North Cascades by RV: Campgrounds, Rules, and Tips

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

The short answer. Yes, you can camp in an RV at North Cascades. Several NPS campgrounds line State Route 20 and accommodate RVs. The number one limitation is that no site offers electrical hookups. The mountain highway through the park has length limits that vary by campground. Bring a compact or midsize vehicle, book early, and read on.

Can you drive and camp at North Cascades in an RV?

Getting around North Cascades by RV is entirely doable. The main route is State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway), which runs from Burlington (I-5, Exit 230) in the west to Winthrop in the east. It's a paved, two-lane road and the only road through the park complex.

The complex includes three units: the national park itself, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Nearly all of the RV-accessible campgrounds are along SR 20, in the Ross Lake NRA area.

The operating season runs from late May through late September. SR 20 closes for snow every fall, often in October, and reopens in spring depending on conditions. Outside that window, RV access is very limited or impossible. To plan your trip, see our When to Visit guide.

RV restrictions and regulated roads

There isn't a special-permit tunnel like the one at Zion, but the mountainous terrain comes with its own rules.

Vehicle length. Each campground has its own limit. Older sites such as Gorge Lake and Goodell Creek were designed for cars, not large RVs. Their sites are compact and better suited to a camper van or Class B. Colonial Creek, the largest campground, accommodates longer vehicles.

Turns and grades. SR 20 has tight switchbacks between Diablo Lake and Washington Pass (5,476 feet). Tractor-trailer combinations can make it through, but they need to proceed carefully. Very long articulated setups are not recommended on this stretch.

Speed limits. They vary along SR 20 and may be low in areas with curves or roadwork. Follow the posted signs. In places, the road runs along cliffs without guardrails.

Hozomeen. This campground at the northern end of Ross Lake is accessible only by an unpaved road from British Columbia (Silver-Skagit Road, from Hope, BC) or by boat. Standard RVs cannot reach it.

Before you leave, check current alerts on the NPS website. Rockslides, temporary closures, and seasonal restrictions are updated there in real time. For road and vehicle-size restrictions that apply to all types of vehicles, see our North Cascades access guide.

The park's official campgrounds

None of the campgrounds in the complex has electrical hookups or pressurized water. The main sites offer drinking water, picnic tables, and restrooms during the operating season.

Goodell Creek

Located at the western entrance to Newhalem, this campground accommodates compact vehicles in a dense forest setting. It's a good overnight base for anyone arriving late from I-5.

Newhalem Creek

The largest campground in the western section, just a few minutes' walk from the Newhalem visitor center. It accommodates midsize RVs. Reservations are made through recreation.gov. In July and August, sites can sell out within hours of reservations opening.

Gorge Lake

A small campground on the shore of Gorge Lake, accessible from SR 20. The sites are narrow, so save this one for a camper van or Class B, not a large Class C or Class A.

Colonial Creek

The most spacious campground in the complex sits on the shores of Diablo Lake. Its north and south sections accommodate longer RVs. The setting is remarkable: Diablo Lake's turquoise water and snow-covered ridges create a scene that's hard to match at sunrise. This is our top recommendation for a successful RV stay.

Hozomeen

Reserved for well-equipped, motorized adventurers: a gravel road from Canada, basic facilities, and no RV services. Skip it if you're driving a rental RV or a delicate vehicle.

Dispersed camping and areas around North Cascades (boondocking)

Camping outside designated sites is prohibited inside the park for motorized vehicles. The surrounding national forests, however, offer serious alternatives.

To the west, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has areas where RV dispersed camping is possible along certain forest roads. To the east, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest around Winthrop and Twisp offers less crowded USFS campgrounds that can accommodate reasonably sized vehicles.

See our Regions section for an overview of boondocking spots in northwestern Washington.

Dump stations, water, and services (dump stations)

The main campgrounds have seasonal drinking-water faucets and restrooms. There is no dump station inside the park, however.

For dumping gray and black water, the closest options are at either end of SR 20:

• Burlington and Sedro-Woolley to the west, about 56 miles from Newhalem: several service stations and RV centers.
• Winthrop to the east, about 50 miles from Washington Pass: a well-equipped tourist town with RV services, dump stations, and supplies.

Fill your tanks before entering the park. Services inside the park are intentionally minimal.

Which campground is right for you?

For the scenery: Colonial Creek. Diablo Lake's sunrise reflections are worth the trip on their own.

For convenience: Newhalem Creek, close to the visitor center and interpretive trails. It's an ideal place to get your bearings at the start of your stay. Our Family page lists activities suited to this area.

For smaller vehicles: Goodell Creek or Gorge Lake. Both feel more intimate and are often less crowded.

For complete solitude: Hozomeen, but only with a vehicle capable of handling an unpaved road and by entering through Canada. Plan to be fully self-sufficient.

To compare all overnight options, including tents, lodges, and hotels, see our Where to Stay at North Cascades guide.

Renting an RV to visit North Cascades

North Cascades is a great destination for a rental RV, as long as you choose the right size. Seattle (SeaTac) is the natural starting point. Several agencies rent RVs there, about a 3-hour drive from Newhalem.

Our recommendation is a compact Class C (under 26 feet) or a Class B (camper van). These sizes fit in every campground and handle SR 20 without difficulty. Long Class A motorhomes, over 33 feet, limit your camping options and can be tricky on some curves.

Book your RV at least 3 months ahead for summer. Seattle fleets fill up quickly during the peak season.

RVs, pets, budget, and reservations: what to know

Pets. Dogs are allowed in official campgrounds on a short leash, under 6 feet long. They're prohibited on hiking trails and in the backcountry. Check the rules for each campground, since some areas have additional restrictions.

Site fees. NPS rates for a site without hookups generally range from $15 to $35 per night, depending on the campground and season. The America the Beautiful pass covers park entrance fees for day visits, but not camping fees. Our Fees & passes page explains entrance fees and annual passes.

Reservations. Create an account on recreation.gov and turn on alerts. Colonial Creek and Newhalem Creek sites for July and August often disappear as soon as reservations open in March or April. Gorge Lake and Goodell Creek sometimes operate on a first-come, first-served basis in the off-season.

Weather. Summer thunderstorms can roll in any afternoon, even after a sunny morning. Secure your awning and keep a backup tarp close at hand. The North Cascades weather forecast breaks down stable weather windows week by week.

In summary: our North Cascades RV plan

Book Colonial Creek or Newhalem Creek on recreation.gov as early as March for a summer stay. Choose a vehicle under 26 feet to travel SR 20 without restrictions. Arrive with your water tanks full, since services inside the park are limited. Plan on 3 to 5 nights. North Cascades rewards visitors who take time to explore the far reaches of its valleys. Our complete North Cascades guide will help you plan your itinerary.

Frequently asked questions