Little Beaver Campground

For Washingtonians seeking a truly immersive and unforgettable wilderness experience, Little Beaver Campground on Ross Lake stands out as an exceptional destination. This isn't your typical drive-up campground; it's a boat-in (or long hike-in) paradise that promises a profound disconnection from the everyday and a deep connection with the pristine beauty of the North Cascades. Imagine waking up to the gentle lapping of water on the shore, surrounded by towering trees and the quiet majesty of a remote lake. As one delighted camper put it, this is "one of the best camping I ever did. Out in the woods, disconnected from civilised word."

What makes Little Beaver Campground particularly appealing to us locals is its unique blend of seclusion and adventure. It demands a bit more effort to reach, whether by taking a water taxi, renting a small boat from Ross Lake Resort, or embarking on a long hike, but as seasoned campers attest, "It's worth it." This effort ensures a less crowded and more intimate experience, allowing you to truly soak in the tranquility of Ross Lake. The campground offers a handful of sites, including a spacious group site complete with a shelter, making it perfect for family gatherings or group expeditions into the wild.

Beyond the captivating serenity, Little Beaver Campground is designed for practical wilderness living. Every site comes equipped with essential amenities like a bear bin and a picnic table, ensuring both convenience and safety in this magnificent "bear country." And for those seeking a thrill, the "fabulous rock to jump off of" near the group site provides an exhilarating highlight for all ages. While the North Cascades region can experience wildfire season (leading to hazy views at times), and mosquitoes can be present in mid-August (a good reminder to pack repellent!), the overwhelming consensus is that you "will enjoy your stay here." For Washington residents yearning for a truly memorable, off-the-grid adventure, Little Beaver Campground on Ross Lake promises an experience that will have you saying, "We would absolutely go back."

Little Beaver Campground is uniquely situated within the Ross Lake National Recreation Area, a part of the vast North Cascades National Park Service Complex, near Rockport, WA 98283, USA. Its precise location is on the shores of Ross Lake, approximately 15 miles (24 km) by water from Ross Dam and 7 miles (11.2 km) from Hozomeen. This remote setting is a key part of its allure, as it is primarily accessible by water or by a significant hike.

Accessibility to Little Beaver Campground requires planning and adventure, as there is no direct vehicle access.

• By Water Taxi: The most common and quicker method of reaching the campground is via water taxi from the Ross Lake Resort. This involves a short hike to the Ross Lake Resort from the Ross Dam trailhead (which is accessed off Highway 20 at mile marker 134), followed by a water taxi ride across the lake. The water taxi ride to Little Beaver is about a 35-minute trip and costs around $195 (as of recent data) for the boat trip.

• By Personal Boat: Many visitors choose to rent a small boat from Ross Lake Resort, which can take "close to 2 hours" to reach the campground. This option provides greater flexibility for exploring the lake. For those bringing their own canoe or kayak, a portage service is available between Diablo Lake and Ross Lake, allowing vessels to be transported over Ross Dam.

• By Foot (Hiking In): Little Beaver Campground is also accessible via challenging hiking trails. It is a considerable distance from trailheads on the North Cascades Highway, making it a long haul for backpackers. For instance, the Little Beaver Trail itself is part of a longer network of trails leading into the wilderness. Backpacking permits are required for overnight stays in the North Cascades National Park Complex.

The remote nature of the campground means there is "no communication" (cell service) for hours, allowing for a complete disconnect. This intentional inaccessibility contributes significantly to its secluded and peaceful atmosphere, making it a truly unique destination for those seeking to escape the "civilised word."

Little Beaver Campground provides essential, rustic services designed to support a wilderness camping experience, emphasizing self-sufficiency due to its remote, boat-in nature.

• Designated Campsites: The campground features about "four or five different sites," including individual sites and a larger group site. There are 5 total sites listed for Little Beaver, indicating it is a smaller, more intimate campground.

• Group Site with Shelter: One of the sites is a "very large group site that hosts about 12 or so and includes a shelter." This is a significant amenity for larger parties, offering protection from the elements.

• Bear Bins: "Every site has a bear bin," which is crucial for safe food storage in this active "bear country." This amenity helps campers comply with park regulations and ensures wildlife safety.

• Picnic Tables: "Every site has a picnic table," providing a convenient surface for meal preparation, dining, and other campsite activities.

• Easy Lake Entry: At least one site, described as the "prime location," has "easy entry into the lake to store items for cold storage and also to go swimming or do dishes." This direct access to the lake is a highly valued convenience.

• Outhouses: While not explicitly detailed as "vault toilets" in the reviews, the presence of an "outhouse" at all designated boat-in campsites along Ross Lake is generally standard for such wilderness sites, providing basic sanitation.

• No Potable Water: It is important to note that, as typically for boat-in campgrounds on Ross Lake, there is no potable water available directly at the campsites. Campers must "boil or treat drinking water" taken from the lake or streams, or pack in all their water. This ensures a true wilderness experience.

These services highlight the campground's focus on providing fundamental necessities for a safe and enjoyable stay in a remote setting, requiring campers to be well-prepared.

Little Beaver Campground is celebrated for a collection of unique features and highlights that collectively create an unforgettable wilderness camping experience on Ross Lake.

• Ultimate Seclusion and Disconnection: A primary highlight is the profound sense of being "disconnected from civilised word." Visitors report being "2 hours away from any communication," which is ideal for those seeking a true digital detox and immersion in nature.

• Boat-In/Hike-In Accessibility: The journey to the campground, whether by "water taxi from the Ross lake resort," renting a "small boat from Ross lake," or embarking on a "long haul" hike, is part of the adventure and adds to the secluded feel. This unique access method enhances the sense of accomplishment and remoteness.

• Prime Lakeside Site with Easy Water Access: There is "definitely one side that is the prime location which is the one on the edge of the lake." This site boasts "easy entry into the lake to store items for cold storage and also to go swimming or do diahes," providing unparalleled convenience for water activities.

• Rock Jumping Thrills: A "fabulous rock to jump off of that is about 15 ft off the water near the group site" provides an exhilarating and highly memorable activity for campers of all ages, as "Almost everyone in our eight-person party had a great time jumping."

• Well-Equipped Campsites for Wilderness: Despite its remote nature, "Every site has a bear bin and a picnic table," ensuring that essential needs for food storage and outdoor dining are met safely and conveniently.

• Group Site with Shelter: The large group site that "hosts about 12 or so and includes a shelter" is a significant advantage for larger families or groups, offering a communal space and protection from the elements, which is a rare find in such remote settings.

• Scenic Beauty of Ross Lake: While views can be "hazy" during wildfire season, the overall setting on Ross Lake, surrounded by the North Cascades, offers breathtaking natural beauty, perfect for photography, relaxation, and wildlife viewing.

These features combine to create a compelling destination for those seeking a challenging yet deeply rewarding wilderness camping experience in Washington.

For inquiries or further information regarding Little Beaver Campground, as it is a part of the National Park Service's Ross Lake National Recreation Area, direct contact would typically be with the park's main information lines or the Ross Lake Resort for water taxi/boat rental information.

Address: Little Beaver Campground is located on Ross Lake, within the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, near Rockport, WA 98283, USA. (Note: This is not a physical mailing address for the campground itself but the general park area.)

General Park Information Phone: (360) 854-7200 (North Cascades National Park Service Complex)

Ross Lake Resort (for water taxi/boat rentals): (206) 386-4437

For Washingtonians, Little Beaver Campground on Ross Lake represents the pinnacle of an authentic wilderness camping experience, perfectly suited for those seeking true escape and adventure. Its boat-in access, while requiring more planning than a typical drive-up site, ensures a level of seclusion that is increasingly rare in our popular outdoor spaces. This journey, whether by water taxi, personal boat, or a challenging hike, becomes an integral part of the adventure, deepening the appreciation for the serene beauty that awaits. It’s this very remoteness that creates a unique sense of being "disconnected from civilised word," allowing for a profound digital detox and a pure reconnection with nature.

The campground's thoughtful amenities, such as dedicated bear bins at every site, ensure safety and responsible wilderness practices in "bear country," a reality of our magnificent Washington landscape. The inclusion of picnic tables and a large group site with a shelter caters to diverse camping needs, making it viable for both intimate escapes and memorable family gatherings. The thrilling "fabulous rock to jump off of" adds an exhilarating element that transforms a simple camping trip into an unforgettable active adventure for all ages.

Despite the potential for mosquitoes in mid-August (a common and manageable wilderness challenge) or hazy views during wildfire season (a poignant reminder of nature's cycles), the overwhelming positive sentiment from past visitors underscores the immense value of this destination. It’s the kind of "memorable camping" experience that fosters deep bonds and lasting memories. For Washington locals eager to embrace the raw, breathtaking beauty of the North Cascades, and willing to invest a little extra effort for an unparalleled sense of peace and adventure, Little Beaver Campground is not just a place to visit; it’s a place you’ll "absolutely go back" to, year after year, to rediscover the wild heart of our state.

Little Beaver Campground

Rockport, WA 98283, USA