Vehicle campground closed for the 2026 season; ten walk-in, tent-only sites remain available first-come without normal seasonal services.
Colonial Creek South's vehicle campground closed for the season on September 14, 2026. Ten walk-in, tent-only sites numbered 64 through 73 remain available first-come outside the operational season, but they do not provide RV access. During its operating season the developed campground has no electric hookups, is not large-RV friendly, and lists a 36-foot RV and trailer maximum. Check the current NPS camping page and SR 20 conditions before planning a future stay.
Vehicle access is currently unavailable. See the official access guidance above.
Colonial Creek South shares the same Diablo Lake shoreline as its northern counterpart, where the lake's extraordinary turquoise color — caused by glacial flour suspended in meltwater draining from North Cascades glaciers — creates one of the most iconic mountain lake scenes in Washington. Thunder Creek trail climbs from the lake's south arm into the heart of North Cascades National Park's wilderness, passing cathedral old-growth forest before reaching the glaciated alpine terrain of the Cascade Crest. The North Cascades ecosystem surrounding Diablo Lake supports Washington's recovering wolf and grizzly bear populations, and wolverine have been documented on the high ridges within a day's hike of the campground.
Practical guidance assembled from current operator maps, park pages, and clearly identified community observations.
Do not plan an RV stay after the September 14 seasonal closure. The ten sites that remain are walk-in and tent-only. Recheck the NPS camping page for the 2027 vehicle-campground opening before routing a rig here.
| 📍 Nearest Town | Sedro-Woolley, WA |
| ⛽ Gas Station | 22 mi |
| 🛒 Grocery Store | 40 mi |
| 🏪 Costco | 50 mi |
| ☕ Starbucks | 40 mi |
| 🏕️ Nearest State Park | 30 mi |
Stock up in Sedro-Woolley, WA before heading out — services get limited near the campground.
Ready to book?
Campground closed to vehicles for the 2026 season; ten walk-in tent-only sites remain first-come. Confirm current rules, site dimensions, and conditions with the operator. Booking and availability are handled externally.