Map showing campground location near Marblemount, Washington

Camper submitted image from Thunder Point Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area

Thunder Point Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area

Ross Lake National Recreation Area's Thunder Point Campground sits at the closest boat-in site to Highway 20 on Diablo Lake, managed by the National Park Service. No water, no showers, and no trash service. A dock accommodates boat landings, and most sites have at least partial views of the lake through the tree cover, with the site directly above the dock filling first. Reservations are required for this backcountry site, though they guarantee a spot rather than a specific site. A short trail leads to the top of Thunder Point, where open sightlines face the lake and surrounding mountains. Paddlers planning a multi-day loop can also find campgrounds near Marblemount to stage or finish a trip.

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Map & DirectionsThunder Point Campground is located in Washington near Marblemount

Public Campground

Coordinates

48.687606430748524 N
121.10298323478386 W

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Connectivity

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Last on 8/28/26
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Connectivity

T-Mobile
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Verizon
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Verified by 1 user
Last on 8/28/26
AT&T
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Access

Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Reservable
Toilets
Alcohol
Fires

Contact

General Info

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Drive Time

1 hr 29 min from Mount Vernon, WA
1 hr 41 min from Bellingham, WA
2 hrs 17 min from Seattle, WA
4 hrs 3 min from Wenatchee, WA

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Reviews1 Camper Review - Thunder Point Campground

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5 Stars

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1 Star

5.0

out of 5

1 Review

Emma A.

Ranger

Reviewed Apr. 21, 2021

Boat-in campsite on Diablo Lake

This is the closest boat-in site to Hwy20 on Diablo Lake. It is managed by the National Park Service and advanced reservations for backcountry sites are required https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/permits.htm

It has a handful of double sites accommodating small groups, one vaulted toilet, no water, no showers and no trash service. There is a dock to land your boat, is is treed but most campsites have some water view. The best is right above the dock and first to fill as the reservation only guarantees a site but does not specify which one.

A short trail takes to the top of Thunder Point for stunning views of the lake and moutains. An amazing campsite!

Month of VisitSeptember

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Thunder Point Campground located at Diablo Lake?

Thunder Point Campground is located on the shores of Diablo Lake within Ross Lake National Recreation Area in Washington. It's positioned as the closest boat-in campsite to Highway 20 on Diablo Lake. The campground is situated in the North Cascades and can only be accessed by boat, making it a secluded backcountry camping experience while still being relatively accessible from the main highway corridor.

What is the difference between Thunder Point and Thunder Knob campgrounds at Diablo Lake?

Thunder Point Campground is a boat-in backcountry campsite located on the shores of Diablo Lake that requires watercraft access and advance reservations through the National Park Service. Thunder Knob, on the other hand, is not actually a campground but a popular hiking trail near Diablo Lake. For camping options accessible by vehicle, visitors should look at Colonial Creek or other established campgrounds in the area, as Thunder Point is strictly boat-access only.

What amenities are available at Thunder Point Campground on Diablo Lake in Washington?

Thunder Point Campground offers minimal backcountry amenities. The site features a vault toilet and several double campsites that can accommodate small groups. As a boat-in backcountry campground, there is no potable water, electricity, or other modern conveniences. Campers must pack in all necessary supplies including drinking water and pack out all trash. Advanced reservations are required through the National Park Service's backcountry permit system.

Can you boat to Thunder Point Campground on Diablo Lake?

Yes, Thunder Point Campground is exclusively a boat-in campsite on Diablo Lake. In fact, boating is the only way to access this campground as there is no road or trail access. It's the closest boat-in site to Highway 20 on the lake, making it relatively accessible for those with watercraft. Remember that advanced reservations are required through the National Park Service's backcountry permit system before planning your boat camping trip.

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