The best waterside campgrounds 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.

96% (2.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Ross Lake

1. Living Large on Chilliwack River

97%

(152)

10 sites · Tents, Lodging · Chilliwack, BC

Glamp camping is open until the end of September. (we provide everything except your food, drinks and personal items!) Enjoy the beautiful acres right on the Chilliwack River! A wonderful family-friendly (including pets!) getaway with endless activities nearby. (no pets allowed for glamping) Our campsite is available in the spring and summer and is just 20 minutes from the city of Chilliwack, BC. We provide a fire pit and campfires are allowed as long as there is no fire ban. The sites are quite private but there will be other campers nearby. We try to keep a large amount of space between sites and some are separated by trees. We are a walk in tent only site- parking is very close, 30 second walk. We can also provide access to electricity so you can charge your phones or other devices if needed. There is no cell reception, but we do have wifi. Potable water is available. We supply natural spring water but you must bring your own jug. We live in an adventure playground! Activities nearby include hiking, white rapid river rafting, fishing, watching bald eagles, Cultus Lake water slides and adventure park, mountain biking, and more! The stargazing at night is beautiful as there is no light pollution here. We look forward to hosting you!

2. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

90%

(104)

3358 sites · Marblemount, Washington

The largest national forest in the Pacific Northwest is a vast and varied haven for recreation.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

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.

96% (2.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Ross Lake

1. Living Large on Chilliwack River

97%

(152)

10 sites · Tents, Lodging · Chilliwack, BC

Glamp camping is open until the end of September. (we provide everything except your food, drinks and personal items!) Enjoy the beautiful acres right on the Chilliwack River! A wonderful family-friendly (including pets!) getaway with endless activities nearby. (no pets allowed for glamping) Our campsite is available in the spring and summer and is just 20 minutes from the city of Chilliwack, BC. We provide a fire pit and campfires are allowed as long as there is no fire ban. The sites are quite private but there will be other campers nearby. We try to keep a large amount of space between sites and some are separated by trees. We are a walk in tent only site- parking is very close, 30 second walk. We can also provide access to electricity so you can charge your phones or other devices if needed. There is no cell reception, but we do have wifi. Potable water is available. We supply natural spring water but you must bring your own jug. We live in an adventure playground! Activities nearby include hiking, white rapid river rafting, fishing, watching bald eagles, Cultus Lake water slides and adventure park, mountain biking, and more! The stargazing at night is beautiful as there is no light pollution here. We look forward to hosting you!

2. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

90%

(104)

3358 sites · Marblemount, Washington

The largest national forest in the Pacific Northwest is a vast and varied haven for recreation.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Public campgrounds in and near Ross Lake

100%

(1)

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

When the lights come on at night, the vibe is magical. I had a cozy night by my propane fire and enjoyed the sound of the river!

E

Edwin

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Living Large on Chilliwack River

Excellent area, beautiful view, quiet and with all the amenities to enjoy a weekend

In the morning I cooked my breakfast bacon with a mountain view!

Christin

September 2025

1 night at Living Large on Chilliwack River

I loved glamping on Lisa and James’ land! They are wonderful hosts, and I felt very welcome and comfortable during my stay. The property is beautiful - right by the river with mountain views you can enjoy from your private deck. The tent was amazing too! It’s set amongst the trees, which provide perfect shade on a hot, sunny day. I had everything I needed to cook, relax, and enjoy myself.

J

Juan José

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Living Large on Chilliwack River

James and Lisa (and Zeus the dog!) were truly fantastic hosts, giving us a warm welcome into their beautiful and well-equipped campsite area. It was our 4-year-old's first camping experience, and I'd say she had a blast. Being so close to the Chilliwack River and having the chance to enjoy those stunning views is one of the things that make camping at Living Large so great. We would love to go back next summer and would recommend this place to anyone looking to have a wonderful family camping experience!

Erynn

August 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Living Large on Chilliwack River

We loved camping at Living Large on Chilliwack River. Hosts were so friendly, and the spot was a peaceful getaway from the busy Cultus Lake vibe😎

Karen

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Living Large on Chilliwack River

We had a wonderful stay. The river was beautiful and we loved swimming in it during the heat wave. James and Lisa are wonderful hosts. Loved all the extras at the site -- the outdoor shower stall, the dish cleaning area. They went the extra mile for their guests. They brought out a mister/hose for the kids to play with during a heat wave, loaned some other campers a tent when theirs malfunctioned, and even clean their portapotties daily. This was our first hipcamp experience and we would stay there again. When we were camped there, the high was 35 degrees in chilliwack and we loved how much cooler it was by the river. It got surprisingly chilly at night -- bring layers!

Madelin

August 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Living Large on Chilliwack River

What a great spot :) overlooking the river, as advertised. The shower and the washing station was amazing to have! Loved the sound of the river flowing by at night! The host is very friendly and really has put his heart into this property. It is located on his property but honestly, far enough away from the house that you wouldn’t really know. The visits from the local dogs was great and they were friendly and well behaved. Next time we are hoping to try the glamping tents! Absolutely beautiful inside! Thanks again… We will be back :)

Andile

August 2025

Tent

3 nights at Living Large on Chilliwack River

Awesome Hosts. Peaceful site with a beautiful view and close proximity to the river for easy access is a bonus.

K

Kris

August 2025

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Living Large on Chilliwack River

The Living Large Camping area is beautiful and well kept. The owners are friendly and genuine. It is a very clean and well kept area. We will come back for sure! Note this is a walk-in camping space with parking close by.

C

Christopher

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at Living Large on Chilliwack River

We had a great time as a family with our Three year old. Facilities were clean and complete and it was a lovely location by the river! Host was very friendly.

Jesica

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Living Large on Chilliwack River

The location close to the river was great and was a wonderful spot to be on a hot day. The grounds were clean and the hosts were welcoming.

A

Anni

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Living Large on Chilliwack River

We loved our time at James place. Would definitely recommend for families. They were friendly and the spot is super close to the river.

D

Diana

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Living Large on Chilliwack River

Really beautiful spot for camping, very close to the river. It was a bit busier than expected, but still a great experience.

N

Natasha

July 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Living Large on Chilliwack River

We had a great time at this site. It is a beautiful location next to the river with lots of space for our kids to play. Let it be said, however, that this site is in someone's backyard. You have to walk behind their house which is visible from the camp spots. Also in close proximity to lots of other campers.

S

Sébastien

July 2025

Tent

1 night at Living Large on Chilliwack River

This campsite is wonderful! The scenery along the river is beautiful and the hosts are very welcoming! They even have hot shower that was a delight after a day on the saddle

M

Maria

July 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Living Large on Chilliwack River

This camping spot was a lovely experience for our family. We loved having the river right next to our campsite, and all of the little touches that make it so welcoming. For example, we loved having access to the shower, the ease of the dishwashing station, and the cleanliness of the porta potties. The hosts were incredibly welcoming, and came in to check in on us a couple of times to see if we needed anything. On our second night, it rained, and they even offered us extra tarps. All in all, this was a wonderful location and we would love to be back.

H

Hailey

July 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Living Large on Chilliwack River

The campsite was beautiful and very welcoming, the hosts were so nice and very inviting. Campsites had a nice amount of space for privacy and everyone was super respectful! Would definitely come back!

L

Laurie

July 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Living Large on Chilliwack River

James and Lisa were very sweet and helpful. They welcomed us in like family onto their beauty property which was well beautifully maintained and featured amazing outdoor amenities and furry doggo friends. I thoroughly enjoyed the location and views of the river and hope to book with them again. Thanks for having us!

Lisa

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Living Large on Chilliwack River

I had a relaxing stay Living Large on the Chilliwack river . Lisa and James are thoughtful hosts. Their back yard is maintained very well. They have quite a few pitches in their space — but I got to enjoy the whole area as I was the only one there on my visit. The access to the river is amazing. They have a hot shower, porta potties, fire pits, a sink and offer fire wood. Thank you for sharing your space with us!

L

Leanne

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Living Large on Chilliwack River

We had an amazing time! James and Lisa are very kind people and we loved the peacefulness of their campsite. We would definitely recommend staying here

J

Joshua

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Living Large on Chilliwack River

James was an unbelievable host from start to finish , this doesn’t seem like just a job to James and Lisa this is about sharing the beauty that is their backyard with everyone , I can’t wait to return and stay longer at their site