The best camping near Ross Lake National Recreation Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Ross Lake National Recreation Area adventure.

Camp lakeside to enjoy total privacy and the best views the North Cascades has to offer.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Ross Lake National Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds near Ross Lake National Recreation Area

97%

(426)

Cascade River Retreat

18 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Marblemount, WA

This property is a Native American homestead. We are located in Marblemount, WA along the Cascade river. Every site we have you can hear the river and walk to in less that 5 minutes. There is an amazing rocky beach along the river with the view of mountains all around. We are located 4 minutes from the town of Marblemount were there is 2 gas stations with some food and drink items, propane and a small hardware section year round. Marblemount has 3 restaurants open in the summer. The town also a post office. We are 15 minutes from the North Cascades National Park and an entrance to the Pacific Crest Trail. We offer fire wood ($5.00 a bundle), propane fire pits ($10.00 a night, please request ahead via messaging to Heather ) and in season vegetables (price varies depending). You can pay cash or Venmo on site. Please be aware that we have a Firework show for the 4th of July. We really appreciate your interest in our small homestead.

94%

(55)

Silverline Lakeside Resort

89 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Winthrop, WA

Silverline Lakeside Resort is the perfect place to create unforgettable camping memories along the banks of Pearrygin Lake. Our campground offers a wide range of facilities and amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Water enthusiasts will love our range of watercraft available for rent, and our boat launch makes it easy to access the lake. For land-based activities, we have a mini-golf course and a kids' play structure. Our grassy common areas are perfect for picnics, and we have three fishing docks and a swimming beach for those who enjoy water activities. Our campground facilities include restrooms and showers, a dump station, gravel roads, horseshoe pits, boat trailer parking, and Wi-Fi access. We have a 20-acre field away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the park where campers can pick a spot and post up with a tent. All campers have full use of the resort amenities. We also offer a range of amenities at our campsites to ensure your comfort and enjoyment. Our RV sites come with full hook-ups and 5/20/30/50 amp electrical connections. We have gravel RV sites and pull-through sites with angled in/out parking. For those who prefer to be closer to the water, we offer lakeside and creekside sites, and for those who appreciate scenic mountain views, we have mountain-view sites. Our general store is stocked with all the camping essentials, including fishing tackle, RV supplies, firewood, and ice. We also have an onsite restaurant, the Wagon Wheel Kitchen, where you can enjoy delicious food and unlimited pancakes on weekends. If you prefer to dine out, we offer a range of food and drinks. No matter what your camping style or preferences, Silverline Lakeside Resort has amenities that cater to your needs. We aim to ensure that your camping experience is comfortable, relaxing, and unforgettable.

95%

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Camp Keyser Forest Camp

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Swede Heaven, WA

Camp Keyser is a wooded 5 acre parcel in the mountains, near mountain loop highway - in the center of everything wonderful in the northern cascade mountains. We have one private cabin and 6 campsites. Tent campers will enjoy the lush landscape of a mature forest with sites along the (seasonal) Thirsty Creek. Nearby (3 minute walk), users can contemplate views of Whitehorse Mountain, Jumbo Mountain, Glacier Peak, and Whitechuck Mountain. This part of the Stillaguamish valley and the adjacent Mountain Loop Highway is known for a great selection of hiking trails, at all skill levels. It is perfect hub for all of your outdoor interests. The trailhead for the summit of Whitehorse Mountain is just a mile away, as is Old Mine Road trail (45 minute hike ending in 2 waterfalls). A 15-20 minute walk takes campers to a swimming hole in the cool Stillaguamish river for a dip or a paddle. Even closer is Whitehorse Regional Trail (great for biking, walking and horseback riding) built on the bed of the former BNSF railroad through the North Stillaguamish River Valley, spanning over 27 miles. The nearly level trail meanders through the valley, rewarding visitors with picturesque, landscape views of forests, farmland, streams and rivers, and mountain vistas. Sites have a generous fire pit and access to a Porta-Potty. For bathing I recommend cool dip in the Stillaguamish River. In season there is also fishing, snowshoeing, concerts at the blue grass festival grounds, a rodeo, and so much more.

Booked 10 times

Glacier Peak Resort and Winery

39 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Rockport, WA

We are a small boutique resort nestled in the North Cascades. Cabins, RV spots, or Tents on the river. We have you covered. Perfect spot for your entire group or family. Perfect for large groups, reunions, or retreats. Enjoy the scenery, take a walk on one of our many trails, go fishing (must have a license of course), wine tasting, wildlife watching, or just relax in the tranquil scenery. Get back to nature and unplug! Our Property lies on the Skagit River. Just steps away from catching a King, Coho, chinook, Chum, Sockeye, or Humpy (Pink), and when in the season of course. Steelhead fishing both summer and winter on the Skagit. The hiking is out of the world with trails for the family, the experienced, or weekend warriors who just want to explore the raw beauty of the great outdoors. We are a great hub, close to everything but with the cozy comfort of home

99%

(39)

Winedown Camp at Boulder Creek

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · WA

This property is located within a gated cabin community called Cascade River Park Club. Your camping lot is located in a beautiful wooded lot surrounded by trees and vegetation, and a creek that wraps around the property. It includes a large fire pit, 6 Adirondack chairs, a bench overlooking the creek, and a picnic table.

Booked 6 times

Camp We Nap

2 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Concrete, WA

Welcome to your wooded riverfront paradise! Over 500 feet of river front land with 2 acres of woods no amenities, you bring it in you take it out campfires are allow but you must make sure there are no burn bans. You may drive onto property but don't drive onto the beach Besides the beach you can park right next to your tent or camper if you wish You may camp on the beach after confirming you are the only campers there. There may be 2 other groups on this property. You can also book all sites for a discount if you want the property to yourself Off leash pets welcome Land is located 10 minutes from gas stations, bars, grocery stores, everything you need! Local activities include fishing, kayaking, white water rafting, off roading, hunting Whether you're casting a line for fish, taking a refreshing dip in the river, or embarking on a thrilling river rafting or kayaking expedition, there's no shortage of water-based activities to enjoy. Off-roading enthusiasts will delight in exploring nearby trails, while hunters can seek out game in the surrounding forest. In the winter months, snowmobiling and snowboarding are popular pastimes, offering adrenaline-pumping fun against a backdrop of snowy landscapes. And for those who prefer a more leisurely pursuit, birdwatching along the riverbank promises sightings of a variety of wild avian species. Conveniently located just a 10-minute drive from local amenities, including bars, gas stations, and grocery stores, our property offers easy access to everything you need for a comfortable stay. To enhance your outdoor experience, we offer a variety of extras for purchase. From recreational equipment like bikes, kayaks, and hammocks to camping essentials like tents and sleeping bags, we have everything you need to make the most of your time in nature. Need something specific that's not on the list? Just send us a message, and we'll do our best to accommodate your request. So pack your bags, gather your friends and family, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure at our wooded riverfront retreat. Your outdoor paradise awaits!

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Harrison Family Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Concrete, WA

We live on a beautiful farm tucked in the foothills of the North Cascades. We are a multi-generational farm with chickens, a giant organic garden, a couple of horses [pasture pets], three dogs, a couple of barn cats [and one prissy house cat]. We also raise 100% grass-fed and finished cattle utilizing regenerative farming practices.We have a beautiful private mountain view pasture that we can not use to graze the cattle, so we decided to make it available for folks to have a gorgeous private campsite. All the money we make from this campsite goes back into our family farm and our endeavors to provide excellent beef for those who value small family farms and regenerative farming practices.

84%

(31)

Lil Bit O' Heaven Camping

8 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents3 acres · Marblemount, WA

Welcome to Lil Bit O' Heaven Camping! Here you will find beautiful and unique places to camp right on the Cascade River, approximately 3 minutes outside of Marblemount, WA. We are right next to the Marblemount Boat Launch and within an easy walk into town if you want to visit the local restaurants or need camping gear. Our property has five tent campsites on the river as well as a 26' glamping dome (previously used for artic research) completely painted with a galaxy of the night sky. A converted antique hay trailer turned tiny house with an 8' ceiling loft with 3-way views of the forest and river, deck, and private "magic spot" on the Cascade River. The Lil Bit O Heaven Campground is the perfect base camp for your summer adventure! Firewood is available onsite most of the summer. Fresh, clean drinking water, permanent bathrooms and a private shower are available for all campers. An outdoor (completely private) shower is available for those who book the tiny house. Please note that you must follow any local fire bans. Please check the fire conditions PRIOR to making a campfire. Please note that there are areas where you can get directly to the side of the Cascade River, and the river is swift and dangerous! It is not safe for swimming and no safe for unattended children and/or pets.

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North Cascades Basecamp

3 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · WA

Situated under 5 miles from the North Cascades National Park West Entrance, this secluded and lush property provides ample rest, relaxation and preparation for your explorations in the North Cascades. Stay here to get an alpine start on a climb, camp here in the winter for a basecamp for your backcountry skiing and snowmobiling adventures, or use it to recharge from the busy city life.

100%

(10)

Eldorado Glamping

2 sites · Lodging3 acres · Rockport, WA

Can't get a campsite.....no problem! We have you covered with camping and all the luxury amenities that you normally cannot get. There is running potable water, hot tub, fridge, grill, fire pit and more. Get away from it all and stay in a dome under the stars right at the base of the North Cascades. You would be a 10 minute drive to the Cascade River Road, and two small hiking trails right from the dome itself. Treat yourself to a luxury and private weekend of camping!

97%

(19)

Camp Hideaway

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Darrington, WA

Welcome to Camp Hideaway in Darrington, Washington—a nature lover's paradise. Enjoy fishing, kayaking, and scenic trails by day, and cozy evenings around the fire pit playing horseshoes. The playground and tetherball court offer fun for all ages. Cross the charming bridge to the peaceful peninsula for stunning views and fishing. Discover Darrington's wonders—pack your bags and come explore!

100%

(3)

Lautensleger Family Camp Property

8 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Mazama, WA

Choose your perfect spot from 8 different sites (power and water) in the campground. Each site used is $60 (Memorial Day until Labor Day). No need to choose site beforehand, just book and you can choose your site once you arrive as your party will be the only ones there to enjoy the great outdoors! After Memorial Day, there is a porta potty on site. There is a large firepit and plenty of wood for fires (when there isn't a fire ban). There are trails all over for walking or there are trailheads just a short drive away if you want to hike. The river is a 30 second-1minute walk from the campsite. Perfect area to pitch a hammock and enjoy the sounds of nature. The campground is 5 miles away from the Mazama Store which sells amazing food (sandwiches, pastries, cookies, and the famous Sea Salt Baguettes). There is also a portable basketball hoop and a tether ball pole. Group rates available. SEPTEMBER, OCTOBER and MAY campers: There is no water and power, however you are still welcomed to camp at a reduced rate.

The best camping near Ross Lake National Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Between the snow-capped peaks of the North Cascades is a 22-mile-long, 500-foot-deep lake that hosts some of the most secluded campsites Washington has to offer. Forget about car camping—the only way to access these sites is by foot (along the East Bank Ross Lake Trail) or by water taxi service. The lake is the product of Ross Dam (responsible for supplying power to nearby Seattle), and a popular site for rainbow trout fishing. The Ross Lake Resort, which offers a water taxi for campers, floats on log booms repurposed from the loggers’ camp once used when the dam was being built. Ross Lake features 19 campgrounds, each with one to three sites each, for a total of 58 campsites.

Tips for snagging a campsite

The boat-in campsites along Ross Lake have tent pads, food storage lockers, picnic tables, fire rings, and an outhouse. Docks are unusable when the lake’s water levels are too low.
Backcountry permits are required and must be picked up in person (except during winter); reservations are recommended, but some walk-up permits are available.
North Cascades National Park’s nearby Colonial Creek Campground has 19 sites (three of which are reserved for ADA usage) a short drive west on Highway 20 from Ross Lake. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance from late May to early September. Sites closest to the lake are walk-in only.

When to go

Visit in summer to enjoy the long days (as much as 16 hours during the solstice) and (comparatively) dry season in the Pacific Northwest. This is also when the lake’s water levels are reliably high. Some snags and other obstacles can become an issue for boats when the lake is lower.

Know before you go

Lake conditions are best before 11am.
Fishing is permitted from July 1 to October 31 (no bait allowed).
Motorboat, canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals are available at the Ross Lake Resort.
Birdwatchers can expect to see loons, osprey, bald eagles, blue herons, and kingfishers, among others.
The 30-mile East Bank Trail extends all the way to the Canadian border. Ross Lake can also be accessed from British Columbia via the town of Hope.