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.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Ross Lake National Recreation Area

Top-rated campgrounds near Ross Lake National Recreation Area

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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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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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Silverline Lakeside Resort

89 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Winthrop, WA

Silverline Lakeside Resort is the perfect place to create unforgettable camping memories along the banks of Pearrygin Lake. Our campground offers a wide range of facilities and amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. Water enthusiasts will love our range of watercraft available for rent, and our boat launch makes it easy to access the lake. For land-based activities, we have a mini-golf course and a kids' play structure. Our grassy common areas are perfect for picnics, and we have three fishing docks and a swimming beach for those who enjoy water activities. Our campground facilities include restrooms and pay showers (bring your quarters), a dump station, gravel roads, horseshoe pits, boat trailer parking, and Wi-Fi access (basic). We have a 20-acre field away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the park where campers can pick a spot and post up with a tent. All campers have full use of the resort amenities. We also offer a range of amenities at our campsites to ensure your comfort and enjoyment. Our RV sites come with full hook-ups and 5/20/30/50 amp electrical connections. We have gravel RV sites and pull-through sites with angled in/out parking. For those who prefer to be closer to the water, we offer lakeside and creekside sites, and for those who appreciate scenic mountain views, we have mountain-view sites. Our general store is stocked with all the camping essentials, including fishing tackle, RV supplies, firewood, and ice. We also have an onsite restaurant, the Wagon Wheel Kitchen, where you can enjoy delicious food and unlimited pancakes on weekends. If you prefer to dine out, we offer a range of food and drinks. No matter what your camping style or preferences, Silverline Lakeside Resort has amenities that cater to your needs. We aim to ensure that your camping experience is comfortable, relaxing, and unforgettable.

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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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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.

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Camp We Nap

3 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Concrete, WA

Welcome to your wooded riverfront paradise! Over 500 feet of river front land with 2 acres of woods no amenities, you bring it in you take it out campfires are allowed but you must make sure there are no burn bans. You may drive onto property but don't drive onto the beach You can park right next to your tent or camper if you wish no overnight beach camping but you may hang out ther during the day. There may be 2 other groups on this property. You can also book all sites for a discount if you want the property to yourself $100 a night, message me for availability Off leash pets welcome Property manager will check in to make sure everything onsite is in order for the comfort of all of our guests Conveniently located just a 10-minute drive from local amenities, including bars, gas stations, and grocery stores, our property offers easy access to everything you need for a comfortable stay Whether you're casting a line for fish, taking a refreshing dip in the river, or embarking on a thrilling river rafting or kayaking expedition, there's no shortageof water-based activities to enjoy. Off-roading enthusiasts will delight in exploring nearby trails, while hunters can seek out game in the surrounding forest. In the winter months, snowmobiling and snowboarding are popular pastimes, offering adrenaline-pumping fun against a backdrop of snowy landscapes. And for those who prefer a more leisurely pursuit, birdwatching along the riverbank promises sightings of a variety of wild avian species. To enhance your outdoor experience, we offer a variety of extras for purchase. From recreational equipment like bikes, kayaks, and hammocks to camping essentials like tents and sleeping bags, we have everything you need to make the most of your time in nature. Need something specific that's not on the list? Just send us a message, and we'll do our best to accommodate your request. So pack your bags, gather your friends and family, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure at our wooded riverfront retreat. Your outdoor paradise awaits!

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Camping on the Skagit River

10 sites · RVs, Tents3 acres · Sedro Woolley, WA

Situated between acres of blueberry fields and the mighty Skagit River, these camping spots and RV hookups offer relaxation, scenic beauty, and close proximity to town amenities. Located just east of Burlington, hiking and biking trails are close, but sitting by the river and relaxing is the preferred option for many. A bath houses equipped with a clean toilet , shower and laundry facilities add to the convenience and attraction of this camping spot. *this is a first come first serve for campsites , the RV sites are meant to hold a larger party with more parking available. The $75 campsites are for the smaller groups and are closer to the river.

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Falls Creek Homestead

5 sites · Tents42 acres · Darrington, WA

Come enjoy all nature has to offer right at the entrance of the Mount Baker National Forest! Conveniently located only a mile from local breweries and grocery, but completely secluded and forested. Campground is on a portion of our 40 acres property and directly across with views of the Sauk River- access to swimming and recreation at Backman County Park is a .25 mile walk. Located on a secluded road perfect for nature walks, biking for kids, and perfect convenience for adventures. Great base camp for anyone wanting to camp and do day hikes!

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Busters on the Sauk

2 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Darrington, WA

This place feels like your. in the wilderness, 4G fading in and out, right by the Sauk river, and yet it's still within city limits\. Within walking distance to Darrington. Downhill mt bike park across town 10 minutes away. Skatepark and pump track in town, 5 minutes away. Its basically on the Mt loop highway. Great access to hikes in the area and the the beautiful Sauk River. There is wood to burn for your campfires, Buster is more than happy to deliver that wood ..free of charge! that's a good time as any for a meet-n-greet. If your a star gazer or like looking at the moon with binoculars on clear nights, we've got reduced light pollution right here. there is room to explore the riverfront and find yourself noting the diversity of animal and plants. Buster and Tracy are the owners of this property. They are going to take over hosting their campground. And this land is a many works in the making...A diamond in the rough.!! If you have appreciation for the wilderness , this spot will turn into your next annual getaway. Its within walking distance to town, but has a feeling of seclusion. This property is classed as light industrial, used for industrial purposes and so when you first drive down our driveway it opens up to a scrap pile here, and a car boneyard there. Then the huge shop with an excavator, forklift and evidence of recent use. Fairly amusing. As you make your way down the road, past the shop and residence and start heading down towards the Sauk river, the raw land starts to take over. . The scenery is serene, the birds are singing, The River rushing in the background..

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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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Kragnes Family Farm Mt Baker Camp

6 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 remainer of our land is breathtaking pacific northwest forest that is boarded by the Bay to Baker trail. Our Wooded campsites have a beautiful cedar grove to enjoy and are steps away from the Bay to Baker trail that include a 45 min round walk to a quaint little waterfall (maple falls).

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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.

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

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.
Backcountry permits are required and must be picked up in person (except during winter); reservations are recommended, but some walk-up permits are available.
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.