Camping in the North Cascades National Park is a great way to spend more time in the park. No matter what campground you choose, you’ll be near phenomenal hiking trails and near rivers or lakes.

However, it’s a large and remote park – don’t expect to have cell service or restaurants inside the park. If lodging is more your style, check out this blog for suggestions.

Want to skip to the campground recommendations? Click on a link below to jump to a section.

Campgrounds in the North Cascades National Park

Campgrounds near Marblemount

Campgrounds near Winthrop

Campgrounds in Stehekin

Dispersed camping

Campground reservations

If you’re interested in camping, we recommend creating logins to reservation sites in advance and reserving campsites as soon as they go on sale. During the summer months, campsites are highly competitive and sell out immediately when they open for booking months in advance.

Consider visiting in the spring or fall if you’re willing to brave potential rain. During these seasons, there are fewer crowds and campsites will be easier to come by.

If the state and national park run campgrounds are full, consider using Hipcamp to reserve a spot at a private campground.

First-come, first-served campsites

Many of the campgrounds listed offer a small number of first-come, first-served campsites. To get one of these you’ll need to arrive early in the day on a weekday. Usually, by Thursday, all first-come, first-served campsites are reserved for the entirety of the weekend during the summer months.

Camping gear

If you’re from out of state, or don’t have camping gear, consider renting gear from Backcountry 40 Outfitters, a local company in Seattle, or REI. If exploring in a van is more your style, check out Indie Campers and Escape Campervans.

Campground basics

All campgrounds provide water, flush or vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire pits (more on these below). You’ll find what each campground offers in the amenities section.

Check in and out times vary but are generally around 2 pm for check in and 12 pm for checkout. All campgrounds have quiet hours that are usually around 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

If you’ll be pitching a tent, look for a tent pad at your campsite – it will be a flat square with a wood perimeter to pitch your tent on. They vary in size, and not all campgrounds have them. If your campsite does have a tent pad, you must pitch your tent there. If your campground does not have tent pads, find a space in your campsite that is relatively open and flat to pitch your tent.

When booking, pay attention to campsite size. Most campsites fit between four and six people comfortably.

Fire pits

Fire pits can only be used when there is not a burn ban in place. You can check here to see fire danger and burn bans throughout Washington state, but fire bans are usually in place between July and September.

If there is not a burn ban in place, please purchase local firewood to burn to prevent bringing in invasive pests. Collecting firewood around the campground is not allowed – this wood is an important part of the forest ecosystem.

Are the North Cascade National Park’s campgrounds pet-friendly?

Many of these campgrounds are pet friendly, but some of the North Cascades National Park is not. Check out this page to see where you can take pets within the park. You’ll find what campgrounds are pet-friendly under the amenities section for each location.

Campgrounds in the North Cascades National Park

You will not have cell service within the North Cascades National Park, and neither will you find amenities like restaurants, stores, or gas stations. Come prepared with food, water, and gas to get in and out of the park.

Marble Creek Campground

This campground feels secluded, with smaller, private campsites. There is no water here, so you must come prepared with your own.

Amenities:

River access
Pet friendly
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 23 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Tent and group sites only

Number of sites: 23

Typically open: Mid-May to early September

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Newhalem Creek Campground

Located near the Cascade Visitor Center and walking trails, this is a great campground at the base of the North Cascades National Park. Sites here have more tree cover and privacy.

Amenities:

Pet friendly
River access
Dump station
Food storage lockers
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 50 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 113

Typically open: May to September

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Goodell Creek Campground

This campground is located across the river from the larger Newhalem Creek Campground, closer to the highway. Campsites have great shade, and if you’re lucky, river access.

Amenities:

Pet friendly
River access
Dump station
Food storage lockers
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 20 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 19

Typically open: May to early September

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Colonial Creek North Campground

This campground sits along the famous Diablo Lake. Campsites are on the tighter side, with some tree cover, but expect it to be busy. Bears are known to explore the area so keeping your food and smelly items in the provided food lockers is a must.

Amenities:

Pet friendly
Lake access
Boat ramp and dock
Dump station
Food storage lockers
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 20 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 41

Typically open: May to early September

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Colonial Creek South Campground

This campground sits along the famous Diablo Lake. Campsites are on the tighter side, with some tree cover, but expect it to be busy. Bears are known to explore the area so keeping your food and smelly items in the provided food lockers is a must.

Amenities:

Pet friendly
Lake access
Boat ramp and dock
Dump station
Food storage lockers
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 25 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 94

Typically open: May to early September

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Campgrounds near Marblemount

Marblemount is located on the western side of the North Cascades National Park. Stay here for a limited number of restaurants, great hiking, and closer access to Seattle.

Rasar State Park

Washington’s State Parks have great campgrounds. Visit for this one for great river access, fishing, and easy walking trails.

Amenities:

Lodging
River access
Dump station for a fee
Pet friendly
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 40 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to 6 months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 53

Typically open: Year round

Maximum length of stay: 10 days

Concrete/Grandy Creek KOA Holiday

Amenities:

Lodging
General store
Pool/hot tub/sauna
Games and sports courts
Laundry
Wifi
Full hookups
Pet friendly with a dog park
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 85 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to 6 months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 53

Typically open: Late April to November

Maximum length of stay: Unknown

Boulder Creek Campground

Campsites here are on the tighter side, and some have uneven terrain. Visit at the end of summer to find huckleberries here.

Amenities:

River access
Pet friendly
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 25 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to 6 months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 9

Typically open: Mid-May to early September

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Clear Creek Campground

This campground is more spacious with great tent sites. It is near the highway, but the sound of the Sauk River helps drown out the noise.

Amenities:

River access
Pet friendly
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 40 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to 6 months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 12

Typically open: Mid-May to early September

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Campgrounds near Winthrop

Camp closer to Winthrop on the eastern side of the North Cascades National Park for hotter weather.

Klipchuck Campground

Located halfway between the town of Winthrop and the North Cascades National Park on Highway 20, this campground is at higher elevation, which helps in hot temperatures. It’s also a ways away from the highway, so it’s quieter.

Amenities:

River access
Pet friendly

RV and trailer length: 34 feet

Accepts reservations: No

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 39

Typically open: Late-May to late October

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Early Winters Campground

This is a beautiful place to camp near Early Winters Creek off Highway 20. We love the larger sites and tree cover.

Amenities:

River access
Pet friendly

RV and trailer length: 32 feet

Accepts reservations: No

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 11

Typically open: April to November

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Silverline Lakeside Resort

Just a five-minute drive from Winthrop, this private campground offers tent, RV, and glamping options along with boat and jet ski rentals.

Amenities:

Lake access
Fishing docks
Boat launch
Swimming
Additional lodging
Showers
Full hookups
General store
Dump station
Pet friendly
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 45 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to 6 months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 73

Typically open: Year round

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Pearrygin Lake State Park

Amenities:

Lake access
Boat launch
Swimming
General store
Dump station
Pet friendly
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 50 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to 6 months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 150+

Typically open: April to October

Maximum length of stay: 10 days

Boulder Creek Campground

This is a small, but beautiful campground along the river. Sites are well shaded and vary in size.

Amenities:

River access
Pet friendly

RV and trailer length: 20 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to 6 months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 10

Typically open: May to September

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Falls Creek Campground

This campground is across the street from the trailhead to Falls Creek Falls. The campground is dusty, with little privacy, but on the Chewuch River.

Amenities:

River access
Pet friendly
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 15 feet

Accepts reservations: No

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 10

Typically open: May to October

Maximum length of stay: 10 days

Pine Near RV Park and Campground

This is a small RV park located a half mile from downtown Winthrop. We appreciate the grassy tent sites and quiet atmosphere.

Amenities:

Full hookups
Additional lodging
Showers
Community kitchen
Laundry
Pet friendly
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: Sites are chosen by the park, call for requests

Accepts reservations: Up to one year in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 52

Typically open: Year round

Maximum length of stay: 7 days for tents, 29 for RVs

Winthrop/N. Cascades National Park KOA Holiday

This is a large RV park located on the outskirts of Winthrop. Stay here for beautiful views of the surrounding hills and Methow River.

Amenities:

Pool
Full hookups
Additional lodging
Community kitchen
Bike rentals
Pet friendly
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 70 feet

Accepts reservations: Up to one year in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 63

Typically open: May to October

Maximum length of stay: 27 days

Big Twin Lake Resort

This resort offers a variety of sites, and we love that they offer many boat rentals – including pedal boats and paddle boards. Shade is limited, so consider brining a day tent.

Amenities:

Boat and swimming docks
Boat rentals
Full hookups
Additional lodging
Showers
Pet friendly
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: 60 feet

Accepts reservations: Reservations open for the year in January

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 84

Typically open: April to October

Maximum length of stay: 29 days

Campgrounds in Stehekin

Stehekin is located on the north end of Lake Chelan. You can only reach the town by ferry, plane, or foot. Read more on how to get to town in this blog.

Purple Point Campground

These campsites 0.3 miles from the ferry dock. They’re on the smaller side, but shaded, and some sights have views of the lake. Showers, laundry, and bathrooms are located near the ferry dock at the Golden West Visitor Center.

Amenities:

Showers
Laundry
Food lockers
Pet friendly

RV and trailer length: None

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 6

Typically open: Year round

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Lakeview Campground

The Lakeview Campground has a deceiving name – you won’t see much of the lake from camp. Campsites here are larger, but more open, so they feel less private than the sites at the Purple Point Campground.

Amenities:

Showers
Laundry
Food lockers
Pet friendly
Accessible campsites

RV and trailer length: None

Accepts reservations: Up to six months in advance

First-come, first-served campsites: Yes

Number of sites: 9

Typically open: Year round

Maximum length of stay: 14 days

Dispersed camping

If you’re interested in dispersed camping, check out this blog with tips and information on dispersed camping in Washington. You’ll find dispersed campsites within the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest.

Still working out what to do in the North Cascades?

We’ve got you covered with this itinerary – including details on how to modify the itinerary for a shorter or longer stay. Don’t miss out on any of the best sights!