Map showing campground location near North Cascades National Park, Washington

Camper submitted image from Rainbow Point — Ross Lake National Recreation Area

Rainbow Point — Ross Lake National Recreation Area

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Reaching Rainbow Point requires either a boat or a multi-mile hike, making it one of the more committed destinations among campsites near Ross Lake National Recreation Area. The site sits on a peninsula, which means open sightlines up and down the lake from both sides of camp. No potable water is available on site, so campers need to bring enough or plan to purify from the lake.

The campground includes a dock, tent pads, bear lockers, fire pits, a picnic shelter, and pit toilets. Reviewers consistently note the facilities are in good condition, with recent bathroom upgrades mentioned more than once. Approaching from the north by kayak involves navigating a significant field of submerged stumps before rounding the point to the dock, and rough water can make the dock itself difficult to reach. The site sits on a peninsula, giving campers water exposure on multiple sides, though some reviewers noted they wished the individual sites were closer to the shoreline.

A curved sandbar extends from the lakeshore near camp and draws visitors on foot. Christian N. describes it as a "cool sand-bar to walk around and enjoy sunset." The lake level fluctuates because Ross Lake is dammed, which can affect both the sandbar and dock access depending on conditions. Nearby options along the lake include May Creek — Ross Lake National Recreation Area and Spencers Camp — Ross Lake National Recreation Area. A permit is required to camp here; book in advance, especially for summer weekends when group use is common.

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Map & DirectionsRainbow Point is located in Washington near North Cascades National Park

Public Campground

Coordinates

48.7989879 N
121.04246797 W

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Access

Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Reservable
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

Contact

General Info

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Reservations

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Drive Time

1 hr 36 min from Mount Vernon, WA
1 hr 48 min from Bellingham, WA
2 hrs 22 min from Seattle, WA
4 hrs 10 min from Wenatchee, WA

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Reviews4 Camper Reviews - Rainbow Point

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5 Stars

4 Stars

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1 Star

5.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Boat-only access campground with excellent facilities and well-maintained sites offering stunning lake views. Visitors consistently noted the comprehensive amenities and flattened campsites, though water must be brought or purified from the lake.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Christian N.

Ranger

Reviewed Sep. 23, 2020

PERFECT SITE

Awesome views up and down lake. Great stumps in water to jump off of. Cool sand-bar to walk around and enjoy sunset. Clean bathrooms. Nice dock. Flattened sites. Peninsula means views of lake on either side. The only thing I could ask for would be sites closer to the water.

George

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 6, 2020

Well Spaced Sites

Dock can be a little hard to get to in a Kayak in rough water. Also, if you approach the site from the North, there is about ten million tree stumps to navigate before you can round the point to the dock. You can beach near the point if the water is crazy, just watch for that stump-minefield. Sites are in wonderful shape tho, new bathrooms and plenty of space. No water unless you can purify your own. Loved the site tho!

Kim B.

Ranger

Reviewed Sep. 29, 2016

North Cascades Park

Thank God for friends with boats! You can only get here with a boat (at least 10-15 miles depending on route so not for the casual kayaker). The views are incredible and the campsites are pretty standard with outhouses, but no water. You need a permit to camp here but I forget the cost. Once at the campsite there are some moderate to difficult trails and of course the lake to enjoy.

Kate I.

Guide

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2016

Rainbow Point Campground

This campground has many amenities since it is accessible by boat. There is a dock, pit toilet, picnic shelter, benches, bear lockers, fire pits, and tent pads. There was a large boys camp there when we got in and they were having a blast jumping from the dock. We had just come off a few days on the Devil's Dome Loop so we were not in the mood to stay at a large established camp around groups nor did our ultralight backpacking tents fare well on tent pads, so we went down to the namesake of rainbow point, the rainbow shaped sandbar that juts out from the lakeshore. While I do not think you can legally camp here, there were plenty of signs that people had. Beware of goose poo though! There were rangers on boats going by but we were never reprimanded for our campsite as there was a forest fire directly across the lake from us and I think we were the least of their worries. Remember if you do chose to camp on the lakeshore or the sandbar, Ross lake is a dammed lake, so the water level changes in certain circumstances.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Rainbow Point Campground located on Ross Lake?

Rainbow Point Campground is located on a peninsula in Ross Lake within the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. The campground is only accessible by boat, situated approximately 10-15 miles from the nearest boat launch depending on your route. Its peninsula location provides scenic views both up and down the lake. The campground features a dock for mooring boats, though kayakers should be aware of numerous tree stumps in the water when approaching from the north.

Do I need permits for camping at Ross Lake's Rainbow Point?

Yes, permits are required for camping at Rainbow Point on Ross Lake. The campground is part of Ross Lake National Recreation Area, which operates under a permit system to manage visitation. Contact the National Park Service or the Ross Lake Resort for current permit information, application procedures, and associated fees. Securing permits in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak summer months when the lake is most popular.

What amenities are available at Rainbow Point Campground?

Rainbow Point Campground offers several amenities despite its boat-only accessibility. Facilities include a dock for mooring, pit toilets, a picnic shelter, benches, bear lockers for food storage, fire pits, and flattened tent pads. The campground does not provide drinking water, so visitors must bring their own. The peninsula setting offers excellent views of Ross Lake from multiple directions, and the sites are well-maintained with flattened areas for comfortable camping.

What activities can I do near Rainbow Point Campground on Ross Lake?

Rainbow Point offers numerous recreational opportunities. Swimming and jumping from the dock are popular activities, especially on warm days. The surrounding waters are great for boating, kayaking, and fishing. A sandy beach area provides a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy spectacular sunsets. Hiking opportunities exist around the peninsula, and the location offers stunning views for photography enthusiasts. Wildlife watching is also rewarding in this natural setting. The unique landscape with partially submerged tree stumps creates an interesting environment to explore by boat.

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