Camping near North Cascades National Park

98% (41 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next North Cascades National Park adventure.

Take in alpine scenery from along a backcountry trail in this remote national park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near North Cascades National Park

Public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in North Cascades National Park

Gorge Lake Campground

6 sites · RVs, Tents In North Cascades National Park

Hozomeen Campground

75 sites · RVs, Tents In North Cascades National Park

May Creek Boat-in Campground

1 site In North Cascades National Park

Devil's Junction Boat-in Campground

1 site In North Cascades National Park

Dry Creek Boat-in Campground

4 sites In North Cascades National Park

Ponderosa Boat-in Campground

2 sites In North Cascades National Park

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Lodgepole Boat-in Campground

3 sites In North Cascades National Park

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(4)

Silver Creek Boat-in Campground

3 sites In North Cascades National Park

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(1)

Hozomeen Boat-in Campground

1 site In North Cascades National Park

Manly Wham Boat-in Campground

1 site In North Cascades National Park

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(5)

Flick Creek Boat-in Campground

1 site In North Cascades National Park

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Green Point Boat-in Campground

5 sites In North Cascades National Park

Upper Goodell Group Campground

1 site · RV, Tent In North Cascades National Park

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Newhalem Campground

42 sites · RVs, Tents In North Cascades National Park

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Colonial Creek South Campground

142 sites · RVs, Tents In North Cascades National Park

Buster Brown Boat-in Campground

3 sites In North Cascades National Park

Hidden Cove Boat-in Campground

1 site In North Cascades National Park

McMillan Boat-in Campground

3 sites In North Cascades National Park

Spencer's Boat-in Campground

2 sites In North Cascades National Park

Big Beaver Boat-in Campground

7 sites In North Cascades National Park

Boundry Bay Boat-in Campground

3 sites In North Cascades National Park

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Thunder Point Boat-in Campground

3 sites In North Cascades National Park

Cougar Island Boat-in Campground

2 sites In North Cascades National Park

Lightning Creek Stock Camp Boat-in Campground

2 sites In North Cascades National Park

Lightning Creek Boat Camp

6 sites In North Cascades National Park

Little Beaver Boat-in Campground

5 sites In North Cascades National Park

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(3)

Weaver Point Boat-in Campground

22 sites In North Cascades National Park

Roland Point Boat-in Campground

1 site In North Cascades National Park

Cat Island Boat-in Campground

4 sites In North Cascades National Park

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Lower Goodell Group Campground

2 sites · RVs, Tents In North Cascades National Park

Rainbow Point Boat-in Campground

3 sites In North Cascades National Park

Ten Mile Island Boat-in Campground

3 sites In North Cascades National Park

Top-rated campgrounds near North Cascades National Park

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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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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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The Lookout

4 sites · RVs, Tents23 acres · Clear Lake, WA

The Lookout is an amazing piece of property with elevations and expansive south facing views of Clear Lake, Rainier, Olympics, and the foothills of the Cascades. The site is perfect for sunsets, a launch pad to activities in Skagit Valley, and most importantly several private mountain bike flow trails (intermediate and experts only at this time). More trails coming soon! Check us out on Instagram: @___the_lookout

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Samara Farm Treehouses

4 sites · Lodging12 acres · Acme, WA

Samara Farm is a magical, tranquil homestead on a beautiful 12 acre lot in the town of Acme, WA. The forest in the back of the property has magestic old-growth maples, hemlocks, spruce, and an abundance of NW native understory plants. Nearby, there is a river for swimming, fly-fishing, kayaking, tubing, and the Acme Diner and General Store are within walking distance. The property has a huge garden with an abundance of fresh produce year round.

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(249)

Riverside Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents30 acres · Arlington, WA

My 30 acre farm has two campsites, both allow pets and campfires (outside of burn bans). One campsite is a beach on the North Fork Stilly, it is shaded most of the time, the sun lovers can paddle with their kayak or wade across to sunbath on an island across the river. tent campers can locate their car or truck on dike and move their supplies on to camping area.. trucks with campers can set up right on dike over looking the stilly. Rigs can set up in the field by the dike!! The second campsite is on 4 acres you will have to yourself by a creek; Rhodes River Ranch Restaurant is walking distance away to go enjoy dinner; the Whitehorse trail for biking or walking is only a mile away; Enjoy the view of Whitehorse and three fingers mountain. Lake Cavanaugh is nearby, and regional activities include biking, boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, paddling, wind sports, and off-roading. Our guests love staying with us: "Our stay at River Side was wonderful! The campsite is very large, with a picnic table and great little beach area. If you're looking for a nice and easy get-away from the city, especially for larger groups, this is the perfect place! Rhonda is very communicative and a great host. Thanks for sharing your space with us!"

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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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Camp Hideaway

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Darrington, WA

Welcome to Camp Hideaway in Darrington, Washington—a nature lover's paradise. Enjoy fishing, kayaking, and scenic trails by day, and cozy evenings around the fire pit playing horseshoes. The playground and tetherball court offer fun for all ages. Cross the charming bridge to the peaceful peninsula for stunning views and fishing. Discover Darrington's wonders—pack your bags and come explore!

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River Rejuvenation Retreat

2 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Concrete, WA

Private property as well as private beach Access nestled in the trees with the beautiful woods and an amazing view of the skagit River. Activities include fishing, swimming, river rafting, kayaking, and wild bird watching. Also, we have 2 fire pits available: 1 in ground near the gazebo overlooking on the river 1 portable. Alcohol and marijuana are okay as long as they are used responsibly.

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(65)

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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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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Rusty Ranch Tree Farm and Forest

14 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents110 acres · Bellingham, WA

Welcome to our tree farm and certified forest. Looking for an ideal family getaway spot? With our unique location nestled in the foothills of Stewart Mt and the peaceful Squalicum Valley, Rusty Ranch Tree Farm offers 110 acres of meadows and forest. Our location provides easy access to much of our local recreation options and is only 10 min east of Bellingham. Our camp area is spacious and can can easily accomidate your family and even a couple of friends. Scattered trees offer shade, and large grassy areas provide ample space to roam. We are proud to say we have been named top FARM STAY by Hipcamp for 2 years in a row. Rusty Ranch Tree Farm is dedicated to "Eduction through Exploration" where we strive to provide your family and friends with more than just camping but also a place to experience nature and learn about forestry. Hike the several miles of nature trails on the hillside and explore our 65 acres of certified forest. Placards on the nature trail are part of our self-guided tour and provide information about forestry and the plants and animals that call this their home. You may request a guided interactive tour for your group if you prefer. Wander through the old growth groves, walk the 50' boardwalk and see the magical Fern Ridge. There are abundant wildflowers and seasonal berries to pick, as well as a variety of fall apples and pears in the old orchard available for self harvest. You can even purchase a tree to take home and plant. We also offer a roadside farm stand with fresh seasonal fruits and veggies as well as farm fresh eggs. We hope you will come and stay with us for your next adventure.

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Chuckanut Hills Farm & Camp

11 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Sedro Woolley, WA

Retreat to relax at Chuckanut Hills Farm and Campground, a 20-acre energy-regenerative, off-grid family farm nestled at the foot of Anderson Mountain and surrounded by thousands of acres of forest. 30 minutes south of Bellingham in the Chuckanut Mountains, the only finger of the Cascade Mountain Range that reaches all the way to the Salish Sea. This wooded forest is part of the Puget Lowland Forest Eco-Region. These hills were the native home of the Saquantch people, a Salish coast tribe that fished and hunted the mountains surrounding Lake Whatcom. They lived in long lodge homes and were later pushed out by the invading Lummi Tribe. The Lummi Tribe was later pushed out by Western logging companies, and the entire mountainous region was heavily logged for a number of years. Where our farm now rests was once the second of many logging camps built by Ed English, and he cut our gravel farm road in 1900; a railroad ran through the lower part of our property, taking logs from Lake Whatcom down to the little boom town of Seattle. Our intention while being caretakers of this ancestral land is to restore native plants, raise heirloom produce and heritage animals, and provide a restful nature paradise for people looking to spend time in the outdoors.

The best camping near North Cascades National Park guide

Overview

About

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.

North Cascades National Park RV Camping

The northernmost of Washington's national parks, North Cascades National Park is one of the most remote parts of the state. While much of the park is only accessible on foot or by boat, there are quite a few RV-friendly campgrounds. Options include the Colonial Creek North and South Campgrounds, the Newhalem Creek Campground, the Goodell Creek Campground, and the Lower Goodell Creek Group Campground. You can reserve campsites up to six months in advance, though RV sites often fill up quickly. Fortunately, there are plenty of private RV camping alternatives within easy reach of the park on Hipcamp, many situated on private patches of land or even on local farms. You'll find a good selection along Washington State Highway 20 in the Marblemount area, and some offer direct access to the raging waters of the Cascade River. Look out for RV amenities like full hookups, dump station access, and firepits.

Notable campgrounds

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

Tips for snagging a campsite

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.
Some campgrounds are also open on a first-come, first-served basis outside of the reservation season.
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.
Boat-in camping is offered on Diablo Lake, Ross Lake, and Lake Chelan.

When to go

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.

Know before you go

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you camp anywhere in North Cascades National Park?

No, you cannot camp anywhere in North Cascades National Park. Camping is allowed only in designated campgrounds and backcountry campsites. The park has several developed campgrounds, such as Goodell Creek Campground, Colonial Creek Campground, and Newhalem Creek Campground. For backcountry camping, you'll need to obtain a permit from the park. You can find more information about camping in North Cascades National Park here. If you're looking for alternative camping options outside the park, check out Hipcamp's North Cascades camping options for a variety of accommodations, including tent sites, cabins, and unique stays.

Where can I camp for free in North Cascades National Park?

In the North Cascades, free camping is available at dispersed campsites in the surrounding national forests. These areas often have fewer amenities but provide a more rustic and remote camping experience. Some popular free camping areas near North Cascades include:

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Please note that dispersed camping is subject to regulations and restrictions, so be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and check the current guidelines before heading out.

Does North Cascades National Park have first-come, first-served camping?

Yes, there are first-come, first-served campgrounds in the North Cascades. Some campgrounds, like Colonial Creek and Goodell Creek, offer a combination of reservable and first-come, first-served campsites. It is always a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot, especially during peak camping season or on weekends.

Are there grizzly bears in North Cascades National Park?

Grizzly bears are extremely rare in North Cascades National Park. While there have been a few confirmed sightings in recent years, the grizzly bear population in the area is very small and elusive. Black bears, on the other hand, are more common in the park. It is always important to practice proper food storage and bear safety measures while camping and hiking in the North Cascades.

How do I get a campsite reservation at North Cascades National Park?

Securing a North Cascades National Park campsite reservation is usually a challenge due to the park's popularity. Camping trips typically need to be planned months in advance and even then, available campsites can book up within minutes. The good news is that you have other options for last-minute North Cascades National Park campsite reservations. Try snagging one by setting up a free Hipcamp alert for any North Cascades campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.

When should I reserve camping in North Cascades National Park?

Most North Cascades National Park campsite reservations open up months in advance. However, it's notoriously difficult to secure a North Cascades National Park reservation even if you plan ahead, as campsites are often booked up within minutes. To increase your chances of snagging a campsite, set up a free Hipcamp alert for any North Cascades campground. We'll monitor campground availability, and you'll get instantly notified of any openings that come up for your dates so you can jump on it to reserve the newly open site. Set up an alert.