Hozomeen Campground

Overview

Tucked at the far northern end of Ross Lake, Hozomeen Campground is the park’s most remote frontcountry base—quiet, scenic, and wonderfully off the grid. Expect classic primitive camping: free, first‑come sites with picnic tables and fire grates, potable water, and vault toilets—but no cell service and no trash pickup, so you pack out everything.

Getting There Now

The Hozomeen border gate remains closed to vehicle and foot traffic across the US/Canada line. You cannot drive in from the Canadian side right now. Realistically, your options are:

• By water: Launch on Diablo Lake at Colonial Creek, boat about five miles, then portage around Ross Dam to Ross Lake. From there it’s a long lake run north; Hozomeen’s two graded concrete ramps are typically usable mid‑June through September.
• By trail: Backpack the 31‑mile East Bank Trail from SR‑20 to Hozomeen as a multi‑day trip (backcountry permits required for overnight stops along the way).

Campground Basics

• Season is traditionally late May through October; there’s no fee and no reservations.
• Potable water and pit/vault toilets are available in season.
• Sites have tables and fire grates; expect a true pack‑it‑in/pack‑it‑out experience with no on‑site services.
• Portions of the campground (including the Upper Loop) have seen closures for hazard trees—check status before you roll the dice.
• Lake levels fluctuate; Ross Lake is usually at full pool July–Labor Day, which affects boat ramp usability and shoreline access.

What It Feels Like

When Ross Lake is full, you’re camping in the trees just a short stroll from big water and jagged peaks—about as far from traffic noise as it gets. It’s often blissfully uncrowded. Do know that mosquitoes can be heavy in August–September; bring the good repellent and a head net if you’re bug‑sensitive.

Things To Do

• Boating and paddling on Ross Lake (plan your portage logistics).
• Short hikes right from camp, including the Trail of the Obelisk and the Hozomeen Lake Trail; the East Bank Trail also passes through.
• Fishing on Ross Lake. Brave souls swim here—the water is cold but not glacially frigid.

Fire Restrictions and Regulations

Fire bans are common in summer—verify current restrictions before you go. Backcountry permits are required for any overnight trip away from the campground (including boat‑in and trail camps on Ross Lake). There are no fuel, ice, or general services up here; plan resupplies before you launch.

Best Time to Visit

• July–early September: Most reliable lake levels and boat ramp access; warmest water for a dip; expect the worst mosquitoes in late summer.
• Midweek: Fewer neighbors and easier boat dock/ramp use.
• Photography: Early and late light for calm water and peak alpenglow; midday is harsh.

Pro Tips

• The group site sits closest to the lake and is a favorite when available.
• Bring extra TP and hand sanitizer; vault toilets can be hit‑or‑miss.
• Check park alerts for the border gate status, fire restrictions, and water availability before committing to the long approach.