Devil's Junction Campground

For Washington locals craving an unparalleled wilderness experience that truly immerses them in the breathtaking beauty of the North Cascades, Devil's Junction Campground is an absolute must-visit. This isn't your average drive-up campsite; it's a "SPOT" that offers a unique and secluded adventure on the stunning Ross Lake. While some might find its remote nature "mediocre" compared to more accessible sites, those who appreciate pristine natural settings and a true escape from the everyday will understand why this campground is so highly regarded.

Devil's Junction Campground is part of the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, nestled within the vast North Cascades National Park Service Complex. Its allure lies in its magnificent lake setting, offering campers a chance to connect with one of Washington's most spectacular and less-traveled waterways. Whether you're an avid paddler, a keen angler, or simply someone who yearns for tranquility amidst towering peaks, Devil's Junction provides a camping experience that is both challenging to reach and incredibly rewarding once there.

Devil's Junction Campground is located in a remote yet incredibly scenic part of the North Cascades, near Rockport, WA 98283, USA. Specifically, it is a "boat-in campground" or accessible by hiking, situated on the shores of Ross Lake. This means that direct vehicle access is not possible, which contributes significantly to its secluded and pristine nature.

To reach Devil's Junction, most visitors utilize the unique portage and water taxi services offered by Ross Lake Resort, starting from Diablo Lake. You would typically launch a personal canoe or kayak at Colonial Creek Campground on Diablo Lake, paddle about five miles to the end of Diablo Lake, and then portage (via truck service) your vessel over to Ross Lake. From there, Devil's Junction is a boat paddle away on Ross Lake. Alternatively, hikers can access the area via various backcountry trails within the North Cascades, requiring a wilderness permit.

This multi-stage journey to the campground ensures that only those genuinely seeking a remote experience will make the effort, preserving the tranquility and natural integrity of the site. The closest town for major supplies is Marblemount or Rockport along State Route 20, but campers should be prepared to be self-sufficient once on Ross Lake.

As a remote, boat-in campground within a National Park Service complex, Devil's Junction provides essential services designed for a rustic yet manageable camping experience. Based on available public data, the services include:

• Campsites: Devil's Junction offers designated campsites that are typically equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. These sites are designed to be rustic and provide a true wilderness feel.
• Outdoor Restroom and Shower: Unlike many remote boat-in sites, Devil's Junction reportedly offers an "outdoor but enclosed restroom and shower." This is a notable convenience for a campground of this nature, enhancing the comfort for campers.
• Potable Water: The campground reportedly provides "potable water." This is a significant amenity for a remote site, reducing the need for campers to carry in large quantities of water or rely solely on filtering lake water.
• Firewood Sales: "Firewood bundles are available for purchase when you arrive." This is a convenient service, preventing campers from having to transport their own firewood over long distances by boat or trail.
• Bear-Proof Food Storage: All boat-in camps on Ross Lake, including Devil's Junction, are equipped with "bear-proof food-storage lockers." This is critical for visitor safety and wildlife protection in this active bear habitat.
• Vault Toilets: Like other boat-in camps in the area, Devil's Junction has "vault toilets." While basic, they are essential for sanitation in a wilderness setting.
• Nearby Portage and Water Taxi Services: While not directly at the campground, services from Ross Lake Resort facilitate access, including truck portage for kayaks/canoes and water taxis for hikers/campers, allowing more people to experience these remote sites.

Devil's Junction Campground's true appeal lies in its unique features and the immersive wilderness experience it offers:

• Stunning Ross Lake Location: The primary highlight is its placement on the "amazing" Ross Lake, a turquoise gem nestled between towering peaks. The lake itself is known for its incredible beauty, clear waters, and dramatic mountain backdrop.
• Secluded and Private Atmosphere: Being a boat-in or hike-in site means significantly fewer crowds than drive-up campgrounds. This creates a highly "secluded" and "quiet" atmosphere, perfect for those seeking solitude and a genuine connection with nature.
• Access to Water Activities: With the lake "right across the street" (figuratively, as it's lakefront), campers have prime access to kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming. Ross Lake is ideal for paddling exploration, with numerous coves and inlets.
• Wooded Park-like Area: Behind the campsites, there is a "wooded park-like area" suitable for "dog walking and nature walks," providing additional space for exploration and relaxation.
• Nearby River Trail: "Across the road from our campground there is a trail leading to a beautiful and peaceful spot on the river," offering a different natural setting to explore beyond the lake.
• Abundant Recreational Opportunities: The surrounding area offers a wealth of activities, including "hiking, bird watching, fishing, spectacular photography opportunities, bike riding and climbing trails." The North Cascades are a hiker's paradise, with trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging mountain ascents.
• True Wilderness Immersion: The combination of remote access, stunning scenery, and basic amenities provides an authentic wilderness experience, allowing campers to truly disconnect and appreciate the natural environment.
• Bear Country Experience: The presence of bear-proof lockers and the need for bear awareness ("You have to bring your own bed sheets and pillows. Also you got to clean your cabin prior check out at 10 AM sharp. Keep in mind that no late check outs allowed.") while not a feature, highlights the authentic wild nature of the area, a draw for those seeking a true wilderness encounter.

For Washington residents planning their trip to Devil's Junction Campground, located within the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, here are the essential contact details:

Address: Ross Lake National Recreation Area, Rockport, WA 98283, USA

Phone for North Cascades National Park Service Complex (which manages the area): (360) 854-7200

For information specific to Ross Lake boat-in campgrounds and portage/water taxi services, it is highly recommended to contact Ross Lake Resort or the National Park Service Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount. Reservations for boat-in campsites in Ross Lake National Recreation Area are required and can be made through the National Park Service website or by contacting the Wilderness Information Center directly.

It is crucial to check current conditions, permit requirements (especially for backcountry travel), and any fire restrictions before embarking on your trip, as conditions in the North Cascades can change rapidly.

For Washington locals, Devil's Junction Campground on Ross Lake offers an exceptional and highly suitable camping experience, particularly for those who prioritize solitude, natural beauty, and a hands-on adventure. While it might not be for everyone due to its boat-in access, its unique attributes make it a truly rewarding destination.

The primary draw is its stunning location on the "amazing" Ross Lake. This iconic turquoise lake, framed by dramatic mountain scenery, provides an unparalleled backdrop for water-based activities like kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. For paddlers, the journey across Diablo Lake and then on Ross Lake itself is an integral and enjoyable part of the adventure, transforming the arrival into an accomplishment.

The remote nature of the campground ensures a "secluded" and "quiet" atmosphere, a stark contrast to more crowded drive-up campgrounds. This allows Washingtonians to truly disconnect from the demands of daily life and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the wilderness. The presence of an "outdoor but enclosed restroom and shower" and "potable water" are significant conveniences for such a remote site, enhancing comfort without detracting from the rustic feel.

Furthermore, Devil's Junction serves as an excellent base for exploring the vast hiking, birdwatching, and photography opportunities within the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. The existence of a "wooded park-like area" and a "beautiful and peaceful spot on the river" just across the road adds to the diversity of natural exploration available right from your campsite.

While one review noted it as "mediocre" and suggested "Rainbow Point instead," it's clear that Devil's Junction caters to a specific desire for solitude and a more primitive experience. For the Washingtonian who embraces adventure and seeks a truly unspoiled natural setting, Devil's Junction is indeed "the SPOT" to experience the untamed beauty of the North Cascades.

Devil's Junction Campground

Rockport, WA 98283, USA