Washington / Whatcom County / Ross Lake National Recreation Area / North Cascades National Park Complex

Goodell Creek Campground

Open — Open year-round as first-come, first-served. Free camping from October through mid-May with vault toilets available but no water or trash service. Fees apply late May through September when reservations are required and water/trash services are provided.

About

Goodell Creek Campground is a small, peaceful campground situated in lush old growth forest on the banks of the Skagit River, just off State Route 20 near the town of Newhalem. The campground features 19 individual campsites surrounded by western redcedar, western hemlock, Douglas-fir, and native shrubs including wild red huckleberries. Sites are suitable for tents and small RVs or trailers up to 20 feet in length, with a maximum capacity of two vehicles, eight people, and three tents per site. During peak season from late May through early September, the campground requires reservations. Sites 1-13 can be reserved 6 months in advance, while sites 14-19 are available 7 days in advance. Any unreserved sites during peak season become available as same-day, first-come, first-served for one night only and must be claimed in person. Outside peak season, from January through late May and early September through December, all sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Recreational opportunities include fishing in Goodell Creek and the Skagit River, which is the largest river flowing into Puget Sound and provides critical habitat for all Pacific salmon species. A raft and kayak launch at the campground offers river access. Hikers can access several Newhalem area trails via a connecting path to Newhalem Campground. Black bears are active in the area, and all campsites are equipped with bear boxes for storing coolers, cookware, and other odorants. The North Cascades Visitor Center and the town of Newhalem with its general store are both within walking distance.

Directions

Located on State Route 20 at milepost 119, 13 miles east of Marblemount and 74 miles west of Winthrop. From Burlington, drive 60 miles east on SR 20. The campground entrance is on the south side of the highway.

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