Colonial Creek North Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area

I’ve stayed here a couple of times in the last few years. The sites are spacious and private. The restrooms are well maintained.

We had a walk in site. Disappointingly, it wasn’t very private. If you’re going to have to haul your gear, you should at least be rewarded with a private site. Regular sites are worse- all on top of each other.

My eternal complaint that national parks have miserable bathrooms was true here, too. At least there was some hand soap, though.

1 star removed for the horrific traffic noise from large semis revving engines to get up the hill.

Otherwise, very clean sites with good access to nearby hikes, lakes, etc.

(Stayed 9/21) North Casacdes' campsites are free during off season but they are VERY LIMITED. We got this one the moment someone pulled out of it, and the night before we had slept in a parking lot at Colonial Creek because literally every available spot in the park was taken. If you get a spot, it's fantastic but God speed!

(Stayed 9/ 20) North Cascades' campgrounds are free in the off season, however they fill up FAST. ALL of the available spaces were taken in all of the remaining open off season sites. Colonial is mostly closed and only allows walk in sites. A group of vans and cars all slept in the parking lot due to lack of any other option. No trouble from any rangers but I'm not sure how legit it is. Pit toilets were open, all running water is shut off during off season

FYI, there is 130+ campsites here, and every one of them were packed to the brim. I saw reservations people made for a whole week! This is not a free campground, unless you find an open spot which is almost impossible. And if someone reserves last minute they can kick you out. A lot of families here with rowdy kids. If you're fine with that then it may suit you. It probably depends on what camping experience you want. I'm from out of state, solo, and free camp. I guess based on reviews here i didnt fully gather how packed it is here. There arent many other free camping choices around. I thankfully found an open spot at another camp that didnt get snatched from me.

All is to say. Either reserve a place or stress out finding an open spot, dont expect privacy, and have a backup plan!

Also, i was here on a thursday and it was soooo packed still. I got there at 4pm and no room.

Wonderful site tucked away in the North Cascades. Although it was a busy site, everyone was conscious of their noise levels as they enjoyed their time. You’ll need to travel quite far to find another lake that rivals the beauty of Diablo and the surrounding area. Camp layouts vary greatly so it will pay off to investigate the better sites for your return trips.

I grew up going here. Canoeing on the lake, swimming in the freezing creek! It is a beautiful place in the summer, not anything special in terms of camping but it is a great place. Nice bathrooms, lots of hikes super close, and visitor center. It is usually pretty busy so definitely make a reservation.

Compared to South, Colonial Creek North Campground seems even more “in” the woods!

You are not as close to Diablo Lake which is probably a good thing considering the traffic. The boat ramp is on the South side and the main traffic that travels through the North side is foot heading up the Thunder Creek Trail.

It is very easy to feel like you are alone in the woods due to the placement of the multiple sites. Bear lockers, picnic tables and nice size sites to set up in. The reservation system is whack! Some sites are reservable , good luck. Then there’s the walk in sites, once again good luck, plan on spending a day getting it done. I’m sure time of year/day if week makes a difference.

Loved the lake! Loved the trails! Loved the drive! I am coming back !

well maintained campground, quiet while we were there. keep warm clothes and rain gear as you are likely to get a bit of weather.

Spent 5 nights here, I can’t believe how beautiful it is. I would recommend the walk in sites over the drive up. Much more privacy and better access to the river at 3 out of 4 of the spots. Very busy on the weekend but that’s to be expected anywhere. It’s also a very short walk to the water.

My first time camping at Ross Lake was at Colonial Creek - which actually has access to Diablo Lake.  It was pouring down rain - typical for the Pacific Northwest, but we still had a blast.  Clean bathrooms, plenty of space for cooking, cleaning, playing card games.

Beautiful views anywhere you look. Not a short drive by any means to get there but worth the trouble. Family camped in spot number 1 which is a walk-in. Def recommend this one. It’s conveniently close to a pit toilet and has a view of the water. Situated far enough from other sites to feel like seclusion.

Campground Review: Colonial Creek Campground

https://thedyrt.com/camping/washington/washington-colonial-creek

https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/255201

Colonial Creek Campground, Diablo Lake Washington, is the prettiest place I've been to in Washington! Half the campground is reservation only, the other half is walk in. There is something like 176 total campsites, if I remember correctly. Each campsite is equipped with a large bear box, fire pit, picnic table and tent pad. The restrooms are large with flush toilets and sinks. There are no showers. Large bear proof trashcans, and water spigots are spread through each side of the campground. Thunder knob Trail starts on the south Campground and Thunder Creek trail is on the North campground. There is a fishing dock and a boat launch on the North campground. We stayed in site #15 which was great during the week. I felt this site offered zero privacy, the fire ring was positioned so you had to watch the road, the rest of the large site had a creek, but the trail went past our campsite, so a ton of people, familes, dogs, would all walk past our site. There is parking for the walk in sites right next to you, but those also take the trail. There is also nobody on the other side of you. So it gave a sense of privacy on a Wednesday, but not Friday-Sunday. At $16 a night, I felt it was great compared to other campsites. The beauty of this Campground and surrounding area is unparalleled. Would defiantly be back, but I would probably try for a more secluded site.

Ranger review: Icemule Cooler

https://icemulecoolers.com/collections/pro-coolers/products/the-icemule-pro-large

As a ranger for the Dyrt, I sometimes get products in exchange for an honest review. Icemule coolers are perfection! This is the Large and it is huge! I was very surprised at the quality and size for the price. I love this cooler because it is super easy and comfortable to carry. No more big, heavy, bulky coolers to cart around. On this trip I used it as my main cooler. I froze 14 bottles of water to use as ice. I kept bacon, sausage, chicken, ground beef, hotdogs, butter, syrup and coffee creamer plus all the water bottles and soda in this bag. It was heavy, but held up to the challenge! It kept those bottles of water for 3 days before I had to buy ice. There is a compartment on the front for picnic supplies. I have also used this just as a dry bag. It's got great versatility and it even floats. I am 100% an Icemule cooler fan and recommend to anyone, whether a car camper or hiker, you will enjoy this cooler.