A., who used the campground as a base for hiking Hidden Lake and Cascade Pass trails.
What campers like
Beachfront privacy: Many campers prefer specific waterfront sites at Newhalem Campground for their seclusion. Taylor T. notes, "Snagged a beautiful spot on the river, made for great white noise to sleep to. Big trees made for a majestic spot and the site was private enough without requiring a long walk to water/bathrooms."
Walk-in sites away from crowds: Less-visited, more secluded walk-in sites offer better separation from other campers. At Colonial Creek North Campground, Sara P. recommends: "I would recommend the walk in sites over the drive up. Much more privacy and better access to the river at 3 out of 4 of the spots."
Off-season solitude: Visiting during shoulder seasons provides quieter experiences. Ross S. found that "Our camp spots were close to the lake. The cedar trees gave great cover from the rain. The trails around camp were well maintained" during off-season at Colonial Creek South Campground.
What you should know
Road noise varies by site: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds more than others. At Lone Fir Campground, Danielle S. warns, "This campground is located directly off Highway 20. As in, close enough that you will hear road noise anytime a car goes by," though she found the spacious sites compensated for this drawback.
Reservation challenges: Many campgrounds use multiple reservation systems with confusing policies. For Marble Creek Campground, "We had to take a chance with First Come First Serve... there's no access to the creek from the campground. There is, however, access to the Cascade River!" explains Bobby B., highlighting the importance of understanding site details.
Water access limitations: Despite names suggesting water proximity, not all sites have equal lake or river access. At Marble Creek, the camp host informed Danielle S. that site 3 "was the only spot with direct river access" despite the campground's riverside location.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water features: Families appreciate shallow river areas at Klipchuck Campground where children can explore safely. "The sites are nestled in between pines and other native vegetation. In the spring the wildflowers are scattered about," notes Judy T., who mentions hearing Early Winters Creek rather than highway noise.
Sites with natural boundaries: Select campsites with natural terrain features that create containment for children. "The site itself was fairly standard. There was a place to park our car, then a few steps up to the picnic and tent area," explains Danielle S., describing how elevation changes helped define spaces.
Pack extra layers year-round: Mountain temperatures fluctuate drastically, even in summer. "Keep warm clothes and rain gear as you are likely to get a bit of weather," advises Noelle K. from Colonial Creek North, where overnight lows can drop below 40°F even during July.
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions: Most dog-friendly campgrounds in North Cascades National Park limit RV size. At Colonial Creek South, Travis H. found it "Beautiful Campground for our class C. Great location if you plan on hiking around Diablo Lake," but larger rigs may struggle with tight turns and limited pull-through sites.
Limited hookups: Plan for boondocking as no full-hookup sites exist. "No showers. No cell reception is non-existent," Emma A. notes about Colonial Creek South, adding that camping lakeside provides "lots of privacy and incredible views of this amazing turquoise blue lake."
