Colonial Creek South Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area

Lovely but busy spot in North Cascades NP. We were fortunate with really good weather. You can swim in the lake, there is a boat launch and there is a hiking trail across the street. Super convenient. Thunder knob trail.

Bathrooms were clean. Sites a little close. Lots of people come into the park on the weekends from Seattle though it is the least visited of the three Washington Parks. Lovely scenery, turquoise lake.

You need to be prepared when you arrive. Closest camp store is about 25 minutes with limited supplies, but can get you by.. there are restaurants and gas stations in Marblemount, but that is all from what we could tell.

I generally enjoyed this location in North Cascades National Park. It is a beautiful area with hikes nearby and chilly swimming. Mosquitos weren’t bad which was a relief. However, sites at this campground are close together and not very private. It feels a bit like a carnival at times instead of camping in the woods.

We found ourselves in the middle of the Pace family reunion while visiting. Apparently all the adults coordinated and rented sites by each other for this event instead of renting a group site. The adults yelled across our site to each other, their children ran through our site to adjacent ones, and they were up and noisy by 6 AM. We also were treated to dirty looks, I’m guessing because it was their “usual spot”? They said they camped there for over 30 years so they clearly feel like it’s their private park at this point. This certainly impacted our enjoyment, and ability to relax.

In the future, we will consider a site away from the water for more privacy.

Despite the presence of bears, there was also a pretty cavalier attitude to bear safety and adherence to those rules. There were a lot of kids and adults day drinking so they just weren’t as alert as they should be. This can put those around them at greater risk for a bear encounter. A fed bear is a dead bear, so this was frustrating to witness.

Great summer escape

Went two years in a row on Memorial Day weekend. Crazy busy but 100% worth it if you plan accordingly. Swimming in the lake is an absolute must if after a long day outdoors if you can brave the cold!

We were super excited to camp at Colonial Creek. I've read so many reviews saying this is the best place to camp in the N Cascades. I imagine your experience will be different on any given night based on the community camping at the time. But, boy would I ever think twice about camping here on a summer weekend again. It seemed like every site was over capacity with many cars and tents and huge groups of people jammed in everywhere. The result is complete chaos of barking dogs and screaming children and parties going late into the night. On the weekend we were here it seemed like a group of 50 or so folks had rented several sites and would gather to sing & talk lake into the night each night. Because there were SO many people at each site there were often lines at the bathrooms. That said, bathrooms were clean.

We were in site 163 which is huge with a huge tent pad. That said, it is almost a twin site with 162 and tons of traffic. Like, you could almost stand between cars parked in both driveways and touch them.  The sites on the lake side of the inner loop (like 157, 159, etc) seemed more private and away from the ruckus. 

If you are a rooftop tenter it's probably worth noting that the parking spots for even the drive-up lake-side camp spots are basically in a parking lot/on the road and most of the campsite itself is a bit of a walk to the lake.

Colonial creek south #80 is our favorite site. It's a double site so there's room for a couple of tents, close to water and toilets. The sites close to the water are packed tight, often one on top of another. No privacy. We had screaming kids at all sites around us, so it was hard to relax. Still a great campground. We saw bald eagles, hawks and deer. There were bears sited within the campground, so the rangers were being very vigilant.

Beautiful site! Try to get a reservation if you can, this campground can get really busy! Nice tent pads, and food storage lockers which is great. Like others mentioned, lots of winding trails nearby and the lake is amazing!

What can I say that others haven't!? Some of the best car camping in the Cascades. The lake is shockingly blue and COLD, but after a sweaty day of hiking is the ultimate in refreshment! Camp sites are close but feel secluded enough. If you walk into the tent sites on the north side of the campground you have some better options if you want to lug all of your gear with you.

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.  If not, the dock and beach are only a few steps away. Bathrooms are pretty basic, no showers. Cell reception is non-existent.  Amazing access to the lake and incredible hikes from your campsite!

Colonial Creek South was SO busy when we visited but still so awesome!!

Finding parking can be the first challenge. Due to the boat ramp and hiking trailheads there are A LOT of people/ vehicles. Getting a reservation can be a challenge, good luck. There are walk up sites also, however the system they use can be a little frustrating. Time of year and day of the week I’m sure factors in.

Once you are in though it is deep cedar/pine forest camping. Several walk in sites are right by Diablo Lake which is beautiful. There’s bear boxes at each site , picnic tables and areas to set up. Water activities galore and hiking trailheads in the area. So much to do. I want to go back!

I’m not by any means a pro fisherman but this camp gives great access to any fish that stray away from the lake in to the inlet. The sites are pretty spread out compared to other camp sites in western Washington for sure. Everything is pretty open and there is a nice trail at the end you could take to go backpacking or just a day hike

Campgrounds are full. Camping is one of the safest ways to get out and about yet still practice social distancing. Luckily we planned our trip before COVID-19 appeared and we were able to go on our trip in spite of COVID. And luckily we had reservations. Colonial Creek South Campground on Diablo Lake was a wonderful place to camp. Our site was big enough for our A Frame Pop Up camper and it had a nice private picnic table and tent area we could have used if we’d had extra people camping with us. We were right across from the camp sites that backed up to Diablo Lake and have already scoped a camp site on that side we’d love to check out next summer. There’s lots of lovely hikes in the area. The campground was kept very clean. Kayaking, boating, swimming (although the water is cold) - the lake is a beautiful turquoise jewel in the heart of the North Cascades. We can’t wait to go back.

So many people have dusted off their camping gear or bought new gear and are out and about. Colonial Creek North Campground, which is not reservable, was full mid week. Usually we’ve been able to get non-reserved camp sites mid week easily. So just a word to the wise if you are going camping, arrive early or get reservations where possible.

When we planned our two week camping trip, COVID was not even on our horizon. Luckily

Diablo lake is one of the most stunning sites my eyes have feasted on! We love this campsite. We’ve done first come first serve here, but I think that there are reservable sites too. The hiking, the swimming, the drive in! This place is truly magnificent and magical.

We were surprisingly pleased with this campground. Our site was was a tent site only. The sites are spread out and do offer a little privacy. The sites have a picnic table, fire pit and a bear box. The restrooms a bit dated and you could defiantly tell they need to be updated. Diablo lake is beautiful and plenty of hiking trails to keep you busy. We will be back.

I wasn’t really sure what to expect from this campground. The maps made it look tight and the park didn’t make much sense to me but I was in for the biggest surprise of our trip. This campground is astounding. The spacing was great especially for a national park campground, the walk ins weren’t to far away but not to close either, the bathrooms were placed appropriately and the attractions are right at your site. There had to have been a dozen old growth giant trees in our site and the views to really help you relax. The bathrooms didn’t have a shower and you could tell the plumbing was old but it didn’t matter. The sites all have a normal fire ring and table. Our site was for tents only and it is recommended to check each site before you book a reservation. Reservations are a must here as well.

Our family really liked the camp ground itself. The only complaint really is other campers. Our "neighbor" obviously wasn't in the know about campground etiquette. Spot lights on until 11 PM and were very loud. But the campground was in a beautiful area close to the beautiful Diablo lake view point. The lake was right at the campground and it was just amazing.

We loved this campground! In the off-season only a few walk-in sites are available for free. The main restrooms and water are locked up, only a vault toilet is available at this time. Site #64 is the best site, much farther away from the nearest campsite and larger. This campground was very quite during the weekends but got busy on the weekends. Next to a few popular overnight hikes, right on the lake, boat dock access. Beautiful spot!

This was our first stop of a 7 day road trip! We arrived in the dark and only stayed for the night. Surprisingly there were plenty of open spots! Our site was small, equipped with a bear locker, fire ring and picnic table. The camp ground had flush toilets, the bathrooms were very clean. They also had a garbage and recycling service, and even potable water available. We explored the camp ground during the day. This camp is right at Diablo lake! There were even camp sites right on the water! Fully accessible fishing pier and boat launch. Kayaking was rough as the winds were strong while we were here. Hiking and more available to those that stay. Fishers had a place to clean their catch! We paid 16 dollars for 1 night. Typically camp at dispersed sites but I would certainly stay here again.

Colonial Creek is right on Diablo Lake. My boyfriend and I were at a spot with the water just in the other side of the trees and it was phenomenal. We had a deer walk through the campsite the next morning, but other than that our spot felt secluded and was one of my favorite campsites I have had.

Colonial Creek is situated in the heart of the North Cascades. It has easy boat access to Ross Lake and trails along Thunder Creek. Has clean restrooms and spacious campsites. Sites are first come, first served. Sites are wooded and bugs were minimal.

It is a very clean peaceful campground, many trails to explore and view the mountains and glaciers that are just stunning. Many old growth trees that dwarf you in this majestic place.

Not super quiet but not crazy busy. Close to water and great hikes!

Tuesday June 19th Colonial creek campground north loop. (pay cash/check at box) Temps in the 80’s in Seattle, hot at campground wIth cool breezes. Spot #21 $16 a night first come Bear lockers provIded Parking in site. Great for a small travel trailer. No hook ups. Neighbors barely visible through thick foliage. Direct access to creek. Rocky banks, lots of fell trees. Trees for a hammock. Bathrooms and water spigots are equal distances away in opposite directions. Nearby Diablo lake is a beautiful light teal green and is colder than hell freezing over. It would be nice for kayaking, but not even the quickest dip. Leashed dogs allowed. no showers

Love this place! The lakeside space is awesome and makes for a relaxing getaway with some beautiful alpine views. And diablo lake is a gem always changing coloring depending on the lighting...truly magical! Make sure you bring bug spray if headed out in July. My only negative is all the summer weekends reserve out way early in the season :(

pet friendly (on 6’ leash), quiet, shaded. Clean bathrooms, but no showers. Fire ring, table, and bear proof cabinets at each site. surrounded by forest and on Diablo Lake! water is cold, but stunningly beautiful. some really nice hikes

One of my favorites! Campsites right on the water of a pristine blue lake. Watch out for bears though

Stopped hear on a road trip around the north cascades. Very busy campground but nice. Even had a ranger talk at the amphitheater about wildlife and bringing back grizzly bears to the park.

Easy location to get to only 3 hours from Seattle, beautiful lake and close to a lot of good hiking and backpacking. Sites were a bit close together but we were staying in a big group so it worked out. Very crowded and loud, but it was a holiday weekend. Tough to get a good lake view unless you walked down to the boat launch. Not much lakefront to swim at. No firewood or ice available nearby. Nice flushing toilets and running sink water was good for multiple days. Lake access from site 99 but too cold to swim at this time of year. Floats, paddle boards, or kayaks are a must but be careful because there is current and a lot of wind so make sure you have a paddle to get back to shore.

We stayed at this campground on Diablo Lake for 1 night on our drive from BC to Portland. We were there on a Tuesday night in early June with not a lot of people. I think typically this campground would be very crowded but we were lucky to be there at a time with not a lot of people around. We grabbed what seemed to be the last available site right on the lake and it was PERFECT! The views were breathtaking and we felt very comfortable and safe in our site with a fire pit, bear safe locker, picnic table and enough space to feel pretty private. I definitely recommend this camp site if you're traveling off season, slightly off season or during the week.