Gorge Lake Campground

Star4.40
75 reviews
GORGE LAKE CAMPGROUND, C/O NORTH CASCADES NATIONAL PARK SERVICE COMPLEX, 810 STATE ROUTE 20, SEDRO-WOOLLEY, WASHINGTON, 98284
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

900 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open from May 19 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens North Cascades National Park Service Complex site

Official Website
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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
Gorge Lake Campground
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly rates range from $10 during the first-come-first-served season (January-May) to $20 during the reservable peak season (May-September)....
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
360-854-7200noca_information@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.40

Recommended

Based on 75 reviews

40 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefulclean

"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."

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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

Driving directionsLocated just outside the community of Diablo, north of SR 20 at mile post 126. 20 miles (32 km) east of Marblemount, 67 miles (108 km) west of Winthrop.
Access from State Route 20 is straightforward and suitable for passenger cars. Roads are paved and maintained, but caution should be taken during winter months due to potential snow or ice.
Nearby places
Marblemount (20 miles, approx. 30 minutes)
Winthrop (67 miles, approx. 1.5 hours)
Diablo (immediate vicinity).
Nearby supplies
Essential supplies, including groceries, gas, and firewood, are available in Marblemount, WA. Colonial Creek and Newhalem Creek Campgrounds along SR 20 offer potable water options.

Best Time to Camp at Gorge Lake Campground

Experience the dynamic mountain climate where gentle summer days bring refreshing breezes off the lake, perfect for afternoon swims and evening campfires. As autumn arrives, the legendary Fraser Valley winds sweep through the gorge, creating a symphony of rustling leaves and rippling water. Winter transforms this landscape into a snow-draped wonderland, where hardy visitors can witness the raw beauty of the Cascades in their most dramatic season. Spring awakens the valley with wildflowers and the thunderous sound of snowmelt cascading down surrounding peaks.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for swimming, boating and access; most popular and well-suited season.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Less crowded early fall and good scenery; cooler temps but still appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Early spring less crowded; some access/seasonal limits (peak opens May 19).

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open through Dec 31 but limited winter amenities and likely cold; not a winter-sports hub.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season runs from May 19 to September 6 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • 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.
  • Current Alerts: No potable water available; bring your own. Warning system for dam water releases in place.

About Gorge Lake Campground

Perched dramatically on a steep bank above the emerald waters of Gorge Lake, this intimate 8-site campground offers an authentic wilderness experience for those seeking solitude and natural beauty. Each primitive campsite provides direct access to the lake below, where morning mists dance across the water and the calls of loons echo through the valley. With nearby trailheads beckoning adventurers into the surrounding peaks, Gorge Lake Campground serves as your basecamp for exploring one of the Pacific Northwest's most spectacular mountain landscapes.
Gorge Lake Campground is a primitive camping site with limited facilities, catering primarily to tent campers, small RVs, and those seeking a rustic experience.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time starts at 12:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 11:00 AM.
Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 consecutive nights during peak season, and 30 nights total annually.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingHiking opportunities are abundant around the campground, with the nearby Stetattle Creek and Sourdough Mountain trails being notable options. However, campers should note that some trails may be washed out and require caution.
FishingFishing is allowed in Gorge Lake with a valid Washington State fishing license. Campers report good fishing conditions but recommend practicing safety.
SwimmingThe lake's cold, clear water is ideal for swimming, though some campers note that the water temperature may be too cold for extended swimming.
BoatingThe campground features an accessible boat ramp suitable for canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and small power boats. Large powerboats are not recommended due to the ramp's design.
Wildlife viewingWildlife is frequently observed in the area, including black bears. Campers are advised to use bear-proof lockers for food storage and report any bear sightings to park authorities.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsDuring peak seasons, campers can attend interpretive programs at the North Cascades Visitor Center in Newhalem, which is a short drive from the campground.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears frequent the area; all food must be stored securely. Sudden high water events due to dam releases are possible.
Active AlertsNo potable water available; bring your own. Warning system for dam water releases in place.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredEach site includes a large bear-proof food storage locker to securely store all food and odorants.

Weather at Gorge Lake Campground

Reviews

4.4
75 reviews
Recommended
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 75 reviews

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 75 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...
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Based on 75 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...
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Based on 75 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...
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Based on 75 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...
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Based on 75 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #8 is noted for being slightly more private but is near the boat ramp, leading to potential noise. Sites #3-5 are recommended for their proximity to the lake and views, while Site #4 is...
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Based on 75 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground has an accessible boat ramp, but additional accessibility features are not mentioned in reviews.
Based on 75 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but specific reviews related to pet policies or pet owner experiences are not provided.
Based on 75 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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