Camping in North Cascades: 10 NPS Campgrounds, Reservations, and Fees

By Victoria Boissonade · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide North Cascades

The North Cascades complex has 10 NPS-managed campgrounds with 364 sites in all, spread between Ross Lake NRA along SR 20 and the Stehekin area (Lake Chelan NRA). Some open only from late May through mid-September, while others stay accessible year-round. Reservations are required for the most popular sites. July weekends can fill within hours of the six-month booking window opening on recreation.gov.

Campgrounds in the park (10)

• Campground Newhalem Creek Campground recreation.gov · 107 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Goodell Creek Campground recreation.gov · 19 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Lower Goodell Group Campground recreation.gov · 2 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Gorge Lake Campground recreation.gov · 8 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Colonial Creek North Campground recreation.gov · 38 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Colonial Creek South Campground recreation.gov · 93 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Lakeview Campground first come, first served · 9 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Purple Point Campground first come, first served · 6 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Harlequin Campground recreation.gov · 7 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Hozomeen Campground first come, first served · 75 sites Directions ↗

Show interactive map Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO

Can You Camp Inside North Cascades?

Yes, and not only during peak season. Five campgrounds stay open year-round: Goodell Creek, Lakeview, Gorge Lake, Harlequin, and Purple Point. Services are limited outside the summer season, with no drinking water or trash collection from mid-September through Memorial Day. The other five close in mid-September and reopen in late May.

Camping outside an officially designated site is prohibited. There are no undeveloped, unmarked campsites within the area managed by the NPS.

Developed campgrounds are concentrated in Ross Lake NRA, crossed by SR 20. The Stehekin area (Lake Chelan NRA), accessible only by ferry or floatplane, has its own campsites.

Campgrounds in the Park

The table above lists all 10 campgrounds and their key details. Here’s how to read those numbers in practical terms, including what the figures alone don’t tell you.

Newhalem Creek

With 107 sites, Newhalem Creek is the largest campground in the complex. Thirteen sites are for tents only, and two accommodate groups. RVs are allowed up to 50 feet, making this the only option in the park for large vehicles. The nightly fee is $24, and reservations are required through recreation.gov. A dump station, drinking water, bear-proof lockers, and cell service are available on-site. Its location just steps from the Newhalem visitor center makes it the natural base for a first night in the park. Open from late May through mid-September.

Colonial Creek

Colonial Creek has two sections facing Diablo Lake, whose turquoise water gets its color from fine glacial particles suspended in it. The South section has 93 sites, including 19 tent-only sites, accepts RVs up to 36 feet, and offers a dump station, drinking water, and bear-proof lockers. The North section has 38 sites, including 6 tent-only sites. It’s more compact, with an RV length limit of 25 feet, and has no dump station. Both sections cost $24 per night and require reservations. This is the park’s most sought-after campground, so book as soon as the six-month window opens for a July or August weekend. Both sections close from mid-September through late May.

Goodell Creek

Goodell Creek offers 19 sites along the Skagit River for $20 per night, with reservations available through recreation.gov. RVs are allowed up to 20 feet. The campground is open year-round. Drinking water and trash collection are available from Memorial Day through mid-September; during the rest of the year, services are limited to restrooms and bear-proof lockers. It’s the only practical option for a winter or spring stay among the campgrounds along SR 20. The two group sites at adjacent Lower Goodell Creek operate on a mix of reservations and first-come, first-served availability for $75. They close from early September through late May.

Gorge Lake

Gorge Lake has 8 sites, all for tents, at $20 per night. Reservations are accepted from late May through mid-September. Outside that season, the campground remains open without water or trash collection. Bear-proof lockers are available. It’s a quiet site with lake views and a lower rate than the larger campgrounds along the highway, for campers who value peace and quiet.

Hozomeen

Hozomeen sits at the north end of Ross Lake, on the Canadian border, and can only be reached by car from British Columbia via Silver/Skagit Road. There is no access from SR 20, so plan to enter through Canada. The campground has 75 first-come, first-served sites at no charge. Drinking water, restrooms, and bear-proof lockers are available. For road trippers making the northern loop from Vancouver, it’s an unusual experience.

Stehekin (Lake Chelan NRA)

Stehekin Valley is accessible only by ferry or floatplane from Chelan or Wenatchee. The NPS manages two campgrounds there. Purple Point has 6 tent sites, and Lakeview has 9 tent sites plus an on-site store. Both operate on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge and stay open year-round. Drinking water and bear-proof lockers are available. Full services, including running water and trash collection, stop from mid-September through mid-May.

RV or Tent Camping: What You Need to Know

Four main campgrounds accept RVs: Newhalem Creek, up to 50 feet; Colonial Creek South, 36 feet; Colonial Creek North, 25 feet; and Goodell Creek, 20 feet. None of the park’s sites offer electrical, water, or sewer hookups. Fill your tanks before entering the park. For a large RV or full hookups, private campgrounds in Marblemount to the west and Winthrop to the east are good alternatives. Find more RV camping alternatives in the North Cascades RV camping guide.

Camping Nearby: Private Campgrounds Outside the Park

In July and August, the park often fills up. USFS and private campgrounds line SR 20 on both sides of the complex. The areas around Concrete and Marblemount on the Puget Sound side, along with Mazama and Winthrop to the east, offer sites that are easier to find, often with more amenities. All lodging options around the park are listed in the North Cascades lodging overview.

Backcountry Camping and Overnight Trips

North Cascades has a network of backcountry campsites accessible from trailheads along SR 20. A free wilderness permit is required. You can get one at the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount or at the Newhalem visitor center during the season. The most popular areas, including Cascade Pass and Thornton Lakes, open for reservations in the spring through recreation.gov. For detailed routes and backcountry sites, the North Cascades hiking guide has all the information you need.

How and When to Reserve a Campsite in North Cascades

Six campgrounds take reservations through recreation.gov: Newhalem Creek, Colonial Creek South, Colonial Creek North, Goodell Creek, Gorge Lake during the season, and Harlequin during peak season. The reservation window is a rolling six months. To camp on July 15, reservations open on January 15. Sites at Colonial Creek and Newhalem Creek sometimes sell out in less than an hour on peak-season weekends. Outside that period, Hozomeen, Lakeview, Purple Point, and Gorge Lake out of season are first-come, first-served. The North Cascades weather forecast and climate guide can help you choose the best weather window.

Fees: How Much Does a Night of Camping Cost in North Cascades?

Individual sites cost $20 at Goodell Creek, Gorge Lake, and Harlequin, or $24 at Newhalem Creek and Colonial Creek South and North. The group site at Lower Goodell Creek costs $75. Hozomeen, Lakeview, and Purple Point are free. North Cascades National Park does not charge a vehicle entrance fee. For entrance fees and annual passes, see the National Parks fees and passes page.

Safety: Bears and Food Storage

Black bears live throughout the complex. The rule is non-negotiable: store all food, drinks, deodorant, toothpaste, and trash in an NPS-approved bear canister or in the metal food lockers available at most sites. Don’t leave anything scented in your tent or vehicle, even with the windows open. Bear canisters are required in backcountry sites.

If you encounter a bear, don’t run. Speak calmly, back away slowly, and don’t stare into its eyes. On trails, make noise as you approach dense woods to avoid surprising one.

Which Campground Is Right for You?

Family with a tent: Newhalem Creek, just steps from the visitor center and easy trails, with 107 sites and all services. Lake views: Colonial Creek, with sunrise over Diablo Lake for $24 per night. Off-season or late arrival: Goodell Creek, Gorge Lake, Harlequin, or Purple Point, all open year-round. Free camping: Hozomeen, with 75 sites; Lakeview, with 9 sites; or Purple Point, with 6 sites. All are free and first-come, first-served. Large RV: Newhalem Creek, the only campground in the park that accepts vehicles up to 50 feet. Complete solitude: Stehekin, accessible only by ferry. Multi-day trek: Get a free wilderness permit from the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount.

To plan your entire trip, see our complete North Cascades guide or the hotels and lodges around North Cascades if you’d like to combine camping with a stay indoors.

Frequently Asked Questions