Colonial Creek South Campground
Campground · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- $24.00
- Type
- Campground
- Season
- September 15 to May 20
- Sites
- 90 total · 90 reservable · 0 first come
- Reservations
- recreation.gov
- Phone
- 360-854-7200
- Coordinates
- 48.6896, -121.0961
- Last verified
- September 19, 2026
About this place
Overview Colonial Creek South Campground requires reservations during the peak season, from late May through early September of each year. Important changes to booking windows: To better serve visitors, Colonial Creek South Campground will release campsites in two staggered block releases. These block releases will be 6 months in advance and 7 days in advance. Campsites #64 - #95 and #116 - #164 are available for reservations 6 months in advance. Campsites #96 - #113 are available for reservations 7 days in advance. Any sites not reserved during the peak season are available same-day as first-come, first-served for 1 night only and can only be claimed in person at the campground. Colonial Creek South Campground may be open as first-come, first-served after the peak season until most of the campground closes for the year, typically in mid to late September. Ten walk-in, tent-only campsites (#64 - #73) are open as first-come, first-served before and after the peak season, from January through late May, and early September through December of each year. The campground is remote, yet bustling and is nestled in old-growth forest. Located on the south side of State Route 20 near milepost 130, there are 93 campsites that are surrounded by forest and located on Diablo Lake. Colonial Creek South Campground can accommodate a variety of camping, whether it’s drive-in camping, or walk-in tent camping. The campsites vary in size from small to medium. Most of the campsites do not accommodate large trailers or RVs. Recreation Campers can access the Thunder Creek Trailhead from the South Loop. The Thunder Knob Trailhead is on the north loop across State Route 20. Fishing is allowed in Diablo Lake with a Washington State Fishing license, the nearest location to purchase a license is in the town of Marblemount, WA. Follow Washington State Fishing Regulations when recreating. Black bears are active in this campground and the surrounding trails. Be aware of your surroundings while hiking, picnicking, and camping. Use the provided bear boxes in your campsite to store coolers, cookware, and other odorants when not in use. If you encounter a bear around the campground or on a trail, inform campground staff or go to the North Cascades Visitor Center and fill out a bear report. Facilities The campground is located on the southern side of State Route 20, with some campsites along the lakefront of Diablo Lake. The entire facility offers drinking water, flush toilets, garbage and recycling, RV dump station, and some paved parking spaces, but most sites have uneven gravel parking. Each campsite offers a picnic table, bear box, and campfire ring. Natural Features Colonial Creek South Campground is surrounded by a forest of western redcedar, western hemlock, Douglas-fir, red huckleberries, and other native vegetation. The campground has easy access to Diablo Lake for recreating. Nearby Attractions Traveling west on State Route 20: The North Cascades Visitor Center is 11 miles (18 km) west on State Route 20 from Colonial Creek South Campground, operating seasonally, typically from May to September. Campers can find the passport stamps, exhibits, park film, park store, and much more. Traveling east on State Route 20: Diablo Lake Overlook is 1.5 miles (2 km) east on State Route 20. the turquoise lake can be viewed safely from this area and there is ample day use parking and vault toilets. Ross Lake Overlook is 5 miles (8 km) east on State Route 20, this is a less developed vista point. There are two pull off areas with interpretive way sides and with views of the Ross Dam and Ross Lake. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (360) 854-7200.
From the managing agency.Official page
Is Colonial Creek South Campground free?
No. Colonial Creek South Campground charges $24.00. 90 of its sites are reservable through recreation.gov.
Can I bring an RV to Colonial Creek South Campground?
Colonial Creek South Campground has 90 sites on record. 90 sites are reservable and 0 are first come.
When is Colonial Creek South Campground open?
The season on record runs September 15 to May 20. Dates move with weather and with the managing office, so check before a shoulder-season trip.
How do I get to Colonial Creek South Campground?
Located off of SR 20 at mile post 130. Twenty miles (40 km) east of Marblemount, 63 miles (101 km) west of Winthrop.
What is the weather like at Colonial Creek South Campground?
The best weather for visiting the North Cascades generally occurs between mid-June and late September. Summer daytime temperatures average in the 70s F. Snow is off most trails by mid-July. Autumn and Spring are popular for color and wildlife. Storms are common: always be prepared for a few days of rain and wind. The east side of the Cascade Mountains (Lake Chelan National Recreation Area) is drier and warmer in the summer than the west side. Summer temperatures at Stehekin reach the 90s F.
What are the rules at Colonial Creek South Campground?
Campsites are considered occupied only when fee has been paid. Payment must be paid within 24 hours of leaving the campsite or reaching cell service. Sites may not be reserved for others. Maximum of two vehicles, eight people and three tents per site. Vehicles and tents must not be placed on or impact vegetation. Check-in time is 2 pm on day of arrival. Checkout time is 12 pm on day of departure. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am. Generator hours are from 8 am to 8 pm. Camping is limited to no more than 14 days from July 1 to September 1 and no more than 30 days in a calendar year. Do not feed or tease wildlife - keep your food and other appealing items in your vehicle or bear box at all times except when eating or using them. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet or confined at all times. Fires are only permitted in designated fire grates and must be attended at all times. Firewood collecting is prohibited; please purchase firewood from a local vendor.
Nearby
- Colonial Creek North Campground0.2 mi
- Gorge Lake Campground3.1 mi
- Newhalem Creek Campground7.6 mi
- LOWER GOODELL GROUP CAMPGROUND7.8 mi
- UPPER GOODELL GROUP CAMPGROUND7.8 mi
- Goodell Creek Campground7.9 mi
- Lower Goodell Group Campground8.1 mi
- Marble Creek Campground13.5 mi
No other services within 50 mi on the record.
SourceSource data is agency published. Last synced September 19, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
