Gorge Lake Campground

Overview

Gorge Lake Campground requires reservations during the peak season, from late May through early September of each year.  

Important changes to booking windows: To better serve visitors, Gorge Lake Campground will release campsites in two staggered block releases. These block releases will be 6 months in advance and 7 days in advance. 

• Campsites #1 and #2 are available for reservations 7 days in advance.

• Campsites #3 - #8 are available for reservations 6 months in advance.

Any sites not reserved during the peak season are available same-day as first-come, first-served for 1 night only and can only be claimed in person at the campground. 

Gorge Lake Campground is open as first-come, first-served before and after the peak season, from January through late May, and early September through December of each year.   

Gorge Lake Campground is a small, primitive campground with 8 sites. The campground is set on a steep bank overlooking Gorge Lake. The sites are small and do not accommodate large RVs or trailers. There is an accessible boat ramp at the lower end of the campground.  

Recreation

The campground has an accessible boat launch and small dock. This boat launch is not recommended for large powerboats. Ideal for canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and small power boats. Practice boating safety while on the water.  

Fishing is allowed in Gorge Lake with a Washington State Fishing license. The nearest location to purchase a license is in the town of Marblemount, WA. Follow Washington State Fishing Regulations when recreating.  

Hiking and other recreation opportunities can be found across the park.  

Black bears are active in this campground and the surrounding trails. Be aware of your surroundings while hiking, picnicking, and camping. Use the provided bear boxes in your campsite to store coolers, cookware, and other odorants when not in use. If you encounter a bear around the campground or on a trail, inform campground staff or go to the North Cascades Visitor Center and fill out a bear report. 

Facilities

Primitive camp with no water or services. Bring water and pack out all trash. Vault toilets. Gathering firewood is prohibited. Firewood is available outside the park. 

Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring, and some sites have tent pads. 

Natural Features

Gorge Lake Campground is a minimally forested campground with surrounding views of the Gorge Lake. At an elevation of 900’ this campground experiences bouts of powerful winds from the Fraser Valley Outflow.

Nearby Attractions

Traveling west on State Route 20: 

The North Cascades Visitor Center is 7.5 miles (12 km) west on State Route 20 from Gorge Lake Campground, operating seasonally, typically from May to September. Campers can find the passport stamps, exhibits, park film, park store, and much more.   

Traveling east on State Route 20: 

Diablo Lake Overlook is 6.5 miles (10 km) east on State Route 20. There is ample day use parking and vault toilets.   

Ross Lake Overlook is 10 miles (16 km) east on State Route 20, this is a less developed vista point. There are two pull off areas with interpretive way sides and with views of the Ross Dam and the Ross Lake.  

Contact Info