Colonial creek south campground enthusiasts need to put a trip to North Cascades National Park at the top of their camping wish list. This Washington state park is a backpacker’s and camper’s paradise. Green-blue alpine lakes, mountains topped with glaciers, and seemingly endless stretches of evergreen forests have made this region famous. It should come as no surprise that the North Cascades National Park Complex draws up to one million people annually, considering that it contains hundreds of wonderful campgrounds, some of which can only be accessible by boat or on foot in the backcountry. Here we will discuss colonial creek south campground.
Facts about colonial creek south campground:
Campers may expect to witness a wide range of natural features, from rushing rivers and waterfalls to majestic alpine lakes and glaciated mountains to dazzling fields of wildflowers and towering forests of evergreen trees. Due to its location in the North Cascades Range, the park can be visited from Seattle in under two hours. The North Cascades Highway divides the park into north and south. This road has most North Cascades campgrounds. Following are facts about colonial creek south campground.
North Cascades National Park’s structure:
At times, the North Cascades National Park landscape might be puzzling. If you need help finding a more thorough explanation, not even looking at a map of the North Cascades will help you. There are few roads and amenities within the confines of North Cascades National Park. To stay within the park’s official boundaries, you must set your tent in the woods. Many North Cascades campgrounds are located in one of the two surrounding national parks.
Campground on Colonial Creek, colonial creek south campground:
One of the most sought-after places to camp in the North Cascades is Colonial Creek. You can find it in the park’s heart, not far from the Coast of Diablo Lake and the North Cascades Highway. In contrast, most campgrounds close for the winter after the summer season ends a few South Loop locations around the lake remain open all year with fewer services. Colonial Creek campers can choose the North or South Loop. The North and South Loops have 96 handicapped-accessible campsites.
Campground on Newhalem Creek:
If you want a handy home base from which to explore the North Cascades, Newhalem Creek Campground, one of the park’s larger campgrounds, is the place to stay. This campsite is popular with people who travel in RVs of various sizes since it has many sites that allow pull-through access. Tent campers are gratefully sheltered from the elements by the thick vegetation covering the park. It is another factor that contributes to the campground’s popularity.
Newhalem Creek Campground:
The campground is only accessible from May through September, and even then, only if the weather cooperates. Throughout the season, the campground plays host to a variety of informative events and programs that are hosted by park rangers. Other campsites are available at Newhalem Creek Campground; each can seat as many as thirty people. The facility will always provide its guests with flush toilets and clean drinking water whenever they stay there.
The campground at Goodell Creek:
The Goodell Campground is another well-liked camping spot in the neighbourhood. It is located in the middle of the park and runs parallel to Highway 20. These areas are perfect for camping in tents or small RVs because there is no electricity. Further up Goodell Creek, you’ll find two large group campgrounds with space between 30 and 50 people each. These campgrounds are perfect for large families or organizations.
Mineral Park Campground:
The Mineral Park Campground can be reached through the seasonal Cascade River Road after travelling 17 miles from Marblemount. Marblemount is the most convenient town for getting to and from the campground. On days when the weather is clear, there is a fantastic view of Mount Baker, and the campground is flanked on all sides by protected wilderness areas and lush forest landscapes. In addition to this, the Wild and Scenic Cascade River runs right through the midst of the campgrounds, creating a natural divide.
Early-Winter Campground:
Travellers leaving Winthrop and heading west on Highway 20 toward Diablo Lake will first come across the Early Winters Campground, operated by the Forest Service. It takes around 15 minutes to drive to the campground from Winthrop. The campground’s proximity to the Methow Valley makes it a convenient starting or ending point for trips lasting several days in the North Cascades. You’ll find the Early Winters Campground in a picture-perfect woodland setting, just next to the creek of the same name.
Gorge Lake Campground:
You’ll find the campground run by the National Park Service at Gorge Lake, west of the Diablo Dam. At this position, next to the raging waters of Seattle Creek, six lakefront campsites are available throughout the year. State Route 20 leads straight to the campground, which is well-situated near several notable natural attractions in the surrounding area, such as Diablo Lake.
Watercraft into Gorge Lake:
The Gorge Lake Campground is ideal for camping in tents and recreational vehicles no larger than a mid-size in size. Even though there are outhouses accessible for use, all campers who intend to stay the night are required to carry their food, water, and toilet paper to the campground. The boat ramp at the campground is available for use by day-trippers and campers staying the night for those who wish to launch their watercraft into Gorge Lake.
Campsites at Baker Lake:
The Baker Lake Trail, which runs for 14 miles along the lake’s eastern side, is only one of several recreational opportunities in the area. People from all around spend the night at one of the several Forest Service campgrounds that ring the western shore. Both Highway 20 and Baker Lake Road give access to the lake, as well as the campsites that surround it. Visitors initially encounter Horseshoe Cove and Bayview campsites. These popular RV and tent camping spots have no connections. Both places accept bookings.
Howard Miller Steelhead Park:
Access Howard Miller Steelhead Park is located on the west side of Highway 20 near the Wild and Scenic Skagit River. Because of its proximity to the river, county citizens visit worldwide. The campsite, named for longtime Skagit County commissioner Howard Miller, has approximately fifty RV spots and ten walk-in tent sites. The campground has a lot of nice extras, including hot showers, spotless bathrooms, and a playground for the kids. To the extent practicable, telephone reservations are accepted.
Conclusion, colonial creek south campground:
North Cascades National Park is home to the Colonial Creek South Campground, nestled amongst a grove of old-growth trees and next to the water of Diablo Lake. You can book a spot in the South loop from late May until about the middle of September (sites 64-164). Tent camping sites 64–73, 128–135, and 138–141 are accessible only by foot. These camping areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis all year long, including the winter months. Its neighbour, the Colonial Creek North Campground, has 63 sites and is conveniently situated just next to it.
FAQs:
Is it on a first-come, first-served basis at the Colonial Creek Campground?
Colonial Creek Campground is near Diablo Lake. You can camp in the forest, near a babbling brook, or on the lake. The north loop has 42 first-come, first-served spaces and 93 advance-rental sites.
Is there a time limit on campfires at the Colonial Creek Campground?
Although most sites only have gravel parking, the entire property has running water, flush toilets, garbage removal, and some paved parking spots. Each campsite comes with its picnic table and fire pit.
Is Diablo Lake swimmable?
Swimming is not only permissible but also highly recommended when you have easy access to the lake. Although it’s incredibly cold, swimming in the glacier water is allowed.