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.  

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Community favorites near Ross Lake National Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Ross Lake National Recreation Area

97%
(578)

Cascade River Retreat

18 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Marblemount, WA
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.
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$30
 / night
95%
(31)

Skagit River RV and Camping

35 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Marblemount, WA
Skagit River RV and Camping is near the small, charming town of Marblemount and close to the entrance of the world-famous North Cascade National Park in the foothills of the Cascades and located on Skagit River. 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.
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$35
 / night
100%
(36)

Kragnes Family Farm Mt Baker Camp

7 sites · RVs, Tents28 acres · Deming, WA
Our 28 acres are located in between maple falls and glacier, Wa, directly on Mt Baker Hwy on the way to Beautiful Mt Baker. Ben and I run a chemical free farm, on which we raise 7 and 1/2 acres of veggie and flower. 15 acres of pastureland on which we raise pasture raised chicken, as well as biannual lamb and beef. The remainder of our land is breathtaking pacific northwest forest that is boarded by the Bay to Baker trail. Our campsites range between walk in wooded sites, and car camping sites that are open field sites next to the tree line. We provide wagons in our cart corral area to make it more convenient for the very short walk in. ( no more then a 200 foot walk in) We have a beautiful cedar grove to enjoy for lounging and picnics. The Bay to Baker trail borders our property, so it is just steps away and includes a 45 min round walk to a quaint little waterfall (maple falls). As well as a nature loop trail. You can also walk the other direction on the trail over a boardwalk and up to the Nooksack river. This direction walks along the back of the farm and allows you to see the veggie fields from a distance. There is a conservation area, just a quarter mile drive down the road. With access to the Nooksack river, that includes several nice swimming spots and a couple nice walking trials. Silver Lake is just 3.8 miles away. It has a great recreation area, fun for the whole family. Just a heads up , you will probably lose service on your drive up here. But you will get service back when you are here. We suggest putting the map in your phone before you leave. Google maps will take you just past the farm, and apple maps will stop you too soon. So you are looking for the large kragnes family farms sign in the driveway. pull in and follo the camping signs to the back.
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$25
 / night
99%
(38)

North Cascades Basecamp

3 sites · Lodging, Tents2 acres · WA
Situated under 5 miles from the North Cascades National Park West Entrance, this secluded and lush property provides ample rest, relaxation and preparation for your explorations in the North Cascades. Stay here to get an alpine start on a climb, camp here in the winter for a basecamp for your backcountry skiing and snowmobiling adventures, or use it to recharge from the busy city life.
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$52
 / night
96%
(13)

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. 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, however you are still welcomed to camp.
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$60
 / night
82%
(47)

Glacier Peak Resort and Winery

39 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Rockport, WA
We are a small boutique resort nestled in the North Cascades. Cabins, RV spots, or Tents on the river. We have you covered. Perfect spot for your entire group or family. Perfect for large groups, reunions, or retreats. Enjoy the scenery, take a walk on one of our many trails, go fishing (must have a license of course), wine tasting, wildlife watching, or just relax in the tranquil scenery. Get back to nature and unplug! Our Property lies on the Skagit River. Just steps away from catching a King, Coho, chinook, Chum, Sockeye, or Humpy (Pink), and when in the season of course. Steelhead fishing both summer and winter on the Skagit. The hiking is out of the world with trails for the family, the experienced, or weekend warriors who just want to explore the raw beauty of the great outdoors. We are a great hub, close to everything but with the cozy comfort of home
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$29
 / night
88%
(89)

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, 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
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$51
 / night
98%
(64)

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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$67.50
 / night
95%
(268)

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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$42.75
 / night
99%
(59)

Feral Farm

2 sites · Tents46 acres · 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!
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$36
 / night
98%
(104)

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. 
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$37.50
 / night
93%
(21)

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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$72
 / night

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

  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.

Top cities near Ross Lake National Recreation Area

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