Searching for a tent campsite near North Cascades National Park? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
Along Thunder Creek Trail, the first open view is from a 1970 burn at about 4.5 miles (7.2 km). Here an emerging forest of young Douglas-fir and a profusion of seed bearing herbs and shrubs attract birds, rodents and their predators. Across the valley, note a newer burn from lightning strikes in 1990. Rock cliffs and McAllister Glacier provide natural fire breaks and a splendid backdrop for this evolving forest scene. The next backcountry camps, McAllister hiker and stock, are located at mile 6.7 (10.8 km) and are a popular overnight destination. Pass the stock camp first, with a view from a high cliff down Thunder Creek. This view was created in the massive floods of 2003, when the river below shifted course significantly and carved into the cliff, suddenly bringing trail and hiker into much closer proximity to the creek! Hikers continue a short distance and cross the roaring creek on a log bridge to access the spacious and green creek-side hiker camp. The far site is a group site. Smaller Tricouni Camp lies 1.3 miles (2.1 km) beyond McAllister, in a more open salal forest, just after crossing Fisher Creek on a bridge. From Tricouni, the trail begins its first real climb: a relentless 2.2 miles (3.5 km) gains over 1000 feet (305 m) to reach Junction Camps (hiker and stock) and a major trail junction. From the high ridge of the hiker camp, enjoy an expansive view of Boston Glacier and Tricouni Peak. From here, one may either take the Fisher Creek Trail 14.8 miles (23.8 km) over Easy Pass to SR 20, or continue on the Thunder Creek Trail to Park Creek Pass. Both ways lead to grand trail experiences.
Sahale Glacier Camp is a collection of flat spots ringed with rocks piled up against the wind. Camping in the Sahale Glacier Camp requires a backcountry permit, available on a first-come, first-served basis at the ranger station in Marblemount.
Just to the east of the pass, the Sahale Arm Trail veers steeply north towards Sahale Peak. The views from Sahale Arm are breathtaking as the trail ascends through sublpine meadows and over steep rock scree, before ending at the toe of the Sahale Glacier and a designated campsite.
From Cascade Pass, you can also head east and downward towards campsites at Pelton Basin and a popular side-trip to Horseshoe Basin-a spectacular steep walled cirque with waterfalls, wildflowers, and an historic mining site.
Great views. Alpine meadows. This forested campground is located in the Hart's Pass Area, near the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. No trailers allowed on Forest Road 5400 to Hart's Pass (very narrow road).
Permit Details: https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/permits.htm
There are countless backcountry routes and possibilities in this wild land. The diversity of climate and geography creates very different habitats on the west and east side of the crest, as well as fostering a great array of plants and animals.
Cascading water is fed by over 300 glaciers and countless snowfields. Lakes are abundant. Almost 400 miles (644 km) of trails, mostly in major drainages and over high passes, traverse this tremendous landscape.
Your path may follow a route used for many centuries by people who have long crossed these mountains or sought food and resources here, or you may venture to an area so wild it feels as if you are the first explorer.
Along the way, the Bridge Creek Trail provides access to the McAlester Lake, Dagger Lake, Rainbow Lake, and North Fork trails. At Bridge Creek Camp, which makes an excellent base for exploration, trails radiate east and west and link up to many more options.
Backcountry Camping: A backcountry permit is required for all overnight stays. Permits are limited. There are numerous campsites along this trail, at most five miles apart. Some of the camps, such as Two Mile or Thunder Basin are small and do not hold larger groups. Designated stock camps are located at McAllister, Junction, and Thunder Basin, as well as at Five Mile along the Park Creek Trail. The main trail winds through some exceptionally large old cedar and fir trees, with periodic views of the creek. Woodland flowers abound in season. This is the home of many birds, including owls, woodpeckers, and osprey near the creek. Look for deer and other animal tracks in the sandy soil and mud. At around 1.5 miles (2.4 km) the trail crosses Thunder Creek on a large wooden bridge. Thunder Camp lies just on the other side, and is a wonderful destination for families or for a first backpack. Many day hikers also enjoy bird watching from the bridge or exploring the nearby gravel bars. A quarter mile past the bridge and camp, the Fourth of July Trail junction is on the left. Following this trail up 3.2 miles (5.1 km) of switchbacks to Fourth of July Pass provides beautiful mountain views, particularly from the backcountry camp. Neve Camp is a quarter mile beyond this junction, and is another lovely forested camp set well off the trail alongside the thunderous waters of the creek--which looks and sounds more like a small river at this point.
Campgrounds in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area are walk-in sites located in the Stehekin Valley at the head of Lake Chelan. Purple Point Campground is an approximatly eight minute walk from the boat dock at Stehekin Landing along a paved road. Most sites are located very near the road. Stehekin is a remote community with limited facilities and is only accessible by foot, boat, or plane.
Visitors can access several trails from near the campground, such the Imus Trail, the Purple Creek Trail, and the Lakeshore Trail. Other trails trails further up the valley can be reached by via foot, bike, or shuttle bus. Many of the trails from Stehekin provide the opportunity for longer wilderness backpacks. A backcountry permit is required for overnight stays in the backcountry. Visitors can boat, fish, and swim (although the water is a chilly 45 degrees) in Lake Chelan. Bears do inhabit the area, so care should be taken when hiking, picnicking, or camping.
For facility specific information, please call (360) 854-7200.
Stehekin is a gateway into the east side of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. Many short to multi-day backpacking trips begin in the Stehekin area. Other attractions in the area are the historic Buckner Orchard, where visitors can pick apples in the fall, and Rainbow Falls, a 312-foot waterfall near the Stehekin Valley Road.
$20 / night
Great views. Alpine meadows. Access to Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. This campground is located in the Hart's Pass Area. No trailers allowed on Forest Road 5400 (very narrow road). Guard station at Hart's Pass.
Guide
I made an epic cross country trip. I stayed here on my first night out as I left the West Coast, and on my last night before I got home on my way back from the East. This campground is extremely quiet in October. All the facilities were shut down at that point, so in October, it's a perfect place for someone who doesn't need water and bathrooms. I've heard, however that the camp host does a really good job when the facilities are being maintained. It's far enough off the highway, that it's very quiet. There are hiking trails nearby. The sights are large with lots of trees. My second night there was one of the best camping nights ever. It was just before Halloween, and it snowed that night. What could be more special?
Guide
I'm doing a cross-country trip, and this was the first campsite I stayed at. I just saw a sign for it on the side of highway 20. I pulled off about a mile from the highway, and there it was. There was nobody there in October when I was there.
Scout
Our camp spots were close to the lake. The cedar trees gave great cover from the rain. The trails around camp were well maintained.
Scout
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.
Scout
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!
TravelerThis is a great little campground! There are 2 areas split by the highway. We stayed on the north side close to the creek. It was fairly quiet, minimal road noise. Clean pit toilets, water available, and $15/night was a great option. Close to several hiking and biking areas and Mazama general store. Great weather at the end of September other than a night with some high winds. We'll definitely be back!
Scoutתלאביב,העירשלאעוצרת,מציעההכולמהכול.ביןאםזהחיילילהמסחרריםאואווירהתוססת,תמידאפשרלמצואמשהוחדשומפתיע.אבלבואונדבררגעעלהחשפניות–נושאשמעלהחיוכיםאצלחלקמאיתנו,ומעוררויכוחאצלאחרים.ביןכלהמסעדותהטרנדיותוהבריםשמלאיםעדאפסמקום,ישעודעולםשהואפחותמדובר,אךלאפחותחשוב–החשפניות.למהפחותמדובר?אוליבגללשבמבטראשון,זהנראהפשוט–ריקוד,מוזיקה,כסף.אבלמישצוללעמוקיותרמביןשמדוברבתעשייההרבהיותרמורכבת.ישפהנשיםשעובדותקשהומביאותהופעהשדורשתכישרון,ביטחוןעצמיויכולתלהתמודדעםקהללאפשוטבכלל.מועדוניהחשפנותבעירהלבנההםחלקבלתינפרדמהנוף,גםאםלאכולםמרוציםמהנוכחותשלהם.כמוכלמקצוע,גםכאןישצדדיםשוניםשלהמטבע.עבורחלקמהנשים,זודרךלהרוויחהרבהכסףבפרקזמןקצר.עבוראחרות,זובמהלביטויאישיוכוחנשי.אבלתמידישאתאלושיעלואתהשאלההמוסרית–האםזהנכון?האםזהמנצלאומעצים?כשמדבריםעלהחשפניותבתלאביב,זהבעצםמשקףדיוןרחביותרעלחירותאישיתמולנורמותחברתיות.מצדאחד,כלאחתואחדזכאיםלבחוראיךלנהלאתהחייםשלהם.מצדשני,ישאתהחברהשמציבהגבולותומסגרתלמהמקובלומהלא.אבלכמושכולנויודעים–תלאביבאוהבתלפרוץאתהגבולותהאלו,ותמידישמקוםלדיוןמחודש.בקיצור,אםישמשהושאפשרללמודמתלאביבוהחשפניותשלה,זהשהחייםמלאיםניגודים.כלאחדואחתבוחריםאתהדרךשלהם,ואיןכאןתשובהחד-משמעית.
Traveler
Have been camping here for years and the camp ground has had things added to it over the years as well. Quite and always a laid back atmosphere. Miss the camp sites that where on the west end of the park that where really close to the river. But still a great place to camp.
Guide
Lots of flat, wooded sites are a short level walk to the beach on a really beautiful lake. Across the main road from the campground is a 3+ mile trail to popular hot springs.
The best sites for view are 34, 37, 38, 39. We stayed in 46, and loved it because it is very close to the beach. 47 and 44 are also very nice and close to the beach.
The campground reservation site did not have a good map of the campground. I finally found one on the forest service site https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5308652.pdf
The reservation site said site 46 could only accommodate a vehicle up to 15 feet in length, but there was plenty of room.
Guide
We stayed here for 3 nights in mid September. Warm enough to swim, some sun, and a few showers. Park is mostly full, but most of the the time is quiet. Bathrooms and facilities extremely clean and well maintained. A little boat noise at times, but not too bad. We had a site right on the lake with a small beach. No hookups in our site, but many have partial or full hookups.
Scout
Scam
Guide
Super well maintained. Every site has a huge bear bin for storage, and they’re at a wonderful height to put a stove on top and stand cooking.
Traveler
This area was perfect! Took a nice stroll along the road after dinner. Didn’t really run into any other campers.
Guide
We got a reservation for the Labor Day weekend. Not a weekend we normally get out a camp, but cabin fever motivated a trip. Our site was moved from the original reservation which didn't work in our favor, given the proximity to the RV dump and bathrooms. Overall, the park is ok, but clearly a campground for boaters. Bright-side, we kayaked to a nearby beach which was wonderful and easily accessible.
GuideReservable campsites, mature forest, 2 hours from Seattle, not full on Labor Day weekend! I didn’t know that existed. It’s a nice small campground on the Mountain Loop Highway. It has very dense trees and a small beach on a creek for wading. Hiking trails and a larger river are a short drive away.
ScoutWe found an amazing site right on the lake, with great views and it was fairly quiet. There were a couple people who decided to have campfires despite the statewide burn ban in effect, which was a bit of a bummer. Despite that, great campground with toilets, picnic table, fire ring (when allowed), and lots of trees for hammocking. Loved our weekend here!
Scout
Camping is great for those who like to experience the atmosphere of the mountains and forests or resorts that also have camping. As the article above shows, camping is very fun if we have a happy spirit. So let's see the feedback experiences of customers when coming to the camping places on this website: https://suikagameonline.io
Scout
If you think all the spots are taken, keep driving. So many spots along Baker Lake Road.
Late July, there’s a lot of partying on the lake. It’s not so bad but you’ll definitely hear people having fun.
TravelerBeautiful spot near the water also has some more secluded spots if wanted. Didn’t see too many people. And had no issues picking a spot to car camp. Definitely recommend.
Ranger
The directions had me believing that the dispersed camping was just various pull offs on the highway loop and that’s where I stayed. It was loud and it felt like the traffic was coming through my tent at times. After driving to North Cascades I discovered that there was real dispersed camping on that road but probably 45 minutes to an hour past where the coordinates took you. Once the highway turned into a gravel road is when I started seeing nice dispersed campsites
TravelerBeautiful campground with many large shaded sites along Lake Diablo. Absolutely gorgeous. Each site has its.own bear boxes and the bathrooms were pretty clean.
Scout
Nobody else had vacancy. Sauk Mountain Woodland Waters was able to accommodate us, and last-minute, too! Owners live on the property - not too close but not too far, either. They gave us some carrots to feed their goats, too!
ScoutNice little stream-side spot. Really easy to get to, yet once there I felt a million miles away.
Scout
The site is pretty great! Good spacing between neighborhoods, facilities on site, clean grounds, and the host was very kind and helpful! Will be returning in the near future!
Guide
This is one of our go to for a quick weekend getaway several sites are big enough to put 3 rigs in
Guide
Small , but Private. Great access to many Tails along this Rd. 4 Big Mountains is a Must to see , only 1 mile Hike to the Glacier.Next to the Road but very little Traffic. $ 25 a Night with Pass 50 % Off
Traveler
Gorgeous spot under the pines, the site has everything we would need including water, toilets and large campsites. Campground is almost empty, only 3 of ~50 spots are filled
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near North Cascades National Park?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near North Cascades National Park is Junction Camp — North Cascades National Park with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 115 tent camping locations near North Cascades National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.
