OpenCamp
National ParkWashingtonOpen year-round

North Cascades National Park

9 campgrounds in the park · 285 nearby · 251 free and dispersed sites within 50 mi

Photo: NPS Photo/D.Dixon

9 current alerts

As of Sep 20, 2026 · from nps.gov

  • CautionLevel 1 Fire Advisory for areas in StehekinChelan County Sheriff's Office issued a Level 1 Fire Advisory (Get Ready) for areas in Stehekin, Stehekin Valley Road from Harlequin Bridge to High Bridge, including Company Creek Road and side roads. Visitors should be aware there is a wildfire in the area. There are park closures in effect. For park closures visit the Fire Closures page. Stehekin businesses are open and continue to welcome visitors outside of the closure areas.
  • DangerSmoke from Wildfires May Affect Air QualitySmoke from wildfires is to be expected with active fires across the region.Take precautions when recreating outdoors when heavy smoke is present.
  • InformationStehekin is Open, Services Limited at Stehekin LandingVisitor and recreational opportunities continue to be available in the Stehekin Valley. Some services are limited at the Stehekin Landing following flood damage in December 2025.
  • Park closureCampfire Ban in All Portions of the Park Complex Begins June 29Effective Monday, June 29, campfires or the ignition of wood, briquettes, or any fuel in fire pits, fire pans, and barbeque grills, are banned in all portions of North Cascades National Park Service Complex, which includes North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area.. This applies to anything that produces ash, including charcoal grills. Propane fire pits are not allowed during the ban.
  • CautionStehekin Flash Flood and Debris Flow AreaThe Stehekin area is prone to flooding, which increases in a post-fire environment. Know before you go – visit the Post Fire Safety page for information on what to do in a flash flood and debris flow area
  • Park closureHozomeen Gate Remains ClosedUntil further notice, the gate at Hozomeen will remain closed; vehicle and foot traffic across the US/Canada border is prohibited. Visitors must enter through a designated port of entry.
  • Park closureFire Closures - Trail, Area, and Camp ClosuresFor closures due to fire activity visit the Fire Closures page, including trail, area, and camp closures for current and post fire conditions.
  • CautionDiablo Lake Boat Launch Inaccessible to PowerboatsDue to silt accumulation, the Diablo Lake boat launch at Colonial Creek South Campground is not usable for launching most powerboats. Expect shallow or no water at the launch ramp and the possibility of needing to carry your boat to or from the water.
  • CautionBe Aware of Break-ins along State Route 20Prevent smashed windows and theft. Break-ins are not uncommon at trailheads along State Route 20. Remove your valuables and electronics and take associated electronic cords.

At a glance

Open
Year-round
In the park
9 campgrounds8 reserve on Recreation.gov
Near the park
285 campgroundsWithin 50 mi
Free and dispersed
251 sitesWithin 50 mi
Fees, passes and hours

Where to camp

Services nearby: 12 dump stations · 8 rest areas

About North Cascades

Less than three hours from Seattle, an alpine landscape beckons. Discover communities of life adapted to moisture in the west and recurring fire in the east. Explore jagged peaks crowned by more than 300 glaciers. Listen to cascading waters in forested…

Photos: NPS Photo/D. Dixon

Things to do

  • Auto and ATV
  • Scenic Driving
  • Biking
  • Road Biking
  • Boating
  • Motorized Boating
  • Boat Tour
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping

Plan your visit

Getting there

Access to North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake National Recreation Area is from the State Route 20 corridor. SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) connects with Interstate 5 (Exit 230) at Burlington. From the east, the…

Weather

The best weather for visiting the North Cascades generally occurs between mid-June and late-September. Summer daytime temperatures average in the 70's F. Snow is off most trails by mid-July. Autumn and Spring are…

Plan your visit

Hours

North Cascades National Park Service Complex is open year-round. The park operational season is late May-late September, with limited services outside the operational season. The North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem is open during the operational season, dates may vary annually.

Getting there

Access to North Cascades National Park and Ross Lake National Recreation Area is from the State Route 20 corridor. SR 20 (North Cascades Highway) connects with Interstate 5 (Exit 230) at Burlington. From the east, the highway intersects with US 97 at Okanogan and with SR 153 at Twisp. The State Department of Transportation closes a portion of the road between Ross Dam Trailhead and Lone Fir Campground in winter. The Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (Stehekin) is accessible by ferry or plane from Chelan.

Weather

The best weather for visiting the North Cascades generally occurs between mid-June and late-September. Summer daytime temperatures average in the 70's F. Snow is off most trails by mid-July. Autumn and Spring are popular for color and wildlife. Storms are common: always be prepared for a few days of rain and wind. The east side of the Cascade Mountains (Lake Chelan National Recreation Area) is drier and warmer in the summer than the west side. Summer temperatures at Stehekin reach the 90's F.

Camped at North Cascades? You could be the first to say which site you'd pick again.

Reviews, photos and cell signal reports from real stays help the next camper choose between Colonial Creek South Campground, Colonial Creek North Campground and Gorge Lake Campground.

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