Established Camping
Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Gorge Lake Campground remains closed until further notice due to debris flow and flooding hazards following the Sourdough Fire.
Gorge Lake Campground remains closed until further notice due to debris flow and flooding hazards following the Sourdough Fire.
About
National Park Service
North Cascades National Park
Overview
Gorge Lake Campground is a small, primitive campground with 8 sites. The campground is set on a steep bank overlooking Gorge Lake. The sites are small and do not accommodate large RVs or trailers. There is an accessible boat ramp at the lower end of the campground.____
Recreation
The campground has an accessible boat launch and small dock. This boat launch is not recommended for large powerboats. Ideal for canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and small power boats. Practice boating safety while on the water.____ Fishing is allowed in Gorge Lake with a Washington State Fishing license. The nearest location to purchase a license is in the town of Marblemount, WA. Follow Washington State Fishing Regulations when recreating.____ Hiking and other recreation opportunities can be found across the park.____ Black bears are active in this campground and the surrounding trails. Be aware of your surroundings while hiking, picnicking, and camping. Use the provided bear boxes in your campsite to store coolers, cookware, and other odorants when not in use. If you encounter a bear around the campground or on a trail, inform campground staff or go to the North Cascades Visitor Center and fill out a bear report.__
Facilities
Primitive camp with no water or services. Bring water and pack out all trash. Vault toilets. Gathering firewood is prohibited. Firewood is available outside the park.__ Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring, and some sites have tent pads.__
Natural Features
Gorge Lake Campground is a minimally forested campground with surrounding views of the Gorge Lake. At an elevation of 900___ this campground experiences bouts of powerful winds from the Fraser Valley Outflow.
contact_info
For facility specific information, please call (360) 854-7200.
Nearby Attractions
Traveling west on State Route 20:__ The North Cascades Visitor Center is 7.5 miles (12 km) west on State Route 20 from Gorge Lake Campground, operating seasonally, typically from May to September. Campers can find the passport stamps, exhibits, park film, park store, and much more.______ Traveling east on State Route 20:__ Diablo Lake Overlook is 6.5 miles (10 km) east on State Route 20. There is ample day use parking and vault toilets.______ Ross Lake Overlook is 10 miles (16 km) east on State Route 20, this is a less developed vista point. There are two pull off areas with interpretive way sides and with views of the Ross Dam and the Ross Lake.____
Location
Gorge Lake Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area is located in Washington
Directions
Located just outside the community of Diablo, north of SR 20 at mile post 126. 20 miles (32 km) east of Marblemount, 67 miles (108 km) west of Winthrop.
Address
GORGE LAKE CAMPGROUND
C/O NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMPLEX
810 STATE ROUTE 20
Sedro-woolley, WA 98284
Coordinates
48.7157128503533 N
121.151532365929 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
TravelerAwesome Sites!
Almost every site in this campground has an amazing water view. Nice and small, private, ample parking, clean bathrooms (vault toilet) and easy to get to town if you forgot supplies. Lots of tiny spots to explore nearby the water. Plenty of space between sites, but you can definitely see other campers.
TravelerA great place
This campground is so beautiful by and on the lake. Excellent hike and privacy in each lot. Clean bathrooms and great host.
TravelerNo longer free
This campground is now listing at $10 night
LegendCozy campground
Smaller campground with 6 sites on a peninsula in the lake. Boat ramp at the campground, great if you are fishing. There are restrooms only, but these sites are free! Less privacy here since it is right off the road, but a little more sun than other campgrounds that have tree cover which is wonderful if it's raining or snowing!
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LegendBlink and you'll miss this spot
Small turn around kind of spot, 6 sites with tent pads and picnic tables. 1 vault toilet. Boat launch accessible to access gorge lake. Which I will say was more like a river due to the dam near by. Even though this site is right off the highway the noise isn’t too bad since you’re right on the water. The sites are pretty close together so I wouldn’t say theres much privacy at this camp ground but its free and I will be back. Right by diablo lake!
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LegendFree and Beautiful!
Great little quiet spot on Gorge Lake, just on the edge of the Seattle City Light company town, Diablo. It’s one of the only free NPS-run camping area with clean pit toilets, trash/recycling, and a boat launch that I have ever seen. 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. Great hiking in the area, including one of the most steep roadside hikes in the park. Sourdough Mountain is no joke, with 3000 feet of elevation gain in the first 3 miles. Cost=free! No permit required, no reservation possible, just good ol’ fashioned first come, first served. Like all car-camping spots within North Cascade NP this place fills up on the weekends during the summer.
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