Excelsior Group Camp

Star4.98
7 reviews

Quick Facts

1,568 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Northwest Land Management site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Excelsior Group Camp
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates are not explicitly listed in authoritative content, and no rates are available. Reservation rules include service fees: $8 online or...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
360-804-1103
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What Campers Say

4.98

Top-Rated

Based on 7 reviews

Most mentioned

privacypeacefulrestroomswater

"User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the campground's peaceful atmosphere, well-maintained facilities, and proximity to recreational activities. Wildlife sightings, including bears, emphasize the need for proper food storage."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Excelsior Group Camp

48.9088, -121.8220

Driving directionsFrom Seattle, Washington, go north on I-5 to Bellingham. Take exit 255 onto Sunset Drive/Mt. Baker Highway SR 542. Turn right (east) on SR 542 and continue past the town of Glacier near mile 33. Continue past Glacier approximately 7 miles to the campground. The sign for the campground is located on the left (north) side of the highway. The campground access road is on the right (south) side of the highway, just before mile post 40. Turn right on the access road and then take the first right through the gated entrance of the campground. Site B is the first site on the left. Site A is the loop at the end of the driveway.
The campground can be accessed via Mt. Baker Highway SR 542, which is a paved road. Access road conditions and seasonal closures are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Nearby places
Glacier, WA is approximately 7 miles away. Distances and travel times to other nearby cities are not mentioned.
Nearby supplies
Groceries, firewood, and other conveniences are available in the nearby community of Glacier, WA, approximately 7 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Excelsior Group Camp

Winter transforms Excelsior into a snow-laden wonderland, with recent conditions bringing heavy snowfall and rain that blanket the landscape in pristine white. Temperatures hover between a crisp 32°F at night and 41°F during the day, creating that perfect alpine atmosphere where morning frost sparkles on tent walls and afternoon sun warms the forest canopy. While winter camping offers its own magical appeal for the hardy adventurer, most visitors find the summer and early fall months ideal for experiencing all the camp has to offer.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in WA

Summer and early fall most popular; trails accessible and weather mild.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Early fall noted as popular with accessible trails and mild conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring has glacial-fed streams and trails but conditions/access vary with snowmelt.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Winter brings heavy snow; scenic but access may be limited and services reduced.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: No peak season date ranges are mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: No seasonal closures mentioned; open year-round with specific peak-season dates unavailable.
  • Current Alerts: No current warnings or advisories are mentioned.

About Excelsior Group Camp

Nestled alongside the thundering waters of the Nooksack River, Excelsior Group Camp offers an authentic Pacific Northwest wilderness experience in the heart of Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This secluded retreat features two spacious group sites—Camp A and Camp B—each designed to host gatherings of up to 50 people. Whether you're planning a family reunion, scout expedition, or outdoor wedding, the camp serves as your basecamp for endless adventures, from challenging mountain hikes to peaceful riverside picnics and world-class fishing in pristine alpine waters.
Excelsior Group Camp is designed primarily for group camping, with two large group sites available. It is suitable for tent camping and offers basic amenities.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Exact check-in time not specified.
Check-out
Exact check-out time not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights, and visitors may stay up to 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Excelsior Group Camp offers a range of activities, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The nearby Horseshoe Bend Trail and Skyline Divide Trail provide scenic hiking opportunities through old-growth forests and alpine meadows. Wildlife viewing is also a highlight, with species like salmon, elk, and bald eagles in the area.
HikingHiking is a major activity, with trails such as Horseshoe Bend Trail and Skyline Divide Trail offering varying levels of difficulty. Horseshoe Bend Trail features old-growth forests and views of East Church Mountain, while Skyline Divide Trail leads to meadows with views of glacier-covered Mt. Baker.
FishingFishing is available in the Nooksack River, which is fed by snowfields and glaciers. Wildlife includes five native salmon species.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is abundant, with opportunities to see elk, bald eagles, salmon, black bears, and migratory birds. Catherine V reported seeing a bear near the campsite.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include encounters with wildlife (such as black bears) and risks associated with rugged terrain and proximity to the Nooksack River.
Active AlertsNo current warnings or advisories are mentioned.

Weather at Excelsior Group Camp

Reviews

5.0
7 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Excelsior Group Camp is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the campground's peaceful atmosphere, well-maintained facilities, and proximity to recreational activities. Wildlife sightings, including bears, emphasize the need for proper food storage.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the privacy and serenity of the campground. Stephanie H described it as 'peaceful and serene,' while Catherine V noted the 'spotless' restrooms and the convenience of potable water and...
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Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

The lack of showers was noted as a downside by Stephanie H. Some users also mentioned minor micro-trash issues, but overall, cleanliness was highly praised.
Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring games for in-camp entertainment, as suggested by Bonnie B. Ensure proper food storage to prevent attracting wildlife, as Catherine V observed a bear near the campsite.
Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer and early fall are the most popular seasons due to accessible hiking trails and mild weather. Heavy snow in winter may limit access.
Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. Bonnie B: 'It is a good place to stay with as much privacy as you will find in the mountains.' 2. Stephanie H: 'No showers. Decent vault toilet areas. Well-kept campground.' 3. Catherine V: 'The...
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Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site A: Patricia B described it as having 'many spots to set up tents' and noted spotless restrooms. Site B: Stephanie H appreciated its spaciousness and peaceful setting.
Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were provided.
Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews addressing pet policies or experiences were provided.
Based on 7 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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Excelsior Group Camp