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Best Tent Camping near North Cascades National Park

574 Reviews

Backcountry tent camping dominates the options near North Cascades National Park, Washington, with most sites requiring substantial hiking to access. Junction Camp, approximately 10 miles from Colonial Creek, and Sahale Glacier Camp provide established tent sites within the national park boundaries. Most areas feature primitive accommodations focused on minimal-impact camping, with fire restrictions common throughout the region. The backcountry campsites typically require permits obtained from the North Cascades Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount before overnight stays.

Visitors should plan for self-sufficient camping as most sites lack amenities. Many backcountry tent campgrounds feature communal cooking areas and bear boxes or require bear canisters for food storage. Campgrounds like Pelton Basin offer composting toilets, but others have no facilities. Water is generally available from nearby creeks or glacial melt, requiring treatment before consumption. Fire restrictions vary by location, with many high-elevation sites prohibiting fires entirely. Permits are required for all overnight stays, with some locations having limited availability during peak summer months.

Sites around Sahale Glacier Camp feature rock walls constructed to protect tent campers from frequent high winds at elevation. The alpine tent campgrounds provide direct access to extensive hiking networks, including connections to the Pacific Crest Trail near Harts Pass. Higher elevation campsites like Sahale Glacier Camp may retain snow well into summer, limiting accessibility. Lower elevation options along Thunder Creek provide easier access with substantial tree cover. A visitor noted that "Neve Camp has several sites that are all secluded from each other, with easy access to water and even fire rings." Weather conditions can change rapidly at higher elevations, making three-season tents with proper stakes essential for backcountry tent camping throughout the North Cascades region.

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Best Tent Sites Near North Cascades National Park (112)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near North Cascades National Park

38 Photos of 112 North Cascades National Park Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near North Cascades National Park

574 Reviews of 112 North Cascades National Park Campgrounds

  • H
    Oct. 13, 2024

    Goodell Creek Campground — North Cascades National Park

    Amazing find

    Came in mid October on a Saturday. First come first serve and no fee in the off season, despite being October, it was busy. Got a spot after driving a few loops around the campground and asked someone if they were leaving. Was able to put chairs in the site before they left to secure the spot. Nice picnic area along the river we hung out at while waiting for the site to open up. Safe enough to dip in the river. Very close to multiple hikes in North Cascades National Park. Pit toilets, picnic tables and fire rings available. No water in the off season. Had 3 bars of Verizon service. Lots of options for tents, trailers, or vans. Would definitely come back for off season camping.

  • B
    Jul. 9, 2017

    Marble Creek Campground

    Peaceful beauty!

    We stayed here on a Thursday through Sunday and enjoyed every day. Important to note there is no running water and no electricity and smaller RVs and smaller trailers will fit and that's it. It's really more of a tent camping place. There are 23 sites about three-quarters are reservable the rest first come first served $14 a night $7 for extra cars. Fire Rings picnic tables and nice pads for your tent in every site. The best ones of course are on the river side with number 9 and 12 being the prime reservable spots. There are two sets of bathrooms for the entire Loop so depending where you stay it can be quite a walk in the night! They are pit Vault toilets and original out houses complete with natural smell. The campground host keeps everything nice and clean. Firewood is sold in the camp ($6) but several places on the way in sell it for less from local people.

  • Andrea R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 18, 2019

    Colonial Creek North Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area

    Ranger Review: IceMule Cooler at Colonial Creek Campground.

    Campground Review: Colonial Creek Campground

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

    https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/255201

    Colonial Creek Campground, Diablo Lake Washington, is the prettiest place I've been to in Washington! Half the campground is reservation only, the other half is walk in. There is something like 176 total campsites, if I remember correctly. Each campsite is equipped with a large bear box, fire pit, picnic table and tent pad. The restrooms are large with flush toilets and sinks. There are no showers. Large bear proof trashcans, and water spigots are spread through each side of the campground. Thunder knob Trail starts on the south Campground and Thunder Creek trail is on the North campground. There is a fishing dock and a boat launch on the North campground. We stayed in site #15 which was great during the week. I felt this site offered zero privacy, the fire ring was positioned so you had to watch the road, the rest of the large site had a creek, but the trail went past our campsite, so a ton of people, familes, dogs, would all walk past our site. There is parking for the walk in sites right next to you, but those also take the trail. There is also nobody on the other side of you. So it gave a sense of privacy on a Wednesday, but not Friday-Sunday. At $16 a night, I felt it was great compared to other campsites. The beauty of this Campground and surrounding area is unparalleled. Would defiantly be back, but I would probably try for a more secluded site.

    Ranger review: Icemule Cooler

    https://icemulecoolers.com/collections/pro-coolers/products/the-icemule-pro-large

    As a ranger for the Dyrt, I sometimes get products in exchange for an honest review. Icemule coolers are perfection! This is the Large and it is huge! I was very surprised at the quality and size for the price. I love this cooler because it is super easy and comfortable to carry. No more big, heavy, bulky coolers to cart around. On this trip I used it as my main cooler. I froze 14 bottles of water to use as ice. I kept bacon, sausage, chicken, ground beef, hotdogs, butter, syrup and coffee creamer plus all the water bottles and soda in this bag. It was heavy, but held up to the challenge! It kept those bottles of water for 3 days before I had to buy ice. There is a compartment on the front for picnic supplies. I have also used this just as a dry bag. It's got great versatility and it even floats. I am 100% an Icemule cooler fan and recommend to anyone, whether a car camper or hiker, you will enjoy this cooler.

  • Douglas S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 1, 2019

    Red Bridge Campground

    Awesome campground in the beautiful Mount Baker National Forest

    The Red Bridge campground is on the very scenic Mountain loop Rd in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. It's a very beautiful drive. Nestled in some great trees, there are 13 sites with shade, right along the river. The camp host was very nice and sold firewood on site. There are no hook ups, and no water spigots so be sure to plan accordingly. There are bear proof trash cans and vault toilets available. Each site has a tent pad, picnic table and fire ring. This campground provides ample hiking, fishing and I saw people kayaking plus its not far to a hike to some glacier caves! Also check out the old red trestle bridge just outside of the campground. At $15 a night you have to see this place. 
    I highly recommend Red Bridge campground.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2023

    Pearrygin Lake State Park Campground

    Lake and mountains!

    General: A variety of different campsites in two sections ranging from economy to basic to popular, with and without hookups, and priced according to peak or non-peak season. There are also three cabins and two group camp areas. 

    Site Quality: We are happy we were able to book a basic tent site with our campervan (there were more than a few others with RVs in these sites). Parking was on grass and not completely level, but we made it work. Each site had a picnic table and fire ring (although there was a fire ban in effect when we were there). The sites with utilities had paved camper pads. 

    Bath/Shower house: Clean with soap and air dryers. The showers are free but you are asked to not use more than three button pushes. My shower in the afternoon was completely COLD and I am not sure if it was the time of day, the particular shower, or user error. My husband’s shower got hot midway through. 

    Activities/Amenities: All things water-based including jet skis, water skiing, kayaking, SUP, and fishing. There is also a boat wash. There are also numerous trails used for hiking, running, and mountain biking. Other activities include volleyball and horseshoes.

    Despite my cold shower and the fact that state parks are becoming increasingly pricy (with reservation and out-of-state fees, we paid $ 77 for two nights for a tent site), we enjoyed our stay here.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2023

    Newhalem Creek Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area

    Great NPS campground

    General: Camping in three loops plus walk-in tent sites and a group site (closed when we were there). No hookups of any kind. I was surprised that we had such good cell coverage (Verizon) but am guessing the proximity to the town of Newhalem is why. 

    Site Quality: Nicely wooded with decent separation. Some were back in, and some were pull-through. All were level with a paved camper pad. The sites in Loops A and B have tent platforms (didn’t see them in Loop C); all have a fire pit (but there was a burn ban), a large picnic table, and a bear box. 

    Bathhouse: The one in the A loop was very clean. There are no showers. No paper towels or air dryer so make sure to bring your towel. 

    Activities: Daily programs at Visitor Center 12:30 and 4:00 pm. It is about a half-mile walk via the River Loop to get to the Visitor Center (farther from Loop C) where you can get information on hikes and there is a small store and interpretive center. The proximity of the Visitor Center was appreciated due to the recent fires and not knowing what was open and what was not. The River Loop is approximately 2 miles and is accessed between the A and B Loops. You can also hike to Ladder Creek Falls. The gardens have been neglected for some time, but the falls are worth it. (You can also drive to the town of Newhalem to get to the falls). 

    We have been in many National Park campgrounds that have been outsourced and have been disappointed, so we were very glad to find this one still maintained by the NPS and at a very reasonable rate ($12 with senior pass).

  • H
    Oct. 13, 2024

    Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp

    Quiet camp with great views

    Arrived around 4pm on a Friday and there were a few spots left. Pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables available. No water. Got a spot with lake and Mountain View’s. Very small, quiet, stunning campground. Felt safe. We have a rooftop tent, not many sites with large enough spots to park trailers or vans. Mostly tent sites that are walk in. Mostly open, some sites in the forest. Had one bar of Verizon service. Would stay again!

  • J
    Jun. 25, 2019

    Howard Miller Steelhead County Park

    Mountain View

    Spacious sites with beautiful Mountain View’s. RV sites equipped with water & electric hookup. Nice clean gravel sites with fire ring & picnic tables.
    20 miles to North Cascades National Park.

  • Kathee M.
    Jul. 29, 2018

    Lone Fir Campground

    Forested Campground

    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. After a long day, cool off in the creek. There are tent only and RV sites, dirt pads, paved roads, and plenty of shade.

Guide to North Cascades National Park

Tent camping near North Cascades National Park offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning natural beauty, with a variety of campgrounds catering to outdoor enthusiasts.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • The Sahale Glacier Camp features rock walls around campsites to shield against heavy winds, ensuring a comfortable stay in the alpine environment.
  • At Bridge Creek Campground, campers can enjoy designated fire areas and proximity to a creek, perfect for a cozy evening by the water.
  • The Pelton Basin offers a beautiful backcountry setting with a composting toilet and easy access to water from a nearby creek.

Local activities for outdoor enthusiasts

  • Campers at Rainbow Point can enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and explore nearby trails, making it a great spot for hiking and swimming.
  • The Neve Camp is an excellent base for hiking the Thunder Creek Trail, where you can discover diverse wildlife and stunning river views.
  • Those staying at Harts Pass Campground can embark on the Pacific Crest Trail, offering a challenging yet rewarding hiking experience.

Tips for tent camping near North Cascades National Park

  • Arrive early at the Junction Camp to secure one of the limited sites with glacier views, as they can fill up quickly during peak season.
  • Be prepared for bugs at Weaver Point Boat-in Camp; bringing bug spray is essential for a comfortable stay.
  • If you plan to visit Cat Island, consider renting a canoe for a scenic boat-in experience, as this campground is only accessible by water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What permits do I need for tent camping in North Cascades National Park?

Backcountry camping in North Cascades National Park requires permits for all overnight stays. Advanced reservations through the National Park Service permit system are mandatory for backcountry sites like Cougar Island — Ross Lake National Recreation Area. The permitting system helps manage visitor numbers during peak season and ensures you'll have a spot. For day use at trailheads like Baker Lake, you'll need a Discovery Pass (approximately $10 per day). Some campsites, such as Weaver Point Boat-in Camp in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, don't require permits but can get crowded. Check the park's official website for current permit information and reservation details.

What facilities and amenities are available at North Cascades National Park tent campgrounds?

Facilities at North Cascades tent campgrounds vary widely by location. Purple Point Campground — Lake Chelan National Recreation Area offers clean bathrooms with running water, good tent pads, firepits with grates, trash disposal, dish sinks, bear boxes, and potable water. Nearby shower and laundry facilities are available in Stehekin Village. Spencers Camp — Ross Lake National Recreation Area provides tent pads, bear boxes, picnic tables, a shared outhouse, and a small dock. Most backcountry sites include tent pads and some form of toilet facility. Many sites like Maple Grove and Junction Camp feature fire pits, though not all. Bear boxes are common throughout the park for safe food storage. Water typically comes from nearby streams or lakes and should be filtered.

Where are the best tent camping spots in North Cascades National Park?

North Cascades offers diverse tent camping experiences ranging from backcountry to lakeside sites. Junction Camp — North Cascades National Park is a gorgeous backcountry option about 10 miles from Colonial Creek, featuring firepits, a privy, and easy water access from Thunder Creek. For lake views, Thunder Point Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area offers boat-in sites with stunning scenery on Diablo Lake. Other excellent options include Sahale Glacier Camp for alpine views, Cottonwood Camp for riverside camping, and Maple Grove Campsites with their beautiful setting under Big Leaf Maple trees, accessible via a scenic 4-mile hike from the trailhead.

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