The best safari tent rentals in Ross Lake

Camping at Ross Lake gives new meaning to “getting off the grid”. Tucked deep in the North Cascades of Washington, this reservoir isn’t accessible by car (on the U.S. side, anyway). You can hike in —or, paddle from Diablo Lake up Riprap Creek and portage your boat overland to Ross Lake.

It takes some effort to get in, but the work is well worth the reward. Wake up to views of snow-capped summits at your lakeside campsite. Fish from the shore, or paddle out into the brilliant blue water.

Feel like a walk? The Pacific Northwest Trail and the East Bank Trail are right in your backyard. Hike along the 23-mile lake toward Canada. On the Sourdough Mountain Trail, you can climb high into the Cascades. From there, the views over North Cascades National Park are breathtaking.

There are 19 campgrounds on Ross Lake, each with 1-7 campsites. Whether you choose a boat-in or trail-accessible site, you’ll need to get a backcountry permit. At Ross Lake Resort, you can rent boats and book floating cabins.

Spring, summer, and fall are the best times for camping in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. In the winter, heavy snow causes avalanches and road closures. Due to changing water levels, boating is possible from July through September.

97% (48)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Cascadia Elk Farm

95%

(52)

1 site · Lodging · Rockport, WA

The property is a 20 acre farm/homestead producing hay, chickens, berries, and much else. We are located near Rockport, underneath Sauk Mountain, near the confluence of the Sauk and Skagit rivers. We use permaculture/organic/regenerative methods, and share our space with wildlife. There’s a historic barn on the Property. We are located about a mile from Howard Miller Steelhead Park and the Town of Rockport, not far from North Cascades National Park. when you get here please feel free to drive on the grass to the tent.

2. Pine Near RV Park & Campground

100%

(2)

56 sites · Winthrop, WA

The Pine Near stands out as a unique and modern park, offering a private retreat just one block from Winthrop and the scenic North Cascade Loop. Established in 1972 and revitalized in 2012 by new local owners, this charming campground has welcomed 49 years of satisfied guests. Its intimate atmosphere encourages neighbors to connect or simply enjoy a moment of tranquility. One of the standout features of The Pine Near is its convenient location, allowing guests to safely leave their RVs parked and take a leisurely stroll to Downtown Winthrop. This is an invaluable perk, especially since parking in the bustling downtown area can be quite challenging. Winthrop is a treasure trove of unique shops, showcasing the talents of local artists, craftsmen, and intriguing partners. Be sure to explore this vibrant community, as it offers a delightful mix of dining, shopping, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re seeking adventure in the nearby natural wonders, swimming holes, or simply a peaceful getaway, The Pine Near provides the perfect base for your explorations. Enjoy the best of both worlds—relaxation and recreation—at this exceptional campground.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Camping at Ross Lake gives new meaning to “getting off the grid”. Tucked deep in the North Cascades of Washington, this reservoir isn’t accessible by car (on the U.S. side, anyway). You can hike in —or, paddle from Diablo Lake up Riprap Creek and portage your boat overland to Ross Lake.

It takes some effort to get in, but the work is well worth the reward. Wake up to views of snow-capped summits at your lakeside campsite. Fish from the shore, or paddle out into the brilliant blue water.

Feel like a walk? The Pacific Northwest Trail and the East Bank Trail are right in your backyard. Hike along the 23-mile lake toward Canada. On the Sourdough Mountain Trail, you can climb high into the Cascades. From there, the views over North Cascades National Park are breathtaking.

There are 19 campgrounds on Ross Lake, each with 1-7 campsites. Whether you choose a boat-in or trail-accessible site, you’ll need to get a backcountry permit. At Ross Lake Resort, you can rent boats and book floating cabins.

Spring, summer, and fall are the best times for camping in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. In the winter, heavy snow causes avalanches and road closures. Due to changing water levels, boating is possible from July through September.

97% (48)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Cascadia Elk Farm

95%

(52)

1 site · Lodging · Rockport, WA

The property is a 20 acre farm/homestead producing hay, chickens, berries, and much else. We are located near Rockport, underneath Sauk Mountain, near the confluence of the Sauk and Skagit rivers. We use permaculture/organic/regenerative methods, and share our space with wildlife. There’s a historic barn on the Property. We are located about a mile from Howard Miller Steelhead Park and the Town of Rockport, not far from North Cascades National Park. when you get here please feel free to drive on the grass to the tent.

2. Pine Near RV Park & Campground

100%

(2)

56 sites · Winthrop, WA

The Pine Near stands out as a unique and modern park, offering a private retreat just one block from Winthrop and the scenic North Cascade Loop. Established in 1972 and revitalized in 2012 by new local owners, this charming campground has welcomed 49 years of satisfied guests. Its intimate atmosphere encourages neighbors to connect or simply enjoy a moment of tranquility. One of the standout features of The Pine Near is its convenient location, allowing guests to safely leave their RVs parked and take a leisurely stroll to Downtown Winthrop. This is an invaluable perk, especially since parking in the bustling downtown area can be quite challenging. Winthrop is a treasure trove of unique shops, showcasing the talents of local artists, craftsmen, and intriguing partners. Be sure to explore this vibrant community, as it offers a delightful mix of dining, shopping, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re seeking adventure in the nearby natural wonders, swimming holes, or simply a peaceful getaway, The Pine Near provides the perfect base for your explorations. Enjoy the best of both worlds—relaxation and recreation—at this exceptional campground.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Stories from the community

A

Aaryn

October 2025

1 night at Cascadia Elk Farm

Super awesome tent! Perfect location for exploring the north cascades. Would definitely stay here again :)

A

Avery

September 2025

With kids

2 nights at Cascadia Elk Farm

This location was perfect for visiting the North Cascades and Baker Lake with my family. It felt quiet and private and the views were beautiful.

G

Gia

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Cascadia Elk Farm

Great glamping experience very close to North Cascade's. Super cozy and comfortable. I would like to preface that the host doesn’t provide any bedding; blankets, comforters, or pillows. Otherwise a beautiful stay with a great view of the mountains. Thank you!

C

Cathy

August 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Cascadia Elk Farm

We loved this place! The farm is beautiful and peaceful, and the camp is super comfortable. The glamping tent is amazing - a comfortable double bed with some additional furniture, electricity, and even a space heater making this perfect for those shoulder season trips to the North Cascades. The area was big - plenty of room to set up a few extra tents, or let kids run around and play games. Will definitely be back.

K

Kevin

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Cascadia Elk Farm

Great spot to spend the night close to the North Cascades. Check in/out was incredible easy and didn’t require any interaction as we arrived late and left early. My body was happy to sleep on a mattress between days of big hikes. Will likely stay a night here again next time I hit the north cascades.

J

Judi

August 2025

With kids

3 nights at Cascadia Elk Farm

My family had so much fun staying at Black Walnut tent.. The tent is beautifully set up and has a gorgeous view of Sauk Mtn. In a Serene setting. The Owner was gracious host. And even introduce us to Goumi berries and shared some vegetables from his garden.

J

Jill

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Cascadia Elk Farm

Great spot, Will and his family have a neat thing going! He have some good recommendations of hikes and eats in the area also. We'd come back.

D

Dave

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cascadia Elk Farm

such a beautiful location and perfect for exploring North Cascades!

Mama & Me

July 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cascadia Elk Farm

We loved tent camping on Will's land! What a little paradise on earth! The views are absolutely stunning, the safari tent is fun and spacious, the pit toilet is clean and not smelly [with the coolest views]. We loved the extra touch of wildflowers, gumi-berries and the super kind hosts! Proximity to local natural beauties and town is perfect too. Highly recommend!!

Jamie

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Cascadia Elk Farm

We loved our stay at the Black Walnut Glamping Tent! Will’s beautiful farm was incredibly peaceful and the perfect place to relax. It’s also a great location if you’re looking to stay near North Cascades National Park. We even saw elk roaming the property! Will was a gracious host—he welcomed us warmly and invited us to try some of the fresh fruit he was growing. We'd definitely love to stay here again!

H

Heidi

July 2025

Weekend Trip to Cascadia Elk Farm

I camped for one night in the yurt at Will's farm. It was really wonderful and peaceful! The yurt was spacious and super comfortable, with a fresh water spigot and a picnic table nearby. The views of the meadow and barn, not to mention Sauk Mountain in the distance, were just lovely. It was the perfect place to spend a restful night before heading out into the North Cascades for the weekend! Thanks so much!

A

Aidan

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Cascadia Elk Farm

I would highly recommend staying here. Watching the sunset over the mountain right outside the tent was amazing.