The best camping near Diablo Lake

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Diablo Lake adventure.

Discover the serene beauty of Diablo Lake's turquoise waters and scenic trails.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Diablo Lake

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Diablo Lake

97%
(52)

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
96%
(596)

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
99%
(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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$50
 / night
89%
(98)

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
99%
(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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$36
 / night
95%
(273)

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
92%
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Forest Farmstead

8 sites · Lodging23 acres · Rockport, WA
Our old growth temperate rain forest homestead begins the wild and uncut wilderness that extends 40 miles to the Canadian boarder and beyond just as far. Before us it was part of Cascadian Farm (the organic food brand which still operates a lovely ice cream, esspresso, and berry stand adjacent to us), and before that it was one of the first farms this deep into the Cascade Range supplying food for the crews building the dams. We offer both a yurt and tree house. You will be on our small farm/homestead that is backed up to the Mount Baker National Forest with undisturbed forest all north all the way to the Canadian border to the north, Baker lake to the north west, and to the North Cascades National park to the North east. The Skagit River flows to the south of us. If you like freezing cold glacier water, we'll provide you with a map where you can walk down to the river to cool off at a safe swimming hole.Guests love staying here "Such a glorious and relaxed stay. The yurt really was a palace, it was so spacious and had many thoughtful amenities. We hiked on the mountain, forded a river and played with Hiland cows, all within walking distance of the yurt. I was worried that it would be cold but we were toasty and were even able to cook full course meals. Terry and Erin were the perfect hosts, responsive and yet non-instrusive. Thank you so much for letting us have this experience!"
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$81.18
 / night
91%
(23)

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 $110 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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$80
 / night

The best camping near Diablo Lake guide

Overview

About

Just 2 hours outside of Seattle, tucked away in the North Cascades National Park lies a rare sight, Diablo Lake. Made famous by its stunningly vibrant and clouded turquoise water, Diablo lake gets its unique look from fine rock powder found in the glacial melt. World-class hiking trails and pristine camping aren't the only draws to this natural wonder. The Diablo Dam was once the largest in the world and at 389 ft tall it is a stunning sight to behold. Walk across the dam to get the perfect view of the valley below or take off on one of the many hiking trails to marvel at the scale of the project from its base.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Diablo Lake is during the summer and early fall, when the weather is most favorable and the North Cascades are fully accessible. Winter and spring may present challenges with snow and road closures, making some areas difficult to reach.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast before your trip, as conditions can change rapidly in the North Cascades.
  • No parking pass or entry fee is required for Diablo Lake, making it an accessible destination for all.
  • Be prepared for a moderate to hard hike with an elevation gain of 1,400 feet to reach the highest point at 1,950 feet.
  • Keep safety in mind near steep gorges and waterfalls, especially if traveling with children or pets.
  • Remember to pack out all trash and respect the pristine environment of this cherished natural area.
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