The best camping in Ross Lake National Recreation Area, WA

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100% (19)

The best camping near Ross Lake National Recreation Area, WA

No matching sites in the park — explore these options nearby.
The island is about 50 yards from your site! Great spot to hang out.

2. Skagit river camping and sauna

96%
(337)
48mi from Ross Lake National Recreation Area · 21 sites · Tents, RVs · Lyman, WA
End of the road. Start of an epic camping weekend. River to the side, Cascade foothill surround. Each site has river access except for lookers left which is not accessible due to the steep grade. Close to the north cascades. Minutes from live music, bars and quality mexican restaurant. Rails to trail for bikes and walking. Tward the end of july the river starts to recede opening up more possibilities of having interaction with the river. That being said its crucial you keep an eye out on your kids. We had a guy out here who almost killed his kids multiple times underestimating the current. Watch out!!Kinda going for the peaceful, listen to the river and birds, vibe. Would rather there be no music and if there is then super low and off by 7. Sauna available after 3pm
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$48
 / night
Group site (#2)

3. Camp Keyser Forest Camp

94%
(325)
45mi from Ross Lake National Recreation Area · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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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$43
 / night
Adventure Basecamp

4. Adventure Basecamp

48mi from Ross Lake National Recreation Area · 5 sites · RVs · Maple Falls, WA
Adventure Basecamp is a tranquil, primitive camp nestled in a cedar grove at the end of a private, unpaved road less than a quarter mile off Mt Baker Hwy in Maple Falls, WA. Tired of parking lots and boondocking? Park up here and be the first up the mountain this winter. Pop into the cabin for some sourdough pastries and espresso on your way out! I'm a recovering nomad who spent a good many years travelling and living in vans...I built this space for van life. Four level parking pads are tucked in amongst the cedars and a communal picnic/seasonal fire area sits in the center. Bring your friends and their vans too...group camp booking is available and encouraged! Vehicles must be fully self contained to stay here; tent camping is not permitted. Adventure awaits you in Maple Falls! It is situated along the Nooksack River at the base of Mt Baker in the North Cascades. Outdoor recreation abounds...world class skiing, mountaineering, mountain biking. Fish, forage, paddle, play disc golf, find a swimming hole...or simply drive 50 minutes up to Artist's Point with a picnic and soak in the beauty. Bay to Baker Trail, Red Mountain and the Nooksack are all accessible on foot or bike from camp. We are 10 min to North Fork Brewery and Silver Lake Park, 15 min to Glacier, 45 min to the Mt Baker ski area and 35 min to Bham. Plan to unplug...cell service is dodgy
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$25
 / night
Glacier Peak Resort and Winery

5. Glacier Peak Resort and Winery

82%
(86)
26mi from Ross Lake National Recreation Area · 39 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · 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
North Stilly River Yurt

6. North Stilly River Yurt

100%
(6)
43mi from Ross Lake National Recreation Area · 1 site · Lodging · Swede Heaven, WA
Come on up to a magical dreamland in the forest on a winding river! We welcome you to a secluded, yet accessible getaway. You will walk down a winding trail with moss draping from the old forest firs and emerge to an opening in the forest with a welcoming large rock patio, fire ring and well accommodated 20 ft yurt. You can then creep along the trail further and come upon a nice flat, comfy greenery area to pitch multitudes of tents, have a swing in the hammocks, or play some yard games. And yet the magic does not end-- emerge further down the hill and you will come upon the glorious North Fork of the Stillaguamish River. It is mighty during the winter months, but flows to a slow and shallow trickle during the summer making it a wonderful place for romping of children and pets alike. There is also some swim holes if you need to truly cool your skin down. The flowing Stilly has blessed us with a very large sand bar on our side of the river which has an abundance of flat, soft sand to pitch more tents on, and also build castles in for the littles. Lastly, don't forget to catch the fantastic view of White Horse Mountain from the two seats that overlook the river! Catch it during the day or during the night with the moon in front of the mountain. You will never forget it! This is an off-grid property. Please bring your own drinking water. We have an outhouse on sight. The yurt has an audio system with CDs if you so choose to bring in your own portable battery. We hope you enjoy this forested river land!
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$100
 / night
Skagit River RV and Camping

7. 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.
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$45
 / night
Big Twin Lake Resort

8. Big Twin Lake Resort

97%
(39)
45mi from Ross Lake National Recreation Area · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Winthrop, WA
Relax by the Water at Big Twin Lake Resort Nestled on the shores of Big Twin Lake in sunny Okanogan County, our resort is just three miles south of Winthrop, WA—close to town, yet perfectly peaceful. This is a site or camping cabin located within our 50 acre camping resort. Big Twin Lake Resort offers a quiet, relaxing getaway with easy access to the area's natural beauty. Big Twin is a renowned fly-fishing lake, stocked annually and ideal for both seasoned anglers and beginners. Spend your days casting a line, exploring nearby hiking and biking trails, or simply soaking up the views. Our resort offers the perfect balance of relaxation and outdoor fun. Kids and adults alike will love spending time on the water with our rowboats, pedal boats, and paddle boards, all available for rent. With its quiet, laid-back atmosphere and a wide range of outdoor activities, Big Twin Lake Resort is the perfect spot for your next family vacation.
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$32
 / night
Camp 47- hot tub, river, mtn views!

9. Camp 47- hot tub, river, mtn views!

100%
(11)
39mi from Ross Lake National Recreation Area · 1 site · Tent, RV · Darrington, WA
Camp alongside the Wild and Scenic Sauk River while enjoying the spectacular views of surrounding mountains and taking a dip in the soaking tub. Be in awe while watching the local wildlife from your campsite. Completely private with no neighbors, a truly one of a kind spot right on the Sauk River. All essential amenities provided. Enjoy the led lighted screen net enclosure, queen sized bed, camp kitchen, propane hot water heater with soaking tub, and a generator with a 100 ft extension cord. 13" by 13" shelter with bug netting, rain proof cover, solar LED lights, queen sized air mattress on a metal bed frame. No need to worry about bringing bedding. The bed will be made with a clean flat sheet, pillows with clean pillow cases, and a clean duvet cover with a down comforter. A propane stove top cooker and a small propane BBQ grill are provided along with all of the necessary cooking and eating utensils. The soaking tub is great for cooling off during a hot day, and easily heated up to make it a hot tub during the cool nights.
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$89
 / night
The seclusion is so nice for sleeping in!

10. 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
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$51
 / night
Beautiful walk to Skagit River

11. 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 (:
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$65
 / night
Pop up canopy with basic amenities

16. 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!
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$36
 / night
Cascade River Retreat

17. 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.
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$40
 / night
HEARTHAVEN

18. HEARTHAVEN

97%
(19)
50mi from Ross Lake National Recreation Area · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Deming, WA
At HEARTHAVEN, a scenic, open meadow leads to an enchanting old growth forest. Make yourself at home and choose a comfortable campsite in the meadow or on the lawn. Enjoy hillside views, forest exploration, resident wildlife and the communal fire circle. Our blossoming permaculture homestead is a serene and welcoming place to breathe and rejuvenate. We are located in the foothills of Kulshan (known as Mount Baker), home to the wild and scenic North Fork Nooksack River. Bald Eagle sanctuaries, bike and hiking trails, and paragliding areas are all within easy reach of our land. Year-round recreation abounds from the Cascades to Salish Sea. Two lovely libraries are nearby, and Bellingham and the Canadian border are each within a 30-minute drive. In addition to tent sites and campervan spots, we have an RV/TIny House parking spot with 50-amp hookup. 20% weekly and 50% monthly discounts available. Dogsitting available while you explore the area... negotiate with my nine-year-old son on this! Check out our AirBnB listing: Scenic and Serene Guest Suite, if you'd like to combine your stay with family and friends who prefer a bit more comfort, all on the same property.
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$45
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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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