Excelsior Camping Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Excelsior Campground, located in Washington’s Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, offers a peaceful, primitive camping experience with 11 first-come, first-served sites—no reservations or permits required.


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Summary

There’s a small fee per night. Amenities include picnic tables, fire rings, pit toilets, and no drinking water—so bring your own. RVs can access the sites, but there are no hookups. Set in a lush, forested area near the scenic Nooksack River, it’s ideal for a quiet escape. Nearby trails include the challenging Excelsior Pass Trail with sweeping North Cascades views. Best visited from late spring to early fall for optimal weather and trail access.

       

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

ExcelsiorNF NOOKSACK RIVER BL CASCADE CREEK NR GLACIER Preview Nf Nooksack River Bl Cascade Creek Nr Glacier
259.0cfs
259cfs
ExcelsiorCLEARWATER CREEK NEAR WELCOME Preview Clearwater Creek Near Welcome
39cfs
39cfs
ExcelsiorRACEHORSE CREEK AT NORTH FORK ROAD NR KENDALL Preview Racehorse Creek At North Fork Road Nr Kendall
23cfs
23cfs
ExcelsiorMF NOOKSACK RIVER NEAR DEMING Preview Mf Nooksack River Near Deming
242.0cfs
242cfs
ExcelsiorSKOOKUM CREEK ABOVE DIVERSION NEAR WICKERSHAM Preview Skookum Creek Above Diversion Near Wickersham
74.5cfs
75cfs
ExcelsiorNOOKSACK RIVER AT NORTH CEDARVILLE Preview Nooksack River At North Cedarville
1930.0cfs
1930cfs

Camping Essential Practices

Pack It In, Pack It Out
Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
Know Before You Go
Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
Minimize Campfire Impact
Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
Leave What You Find
Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.

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Nearby Snowpack Depths View more

WELLS CREEK
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0"
NOHRSC WELLS CREEK
0.0"
0"
MF NOOKSACK
4.0"
4"
NOHRSC MF NOOKSACK
4.0"
4"
MARTEN RIDGE
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0"
NOHRSC MARTEN RIDGE
0.0"
0"
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River Runs