How much does camping cost at Colonial Creek South Campground?

Camping fees at Colonial Creek South Campground are $24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Colonial Creek South Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Colonial Creek South Campground 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 Colonial Creek South Campground before I book?

Yes! Colonial Creek South Campground has 8 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.

What is the best time to visit Colonial Creek South Campground?

Colonial Creek South Campground is open May 18 to September 03. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Colonial Creek South Campground?

Colonial Creek South Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Colonial Creek South Campground?

Fire policies at Colonial Creek South Campground: Firewood, ice, gas, and other services are not available in the park complex. The nearest services are in the town of Marblemount, WA.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Colonial Creek South Campground have?

Colonial Creek South Campground has 93 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Colonial Creek South Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Colonial Creek South Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Colonial Creek South Campground?

Colonial Creek South Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Colonial Creek South Campground?

Popular activities at Colonial Creek South Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Colonial Creek South Campground

4.46

729 reviews

810 State Route 20, Sedro-woolley, WA, 98284, USA

Top 6% in WASummer

BReport Card

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near North Cascades National Park

Quick Facts

1,260 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

93 campsites

Season

Ten walk-in, tent-on...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,260 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

93 campsites

Season

Ten walk-in, tent-on...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Recreation.gov Official Website

Get Directions

Colonial Creek South Campground

$24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Hike To: $24.00; Management: $24.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00; WALK TO: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$24.00

Group Site Fee$75.00

Get Notified When Available

This campground gets 35 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

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Provider

360-854-7200noca_information@nps.gov

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Campground Map

810 State Route 20, Sedro-woolley, WA, 98284, USA

Colonial Creek South Campground

810 State Route 20, Sedro-woolley, WA, 98284, USA

Nearby places

Burlington, WA (70 miles east)

Twisp, WA (71 miles west)

Weather at Colonial Creek South Campground

Current alerts(8)

Campground reservations are accepted during the specified season dates. Campgrounds may be open before or after the reservation season on a walk-up basis. For more information on camping in the North Cascades visit, www.nps.gov/noca .
Campsite occupancy is limited to eight people, three tents, and two vehicles per site.
Don't Move Firewood : Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
No Show Policy : If you do not arrive at a campground or cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date, your reservation will be cancelled. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date.

Best Time to Camp at Colonial Creek South Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the clearest weather and warmest days for enjoying Diablo Lake's turquoise water and the campground's shady old-growth canopy; daytime highs typically range from the mid-60s to low 80s°F with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F. This is peak season for boating, kayaking, swimming (water is cold but swimmable for the brave), hiking high trails that have melted out, and consistent fishing as streams and lake access are at their most reliable. Expect the busiest conditions in mid-July–August Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 6% in WA

Listed best season: summer offers warmest weather, peak access to lake and trails (peak season May–Sept).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 18 to September 03. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Ten walk-in, tent-only campsites (#64 - #73) are open as first-come, first-served before and after the peak season, from January through late May, and early September through December of each year.

About Colonial Creek South Campground

Colonial Creek South Campground sits on the shore of Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park, operated by the National Park Service. The large campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites under an old-growth canopy with access to the lake's distinctive turquoise water. Visitors hike park trails, launch boats and kayaks, and fish from the shore during the seasonal operating window.

Colonial Creek South Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles, including standard nonelectric campsites, walk-in tent sites, and group camping areas.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the clearest weather and warmest days for enjoying Diablo Lake's turquoise water and the campground's shady old-growth canopy; daytime highs typically range from the mid-60s to low 80s°F with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F. This is peak season for boating, kayaking, swimming (water is cold but swimmable for the brave), hiking high trails that have melted out, and consistent fishing as streams and lake access are at their most reliable. Expect the busiest conditions in mid-July–August Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation1260 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits at 1,260 feet elevation where western redcedars, hemlocks, and Douglas-firs create a canopy over fern-covered forest floor. Diablo Lake's glacial-fed turquoise water sits at the campground's edge, a reservoir carved through valleys by ancient ice. The Thunder Creek Trail heads into surrounding alpine terrain directly from camp. One reviewer called it "beautiful nature," though the dramatic setting comes with tradeoffs: sites near the lake sacrifice privacy for water access.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere is no hotel-style lodging available within the campground. Visitors must prepare for camping accommodations only.

Programs & ActivitiesThe campground features an amphitheater where ranger-led educational talks are occasionally conducted. Visitors highlighted a need for more frequent ranger programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum Consecutive Stay: 14 nights during a visit
Maximum Stay: 30 nights within a year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Each campsite is limited to eight people, three tents, and two vehicles.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate larger parties, though specific details about maximum occupancy were not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov website or app.

AccessibilityAccessible campsites, parking, and restrooms are available. Detailed descriptions include features such as accessible flush toilets and parking areas.

Site SizeCampsites are described as varying in size from small to medium, suitable for most tents and smaller trailers or RVs. Many sites are not suitable for large RVs or trailers.

PrivacyPrivacy varies widely across the campground. Some sites offer lush vegetation for screening, while others are close together, especially lakeside sites. A user noted, "The sites on the lake are not as private but offer lakefront property.

Total Campsites93 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy, choose outer spots away from the lake. Campers with watercraft should prioritize lakefront spots.

Best CampsitesSite #79 gets mentioned specifically for lakefront views and water access. Reviewers note that lakeside sites trade privacy for location: "The sites on the lake are not as private but offer lakefront property." Walk-in tent sites provide more seclusion than the drive-in loops.

Need help booking Colonial Creek South Campground?

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

Colonial Creek South Campground provides visitors with essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay within the rugged beauty of North Cascades National Park. The campground features picnic tables, fire rings, drinking water, flush toilets, garbage and recycling services, and some paved parking spaces. However, most parking within the facility is uneven gravel. Bear-proof food storage lockers are available at each site due to the active black bear presence in the area. The campground does not have electrical hookups, sewer hookups, or shower facilities.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Colonial Creek South Campground

Colonial Creek South Campground offers a wide variety of recreational activities, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy on-site hiking trails, fishing, boating, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Swimming is available in Diablo Lake, but its chilly 43-degree water may not appeal to everyone.

Boating4.5/5Top 4% in Washington

Water Sports4.5/5Top 3% in Washington

Hiking4.0/5

Trails accessible from campground include Thunder Creek and Thunder Knob offering varied scenic hikes.

Beach activities4.0/5

Shoreline and small beach/dock access to Diablo Lake; review_evidence flags beach positively.

Fishing3.5/5

Cultural and Educational Programs

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are provided at each campsite to protect food from wildlife.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

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From Booking Sources

4.5

729 reviews

Recommended

Colonial Creek South Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews of Colonial Creek South Campground are mixed, with many praising the stunning natural beauty and well-maintained facilities, while others expressed concerns about campground crowding and noise.

Review Summaries

Based on 729 reviews

What Campers Love

"The campground is very clean and nestled in beautiful nature!" "Flush toilets and potable water are available, and the lake's proximity is fantastic."

Based on 729 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include noise from other campers, small and closely packed campsites, and insufficient enforcement of quiet hours. "There was no quiet hours enforcement. Party central." Another noted,...

Based on 729 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 079 is frequently praised for its lake access and proximity to clean restrooms. Negative reviews often center around sites like 099, which are described as cramped and lacking privacy.

Based on 729 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest bringing earplugs due to the close proximity of sites and potential noise. Stock up on firewood and other supplies in Marblemount, as these are not available on-site.

Based on 729 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season reviews note the campground's popularity, resulting in crowds and limited privacy. Off-peak visits are described as quieter and more enjoyable.

Based on 729 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Right on Diablo Lake with stunning views!" "Bathrooms were clean and well-stocked." "The rangers were very friendly and helpful."

Based on 729 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible sites, restrooms, and parking are available. Reviews highlight the thoughtfulness of these features, though specifics about site layouts are limited.

Based on 729 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific reviews address pet-related facilities or policies.

Based on 729 reviews

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Colonial Creek South Campground

$24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Hike To: $24.00; Management: $24.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00; WALK TO: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$24.00

Group Site Fee$75.00

Get Notified When Available

This campground gets 35 cancellations/wk on average — set an alert, we'll notify you instantly.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

360-854-7200noca_information@nps.gov

Go if

You want National Park Service camping on turquoise water with boat launch access and full amenities during summer.

Skip if

You need privacy between sites or prefer quieter campgrounds with consistent ranger presence.

Nearby Campgrounds

Highly Popular

4.4

(276)

Colonial Creek North Campground

810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

Colonial Creek North Campground sits on the shore of Diablo Lake in North Cascades National Park, operated by the National Park Service. The mid-sized campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, potable water, and direct access to hiking trails and the lake's distinctive turquoise water. Reviewers praise the scenic beauty and clean facilities, though State Route 20 runs nearby and sites are closely spaced.

Colonial Creek South Campground

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Best Time to Camp at Colonial Creek South Campground

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About Colonial Creek South Campground

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Amenities available

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Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Colonial Creek South Campground

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Need help booking Colonial Creek South Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Colonial Creek South Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews