Camping in North Cascades: Which Campground to Choose, Reservations, and Fees

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

Yes, you can camp in the North Cascades complex. The national park and its two recreation areas (Ross Lake NRA and Lake Chelan NRA) have several developed campgrounds along SR 20 and beside its glacial lakes. Reservations are required for the most popular sites. July weekends can fill within hours of the six-month reservation 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 ↗

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Can You Camp Inside North Cascades?

The park complex is open year-round, but the operating season runs from late May through late September. Outside that period, several campgrounds close and services at the Newhalem visitor center are suspended. Camping anywhere outside an officially designated site is prohibited. There is no unmarked dispersed camping inside the park.

Developed campgrounds are concentrated in Ross Lake NRA, which SR 20 runs through. The Stehekin area (Lake Chelan NRA), accessible only by ferry or plane, has its own sites.

Campgrounds in the Park

Newhalem Creek

Newhalem Creek is the best-equipped campground in the complex. Its drive-in sites accommodate tents and RVs up to 22 feet long. Its location just steps from the Newhalem visitor center makes it an ideal base for a first night. Sites are reservable on recreation.gov. The campground is open from late May to early September.

Colonial Creek

Colonial Creek stretches across two areas facing Diablo Lake, whose turquoise water gets its color from fine glacial particles suspended in it. The south section has drive-in sites for RVs, up to 22 feet long. The north section has quieter walk-in sites. This is the park's most sought-after campground. Reserve as soon as the six-month window opens. July and August sites can sell out within minutes.

Goodell Creek

About 20 sites sit along the Skagit River, making them ideal for tents and smaller vehicles. Goodell Creek is open year-round with reduced services in the off-season, making it the only practical option for a winter or spring stay. There are no hookups. A group camping area is available at the adjacent site.

Gorge Lake

A few primitive walk-in sites are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis. There are no facilities, but you get a direct view of Gorge Lake. Choose this campground if you value quiet above everything else.

Hozomeen

Hozomeen occupies the northern end of Ross Lake, at the Canadian border, and is reachable only by car from British Columbia via Silver/Skagit Road. The road from SR 20 does not exist, so plan to enter from Canada. There are about 100 sites, with no hookups and no entrance fee. For road trippers making the northern loop from Vancouver, it is an experience in a category of its own.

Stehekin (Lake Chelan NRA)

Purple Point Campground welcomes campers arriving on the Lake Chelan ferry. You cannot reach it from SR 20. Plan to take the boat from Chelan or Wenatchee. The setting is secluded and car-free, right at the entrance to Stehekin Valley.

RV vs. Tent Camping: What You Need to Know

RVs are allowed at Newhalem Creek and South Colonial Creek, up to 22 feet long. No campground in the park offers electric, water, or sewer hookups. Fill your tanks before entering the park. For a larger RV or one that needs full hookups, private campgrounds in Marblemount to the west and Winthrop to the east are good alternatives. Find more RV options in the North Cascades RV camping guide.

Camping Nearby: Private Campgrounds Outside the Park

In July and August, the park is often full. USFS and private campgrounds line SR 20 on both sides of the complex. Areas around Concrete and Marblemount on the Puget Sound side, as well as Mazama and Winthrop to the east, offer sites that are easier to find, often with more amenities. Find every lodging option around the park in the North Cascades lodging overview.

Dispersed Camping and Backcountry Camping

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 the Newhalem visitor center during the season. The most popular areas, including Cascade Pass and Thornton Lakes, open for spring reservations on recreation.gov. For detailed routes and campsite information, see the North Cascades hiking guide.

How and When to Reserve a Campsite in North Cascades

Reservable sites open on recreation.gov on a rolling six-month window. To camp on July 15, the window opens on January 15. The most sought-after sites at Colonial Creek and Newhalem Creek sometimes go in under an hour on peak-season weekends. Outside peak season, before mid-June and after mid-August, first-come, first-served camping still works at Goodell Creek and Gorge Lake. For help choosing the right weather window, check the North Cascades weather forecast and climate guide.

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

Developed campgrounds with reservations, including Newhalem Creek and Colonial Creek, cost about $20 per night. Primitive sites at Gorge Lake and Hozomeen 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 roam throughout the complex. The rule is simple and non-negotiable. Store all food, drinks, deodorant, toothpaste, and trash in an NPS-approved bear canister or in the metal food lockers provided at the site. Do not leave anything with an odor in your tent or vehicle, even with the windows open. Bear canisters are required in backcountry camping areas.

If you encounter a bear, do not run. Speak calmly, back away slowly, and do not stare into its eyes. On trails, make noise as you approach dense wooded areas so you do not surprise one.

Which Campground Should You Choose?

Family with a tent: Newhalem Creek, just steps from the visitor center and trails that are easy for kids. Lake views: Colonial Creek, with sunrise over Diablo Lake. Late arrival or off-season: Goodell Creek, open year-round with reduced services. Zero budget: Gorge Lake or Hozomeen, both free and primitive. Complete seclusion: Stehekin, accessible only by ferry. Multi-day trek: Request a free backcountry permit at 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 want to combine camping with a traditional lodging stay.

Frequently Asked Questions