How much does camping cost at Gorge Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Gorge Lake Campground are $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Gorge Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Gorge Lake 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 Gorge Lake Campground before I book?

Yes! Gorge Lake Campground has 5 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.

What is the best time to visit Gorge Lake Campground?

Gorge Lake Campground is open Open from May 19 to December 31 during 2025, with reservations available during peak season. First-come, first-served access is available in January-May.. 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 Gorge Lake Campground?

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

How many campsites does Gorge Lake Campground have?

Gorge Lake Campground has 8 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Gorge Lake Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Gorge Lake 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 Gorge Lake Campground?

Gorge Lake Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Gorge Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Gorge Lake Campground include Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Gorge Lake Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Gorge Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Gorge Lake 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.

4.37

91 reviews

GORGE LAKE CAMPGROUND, C/O NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMPLEX, 810 STATE ROUTE 20, SEDRO-WOOLLEY, WASHINGTON, 98284

Top 19% in WASHINGTONSummer

BReport Card

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near North Cascades National Park

Quick Facts

900 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open from May 19 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on North Cascades National Park Service Complex Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

900 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open from May 19 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on North Cascades National Park Service Complex Official Website

Get Directions

Gorge Lake Campground

$20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Nonelectric: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

360-854-7200noca_information@nps.gov

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Campground Map

GORGE LAKE CAMPGROUND, C/O NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMPLEX, 810 STATE ROUTE 20, SEDRO-WOOLLEY, WASHINGTON, 98284

Gorge Lake Campground

GORGE LAKE CAMPGROUND, C/O NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMPLEX, 810 STATE ROUTE 20, SEDRO-WOOLLEY, WASHINGTON, 98284

Nearby places

Marblemount (20 miles, approx. 30 minutes)

Winthrop (67 miles, approx. 1.5 hours)

Diablo (immediate vicinity).

Weather at Gorge Lake Campground

Current alerts(9)

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.
Gorge Lake Campground remains closed until further notice due to debris flow and flooding hazards following the 2023 Sourdough Fire.Â

Best Time to Camp at Gorge Lake Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and the fullest range of on-water activities — expect warm, sunny days (highs generally in the mid-60s to low-80s °F) and cool nights (mid-40s to mid-50s °F). Lake swimming, boating, fishing, and ridge hikes are all at their peak, with long daylight hours and minimal snow on trailheads. Expect moderate crowds on weekends in July–August but easy solitude on weekdays and at this small 8-site campground. Peak months: July, August, June, September

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 19% in WASHINGTON

Summer offers the most reliable weather and fullest range of on-water activities.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open from May 19 to December 31 during 2025, with reservations available during peak season. First-come, first-served access is available in January-May.

About Gorge Lake Campground

Gorge Lake Campground sits along Gorge Lake in North Cascades National Park, operated by the National Park Service. This very small campground offers lake and river views with direct access to boating and fishing. The peaceful setting attracts visitors seeking a quiet base for exploring North Cascades trails and waterways, though sites are close together with limited privacy.

Gorge Lake Campground is a primitive camping site with limited facilities, catering primarily to tent campers, small RVs, and those seeking a rustic experience.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and the fullest range of on-water activities — expect warm, sunny days (highs generally in the mid-60s to low-80s °F) and cool nights (mid-40s to mid-50s °F). Lake swimming, boating, fishing, and ridge hikes are all at their peak, with long daylight hours and minimal snow on trailheads. Expect moderate crowds on weekends in July–August but easy solitude on weekdays and at this small 8-site campground. Peak months: July, August, June, September

Elevation900 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryGorge Lake fills a steep-walled valley carved by glaciers, surrounded by jagged Cascade peaks and dense lower-slope forests. The campground's position provides lake and mountain views, though tree cover is limited. Morning mist drifts across the emerald water, and the setting connects you directly to the surrounding wilderness. The geology tells a story of volcanic origins reshaped by ice over millennia. This is one of North America's more dramatic mountain landscapes, where hydroelectric reservoirs now fill ancient glacial valleys.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging accommodations are not available at the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesDuring peak seasons, campers can attend interpretive programs at the North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem, which is a short drive from the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum of 14 consecutive nights during peak season, and 30 nights total annually.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Campsite occupancy is limited to eight people, three tents, and two vehicles.

Groups

Group camping is not explicitly mentioned, and the campground is small, with only eight sites.

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. Contact center and app options available.

AccessibilityThe campground has an accessible boat ramp for small watercraft. Further details on accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are not provided.

Site SizeCampsites are generally small, making them more suitable for tents and smaller vehicles. Guests with a 21 ft trailer found it manageable but would not recommend larger setups.

PrivacyCampsites have limited privacy, with most sites being in close proximity to one another. Site #8 offers slightly more privacy due to its location near the boat ramp and some natural barriers, though it is near a public area.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid campsite 4 for privacy concerns. Site 8 is most secluded but may experience vehicle activity at the boat ramp.

Best CampsitesSite 8 offers slightly more privacy near the boat ramp, though it's also near a public area. Sites 5 and 6 get mentioned for spaciousness and water views. Upper sites (1-6) line the bank above the lake.

Need help booking Gorge Lake 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

No potable water. Water is available at Colonial Creek and Newhalem Creek Campgrounds, east and west along State Route 20 .

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Gorge Lake Campground

Gorge Lake Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and hiking. Many campers highlight the peaceful atmosphere and stunning views as key features.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Frequent wildlife sightings reported, including black bears; wildlife viewing is notable.

Water Sports4.0/5

Winter Activities2.0/5

Open through Dec 31 but largely closed in core winter; not a winter-sport destination.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Photography4.5/5Emerald lake, jagged peaks, morning mist and night skies make it very photogenic.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsThere are no flush toilet facilities at the campground.

Food Storage RequiredEach site includes a large bear-proof food storage locker to securely store all food and odorants.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFirewood, ice, gas, and other services are not available in the park complex. The nearest services are in the town of Marblemount, WA

Trash & RecyclingThe campground provides bear-proof garbage and recycling bins. Campers are required to pack out their trash if the bins are full.

Cell CoverageMultiple reviews suggest there is no cell phone service at the campground for T-Mobile or AT&T users. The nearby town of Newhalem offers limited free Wi-Fi and cellular service.

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 Gorge Lake Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.4

91 reviews

Recommended

Gorge Lake Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Gorge Lake Campground highlight the stunning natural setting, peaceful atmosphere, and convenient access to recreational activities such as boating and hiking. However, frequent complaints include the lack of privacy between campsites, limited facilities, and occasional noise from nearby areas.

Review Summaries

Based on 91 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 91 reviews.

Site #4Loved
Sites #3-5 are recommended for their proximity to the lake and views, while Site #4 is described as being in the middle of everything with no privacy.
Site #8Mentioned
Site #8 is noted for being slightly more private but is near the boat ramp, leading to potential noise.

What Campers Love

- Beautiful location with lake and river views - Clean and well-maintained vault toilets - Peaceful and quiet atmosphere - Convenient access to hiking trails and boating facilities

Based on 91 reviews

Common Concerns

- Lack of privacy between campsites - Limited facilities, including no drinking water or flush toilets - Occasional noise from roads and boat ramp areas - Small campsite sizes, unsuitable for large...

Based on 91 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring your own drinking water and supplies, including toilet paper. - Use the large bear-proof storage lockers provided at each site. - For more privacy, consider Site #8, though it is near the...

Based on 91 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season due to the area's accessibility and recreational opportunities. Reviews suggest the campground is less crowded in the early spring and fall, making it ideal for...

Based on 91 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Great view of river rapids, and nice boat launch into the lake." - Hugh Lynch - "Each site has a bear locker and the sites are safely marked." - Max H - "The siren announcing a dam release was a...

Based on 91 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground has an accessible boat ramp, but additional accessibility features are not mentioned in reviews.

Based on 91 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but specific reviews related to pet policies or pet owner experiences are not provided.

Based on 91 reviews

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Gorge Lake Campground

$20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Nonelectric: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

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

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 affordable lakefront camping in North Cascades with direct water access and don't need site privacy.

Skip if

You need spacious, private sites or want to avoid vault toilet odors in a compact campground.

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.

Gorge Lake Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Weather at Gorge Lake Campground

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Gorge Lake Campground

Planning Tips

About Gorge Lake Campground

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Amenities available

RV details

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What Campers Love

Common Concerns

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Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at Gorge Lake Campground

Planning Tips

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Need help booking Gorge Lake Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Gorge Lake Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

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What Campers Love

Common Concerns