The best camping in Ross Lake National Recreation Area, WA

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100% (19)

The best camping in Ross Lake National Recreation Area, WA

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
Skagit River RV and Camping

2. Skagit River RV and Camping

96%
(206)
22mi from Ross Lake National Recreation Area · 40 sites · Tents, RVs · Marblemount, WA
Set out on your North Cascades adventure and book your stay at Skagit River RV and Camping. We are 20 minutes from the entrance of North Cascades National Park and located across the banks of the Skagit River in Marblemount WA. Bring your RV to our pull-through and bank in sites (20) or stay in your tent in our park tent sites all with firepits and picnic tables or try out our new "Backwoods" tent sites for a rustic experience. Coming soon for those who want to try out an RV experience is our refurnished RV set for 4. Many of our guests use Skagit River RV and Camping as a base while they explore and climb the surrounding hills and mountains. Bikers also use the park and set up their tents as a base to bike the surrounding area or bike over the North Cascade Pass to eastern Washington. We are a small family and pet-friendly RV campground offering, RV sites and tent sites. We have a wooded park-like area is located behind the campsites for dog walking and nature walks. The surrounding area offers hiking, bird watching, fishing, spectacular photography opportunities, bike riding and climbing trails. The Skagit River has a wild and scenic designation and is a popular river for rafting, kayaking and canoeing. Winter activities include bald eagle watching, fishing and hunting. The mountain air is fresh and clean with seasonal views of snowcapped mountains. If you are traveling with a group or club, there are facilities to accommodate you as well. Ideal for family reunions, rallies, get-togethers and clubs.
Pets
Toilets
Full Hookups
from 
$45
 / night
Pulling into our campground

5. Hideaway cedars campground

97%
(75)
23mi from Ross Lake National Recreation Area · 5 sites · Tents · Marblemount, WA
Our property is 1 mile east of the town of marblemount sitting on a beautiful 4 acres surrounded by thick cedars and 4 private camp sits . We are located 200ft from the Skagit River and 10 miles west of the Ross and Diablo lake . Nestled deep in the cascade foot hills that leads to dozens of hiking trails, kayaking and outdoor activities. In our campground we offer a outdoor but inclosed restroom and shower along with potable water . Fire wood bundle are available for purchase when you arrive. Across the road from our campground there is a trail leading to a beautiful and peaceful spot on the river . In the town of Marblemount there are two gas stations that have a wide verity of supplies for you every day adventures , two restaurants both serving amazing food or you can head east to the beautiful Hwy 20 North Cascade pass leading you to the historic town of Winthrop.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night
Cascade River Retreat

6. Cascade River Retreat

96%
(757)
23mi from Ross Lake National Recreation Area · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · Marblemount, WA
50% off all sites from October 10th thru April 1st use code NVWH71P5 PSA: Please use google maps, any other locater app will lead you astray. On a better note, 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$40
 / night
The seclusion is so nice for sleeping in!

8. Lil Bit O' Heaven Camping

91%
(158)
23mi from Ross Lake National Recreation Area · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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. You are free to purchase additional firewood through cashapp $Vende41 or venmo @zkotlerman
Pets
Toilets
Full Hookups
from 
$51
 / night
Lautensleger Family Camp Property

10. Lautensleger Family Camp Property

96%
(40)
28mi from Ross Lake National Recreation Area · 8 sites · Tents, RVs · Mazama, WA
***As of 9/01/2025 the river is dry*** ***The well is dry ***There will be no porta potty after 10/20/2025 Choose your perfect spot from 8 different sites (power and water) in the campground. Each site used is $75. 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 (when there isn’t a fire ban. Please do not use the already cut fire wood, that is our personal stash)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-1 minute 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. OCTOBER and MAY campers: There is no water, however you are still welcomed to camp.
Pets
Electrical Hookup
Toilets
from 
$75
 / night
Our cozy geodome surrounded by the forest

11. N. Cascades Glamping w/ Hot-tub

98%
(32)
29mi from Ross Lake National Recreation Area · 2 sites · Lodging · Rockport, WA
Escape to nature without sacrificing comfort in our stunning glamping dome! Nestled in the heart of the North Cascades, this dome offers a private hot tub, outdoor kitchen with grill and fridge, a fire pit for stargazing, and WiFi for staying connected. Enjoy an outdoor bathroom and shower for a true glamping experience. With the Barr Creek trailhead just 1/4 mile away with a view of a waterfall, it’s the perfect spot for adventurers and relaxation seekers alike. Reconnect with nature in style! We are a short 11 minute drive to the North Cascades National Park! During the winter (typically end of November/early December through April/May) part of Highway 20 and driving access to the park is closed. You are still able to get to our dome using Highway 20 as that part is open all year round, but you are unable to access the park. You are able to drive to the entrance, park and snow shoe in if you'd like. The part of Highway 20 that is closed is on the west side at milepost 134 at the Ross Dam Trailhead and on the east side, at milepost 171 at the Silver Star Gate, near Mazama. An alternative hiking destination for the winter months is the Rockport State Park which is only a 4 minute drive from the dome. You are able to purchase a day pass on your phone once you arrive.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$250
 / night
Pop up canopy with basic amenities

13. Feral Farm

100%
(107)
32mi from Ross Lake National Recreation Area · 2 sites · Tents · Rockport, WA
A 46 acre off grid communitiy nestled within an established food forest. A mile of trails, a creek/pond, established agroforestry plantings and multiple examples of tiny homes and natural buildings dot the landscape. All within the context of a mature and established forest. The camping sites are private and removed from the bustle of the farm. History: the farm was started in 1997. Matt Van Boven (your host and the owner) started on raw land and built all of the infrastructure with the help of many interns over the years. Every edible plant that could be grown here has been trialed. No irrigation, fertilizer, or cultivation is used on the farm. Only the most resilient and adapted plants remain to this day. These include hundreds of nut and fruit trees as well as many perennial edibles. Much of the forest, itself has been managed with thousands of cedar trees planted among the existing vegetation. Besides the plantings, all manner of natural buildings are represented. Cordwood and cob being a few of the methods explored. The farm has a collection of tiny homes that surround a core of utilitarian structures and provide housing to an eclectic bunch of forest folk. The land is uniquely situated on the confluence of two major rivers (the Sauk and the Skagit). The creek is an old river channel that is now abandoned. A couple sit-on-top kayaks are available to use to explore. For the adventurous, a trail carries on from the creek to the river itself. The trail system is a labor of love crafted over the last 20 years. Almost a mile of manicured trails weave their way around the plantings and forest. The trees are almost 100 years old with some very large specimens of both maple and cedar. The farm is completely off grid and has been so since its inception. Working with limited means has been a theme in the design and development. Living in a more ecological way has been a major inspiration for us and we hope that you, as a guest, not only have an enjoyable stay but also leave inspired to change your life in a similar direction!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$36
 / night
Spending the day enjoying the sunshine on our private beach on the Skagit River is a great way to relax.

16. The Pathfinders Sanctuary

100%
(52)
34mi from Ross Lake National Recreation Area · 2 sites · Lodging · Concrete, WA
Welcome to The Pathfinders Sanctuary, where stunning river views, serene beaches, and the natural beauty of the Northern Cascades await you. Nestled within 18 acres of lush forest and bordered by the picturesque Jackman Creek and the Skagit River, our two-story treehouse offers the perfect escape. Our modern treehouse, designed like a tiny home on stilts, is your cozy, private getaway. Fully furnished and wired for electricity, it features a small kitchen, an electric fireplace, a heated electric composting outhouse, and an outdoor heated shower. Conveniently located just outside the historic town of Concrete, The Pathfinders Sanctuary serves as an ideal base camp for exploring the hiking trails, state and national parks, and stunning lakes of the Northern Cascades. Take a break from the daily grind and immerse yourself in nature at The Pathfinders Sanctuary. Reconnect with yourself and your loved ones in this peaceful haven. Book your stay today and experience the magic of the Northern Cascades.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$150
 / night
The property is right on the Skagit River!

18. The River's Edge Camp Ground

98%
(153)
35mi from Ross Lake National Recreation Area · 1 site · RV · Concrete, WA
****Due to the recent Skagit River flooding, we have decided to wait to open bookings for the year. Please check back at the beginning of March. We hope to have had time to get things all cleaned up and ready. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out. Thank You, Adam and Kira This is a hidden gem! This is waterfront on the river where you can relax, play in the river with your own beach for your stay. It's a Very beautiful private open RV and Trailer Site on the Skagit River. I have currently owned the property for 10 or so years. This is one of my happy places to bring friends and family and relax. This is where we get our river therapy. Nothing better than sitting by the camp fire watching the river flow and listening to the nature. There is a nice big fire pit as well as a log picnic table. Lots of room to lounge around and enjoy the peace and quiet. Watch the eagle and fish on the river as you sit by the campfire. Kayak down the river from RockPort bridge and pull out right at camp. It's about a two and half hour float down with a Kayak right to camp. Close drive to Baker Lake for the day to hike or sight see. An hour or so away from North Cascade Hwy passes. Or if you feel like a drive, head to Winthrop for the day and walk the town. Fishing can be done right at the site or a short walk to the point. Check the fishing regulations for the time of year you want to fish.
Pets
Full Hookups
from 
$125
 / night
Beautiful walk to Skagit River

19. Concrete Wa Bakerview Getaway

100%
(71)
35mi from Ross Lake National Recreation Area · 1 site · RV · Concrete, WA
Spectacular mountain views of Baker and Sauk. Lots of room and privacy. Large +1 acre campsite (4 hook up areas to yourselves), picnic table, hand pump well on site, portable wood fire pit (have grill insert) We have just installed 4 new 30 amp RV outlets on the campsite! Can fit more than 5 large trailers for you and your guests! Great area for outdoor games, (Plenty of room for a couple games on the grass at the same time!) About 10 min. drive to town for food, ice-cream etc. Short walk to Skagit river beach access, excellent star gazing on clear nights. About 10 minute drive to local hiking trails, local lakes for fishing and boating nearby. Feel free to ask any other questions. ** NOTE** This is only a Trailer/RV/camper van site. Tents are allowed if you are camping with trailer accommodations. We have no toiletries on site, so if you have guests with tents, its a pack in pack out (:
Electrical Hookup
Pets
from 
$65
 / night
Eden East Skagit River

20. Eden East Skagit River

91%
(62)
39mi from Ross Lake National Recreation Area · 2 sites · RVs · 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 at time of booking. It is $50 per night per each extra RV/trailer. The additional vehicle includes up to 6 extra guests. This site does not have bathroom facilities. 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. This site does have security cameras. 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.
Electrical Hookup
Water Hookup
Pets
from 
$83
 / night
100% (19)

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The best camping in Ross Lake National Recreation Area, WA 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

  1. 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.
  2. Backcountry permits are required and must be picked up in person (except during winter); reservations are recommended, but some walk-up permits are available.
  3. 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.
100%
19 ratings · 8 reviews

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