North Cascades National Park, a stunning expanse in northwestern Washington State, is often lauded as the “American Alps” for good reason. Its dramatic mountainscapes and collection of over 300 glaciers offer an unparalleled experience for nature enthusiasts. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned camper, the park’s highlights, including the North Cascades Visitor Center, the breathtaking Diablo Lake Overlook, and iconic trails like Thunder Creek, Cascade Pass, and Thunder Knob, promise unforgettable adventures. Thunder Knob, in particular, is a fantastic 3.6-mile trail showcasing diverse forest ecosystems and rewarding hikers with panoramic views. If you’re planning a car camping trip to soak in the majesty of this park, you’re in the right place. This guide will navigate you through the best options for Where To Go Car Camping For North Cascades National Park, ensuring a memorable outdoor experience.
It’s important to note that North Cascades National Park operates under a unique co-management structure with Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and Ross Lake National Recreation Area, all under the National Park Service umbrella. A key consideration for planning your trip is the seasonal closure of the scenic North Cascades Highway (Highway 20). Due to heavy snowfall, this route, vital for accessing many park areas, typically closes from mid-November to April. For car campers, the ideal window to visit is early summer. This period offers melted snow, longer daylight hours to maximize your exploration, and arrives just before the peak wildfire season, allowing for a safer and more enjoyable experience in one of the least crowded national parks.
Understanding North Cascades National Park Fees and Passes
One of the appealing aspects of North Cascades National Park is that there is no entrance fee. It’s a fee-free park, making it accessible to everyone. However, camping fees are applicable at designated campgrounds.
For visitors planning to explore multiple national parks, the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass is a worthwhile investment. Priced at $80.00, this annual pass grants access to all US National Park sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for a year. It covers entrance fees for everyone in a single vehicle at per-vehicle fee sites and up to four adults at per-person fee sites.
You can purchase your pass through this link, and a portion of the proceeds from REI purchases are donated to support the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
For those with flexible travel dates, take note of the National Park Free Entrance Days offered by the National Park Service annually. These five days provide fee-free entry into participating parks.
Securing Your Spot: North Cascades Camping Reservations
Planning ahead is crucial for car camping in North Cascades, especially regarding reservations. All drive-in campgrounds situated along State Route 20 operate on a reservation system managed through recreation.gov.
While campgrounds might sometimes be open on a first-come, first-served basis outside the reservation season, securing a spot can be competitive, particularly on weekends and during peak season. Booking in advance is highly recommended to guarantee your campsite.
Let’s explore the drive-in campgrounds perfect for car camping within North Cascades National Park:
Drive-In Campgrounds along Highway 20
Goodell Creek Campground
Location: Situated south of State Route 20 at milepost 119, Goodell Creek Campground is conveniently located 13 miles (21 km) east of Marblemount and 74 miles (119 km) west of Winthrop.
Number of sites: This campground offers 19 sites, suitable for both tents and smaller RVs, making it a versatile option for car campers.
Cost per night: Reservations are priced at $20 per night. Notably, Goodell Creek Campground becomes free from mid-September to Memorial Day Weekend, although water and trash services are discontinued during this period.
Reservations: Yes, reservations can be made 3-180 days in advance via www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 48.673 N, Longitude: -121.267 W
Campground Amenities: Amenities include drinking water, garbage service, and vault toilets. There are no hook-ups or showers available. A covered picnic shelter is provided. Firewood gathering is prohibited, but it can be purchased outside the park.
RVs allowed?: Yes, small RVs can be accommodated.
Generator Hours: 8 am to 8 pm.
Accessibility: Unfortunately, ADA-accessible campsites are not available at Goodell Creek Campground.
For a detailed look, explore our comprehensive guide with site photos of Goodell Creek Campground.
Newhalem Creek Campground
Location: Located south of SR 20 at milepost 120, placing it 14 miles (23 km) east of Marblemount and 73 miles (117 km) west of Winthrop, just west of Newhalem town.
Number of sites: Newhalem Creek is the largest campground with 107 sites, offering a higher chance of securing a spot.
Cost per night: Campsites are $24 per night for reservations.
Reservations: Yes, Loops A, B, and C accept reservations, available 3-180 days ahead at www.recreation.gov or by phone at 1-877-444-6777.
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 48° 40′ 30.0000″ N, Longitude 121° 15′ 40.0000″ W
Campground Amenities: Potable water, garbage and recycling services, and flush toilets are provided. No showers or hook-ups. Fully accessible sites are available.
RVs allowed?: Yes, with limited sites accommodating up to 45 ft RVs. Driveway lengths vary, check www.recreation.gov for specifics.
Generator Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Accessibility: Two ADA-accessible drive-in campsites are available.
Gorge Lake Campground
Location: Situated just outside Diablo town, north of SR 20 at milepost 126. It’s 20 miles (32 km) east of Marblemount and 67 miles (108 km) west of Winthrop.
Number of sites: Gorge Lake is a smaller, more intimate campground with only 8 sites.
Cost per night: $20 per night for reservations.
Reservations: Yes, reserve your site 3-180 days in advance through www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 48° 42′ 56.5663″ N, Longitude 121° 9′ 5.5165″ W
Campground Amenities: It’s a primitive camp, meaning no water is available – remember to bring your own. Vault toilets, garbage, and recycling services are provided.
RVs allowed?: Yes, most sites accommodate RVs up to 25 feet. Site 7 can handle up to 76 feet.
Generator Hours: 8 am to 8 pm.
Accessibility: No ADA-accessible campsites are available.
Colonial Creek Campground
Location: Located off SR 20 at milepost 130, Colonial Creek is 25 miles (40 km) east of Marblemount and 63 miles (101 km) west of Winthrop.
Number of sites: Colonial Creek is divided into South Loop (93 sites) and North Loop (41 sites), offering a substantial number of camping options.
Cost per night: $24 per night for reservations. Interestingly, South Campground Sites 64-73 remain open during winter months with no water, services, or fees, and only vault toilets available.
Reservations: Yes, reservations are required 3-180 days in advance via www.recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777. Campgrounds may operate on a first-come, first-served basis outside the reservation season.
GPS Coordinates: Latitude 48° 41′ 22.4902″ N, Longitude 121° 5′ 45.8200″ W
Campground Amenities: Flush toilets, garbage and recycling service, and potable water are available. No hook-ups or showers. Fully accessible campsites and walk-in campsites are also available.
RVs allowed?: Yes, but it’s not ideal for large RVs. Newhalem Creek Campground is better suited for larger RVs.
Generator Hours: 8 am to 8 pm.
Accessibility: Three ADA-accessible campsites are available in Colonial Creek North and South Campgrounds.
Unique Camping Experience: Hozomeen Campground (Canada Access Only)
For a truly unique car camping experience, consider Hozomeen Campground.
Location: This campground is located 40 miles (64 km) south of Hope, B.C., accessed via Silver/Skagit Rd from Highway #1, Exit 168 in Canada. Importantly, Hozomeen Campground is not accessible by road from the U.S.
Access: Reach Hozomeen by taking Silver/Skagit Road from Highway #1, Exit 168, 2 mi (3 km) west of Hope, B.C., and travel 40 miles (64km) south. The Silver/Skagit Road is unpaved and can be rough – a spare tire is recommended. Check road conditions before you go.
Number of sites: Hozomeen offers 75 designated sites and additional camping areas. Note that Upper Loop campsites are currently closed due to hazard trees.
Cost per night: Free.
Reservations: First-Come, First-Served basis.
GPS Coordinates: Latitude: 48.9852 N, Longitude: -121.0712 W
Campground Amenities: Potable water and vault toilets are available. No gas or services; pack out all garbage.
RVs allowed?: Yes, maximum length 25 feet.
Generator Hours: 8 am to 8 pm.
Beyond Drive-In: Backcountry and Boat-In Camping
North Cascades National Park offers more than just drive-in campgrounds. For the adventurous, backcountry and boat-in camping provide immersive wilderness experiences.
The Wilderness Trip Planner Map details all backcountry campsites. Boat-in campgrounds on Ross Lake and camping near Stehekin are excellent alternatives. All backcountry camping requires a backcountry permit.
Lake Chelan Boat-in Camps
Lake Chelan offers unique boat-in camping experiences.
- Reservations: Not available for Lake Chelan Boat-In campsites.
- Permit: A federal dock permit is needed for motorboats from May 1st to October 31st.
- Amenities: Each camp has a vault toilet and bear-proof food storage. Water must be sourced from the lake and purified.
- Accessibility: Campsites may not be boat-accessible from December to May when lake levels are low (below 1,096 feet).
Specific Lake Chelan Boat-in Campsites:
- Weaver Point: Across from Stehekin Landing, accessible by boat or the 3.5-mile Stehekin River Trail. 16 sites with picnic tables. Check conditions at the Golden West Visitor Center (509-699-2080 ext 14) before visiting.
- Flick Creek: 3.5 miles from Stehekin Landing on Lake Chelan’s NE shore along the Lakeshore Trail. 2 sites and a large shelter.
- Manly Wham: 3 miles from Stehekin Landing on Lake Chelan’s SW shore near Bridal Veil Falls. 1 site.
Ross Lake Boat-in Camps
Ross Lake boasts 19 camping areas, ranging from 1 to 7 sites each. Here are a few examples:
- Green Point: 0.8 miles from Ross Dam, 21.2 miles from Hozomeen. 5 sites. Group site, trail access, boat dock.
- Cougar Island: 2.4 miles from Ross Dam, 19.6 miles from Hozomeen. 2 sites. Boat dock.
- Roland Point: 3.5 miles from Ross Dam, 18.5 miles from Hozomeen. 1 site. No group site, trail access, or boat dock.
- McMillan: 4 miles from Ross Dam, 18 miles from Hozomeen. 3 sites. Group sites and boat dock.
- Spencer’s: 4.3 miles from Ross Dam, 17.7 miles from Hozomeen. 2 sites. Boat dock.
- Big Beaver: 4.6 miles from Ross Dam, 17.4 miles from Hozomeen. 7 sites. Group sites, trail access, boat dock.
- May Creek: 5 miles from Ross Dam, 17 miles from Hozomeen. 1 site. Trail access and boat dock.
- Rainbow Point: 6 miles from Ross Dam, 16 miles from Hozomeen. 3 sites. Trail access and boat dock.
- Devil’s Junction: 9 miles from Ross Dam, 13 miles from Hozomeen. 1 site. Trail access and boat dock.
- Ten Mile Island: 10 miles from Ross Dam, 12 miles from Hozomeen. 3 sites. No group sites, trail access, or boat dock.
- Dry Creek: 10.4 miles from Ross Dam, 11.6 miles from Hozomeen. 4 sites. No group sites, trail access, or boat dock.
- Ponderosa: 11 miles from Ross Dam, 11 miles from Hozomeen. 2 sites. Group site.
- Lodgepole: 11.4 miles from Ross Dam, 10.6 miles from Hozomeen. 3 sites. Group sites and trail access.
- Lightning Creek Stock Camp: 11.8 miles from Ross Dam, 10.2 miles from Hozomeen. 2 sites. Group sites and trail access.
- Lightning Creek Boat Camp: 12 miles from Ross Dam, 10 miles from Hozomeen. 5 sites. Group sites, trail access, and boat dock.
- Cat Island: 13 miles from Ross Dam, 9 miles from Hozomeen. 4 sites. Group sites and boat dock.
- Little Beaver: 15 miles from Ross Dam, 7 miles from Hozomeen. 5 sites. Group sites, trail access, and boat dock.
- Boundry Bay: 16.5 miles from Ross Dam, 5.5 miles from Hozomeen. 3 sites. Group sites and boat dock.
- Silver Creek: 20 miles from Ross Dam, 2 miles from Hozomeen. 2 sites. Group sites and boat dock.
Diablo Lake Boat-in Camps
Diablo Lake offers 3 boat-in camping areas, accessible from the boat launch at Colonial Creek Campground on State Route 20. Backcountry permits are required for all Diablo Lake boat-in camping. All sites have boat docks.
- Buster Brown: 2.8 miles from Colonial Creek Campground. 3 sites.
- Hidden Cove: 2.6 miles from Colonial Creek Campground. 1 site.
- Thunder Point: 2 miles from Colonial Creek Campground. 2 sites.
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) Camping
Long-distance PCT hikers with a PCTA permit can camp at specific camps without a separate backcountry permit (Six Mile Camp, Bridge Creek Camp as of 2020). All other PCT sites within the park require a North Cascades NP backcountry permit. 18 miles of the PCT traverse the park’s south unit.
Winter Car Camping Options
For those seeking a winter adventure, North Cascades NP keeps a few campgrounds open on a first-come, first-served basis:
- Goodell Creek Campground: 19 sites for tents and small RVs.
- Gorge Lake Campground: 8 sites for tents and small RVs.
- Colonial Creek Campground: 10 walk-in tent-only sites (Campsites #64 to 73), 10-30 yards from parking.
Winter Camping Notes: No water or trash service is available; vault toilets are open. Camping is free during winter, and reservations are not accepted.
Important North Cascades Camping Regulations
- Occupancy: Maximum of eight people, three tents, and two vehicles per campsite.
- Stay Limits: 14-day limit from July 1 to Labor Day; 30-day limit the rest of the year.
- Services: Firewood, ice, gas, and other services are unavailable within the park complex.
- Dispersed Camping: Not allowed in the park complex.
- First-Come, First-Served: Non-reserved sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Essential Packing List for Car Camping
Don’t forget these essentials for a comfortable car camping trip:
Lodging Options Outside the Park
If camping isn’t for you, or for pre/post-trip stays, consider these lodging options:
West Side of Park (Concrete, WA):
- Mt. Baker Hotel: A 2.5-star hotel with basic amenities.
East Side of Park (Winthrop, WA):
Winthrop is a charming tourist town with an Old West atmosphere.
- Sun Mountain Lodge: A popular 4.5-star hotel with stunning North Cascades and Methow Valley views, offering various amenities.
We hope this guide helps you decide where to go car camping for North Cascades National Park. Waking up in this park’s breathtaking scenery is an experience like no other.
For a unique adventure, check out Escape Campervans. They offer campervans with beds, kitchens, and more, available for rental in various locations including Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, New York, and Orlando.
Explore More of North Cascades and Beyond
Further North Cascades Information:
- Complete Guide to North Cascades National Park
- Colonial Creek Campground Guide
- Gorge Lake Campground Guide
- Newhalem Creek Campground Guide
- Goodell Creek Campground Guide
Discover Other National Park Camping:
- Glacier National Park Camping
- Olympic National Park Camping
- Mount Rainier Camping
Things to do in Nearby Parks:
- Top things to do Mount Rainier National Park
National Park Inspiration:
- Most Visited National Park Sites
- National Park Bucket List
Explore National Parks by Region:
- National Parks in Washington
- National Parks in Idaho
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