Where the North Cascades meet Ross Lake, Ponderosa Campground requires a hike to reach its lakeside sites. This National Park Service campground operates on a free permit system, which campers report helps keep visitor numbers manageable. The hike-in access means carrying gear on foot, though one reviewer noted the walk from the boat rental area is relatively short.
The campground provides pit toilets that rangers maintain regularly, bear boxes for food storage, and allows campfires and pets. Ross Lake's glacier-fed waters offer cooling relief after area hikes like the climb to Desolation Outlook. Campers can rent motorized boats from Ross Lake Resort to access this and other campgrounds near Ross Lake National Recreation Area, or bring canoes and paddleboards for lake exploration. The combination of permit requirements and hike-in access attracts campers seeking a less crowded lake experience in the North Cascades.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPonderosa Campground is located in Washington near North Cascades National Park
Coordinates
48.87670058 N
121.02205597 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
T-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
FREE established camping
Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.
PERMIT might be REQUIRED
We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Ponderosa Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area needs a permit.
