Camping in North Cascades National Park

Spread out over half a million acres of old-growth forests, glaciers, and alpine lakes, North Cascades National Park is among the most pristine areas in Washington. This massive expanse has a network of hiking trails and ample opportunities for kayaking, mountain biking, and—of course—camping. You won't find the big crowds and extensive facilities common to other national parks here, though there are a few seasonal visitors centers for permits and supplies. The park can be accessed via the North Cascades Highway (State Route 20) or by taking a boat to Lake Chelan, north of Leavenworth, and then taking a passenger ferry to remote Stehekin.

• Best for RV campers: Newhalem Creek Campground offers easy Skagit River access and numerous sites with hookups that fit small RVs.
• Best for quiet campers: Gorge Lake Campground near Rockport offers just eight tent-camping sites plus vault toilets, but no potable water.
• Best for anglers, boaters, and hikers: Colonial Creek Campground offers flush toilets, a fishing pier, a kayak and boat launch, and easy access to the Thunder Knob trailhead

1. Campsites can be booked up to six months in advance on the National Park Service website. Reservations open at 7am Pacific Time, so wake up early to secure your spot.
2. Some campgrounds are also open on a first-come, first-served basis outside of the reservation season.
3. There are 140 designated backcountry campsites issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Backcountry permits are required and can be obtained on the same day or the day before your trip.
4. Boat-in camping is offered on Diablo Lake, Ross Lake, and Lake Chelan.

North Cascades National Park is a summer destination, and many parts of the park are inaccessible due to snowfall throughout much of the year. While the North Cascades National Park Service Complex is open throughout the year, most other park services (including the North Cascades Visitor Center in the town of Newhalem and the Golden West Visitor Center in Stehekin) shut down in late September and doesn't open up again until the end of May.

• The park does not sell ice or even firewood at its campsites. The nearest town for stocking up on groceries and supplies is Marblemount. Further east, Twisp and Winthrop also have plenty of spots to eat, shop, and spend the night.
• Snow-related closures are common along Highway 20 during the spring months. Always check with the Washington State Department of Transportation before heading out.
• Fire bans are not uncommon, especially in late summer, when the risk of wildfire is at its highest. Check with the ranger station before starting a fire.