Horseshoe Cove Campground

Food Storage Order in place for Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

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 to store food items in a “bear resistant manner” and to properly dispose of wildlife attractants. The food storage order is intended to reduce human/wildlife conflicts resulting from readily available food sources and other attractants.

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE
MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST ORDER# 06-05-25-01
Forest Area Closure

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50(a), to minimize adverse interactions between humans, bears, and other wildlife and provide for visitor safety, the following acts are prohibited within the
boundaries of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest as described below and shown in Exhibit A. Also attached, and hereby made part of this Order, Exhibit B - Definitions of terms used in support of the
restrictions. This order will be effective from April 15, 2025, to April 15, 2027, unless rescinded sooner.

PROHIBITION:

Possessing or storing any food or refuse, except as specified under this order 36 CFR 261.SS(cc)
Possessing, storing, or transporting any bird, fish, or other animal or parts thereof, except as specified under this order 36 CFR 261.58(s)

This order requires that:

All food and refuse must be acceptably stored or acceptably possessed during daytime hours.
All food and refuse must be acceptably stored during nighttime hours, unless it is being prepared for eating, being eaten, being transported, or being prepared for acceptable storage.
Any harvested animal carcass must be acceptably stored, unless the carcass is being field dressed, transported, being prepared for eating, or being prepared for acceptable storage.
Burnable attractants that cannot be completely consumed by fire (i.e., no post burning residue) must be packed out.

PROHIBITION AREA DESCRIPTION:

All National Forest System lands within the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

EXEMPTIONS:

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.SO(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
Persons with a Valid Forest Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order (Form FS-7700-48), specifically exempting them from this order.
Persons with a Forest Service special use authorization or other authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order.
Any Federal or State officer placing baits to capture animals for research or management
purposes as part of their official duties.

This prohibition is in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A.

Violations of this prohibition are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both (16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C. §§ 3551, 3559, 3571, and 3581).

Executed in Everett, Washington, this 3rd day of March, 2025.

Overview

Horseshoe Cove Campground is nestled under a canopy of forest along the banks of Baker Lake. Located in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest which stretches along the west side of the Cascade Mountains between the Canadian border and Mt. Rainier National Park, this area is one of the most spectacular in the country, showcasing glacier-covered peaks, wide mountain meadows and old-growth forests.

Recreation

In addition to being a prime location for boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking , hikers and backpackers are especially fortunate to have access to a variety of spectacular trails along the lake and in the nearby Mt. Baker National Recreation Area.. The Baker Lake and Baker River Trails are family friendly hikes that are a short drive from the campground. The Baker Lake trail starts on the south end of the lake in a stand of Douglas fir and travels 13 miles above the eastern shoreline of Baker Lake. Anderson Point with views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan is 2.5 miles from the trailheadand is a popular boat in camp, backpacking destination and lunch spot. The Baker River Trail starts at the north end of the lake and follows the river 2.25 miles upstream, through large old-growth into North Cascades National Park.

Facilities

There are 39 campsites at Horseshoe Cove Campground, including three large group sites.

With several sites located at the lake's edge, and others in close vicinity, this campground offers visitors the ideal opportunity to camp near the shoreline or under a canopy of trees.

A boat ramp, large sandy swim beach, trail, firewood are available at the campground.

Natural Features

From the lake on a clear day visitors will see Mt. Baker, the most prominent feature of the Mt. Baker Wilderness. Rising to an elevation of 10,781 feet, the active volcano from which the forest takes its name is perpetually snow-capped and mantled with an extensive network of creeping glaciers. Mt. Baker's summit, Grant Peak, is actually a 1,300-foot-deep mound of ice, which hides a massive volcanic crater.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (530) 932-0242.

Nearby Attractions

Hike in the mountains above the lake in the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area, or take some time to visit North Cascades National Park. This unique park is like no other place on earth. It features a deep blue lake surrounded by sheer, 2,000' cliffs, two picturesque islands and a violent volcanic past. Hiking trails, a visitor center and educational programs are available.

Charges & Cancellations

Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

Camp site features

Across 40 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 40 sites
Picnic table: all 40 sites
Pets allowed: all 40 sites
Group sites: 3 of 40 sites
Longest RV: 60 ft
Largest party: 25 people
Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Directions

From Seattle, go north on I-5 to Burlington. Take Exit 230 on State Highway 20. Go past the Mt. Baker Ranger District Office in Sedro-Woolley and follow State Route 20 east for 16 miles to milepost 82. Turn left (north) on the Baker Lake Highway (Forest Service Road 11). Continue 15.1miles. Turn right at the Horseshoe Cove Road junction. Head 2 miles down Horseshoe Cove Road, past Bayview Campground to the campground.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

173 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Laurie H

Loop:North Loop

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Beautiful location, facilities have seen better days.

Karen H

Loop:North Loop

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Spacious sites and beach on the lake. Kayaking opportunities & Amderson Point hike are the highlights.

Betty B

Loop:North Loop

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

We were finally able to reserve group site A. It worked so beautifully for our group. The campground is well maintained, clean and beautifully laid out with private sites and views of Baker Lake. Of course Mt Shuksen and Mt Baker are stunning.

Kaycee S

Loop:North Loop

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Easy access to the lake and clean campsites. We'll be bwck next yeat

Boel L

Loop:North Loop

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Had a fabulous time. We were able to unplug and enjoy nature. The campsite was perfect size for our family. The host at this location were the best!! You truly notice when the hosts care for the space.

Carol W

Loop:North Loop

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

It was so very serene. The campsites were widely spaced apart so you didn’t see you neighbors much at all. The water was so absolutely beautiful. All I could do was sit and admire the scenery and how gorgeous the view was. It’s a very clean campground too. The water was clear and clean. The trails were well maintained and seemed to go forever. I felt safe and never felt afraid as I usually camp alone.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve