Excelsior Group Camp

Closed — Permanently closed. The access road washed out in November 2021 and the campground is scheduled for decommissioning.

Alcohol Prohibitions

This Order describes acts that are prohibited upon lands, roads and trails within the National Forest System administered by the Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region in regards to alcoholic beverages.

Aquatic Invasive Species

This Order prohibits 1) possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic invasive animal species AND 2) prohibits possessing, storing, or transporting any aquatic or riparian invasive plant species - on National Forest System lands in the Pacific Northwest Region as specified in the Order.

Restrictions on Use of Forage and Mulch Products

This Order prohibits unloading, storing, or using any straw, hay, grain, seed, or other forage or mulch products that are not state-certified weed free on the National Forest System lands, roads or trails in any Closure Area as specific in the Order. Some examples of these include hay bales, hay…

Suiattle River Road Washout Closure

The Suiattle River Road (FSR 26) and other roads within the watershed were severely damaged from an atmospheric river flood event.  The Suiattle River Road (at milepost 4) and associated spur roads are closed for public safety.

Hazardous Conditions likely across Forest

Update December 15th, 2025Hazard Alert: National Forest Roads &Trails Heavy rain and flooding have left many forest roads and trails unsafe. Soils are saturated, rivers are rising, and risks remain for additional road failures, debris flows, and downed trees even though the main storm has…

Mountain Loop Highway and Mt. Pilchuck Rd Closed for Winter!

A 14-mile section of the Mountain Loop Highway is closed to vehicles due to snow and road conditions between the Deer Creek and Bedal gates. The area remains open for non-motorized winter recreation including hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. In addition to the Mountain Loop Highway,…

Franklin Falls Sno-Park Closed this Winter

The Franklin Falls Sno-Park will not operate this winter, and the Denny Creek Road (Forest Service Road 58) will be closed to motorized traffic.  The Denny Creek Road and parking lot at Franklin Falls will not be plowed.  The Asahel Curtis and Annette Lake Sno-Parks will operate this winter.…

Mountain Loop Highway closed for the winter season from Deer Creek to Bedal Campground

The Mountain Loop Highway on Darrington Ranger District is now closed to motor vehicles for the winter season from Deer Creek to Bedal Campground. Timing of re-opening in the spring depends on weather but typically occurs in mid-May.

Tupso Pass Road (FSR 41) Work

Tupso Pass Road (FSR 41) work has been completed.  The road is open and passable to the Canyon Creek Bridge at milepost 8.5.

Fairfax Bridge Permanently Closed

The Fairfax Bridge on State Highway 165 (milepost 11.5) across the Carbon River has been permanently closed by Washington Department of Transportation (DOT) due to safety concerns.  The bridge closure prevents vehicle access to Forest Road 7810, Summit Lake Trailhead, Coplay Lake, and Evans Creek…

Reservations Open for Guided Snowshoe Walks

The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Discover Your Northwest are offering guided snowshoe walks January through March at Snoqualmie Pass and Mt. Baker!  Abilities from novice to expert are welcome to the donation-supported program.  Snowshoes are provided for all walks.  Online…

Middle Fork Camping Closure

A dispersed camping closure along part of Forest Road 56 and Forest Road 5640 went into effect June 1st. Attached is the closure order and map. The decision to close dispersed camping stems from the 2017 Wild and Scenic River designation of the Middle Fork River. The reasoning for closure in the…

Camping Restrictions

Camping for a total of 28 days, per calendar year, on National Forest System lands outside of a developed campground is prohibited. [36 CFR § 261.58(a)]Camping for a period longer than 14 consecutive days, at the same location, on National Forest System lands outside of a developed campground is…

Alcohol Prohibitions

Possessing a beverage, which is defined as an alcoholic beverage by State law, by anyperson under 21 years of age is prohibited. 36 CFR § 261.58(bb)Providing or selling a beverage, which is defined as an alcoholic beverage by State law, toany person under 21 years of age is prohibited. 36 CFR §…

Entire Forest Under Food Storage Order

The Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest has a food storage order in effect across the entire Forest. This order requires visitors to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest (MBSNF) to store food items in a “bear resistant manner” and to properly dispose of wildlife attractants. The food…

About

Excelsior Group Camp was located along the North Fork Nooksack River in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, providing group camping access in the spectacular North Cascades region. The facility consisted of two separate group sites, each designed to accommodate up to 50 people. Site A was located at the end of the campground loop, while Site B was positioned near the entrance. Both sites featured group fire rings, picnic tables, and individual fire pits. The campground was situated near mile 40 of the Mount Baker Scenic Byway (SR 542), approximately 7 miles past the town of Glacier. Its location provided access to numerous hiking trails including the nearby Horseshoe Bend Trail and the popular Skyline Divide Trail, which offered views of glacier-covered Mount Baker. The North Fork Nooksack River, fed by glaciers and snowfields from Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan, provided habitat for native salmon species and supported diverse wildlife including elk, bald eagles, and black bears. The campground operated seasonally during summer and early fall months and was available by reservation only through Recreation.gov. A kayak and raft launch was accessible under the highway bridge near the campground. No drinking water or electric hookups were available on site.

Directions

From Bellingham, take exit 255 onto Mt. Baker Highway SR 542 and head east. Continue past the town of Glacier for approximately 7 miles. The campground sign is on the left side of the highway near milepost 40, with the access road on the right side. Note: The access road is currently washed out and impassable.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups No
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store No
Price $135

Vehicle

Max RV Length 30ft
Max Trailer Length 30ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (360) 804-1103

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

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