Mt. Baker National Forest manages Bayview Campground on the shores of Baker Lake, a glacial lake north of Concrete where the water stays cold well into summer. The unpaved access road is worth noting before arrival: reviewers describe it as rough, and the site is remote enough that no cell service comes through, even with a signal booster. Starlink users have also run into trouble with tree coverage overhead.
The campground has 24 sites, most of them notably private thanks to the surrounding forest. Sites sit close to the water without being directly on it. Cleanliness is a consistent point across reviews, with vault toilets and the general grounds kept in good shape. A trail connects Bayview to Horseshoe Cove Campground to the south, and a day use area with a pavilion draws locals and families, particularly on summer weekends. That day use traffic can make the swimming area and beach busier than some overnight campers expect.
Crowding is the most reliable planning factor here. Sites fill up well before Labor Day weekend, and walk-in availability is unlikely in peak summer. Dylan W. notes that "Baker Lake is a glacial lake so recommend later summer/early fall camping," which also tends to be when crowds thin. Reservations are available and strongly advisable. The campground accommodates RVs up to 72 feet, includes drinking water, trash service, and firewood, and allows pets and campfires.
Description
Overview
Bayview Campground sits along the shore of Baker Lake in the stunning Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This campground was reconstructed in 2017. The unique setting offers many recreational activities and scenic views. Several hiking trails and climbing routes are within a short driving distance.
Recreation
The surrounding area is a prime location for hiking, climbing, boating, fishing, picnicking and horseback riding in summer and early fall, and snowmobiling in the winter months. Baker Lake is a popular destination for boating, water skiing, canoeing, fishing and swimming. Anglers cast for a number of fish species. The lake is within walking distance of the campground and a great family trail winds for approximately 1 mile around the campground and connects to Horseshoe Cove. Boat ramps are available at Horseshoe Cove, Swift Creek, and Shannon Creek Campgrounds. The nearby Baker Lake Trail is an easy family hike that begins in a majestic stand of Douglas fir. In 1843, a small eruption of Mt. Baker caused a forest fire, and visitors can still see the burned snags of virgin cedar trees that once dominated the area. The trail contours above the eastern shoreline of Baker Lake. The Shadow of the Sentinels Trail begins just south of the campground. This accessible interpretive trail winds through a 500-year old ancient forest. Displays along the path explain the dynamics of the forest. The trail is constructed of asphalt and boardwalks with grades no greater than 8%.
Facilities
Bayview Campground can accommodate RV, trailer or tent-campers, however, electric hookups are not available. All sites are equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill and the campground has vault toilets available.
Natural Features
The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest showcases rugged peaks, sparkling alpine lakes and old-growth forests, providing visitors with unique and surprising landscapes. Mt. Baker, the most prominent feature of the Mt. Baker Wilderness, dominates the landscape on a clear day. Rising to an elevation of 10,781 feet, the active volcano is perpetually snow-capped and mantled with an extensive network of creeping glaciers. Mt. Baker's summit, Grant Peak, is a 1,300-foot-deep mound of ice, which hides a massive volcanic crater. Wildlife in the area includes mountain goats traversing the higher elevations to squirrels and black bears in the forests. Migratory birds and native fish find ample habitat in the varied ecosystems as well.
Nearby Attractions
Hike in the mountains above the lake in the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area or Mt. Baker Wilderness, or take some time to visit North Cascades National Park. This unique park is like no other place on earth. It features a deep blue lake surrounded by sheer, 2,000' cliffs, two picturesque islands and a violent volcanic past. Hiking trails, a visitor center and educational programs are available.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 932-0242.
Charges & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBayview Campground (Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, WA) is located in Washington near Concrete
Directions
From Seattle, go north on I-5 to Burlington. Take Exit 230 on State Highway 20. Go past the Mt. Baker Ranger District Office in Sedro-Woolley and follow State Route 20 east for 16 miles to milepost 82. Turn left (north) on the Baker Lake Highway (Forest Service Road 11). Continue for 18 miles to the sign for Horseshoe Cove Campground Road (Forest Service road 1118). Turn right and go approximately 1.75 miles to the Bayview Campground signs on the left. The group campground is the first drive to the left, stay to the right for the single family sites.
Coordinates
48.675266 N
121.677622 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/9/26- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 7/9/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 5 min from Mount Vernon, WA
- 1 hr 18 min from Bellingham, WA
- 1 hr 59 min from Seattle, WA
- 2 hrs 56 min from Bremerton, WA
