What are the fire rules at Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP?

Fire rules at Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP: Campfires in fire grates only. Check dnr.wa.gov for Washington fire restrictions.

What is the best time to visit Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP?

Jun–Sep: All trails accessible, waterfalls full, wildflowers. Open mid-April to mid-October.

What are the best things to do near Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP?

Near Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP: Skagit River Trail — starts at camp, follows the wild river through old-growth forest. Gorge Creek Falls (2 mi east on Hwy 20) — dramatic waterfall visible from a bridge pullout. North Cascades Visitor Center (walking distance) — excellent ranger programs. Bald eagles in winter (Dec–Feb) — one of the largest concentrations in the lower 48.

Is there wildlife at Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP?

Wildlife alert for Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP: Black bears active throughout the park. Food storage required. Bald eagles visible along the Skagit year-round, peak December–February.

What are the common problems at Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP?

At Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP: Road can flood or be blocked by slides in heavy rain. Solution: Check Washington DOT road conditions at wsdot.wa.gov before driving Hwy 20.

What are the insider tips for Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP?

Insider tips for Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP: Sites 1–15 are closest to the Skagit River Often has walk-up availability on weekdays even in summer — this park is genuinely uncrowded

What makes Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP unique?

The Sterling Munro Trail (0.4 miles) leads to a boardwalk over old-growth cedar stumps from 1920s logging with enormous recovery trees growing from them. It’s the only place in the park where you can see the contrast between the logged past and the recovered present.

How do I book a campsite at Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP?

Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP is a federal campground — book at Recreation.gov (search "Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP"). Sites are released 6 months in advance and sell out quickly. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/newhalem-creek-north-cascades to be notified the moment a site opens up.

Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP

Old-growth rainforest camping in the most remote national park in the lower 48

North Cascades National Park, WA4.6 (743)500 ft

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North Cascades National Park receives fewer visitors than almost any national park in the continental US. Newhalem Creek Campground sits at the gateway to this spectacular wilderness — 111 sites in old-growth temperate rainforest on the Skagit River. Massive cedars, ferns, moss-covered logs. The Skagit River Trail starts here. Bald eagles winter along the river in December–February (one of the largest concentrations in the lower 48). The area floods occasionally in winter.

Things to do nearby

Trail of the CedarsSkagit River TrailDiablo Lake overlookSkagit River Trail

Best For

Old-growth forest loversBald eagle watchers (winter)Serious hikersSolitude seekersPacific Northwest wilderness enthusiasts

Site Types

TentRV

Amenities

Flush toilets (summer)

Vault toilets (shoulder season)

Water (seasonal)

Picnic tables

Fire grates

Skagit River access

Ranger programs (summer)

Old-growth forest

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

11:00 AM

Season

May through October

Max/site

6 people

Known Issues

Very remote — no services in Newhalem. Rain is frequent. Winter flooding occasionally closes campground. Cell service zero. Highway 20 closes in winter.

Cancellation Policy

Recreation.gov standard policy.

Why campers love Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP

North Cascades NP receives fewer visitors than almost any park in the lower 48. Old-growth temperate rainforest surrounds the sites: massive cedars, Douglas fir, and bigleaf maples draped in moss. The Skagit River runs along the campground edge.

What's new in 2026

NPS restored the Newhalem Campground amphitheater 2023. Ranger-led programs resumed.

What campers say about Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP

"We had trails entirely to ourselves. A bald eagle flew over the river while we ate breakfast. Felt like we were the only people in the park."

— Recreation.gov reviewer

"The most underrated national park campground we’ve camped in. Why is nobody here?"

— Google reviewer

Not the right fit if…

✕You want alpine scenery from camp — the campground is forested valley, not alpine

Frequently asked questions

How much does Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP cost per night?+

Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP costs $16 per night depending on site type and season. Hookup options: None.

What season is Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP open?+

Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP is open May through October. Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is 11:00 AM.

Does Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP have hookups?+

None.

What is the maximum RV length at Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP?+

Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP can accommodate RVs up to 32 feet long.

How do I make reservations at Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP?+

Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP is a federal campground — reservations open 6 months in advance at Recreation.gov. Sites sell out quickly. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert to be notified the moment a site opens.

What is the cell service like at Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP?+

Zero cell service in Newhalem. Last reliable signal is Burlington (30 miles west). Completely off-grid.

How far is Newhalem Creek — North Cascades NP from the nearest town?+

Nearest services: Concrete — 23 miles west

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