How much does camping cost at Excelsior Group Camp?

Camping fees at Excelsior Group Camp are $135 - $160/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Excelsior Group Camp first-come first-served or reservation?

Excelsior Group Camp accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Excelsior Group Camp before I book?

Yes! Excelsior Group Camp has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Excelsior Group Camp?

Excelsior Group Camp does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Excelsior Group Camp?

Fire policies at Excelsior Group Camp: Groceries, firewood and other conveniences are available in the nearby community of Glacier. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Excelsior Group Camp?

Pets are not allowed at Excelsior Group Camp. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Excelsior Group Camp?

Excelsior Group Camp offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Excelsior Group Camp?

Popular activities at Excelsior Group Camp include Hiking, Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Excelsior Group Camp

4.98

7 reviews

Featured in:Group Camping Washington Hiking Camping Washington Mountain Camping Washington

Quick Facts

1,568 ft

Price

$135 - $160/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Northwest Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,568 ft

Price

$135 - $160/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Northwest Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

Excelsior Group Camp

$135.00 - $160.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC - Site B: $160.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC- Site A: $135.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

360-804-1103

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Campground Map

Excelsior Group Camp

48.9088, -121.8220

Nearby places

Glacier, WA is approximately 7 miles away. Distances and travel times to other nearby cities are not mentioned.

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.

Weather at Excelsior Group Camp

Current alerts(6)

Click here for more information about Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Please protect Pacific Northwest forests by preventing the spread of invasive species. Firewood can carry insects and diseases that can threaten the health of our western forests.
Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.
Gate keys are available from the Douglas Fir Campground host

Best Time to Camp at Excelsior Group Camp

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and easiest access — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s °F and cool nights in the 40s to 50s °F, with long daylight for group activities. Trails and higher alpine routes are largely snow-free by July–August, making this the peak time for hiking, fishing the Nooksack River, and multi-day backpacking from the camp. Crowd levels are highest in July and August (especially weekends), so reserve the group sites early and plan for typical PNW summer ( Peak months: July, August, September, June

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Summer and early fall are most popular; trails remain accessible into early fall.

Planning Tips

About Excelsior Group Camp

Excelsior Group Camp sits in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest foothills, managed by Northwest Land Management for groups seeking a dedicated backcountry basecamp. The primitive site offers vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings, with direct access to Nooksack River fishing and alpine hiking trails that open up by midsummer. Reviewers consistently praise the privacy, quiet, and well-maintained facilities.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and easiest access — expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s °F and cool nights in the 40s to 50s °F, with long daylight for group activities. Trails and higher alpine routes are largely snow-free by July–August, making this the peak time for hiking, fishing the Nooksack River, and multi-day backpacking from the camp. Crowd levels are highest in July and August (especially weekends), so reserve the group sites early and plan for typical PNW summer ( Peak months: July, August, September, June

Elevation1568 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryOld-growth Douglas firs, western red cedars, and hemlocks tower over the campground, creating a dense canopy that filters the light. The Nooksack River rushes alongside the sites, providing constant white noise and fishing opportunities. Mt. Baker's volcanic cone rises to the north, its glaciers visible on clear days. The surrounding forest supports black bears, elk, bald eagles, and seasonal migratory birds. Reviews mention bear sightings near camp, so proper food storage matters here.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are provided.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information about cultural or educational programs was provided.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights, and visitors may stay up to 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each group site accommodates up to 50 people.

Groups

Two group sites are available, each accommodating up to 50 people. Site A includes a group fire ring and individual fire pits at tent sites, while Site B provides picnic tables and fire pits.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov website, mobile app, or contact center.

Site SizeThe campground offers two large group sites, each accommodating up to 50 people.

PrivacyThe campground provides a reasonable level of privacy according to user reviews. Catherine V stated, 'The site felt very private and was quiet.

Recommended SitesSite B is noted for immediate access upon entry, while Site A is described as offering privacy and tranquility based on user reviews.

Best CampsitesSite A and Site B both accommodate up to 50 people. Reviews describe both as spacious, clean, and private. Site A includes a group fire ring. Catherine V noted the site felt very private and quiet, while Stephanie H called the atmosphere peaceful and serene.

Need help booking Excelsior Group Camp?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Excelsior Group Camp, located in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, offers group camping with access to the Nooksack River. Amenities include two large group sites (Site A and Site B) with fire pits, group fire rings, and picnic tables. Vault toilets are available, and the campground is well-kept according to user reviews. Stephanie H stated, 'No showers. Decent vault toilet areas. Well-kept campground.' Patricia B mentioned, 'Bathroom spotless. Campsites a picked up bit of micro trash.'

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at Excelsior Group Camp

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Hiking described as a major activity; access to Horseshoe Bend and Skyline Divide alpine trails.

Fishing4.0/5

Direct access to the Nooksack River; river fed by glaciers and home to five native salmon species.

Winter Activities2.0/5

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Photogenic combos: old-growth trees, river, alpine meadows and Mt Baker vistas.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are provided instead.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Excelsior Group Camp

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From Booking Sources

5.0

7 reviews

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...

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

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

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...

Based on 7 reviews

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Excelsior Group Camp

$135.00 - $160.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC - Site B: $160.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC- Site A: $135.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

360-804-1103

Go if

You're organizing a group outing and want a dedicated, quiet site near fishing and summer hiking routes.

Skip if

You need individual sites, electric hookups, or access outside the summer season.

Nearby Campgrounds

Highly Popular

4.6

(332)

Douglas Fir Campground

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Douglas Fir Campground sits along the North Fork Nooksack River in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, minutes from Glacier in Washington's North Cascades foothills. Operated by the Forest Service, this mid-sized campground offers tent, RV, and group sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers fish the river, hike nearby trails, and enjoy scenic riverfront sites with a helpful camp host on duty.

Excelsior Group Camp

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Excelsior Group Camp

Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Excelsior Group Camp

Planning Tips

About Excelsior Group Camp

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Excelsior Group Camp?

Amenities available

Things to do at Excelsior Group Camp

Policies & Safety

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Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

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Get Notified When Available

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Ask Camp Sage about Excelsior Group Camp

Current alerts(6)

Best Time to Camp at Excelsior Group Camp

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Excelsior Group Camp?

Amenities available

Things to do at Excelsior Group Camp

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews