The Dyrt: The Best Camping Near North Cascades National Park

North Cascades National Park has no drive-in campgrounds, so all camping is backcountry camping. Along Highway 20 there are nearby campgrounds to meet any style of camping – lakeside sites or amenities-filled RV parks.

The North Cascades National Park is unique in the fact that there are no campgrounds that visitors can drive directly up to within the park. Though there are various campgrounds along the iconic Highway 20, these are not technically in the park boundaries. Thus, all overnight camping within the park is considered backcountry camping. Whether you’re looking for a lakeside campsite or an urban RV park with all the amenities, there are a number of nearby locations have the perfect camp spot to match your style of camping.

Backcountry camping at North Cascade Mountains in Washington.

Here are the top choices for camping near North Cascades National Park, according to The Dyrt campers. The Dyrt is the #1 camping app of 2020 in Apple’s App Store and Google Play Store. Authentic reviews are what makes The Dyrt the #1 camping app of 2020. The Dyrt PRO, a $35.99/year subscription giving campers offline access to The Dyrt’s entire set of 500,000+ locations, reviews and tips—meaning you can now hit the road worry-free and find your next campground regardless of WiFi or cell service.

The Best Camping Near North Cascades National Park

1. Colonial Creek North Campground

Image from The Dyrt Camper Katie S.

Colonial Creek North Campground in North Cascades National Park is a remote, yet bustling campground nestled in old growth forest. Located on the north side of State Route 20 near mile marker 130, there are 41 campsites that are surrounded by forest and located on Diablo Lake.

Visitors can access several trails from within the facility, such as Thunder Knob Trail and Thunder Creek Trail. Colonial Creek North Campground is also close to several trails along State Route 20. Visitors can go boating, fishing, and swimming (although the water is a chilly 43 degrees) on Diablo Lake. Bears do inhabit the area, so care should be taken when hiking, picnicking, or camping.

CAMPGROUND DETAILS

• Price: $16.00 – $40.00
• Number of sites: 41
• RV sites: Yes (no hookups available), Sanitary Dump
• Fires allowed: Yes
• Pets allowed: Yes
• Operator: National Park Service

“This is by far the nicest campground in North Cascades National Park that one can drive to.  If you are lucky to be able to reserve beach side spots on Diablo Lake you will also have lots of privacy and incredible views of this amazing turquoise blue lake and maybe even your own water access/beach.” -The Dyrt Camper Emma A.

2. Goodell Creek Campground

Image from The Dyrt Camper Shari G.

Situated in lush, old growth forest on the banks of the Skagit River, the Goodell Creek Campground is a first-come, first-serve campground that is appropriate for tents and small RVs. Drinking water, garbage service, and vault toilets provided. There are no hook-ups or showers. There is a covered picnic shelter. Gathering firewood is prohibited, but firewood can be purchased outside of the park.  This campground is located south of SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) at mile post 119. Thirteen miles (21 km) east of Marblemount, 74 miles (119 km) west of Winthrop.  

CAMPGROUND DETAILS

• Price: $50.00
• Number of sites: 3
• RV sites: Yes (small RV’s, no hookups available)
• Fires allowed: Yes
• Pets allowed: Yes
• Operator: National Park Service

“Great experience camping here. Sites are large and allow some privacy from neighbors with the dense trees.” -The Dyrt Camper Esther Y.

3. Klipchuck Campground

Image from The Dyrt Camper Shari G.

The Klipchuck Campground is a forested campground is located near Early Winters Creek that has majestic trees with a stream and good hiking opportunities nearby. Units combinable to accommodate groups. This campground is located one mile off North Cascades National Scenic Highway 20 on the right side of the highway, nineteen miles northwest of Winthrop, Washington.

CAMPGROUND DETAILS

• Price: $12.00
• Number of sites: 46
• RV sites: Yes (water hookups only)
• Fires allowed: Yes
• Pets allowed: Yes
• Operator: National Forest

“I was really impressed with this campground it’s one of the nicer National Forest Service campgrounds I have ever been to.  It was really clean and well maintained.  Many of the sites are well shaded, big, and private.  The inner loop seemed like the best for shade.” -The Dyrt Camper Shay F.

4. Rasar State Park Campground

Image from The Dyrt Camper Michelle K.

Tucked along the Skagit River, Rasar State Park offers forested campgrounds, grassy fields, Cascade foothills and the clear blue Skagit River. Whether you’re seeking a fun, friendly atmosphere or a contemplative retreat, you’ll find it at Rasar. The park has 18 standard sites, 20 partial-hookup with electricity and water (two ADA), eight walk-in sites and three primitive hiker/biker sites, as well as two Adirondack (three-sided) sleeping shelters available to walk-in campers. Maximum site length is 40 feet (may have limited availability). This campground is located just off North Cascades National Scenic Highway 20 on the south side of the highway, thirteen miles west of Concrete, Washington.

CAMPGROUND DETAILS

• Price: $27.00 to $50.00 (Peak Season)
• Number of sites: 51
• RV sites: Yes (water and 30 amp electricity hookups)
• Fires allowed: Yes
• Pets allowed: Yes
• Operator: State of Washington

“Great park with lots of activities and a variety of spaces to explore. Love the open fields and walking trails with possibility of seeing elk.” -The Dyrt Camper Deborah H.

5. Howard Miller Steelhead Park/Skagit County Campground

Image from The Dyrt Camper Kathleen D.

Howard Miller Steelhead Park campground offers forested campgrounds, grassy field, views of the Cascade foothills and the Skagit River. This campground is located in Skagit County on 52804 Rockport Park Road in Rockport, Washington.  Take Exit 230 off I-5 and head east  on North Cascades National Scenic Highway 20 37 miles to Rockport.

CAMPGROUND DETAILS

• Price: $27.00 to $50.00 (Peak Season)
• Number of sites: 51
• RV sites: Yes (water and 30 amp electricity hookups)
• Fires allowed: Yes
• Pets allowed: Yes
• Operator: State of Washington

“It’s one of my favorite spots because of the fishing access. The tent sites are right on the waterfront behind a row of foliage. The Skagit is a fishable river and spectacular when the salmon pinks run every other year. You can hear them jumping and splashing from your camp site. It’s amazing.” – The Dyrt Camper Kayko S.

6. Panorama Point Campground

Image from The Dyrt Camper Michelle G.

Panorama Point campground is located on the western shore of Baker Lake in the stunning Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Situated on the west side of the Cascades in Washington, the surrounding area is one of the most spectacular in the country, showcasing glacier-covered peaks, wide mountain meadows and old-growth forests, rich in history and outdoor opportunities. Hike in the mountains above the lake in the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area or Mt. Baker Wilderness, or take some time to visit North Cascades National Park. This unique park is like no other place on earth.

From Seattle, go north on I-5 to Burlington. Take Exit 230 on State Highway 20. Go past the Mt. Baker Ranger District Office in Sedro-Woolley and follow State Route 20 east for 16 miles to milepost 82. Turn left (north) on the Baker Lake Highway (Forest Service Road 11). Continue for 19.2 miles on the Baker Lake Highway. The campground is on the right.

CAMPGROUND DETAILS

• Price: $27.30 – $62.23
• Number of sites: 9
• RV sites: Yes (no hookups available)
• Fires allowed: Yes
• Pets allowed: Yes
• Operator: National Forest

“We had our own access to the water and the fire pit is located with an excellent view of the mountains. They don’t call it Panorama Point for nothing. ” – The Dyrt Camper Michelle G.

7. Gorge Lake Campground

Image from The Dyrt Camper Jess G.

Gorge Lake Campground can be found on the shores of Gorge Lake, next to the cascading Stetattle Creek. Located just outside the community of Diablo, north of State Route 20 at mile post 126. 20 miles (32 km) east of Marblemount, 67 miles (108 km) west of Winthrop.  Diablo Lake and Ross Lake overlooks are within a short driving distance from the facility. The Stetattle Creek and Sourdough Mountain trails start nearby.

CAMPGROUND DETAILS

• Price: $10.00
• Number of sites: 8
• RV sites: Yes (no hookups available)
• Fires allowed: Yes
• Pets allowed: Yes
• Operator: National Parks Service

“No water spigots, but if you come prepared with a filtration system, you have all the water you need from Gorge Lake. Not much privacy between sites, but tends to attract some cool people. Just seconds off Hwy 20, but you do not hear the road as the small rapids just near the campground naturally drowned out most noise. This the perfect spot for a few days or just an overnight on your way over Washington Pass.” – The Dyrt Camper Shari G.

These are just a few of the camping options near North Cascades National Park, Washington. For many more, check out the Dyrt’s full listing of Washington camping and RV parks.

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