Tenmile Island Campground

For adventurous Washingtonians dreaming of a truly unique and secluded outdoor experience, Tenmile Island Campground offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourselves in the raw beauty of the North Cascades. This isn't your typical drive-up campground; Tenmile Island is a boat-in wilderness campsite located on the stunning Ross Lake, deep within the magnificent North Cascades National Park. It’s an alpine oasis that promises an escape from the ordinary, where the journey itself becomes part of the adventure, leading you to a pristine island haven.

Imagine waking up to panoramic views of towering peaks reflected in the clear waters of Ross Lake, with only the sounds of nature surrounding you. Tenmile Island provides this extraordinary experience for those willing to venture a bit further. It's a destination for self-sufficient campers who value privacy, breathtaking scenery, and direct access to both water-based recreation and challenging hiking trails. If you're ready to recreate your favorite wilderness moments amidst the splendor of one of Washington's most iconic national parks, Tenmile Island Campground awaits your exploration.

Tenmile Island Campground is located on Tenmile Island, within Ross Lake, near Rockport, WA 98283, USA. This places it deep inside the North Cascades National Park Complex, a vast and rugged wilderness area in Washington State. Its unique characteristic is that it is a "boat-in" campground, meaning it is only accessible by water, typically via boat from either the Ross Dam or from the Canadian side of the lake.

To reach Ross Lake, most visitors from Washington will travel along State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway). Access to the lake typically involves putting a boat in at the Ross Lake Resort (which requires portaging your boat around Ross Dam if coming from the south end of the lake) or using the boat launches further north, closer to the Canadian border, depending on your starting point and preferred access. The island itself is approximately 12 miles from Ross Dam. This water-only access contributes significantly to the campground's remote and secluded feel, ensuring a tranquil experience away from vehicular traffic and crowds. While it requires more planning and equipment than a roadside campground, the journey itself is part of the adventure, offering stunning views and a true sense of entering the wilderness. Visitors should be prepared for varying weather conditions and potential wind on the lake.

As a remote boat-in wilderness campground, Tenmile Island Campground offers essential, basic services designed to support a self-sufficient camping experience while preserving the pristine natural environment. These services are provided by the National Park Service to ensure safety and minimize impact in a backcountry setting. Here's what you can typically expect:

• Designated Tent Pads: Each campsite generally features a designated tent pad, providing a relatively level and cleared area for pitching tents, minimizing disturbance to the natural ground.
• Food Storage Lockers: Critically important in bear country, bear-resistant food storage lockers (or bear boxes) are provided at each site. All food, garbage, cooking items, and anything else with an odor must be securely stored in these lockers when not actively in use.
• Picnic Tables: Campsites are equipped with picnic tables, offering a convenient surface for meal preparation and dining.
• Fire Rings: Designated fire rings are available at each site for campfires. However, campers must use only driftwood for firewood; cutting any standing tree (living or dead) is strictly prohibited on the islands. Firewood gathering is specifically prohibited on islands like Tenmile Island, so visitors should plan accordingly. Always check for current fire restrictions.
• Vault Toilets: Basic outhouse-style vault toilets are available for sanitation.
• No Potable Water: It is important to note that Tenmile Island Campground does not provide potable (drinking) water. Campers must bring all their own water or be prepared to filter/treat water from the lake.
• No Hookups: As a wilderness campsite, there are no electric, water, or sewer hookups available for RVs or trailers.
• Backcountry Permit Required: An essential "service" is the requirement to obtain a backcountry permit for any overnight camping at these boat-in sites. This permit system helps manage visitor impact and ensures a wilderness experience.

Tenmile Island Campground's allure lies in its distinct features and highlights, which create an unforgettable wilderness experience unique to Washington's North Cascades. These aspects appeal to adventurous and self-reliant campers seeking a deep connection with nature:

• Exclusive Boat-In Access: The primary highlight is its accessibility solely by boat. This ensures a truly remote and private camping experience, free from the noise and crowds of drive-up campgrounds. The journey across Ross Lake itself is a breathtaking part of the adventure.
• Stunning Alpine Oasis: Situated on an island in Ross Lake, the campground offers unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding Cascade mountains and the pristine, turquoise waters of the lake, creating a picturesque and tranquil setting.
• Designed for Wilderness Safety: The provision of bear-resistant food storage lockers is a critical feature, emphasizing safety for both campers and wildlife in this active bear habitat. This thoughtful amenity helps campers practice Leave No Trace principles effectively.
• Primitive but Functional Amenities: While basic, the designated tent pads, picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets provide essential comforts for a wilderness camping experience, allowing campers to focus on enjoying their surroundings.
• Direct Access to Water Recreation: Ross Lake is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. Campers at Tenmile Island have immediate access to these activities, with the calm waters around the island ideal for paddling and exploring the lake's many coves and shores.
• Unique Island Camping Experience: Camping on an island offers a distinct sense of isolation and adventure, providing a unique perspective of the North Cascades landscape not found at mainland campgrounds.
• Abundant Wildlife: The remote nature of the campground increases the chances of spotting diverse wildlife, from various bird species to deer and even larger mammals, enhancing the wilderness immersion.
• Strict "Leave No Trace" Ethos: The management's emphasis on packing out all trash, proper food storage, and using driftwood for fires (where allowed) promotes responsible outdoor ethics, preserving the pristine environment for future generations.

For inquiries about Tenmile Island Campground, boat-in camping on Ross Lake, or obtaining backcountry permits for North Cascades National Park, the best point of contact is the National Park Service office for the park complex. Specific phone numbers for individual islands are not available as they are remote wilderness sites.

• Address: Rockport, WA 98283, USA (This is a general area address. The actual island location is on Ross Lake.)
• Mailing Address for North Cascades National Park Complex: 810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284
• Phone: (360) 854-7200 (North Cascades National Park Complex General Information)

It is crucial for Washingtonians planning a trip to Tenmile Island Campground to contact the North Cascades National Park directly well in advance to obtain the necessary backcountry permit. This permit is required for all overnight stays at Ross Lake boat-in sites. They can also provide the most current information on water levels, weather conditions, fire restrictions, and any specific regulations for boating or camping on Ross Lake. Planning is key for a safe and enjoyable wilderness experience at this unique destination.

For Washingtonians, Tenmile Island Campground on Ross Lake represents an ideal and highly suitable destination for several compelling reasons, particularly for those with an adventurous spirit and a love for the state's iconic wilderness. Its primary appeal lies in its unparalleled remoteness and boat-in access. This unique characteristic filters out casual visitors, ensuring a truly secluded and tranquil camping experience free from the crowds often found at more accessible sites. For locals who cherish privacy and an intimate connection with nature, Tenmile Island offers an escape that feels truly wild.

The campground’s location within the North Cascades National Park means immediate access to some of Washington's most breathtaking alpine scenery. Imagine kayaking across the pristine waters of Ross Lake, surrounded by towering, snow-capped peaks, and then returning to a private island campsite. This provides a multi-faceted outdoor adventure, combining water-based exploration with the serenity of island living. The provision of bear-resistant food lockers and the emphasis on Leave No Trace principles align perfectly with the values of responsible outdoor enthusiasts in Washington, ensuring the preservation of this incredible natural resource for future generations.

While Tenmile Island offers basic amenities like vault toilets and designated tent pads, it embraces the essence of wilderness camping, requiring self-sufficiency and preparation (like bringing your own water). This challenge is precisely what appeals to many experienced Washington campers who seek a deeper, more authentic connection with the wild. Whether it's the thrill of the boat journey, the stunning views, the excellent opportunities for kayaking and fishing, or simply the profound quietude of an island escape, Tenmile Island Campground offers a truly unique and unforgettable outdoor adventure right in Washington's magnificent backyard.

Tenmile Island Campground

Rockport, WA 98283, USA