Mt. Baker National Forest's western shore of Baker Lake is where Panorama Point Campground sits, on a small peninsula that puts water on multiple sides of the site cluster. Managed by the US Forest Service, this 15-site campground runs from late May through mid-September, with 9 of those sites reservable through the federal system. RVs up to 52 feet can access the camp, and a boat ramp on-site makes this a practical base for paddlers and anglers working campgrounds around Mt. Baker National Forest.
Water access is the defining feature here. Many sites sit close enough to Baker Lake that campers can launch a canoe or kayak directly from their site, and the on-site boat ramp handles larger vessels. Site 6, a double site, has its own water frontage along with fire pit placement that faces the mountains. The campground is heavily wooded, with tree cover and vegetation providing separation between sites, though several reviewers note the sites themselves can feel close together when the campground fills. Mosquitoes are present, particularly on the side nearest the day-use area where standing water collects.
Noise levels vary considerably by season. During sockeye salmon runs, the area draws significantly more visitors and reservations become advisable. Outside of peak fishing season, the campground tends to run quieter, with birdsong and lake sounds carrying through the sites. No cell service is available for T-Mobile users. There are no bear boxes on-site, so food must be stored in a locked vehicle, hung properly, or kept in a bear-approved container. Pit toilets are on-site; drinking water is listed as an amenity, though at least one reviewer found it unavailable during a 2020 visit and recommends bringing your own as a backup. Swift Creek Campground is less than a mile up the road and served as an alternate water source for that group.
As Sarah Z. notes, "many of the sites have water access and you can swim, fish, kayak, or boat." Nearby hiking trails provide additional options, though late spring visitors should expect snow coverage on higher routes well into May. Firewood is available on-site, and a camp host is typically present during the season. Nightly rates run $37 for tent sites and up to $82 for larger or group configurations. Campers planning a first visit to campgrounds just outside Concrete will find Panorama Point one of the more water-accessible options in the corridor, worth reserving early if your dates fall anywhere near salmon season.
Description
Overview
Panorama Point campground is located on the western shore of Baker Lake in the stunning Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Situated on the west side of the Cascades in Washington, the surrounding area is one of the most spectacular in the country, showcasing glacier-covered peaks, wide mountain meadows and old-growth forests, rich in history and outdoor opportunities.
Recreation
In addition to being a prime location for boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking , hikers and backpackers are especially fortunate to have access to a variety of spectacular trails along the lake and in the nearby Mt. Baker National Recreation Area. The Baker Lake and Baker River Trails are family friendly hikes that are a short drive from the campground. The Baker Lake trail starts on the south end of the lake in a stand of Douglas fir and travels 13 miles above the eastern shoreline of Baker Lake. Anderson Point with views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan is 2.5 miles from the trailheadand is a popular boat in camp, backpacking destination and lunch spot. The Baker River Trail starts at the north end of the lake and follows the river 2.25 miles upstream, through large old-growth into North Cascades National Park.
Facilities
With several sites located at the lake's edge and others in close vicinity, Panorama Point Campground offers visitors the ideal opportunity to camp near shoreline or under a canopy of trees. Panorama Point offers nine standard sites, accommodating both tent and RV camping. Picnic tables, vault toilets and drinking water are also available.
Natural Features
On a clear day, while driving to the campground, visitors will see Mt. Baker, the most prominent feature of the Mt. Baker Wilderness. Rising to an elevation of 10,781 feet, the active volcano from which the forest takes its name is perpetually snow-capped and mantled with an extensive network of creeping glaciers. Mt. Baker's summit, Grant Peak, is actually a 1,300-foot-deep mound of ice, which hides a massive volcanic crater.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 932-0242.
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.
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.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Beginning 7/23/26, fire restrictions will be in effect that prohibit all fires. Generators with an approved spark arrestor and fires or stoves that use liquid petroleum (LPG) fuels are permitted.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPanorama Point Campground is located in Washington near Concrete
Public CampgroundDirections
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 19.2 miles on the Baker Lake Highway. The campground is on the right.
Coordinates
48.724189 N
121.672679 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 9 min from Mount Vernon, WA
- 1 hr 21 min from Bellingham, WA
- 2 hrs 2 min from Seattle, WA
- 2 hrs 59 min from Bremerton, WA
