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

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Cascade River Retreat

18 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Marblemount, WA

50% OFF during off seasons!!! 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.

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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.

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Cascade River Escape

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Marblemount, WA

An enchanting glampsite nestled in the gated Cascade River Community of Marblemount, Washington. Located in close proximity to the breathtaking cascade river, the site offers a peaceful retreat amidst nature's wonders, promising an unforgettable experience for outdoor enthusiasts and seekers of tranquility. The site features two charming cabin structures, designed to provide a cozy space for a restful night's sleep. Each cabin is large enough to accommodate a queen mattress which can be provided upon request. A spacious fire pit sits at the heart of the site, serving as the centerpiece of the property. Gather around the crackling flames, share stories, and enjoy a s'more or two. For additional guests, there is an 8' x 8' space in the back of the property for a tent setup. Wake up to the gentle sounds of of the river and embrace the tranquility of your natural surroundings, ready to embark on a day of exploration and adventure. A card key is required to access the Cascade River Community. You can pick up the card key from a lock box in Marblemount. The combination will be provided before your stay. Escape to the captivating beauty of Cascade River Community in Marblemount; reconnect with nature, unwind, and create everlasting memories in this serene haven.

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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.

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(30)

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 and permanent bathrooms 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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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.

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River Rejuvenation Retreat

2 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Concrete, WA

Private property as well as private beach Access nestled in the trees with the beautiful woods and an amazing view of the skagit River. Activities include fishing, swimming, river rafting, kayaking, and wild bird watching. Also, we have 3 fire pits available: 1 in ground near the gazebo overlooking on the river 2 portable. Alcohol and marijuana are okay as long as they are used responsibly.

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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.

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Falls Creek Homestead

5 sites · Tents42 acres · Darrington, WA

Come enjoy all nature has to offer right at the entrance of the Mount Baker National Forest! Conveniently located only a mile from local breweries and grocery, but completely secluded and forested. Campground is on a portion of our 40 acres property and directly across with views of the Sauk River- access to swimming and recreation at Backman County Park is a .25 mile walk. Located on a secluded road perfect for nature walks, biking for kids, and perfect convenience for adventures. Great base camp for anyone wanting to camp and do day hikes!

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Eden on the Cape

2 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Concrete, WA

PLEASE NOTE, only 1 RV/trailer is included in the nightly rate. If you are bringing another RV/trailer please update the number of vehicles accordingly during checkout. It is $50 per night per each extra RV/trailer. The additional vehicle includes up to 6 extra guests. Eden on the Cape is a 1 acre lot nestled along the banks of the Skagit River roughly 3 miles west of Concrete, WA. Whether you seek adventure or a quiet basecamp, this is the place for you. Camping and fishing onsite and adventure everywhere you look. Hiking, biking, kayaking, local shopping, it's all here. We have a well graded camping area complete with power and potable water. Bring your outdoor spirit and we will provide the scenery. The area is noted for the large population of bald eagles so bring binoculars because there is almost always something to see on the river. The Skagit River along with Baker Lake and Shannon Lake (just to the north) are great places for fishing so check the WDFW guide to see what is open. Feel free to reach out with any questions. Thank you.

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High Ridge Retreat

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Marblemount, WA

Discover the ultimate camping retreat located inside the gated community of Cascade River Park, nestled in the heart of the Northern Cascades, a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquility and adventure. This property offers an authentic wilderness experience, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of dense forests and rugged peaks. The campsite features a fire pit, perfect for gathering under starlit skies and sharing stories. There is a Porta-Potty within a 5 min walk. Just take a left out of the property on High Ridge Drive. Turn left on SW Cascade Dr, and they will be located just around the corner on the left-hand side of the road. Water is available at the site. The property can comfortably fit 4 tents. Step outside your tent to explore the mossy forest trails that wind through the cabin community, inviting you to hike, birdwatch, or simply embrace the serenity. A unique feature of this getaway is its escape from modern distractions, offering a digital detox with no cell service. Embrace the opportunity to truly disconnect, fostering connections with nature. Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of the American Alps, where every moment promises a genuine escape from the hustle of daily life.

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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.

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.