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

Gorge Lake Campground

Closed — Closed until further notice due to debris flow and flooding hazards following the 2023 Sourdough Fire.

About

Gorge Lake Campground is a small, primitive campground nestled on a steep bank overlooking Gorge Lake in the Ross Lake National Recreation Area. With only 8 sites, this minimally forested campground sits at an elevation of 900 feet and experiences powerful winds from the Fraser Valley Outflow. The sites are small and not suitable for large RVs or trailers, with a maximum length of 30 feet for both RVs and trailers. The campground provides basic amenities including vault toilets year-round, bear-resistant food lockers at each site, picnic tables, and fire rings. There is no potable water on-site, so campers must bring their own or obtain water from nearby Colonial Creek or Newhalem Creek campgrounds. Trash service is provided seasonally from late May through early September, but campers should plan to pack out all trash during the off-season. Recreational opportunities include an accessible boat launch and small dock at the lower end of the campground, ideal for canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and small powerboats. Fishing is permitted in Gorge Lake with a Washington State fishing license. Black bears are active in the area, making proper food storage in the provided bear boxes essential. The campground is located just outside the community of Diablo on State Route 20, approximately 20 miles east of Marblemount and 67 miles west of Winthrop, providing convenient access to hiking trails and scenic overlooks throughout North Cascades National Park.

Directions

Located just outside the community of Diablo, north of State Route 20 at milepost 126. The campground is 20 miles east of Marblemount and 67 miles west of Winthrop.

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