Kayaking and fishing enthusiasts will find direct access to Baker Lake's western shore at Horseshoe Cove Campground. The Forest Service facility accommodates RVs up to 60 feet across 39 sites, though none offer hookups. A boat ramp and designated swimming area with shallow water serve families and paddlers launching onto the lake.
The campground operates from mid-May through September, with flush toilets, drinking water, and a dump station available during the season. Kayko S. notes that "Sockeye Salmon are actually native to Baker Lake and Baker River since it's a tributary to the skagit river." Several reviewers mention deer moving through the wooded sites. The Pacific Crest Trail passes near the campground, providing hiking access beyond the immediate lake area.
Site selection matters here, as some spots require more effort to find level ground for tents. Sites closer to the lake offer views down the campground loop, though wind can carry odors from the vault toilets on certain mornings. The campground maintains clean facilities and provides firewood through an honor system. For additional options in the region, consider camping near Mt. Baker National Forest or nearby Bayview Campground just north of here.
Description
Overview
Horseshoe Cove Campground is nestled under a canopy of forest along the banks of Baker Lake. Located in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest which stretches along the west side of the Cascade Mountains between the Canadian border and Mt. Rainier National Park, this area is one of the most spectacular in the country, showcasing glacier-covered peaks, wide mountain meadows and old-growth forests.
Recreation
In addition to being a prime location for boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking , hikers and backpackers are especially fortunate to have access to a variety of spectacular trails along the lake and in the nearby Mt. Baker National Recreation Area.. The Baker Lake and Baker River Trails are family friendly hikes that are a short drive from the campground. The Baker Lake trail starts on the south end of the lake in a stand of Douglas fir and travels 13 miles above the eastern shoreline of Baker Lake. Anderson Point with views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan is 2.5 miles from the trailheadand is a popular boat in camp, backpacking destination and lunch spot. The Baker River Trail starts at the north end of the lake and follows the river 2.25 miles upstream, through large old-growth into North Cascades National Park.
Facilities
There are 39 campsites at Horseshoe Cove Campground, including three large group sites. With several sites located at the lake's edge, and others in close vicinity, this campground offers visitors the ideal opportunity to camp near the shoreline or under a canopy of trees. A boat ramp, large sandy swim beach, trail, firewood are available at the campground.
Natural Features
From the lake on a clear day visitors will see Mt. Baker, the most prominent feature of the Mt. Baker Wilderness. Rising to an elevation of 10,781 feet, the active volcano from which the forest takes its name is perpetually snow-capped and mantled with an extensive network of creeping glaciers. Mt. Baker's summit, Grant Peak, is actually a 1,300-foot-deep mound of ice, which hides a massive volcanic crater.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 932-0242.
Nearby Attractions
Hike in the mountains above the lake in the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area, or take some time to visit North Cascades National Park. This unique park is like no other place on earth. It features a deep blue lake surrounded by sheer, 2,000' cliffs, two picturesque islands and a violent volcanic past. Hiking trails, a visitor center and educational programs are available.
Charges & Cancellations
Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundHorseshoe Cove Campground is located in Washington
Directions
From Seattle, go north on I-5 to Burlington. Take Exit 230 on State Highway 20. Go past the Mt. Baker Ranger District Office in Sedro-Woolley and follow State Route 20 east for 16 miles to milepost 82. Turn left (north) on the Baker Lake Highway (Forest Service Road 11). Continue 15.1miles. Turn right at the Horseshoe Cove Road junction. Head 2 miles down Horseshoe Cove Road, past Bayview Campground to the campground.
Coordinates
48.671943 N
121.676449 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 5 min from Mount Vernon, WA
- 1 hr 18 min from Bellingham, WA
- 1 hr 59 min from Seattle, WA
- 2 hrs 56 min from Bremerton, WA
