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Thunder Point Campground Introduce

Welcome to Thunder Point Campground, a distinctive boat-in only camping area located on the scenic Diablo Lake near Rockport, Washington. As part of the Campgrounds & RV Parks category, Thunder Point offers a unique and somewhat remote camping experience for local users seeking tranquility and immersion in nature within the vicinity of North Cascades National Park.

Environment:

Thunder Point Campground is situated along the shores of Diablo Lake, renowned for its vibrant turquoise waters, a result of glacial flour. The campground is accessible only by boat, typically a 30-minute leisurely row from Colonial Creek Campground. The area is characterized by the surrounding mountainous terrain and lush forests of the North Cascades. While the immediate campground has a small hike up a hill offering a view, the primary environmental feature is its lakeside location and the pristine natural beauty of Diablo Lake and the surrounding wilderness. Be aware that the lake waters to the north/northwest of the campground can become rough in the afternoon as the wind picks up, but tend to be calmer in the mornings and evenings.

Services:

Thunder Point Campground offers very limited services due to its boat-in only nature. Based on available information, the services include:

  • Three individual campsites.
  • Tent pads at each site.
  • An outhouse for restroom facilities.
  • A dock for boat access.
  • Bear lockers for secure food storage.

It is important to note the absence of on-site management and the lack of cell phone service in the area. Campers are responsible for bringing all necessary supplies and adhering to regulations.

Features:

The key features of Thunder Point Campground are its secluded location and the access it provides to the natural beauty of Diablo Lake and the surrounding area:

  • Boat-in Access: Offers a unique and potentially more private camping experience.
  • Lakeside Camping: Direct access to Diablo Lake for potential water activities (swimming, kayaking, etc., though specific regulations should be checked).
  • Scenic Views: Enjoy views of Diablo Lake and the surrounding mountains, with a small hike offering an elevated perspective.
  • Proximity to Other Campgrounds: Relatively easy boat access to Hidden Cove and Buster Brown campgrounds, potentially offering opportunities for exploring different areas of the lake.

Important Considerations and Potential Issues:

Based on customer reviews, local users should be aware of potential issues:

  • Permit Requirement: A permit is required to camp at Thunder Point.
  • Potential Overcrowding at Boat Ramp: Even with reservations, there have been instances of overcrowding at the Colonial Creek Campground boat ramp, the primary access point.
  • Lack of Reservation Enforcement: There have been reports of individuals camping without reservations, potentially leading to a shortage of designated tent pads.
  • No On-Site Management or Service: The absence of management means there is no immediate recourse for issues such as unreserved campers or those not adhering to campsite boundaries.
  • No Check-Out Time Enforcement: Previous occupants may not vacate sites promptly.

Promotional Information:

For local users seeking a unique and relatively secluded camping experience on the stunning Diablo Lake, Thunder Point Campground offers an adventurous getaway. It's ideal for those comfortable with a more self-sufficient camping style and who value the tranquility of a boat-in only location. Enjoy the pristine lake environment, scenic beauty, and the opportunity for a more intimate connection with nature. However, be prepared for the limited services and the potential for self-management of any issues that may arise due to the lack of on-site staff. Ensure you obtain the necessary permits and plan your boat transportation carefully. Despite potential drawbacks mentioned in reviews, the inherent beauty and unique access to Diablo Lake make Thunder Point a noteworthy option for experienced local campers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience.

Location

WashingtonWhatcom CountyRockport

Customer Reviews

4.0
16 reviews
C
Chip Wood
Jul 20, 2019

Amazing boat-in only campground with three sites. Permit required. Outhouse, dock, small hike up a hill with a view. Takes about 30 minutes leisurely rowing to get to from Colonial Creek Campground. Water to the north/northwest of the campground gets a little rough as the wind picks up in the afternoon but is fairly calm in the morning and evening. Easy access to Hidden Cove and Buster Brown campgrounds.

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Theo Brye
May 29, 2021

Nice area with tent pads, bathroom, boat pad, and bear lockers, but the management is horrible. You get a permit for your tent which is basically pointless and there were people that didn't make reservations so we ran out of space on the boat ramp even though we paid for our reservation a month prior. Another group came later and had no tent pad because people came with no reservation. You can't really do anything about it since there is no service there too. The random people kept walking through our campsite too. There is no "check out" time either so a reservation from the previous day can just leave when they feel they should.

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Nate Peck
Sep 13, 2018

A very cool paddle in campsite. Super chill and relaxing. Diablo lake is gorgeous.

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Andy Bauer
Sep 05, 2019

A absolutely beautiful place to camp Very quiet and peaceful

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Mackenzie Black
Aug 16, 2018

We go every year and make lots of wonderful memories