Tenmile Island Campground

For Washington locals yearning for a truly unique and immersive wilderness experience, Tenmile Island Campground near Rockport stands out as a hidden gem. This isn't your typical drive-up campsite; it's a destination that requires a sense of adventure, promising solitude, stunning natural beauty, and the profound satisfaction of reaching a secluded retreat. Nestled within the breathtaking North Cascades National Park Service Complex, Tenmile Island offers a primitive yet profoundly rewarding camping opportunity for those willing to venture a little further.

What makes Tenmile Island Campground particularly special is its distinctive access: it's primarily a boat-in or hike-in site, with some information suggesting access via a charming suspension footbridge. This unique entry method immediately sets it apart, ensuring a quieter, less crowded experience compared to more accessible campgrounds. If you're a Washingtonian seeking to escape the hustle and bustle, to truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the grandeur of the North Cascades, Tenmile Island provides that perfect blend of challenge and serenity. It's a place where the wild calls, and you answer, ready for an unforgettable adventure.

Tenmile Island Campground is located near Rockport, WA 98283, USA. This places it within the vast and rugged North Cascades National Park Service Complex, an area renowned for its dramatic mountains, glaciers, and pristine lakes. The precise location of "Tenmile Island" often refers to a boat-in campsite on Ross Lake, a major reservoir within the park complex.

Access to Tenmile Island Campground is a key distinguishing feature. Unlike roadside campgrounds, it's not typically reached by vehicle directly to your campsite. The primary method of access is by boat across Ross Lake. Visitors can launch their boats (kayaks, canoes, or motorized boats) from various points, such as the Colonial Creek Campground boat launch on State Route 20 (Diablo Lake), then potentially portage to Ross Lake, or by using specific boat services available on the lake. Alternatively, some information suggests the campground is accessible via a "suspension footbridge," implying a hike-in option from a nearby trailhead. This could refer to a different "Tenmile" campground or a specific access point to the island camp. Given the remote nature of the North Cascades, it's crucial to plan your journey meticulously. Road conditions, lake levels (which can affect boat access, especially in lower water periods from December to May), and weather can significantly impact accessibility. Cellular service is generally nonexistent in this remote area, so relying on offline maps and pre-downloaded information is essential. For those seeking a deeper dive into the wilderness, the effort to reach Tenmile Island promises an unparalleled sense of accomplishment and seclusion.

• Designated Campsites: Tenmile Island Campground offers approximately 22 designated campsites. These sites are typically cleared areas suitable for tent camping.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation, dining, and organizing camping gear in a natural setting.
• Fire Pits / Fire Rings: Campers will find fire pits or rings at each site, allowing for campfires and outdoor cooking (always check for current fire bans or restrictions, as campfires are frequently restricted or banned in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex due to fire danger).
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides vault toilets (also known as pit toilets), offering essential restroom facilities in this remote wilderness environment. These are typically maintained by the National Park Service.
• Potable Water: A significant amenity for a primitive, remote campground, potable (drinking) water is typically available at Tenmile Island Campground. This is a considerable convenience, as it reduces the need for campers to pack in all their water.
• Bear-Resistant Food Storage Lockers: Given that the North Cascades is active bear country (both black and grizzly bears), all campsites are equipped with bear-resistant food storage lockers. It is mandatory to store all food, garbage, and scented items securely in these lockers when not actively in use.
• Boat-In / Hike-In Access: The primary service is the access itself, offering a unique boat-in or hike-in experience, making it a truly immersive wilderness camp.
• No Hook-ups or Showers: As a primitive island campground, there are no electrical, water, or sewer hook-ups, nor are there shower facilities, emphasizing its rustic, self-reliant camping experience.
• First-Come, First-Served: Campsites at Tenmile Island Campground generally operate on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning early arrival is crucial, especially during peak season. A backcountry permit is typically required for any overnight camping at these sites.

• Unique Island Location: As its name suggests, Tenmile Island offers a distinctive island camping experience. This natural separation contributes to its secluded and peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by the waters of Ross Lake.
• Secluded & Tranquil Atmosphere: The campground is highly praised for its quiet and peaceful ambiance. It's an ideal escape for those looking to avoid crowds and truly connect with the natural sounds and beauty of the North Cascades.
• Boat-In / Hike-In Accessibility: The adventurous access via boat across Ross Lake or potentially a suspension bridge (depending on the exact access point) is a major highlight. This unique journey adds to the sense of wilderness adventure and ensures a more exclusive camping experience.
• Stunning North Cascades Scenery: Campers are treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, dense forests, and the clear, often glacial-fed waters of Ross Lake. The dramatic landscapes are a photographer's dream.
• Excellent Water Activities: The lake offers fantastic opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The calm waters are perfect for paddling and exploring the lake's many bays and islands.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: The wilderness setting means abundant wildlife. Visitors might spot deer, various bird species, and potentially even bears (emphasizing the need for strict food storage).
• Primitive, Authentic Camping: For those who appreciate a less developed, more rustic camping experience, Tenmile Island delivers. It provides essential amenities without over-commercialization, focusing on the natural environment.
• Bear-Proof Storage Provided: The presence of on-site bear-resistant food lockers is a crucial and convenient feature, allowing campers to securely store their provisions in this active bear habitat.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Tenmile Island Campground, including specific access details (boat-in instructions, potential hike-in routes), current conditions (lake levels, road status, fire bans), and backcountry permit requirements, it is essential to contact the National Park Service office that manages the North Cascades National Park Service Complex.

Address: Rockport, WA 98283, USA (This is a general area address for the park complex)

The North Cascades National Park Service Complex does not typically provide a direct phone number for individual primitive campgrounds. Instead, inquiries should be directed to the park's main visitor information lines or ranger stations.

North Cascades National Park Complex Headquarters (General Information):

Address: 810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284

Phone: (360) 854-7200

It is highly advisable to consult the official National Park Service website for North Cascades National Park (nps.gov/noca) before your trip. This resource will provide critical details about boat-in camping regulations, permit applications, fire closures, and vital safety information for traveling in bear country. Given the remote nature of the campground, cellular service will likely be non-existent, so ensure all planning and information gathering are completed prior to your arrival.

For Washingtonians, Tenmile Island Campground offers a quintessential Pacific Northwest wilderness experience – one that is both challenging to reach and immensely rewarding in its solitude and natural splendor. Locals often seek out those truly wild places that embody the spirit of their state, and this remote, boat-in or hike-in island camp delivers precisely that.

The unique access requirement immediately appeals to Washington residents who appreciate a sense of adventure and the effort it takes to earn a truly pristine camping spot. This barrier to entry ensures a quieter environment, free from the crowds that can sometimes diminish the experience at more accessible campgrounds. The promise of "stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere" resonates deeply with locals looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the profound tranquility of the North Cascades.

The availability of basic amenities like vault toilets and potable water, coupled with essential bear-proof food storage lockers, demonstrates a thoughtful balance between primitive camping and necessary safety in this wild environment. These features are appreciated by Washingtonians who are well-versed in responsible backcountry practices and understand the importance of minimizing impact while maximizing enjoyment.

Furthermore, the opportunity for water-based activities on Ross Lake – be it kayaking, canoeing, or fishing – taps into the deep connection many Washington locals have with the state's abundant waterways. Spending days paddling on clear, glacial-fed waters, surrounded by towering peaks, is an experience that epitomizes the Pacific Northwest lifestyle. For Washington residents, Tenmile Island Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it’s an invitation to embark on a memorable journey into the wild heart of their home state, fostering a profound connection with its unparalleled natural beauty.