Colonial Creek North Campground
The Quick Take
Colonial Creek North is the campground that converts people into North Cascades believers. Tucked into old-growth forest on the shore of Diablo Lake — that impossibly turquoise glacial water you've seen on Instagram — it delivers a genuine wilderness feel without requiring a permit or a four-hour dirt road approach. The trade-offs are real: no flush toilets, no showers, no cell service, and no firewood sales on site, so you're committing to a slightly rougher experience than your typical national park car camp. But the payoff is direct lake access with a boat launch, an accessible fishing pier, and trailheads for Thunder Creek and Thunder Knob right nearby. At twenty-four dollars a night with reservations available, this is the spot for anyone who wants the backcountry atmosphere of North Cascades without actually hauling a pack into the backcountry.
Booking
Reserve Your Campsite
All 38 sites are reservable.
Book at North Cascades LodgesWhat You Get
Sites & Setup
RV Information
RVs allowed. No electrical hookups. Generators permitted during designated hours.
Accessibility
Accessible restrooms available. There are three wheelchair accessible campsites available in Colonial Creek North and South Campgrounds. Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
Rules to Know
- Fires:Fires are only permitted in designated fire grates and must be attended at all times.
- Generators:Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am.
- Bear Safety:Do not feed or tease wildlife - keep your food and other appealing items in your vehicle or bear box at all times except when eating or using them.
- Checkout:Checkout time is 12 pm on day of departure.
- Occupancy:Maximum of two vehicles, eight people and three tents per site.
- Stay Limit:Camping is limited to no more than 14 days from July 1 to September 1 and no more than 30 days in a calendar year.
Pro Tips
Book the moment reservations open for July and August weekends — this is one of the few reservable campgrounds in a park complex that's notoriously hard to camp in, and word has gotten out. Midweek stays in late June or early September are far easier to land and arguably better, with fewer crowds on Thunder Knob trail.
Bring a kayak or inflatable if you have one. The on-site boat launch puts you directly onto Diablo Lake, and paddling into the turquoise glacial water surrounded by jagged peaks is the single best thing you can do from this campground. No boat? The fishing pier at sunset is nearly as good.
Pack in all your firewood — collecting is prohibited, and there's no camp store. Buy it in Marblemount on your way in, about twenty miles west on SR 20. Also stash everything scented in the provided bear lockers; this is serious black bear country, not a suggestion.
Photos
NPS / Anthony KillionGetting There
Directions
Located off of SR 20 at mile post 130. Twenty miles (40 km) east of Marblemount, 63 miles (101 km) west of Winthrop.
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