Horseshoe Cove Campground

Campground · Washington · 40 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Mt. Baker National Forest (NF) · Open Access

40
Bookable sites
60 ft
Max rig length
up to 25
People per site
736 ft
Elevation
Horseshoe Cove Campground
Photo: CLM Staff · Recreation.gov

Overview

Horseshoe Cove Campground is nestled under a canopy of forest along the banks of Baker Lake. Located in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest which stretches along the west side of the Cascade Mountains between the Canadian border and Mt. Rainier National Park, this area is one of the most spectacular in the country, showcasing glacier-covered peaks, wide mountain meadows and old-growth forests.

Recreation

In addition to being a prime location for boating, fishing, swimming, and picnicking , hikers and backpackers are especially fortunate to have access to a variety of spectacular trails along the lake and in the nearby Mt. Baker National Recreation Area.. The Baker Lake and Baker River Trails are family friendly hikes that are a short drive from the campground. The Baker Lake trail starts on the south end of the lake in a stand of Douglas fir and travels 13 miles above the eastern shoreline of Baker Lake. Anderson Point with views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan is 2.5 miles from the trailheadand is a popular boat in camp, backpacking destination and lunch spot. The Baker River Trail starts at the north end of the lake and follows the river 2.25 miles upstream, through large old-growth into North Cascades National Park.

Facilities

There are 39 campsites at Horseshoe Cove Campground, including three large group sites.

With several sites located at the lake's edge, and others in close vicinity, this campground offers visitors the ideal opportunity to camp near the shoreline or under a canopy of trees.

A boat ramp, large sandy swim beach, trail, firewood are available at the campground.

Natural Features

From the lake on a clear day visitors will see Mt. Baker, the most prominent feature of the Mt. Baker Wilderness. Rising to an elevation of 10,781 feet, the active volcano from which the forest takes its name is perpetually snow-capped and mantled with an extensive network of creeping glaciers. Mt. Baker's summit, Grant Peak, is actually a 1,300-foot-deep mound of ice, which hides a massive volcanic crater.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (530) 932-0242.

Nearby Attractions

Hike in the mountains above the lake in the Mt. Baker National Recreation Area, or take some time to visit North Cascades National Park. This unique park is like no other place on earth. It features a deep blue lake surrounded by sheer, 2,000' cliffs, two picturesque islands and a violent volcanic past. Hiking trails, a visitor center and educational programs are available.

Charges & Cancellations

Once your reservation start date has begun, neither the Recreation.gov Contact Center nor the campground manager will be able to modify your reservation.

The facts

  • 40 bookable sites
  • 41 sites in total, including non-bookable
  • Vehicles up to 60 ft
  • Up to 25 people per site
  • Loops: North Loop, South Loop

Site types

  • 37 Standard Nonelectric
  • 3 Group Standard Nonelectric
  • 1 Management

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Grills
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups.

Book on Recreation.gov

41 campsites at Horseshoe Cove Campground

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
001 HOSTNorth LoopManagementBack InGravel40 ft6 🐾
002North LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel40 ft6 🐾
003North LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel40 ft6 🐾
004North LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel40 ft6 🐾
005North LoopStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel40 ft6 🐾
006North LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel40 ft6 🐾
007North LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel50 ft6 🐾
008North LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel40 ft6 🐾
009North LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel56 ft6 🐾
010North LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel50 ft6 🐾
011North LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel50 ft6 🐾
012North LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel40 ft6 🐾
013North LoopStandard Nonelectric—Gravel35 ft6 🐾
014North LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel40 ft6 🐾
015North LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel48 ft6 🐾
016North LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel45 ft6 🐾
017 MultiNorth LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel35 ft12 🐾
018North LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel50 ft6 🐾
019North LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel45 ft6 🐾
020North LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel30 ft6 🐾
021North LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel40 ft6 🐾
022North LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel30 ft6 🐾
023North LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel60 ft6 🐾
024North LoopStandard Nonelectric—Gravel40 ft6 🐾
025North LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel32 ft6 🐾
026North LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel35 ft6 🐾
Group Site ANorth LoopGroup Standard NonelectricBack InGravel40 ft25 🐾
Group Site BNorth LoopGroup Standard NonelectricBack InGravel40 ft25 🐾
Group Site CNorth LoopGroup Standard NonelectricBack InGravel40 ft25 🐾
027South LoopStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel40 ft6 🐾
028South LoopStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel45 ft6 🐾
029South LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel40 ft6 🐾
030South LoopStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel45 ft6 🐾
031South LoopStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel45 ft6 🐾
032South LoopStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel45 ft6 🐾
033South LoopStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel45 ft6 🐾
034South LoopStandard NonelectricPull ThroughGravel45 ft6 🐾
035 MultiSouth LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel45 ft12 🐾
036South LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel40 ft6 🐾
037South LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel40 ft6 🐾
038South LoopStandard NonelectricBack InGravel40 ft6 🐾

Getting there

From Seattle, go north on I-5 to Burlington. Take Exit 230 on State Highway 20. Go past the Mt. Baker Ranger District Office in Sedro-Woolley and follow State Route 20 east for 16 miles to milepost 82. Turn left (north) on the Baker Lake Highway (Forest Service Road 11). Continue 15.1miles. Turn right at the Horseshoe Cove Road junction. Head 2 miles down Horseshoe Cove Road, past Bayview Campground to the campground.

48.67194, -121.67645 · 48°40'19.0"N 121°40'35.2"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 75°F in Aug, down to 37°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F384248566468747569564437
Low °F292932364247515147413430
Precip in15.38.810.46.74.53.31.81.94.810.516.014.2

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 1.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Horseshoe Cove Campground

Can you reserve a site at Horseshoe Cove Campground?
Yes, Horseshoe Cove Campground is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Horseshoe Cove Campground have?
41 sites in total, of which 40 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Horseshoe Cove Campground?
60 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Horseshoe Cove Campground?
Yes, pets are allowed at Horseshoe Cove Campground.
Are campfires allowed at Horseshoe Cove Campground?
Campfires are allowed at Horseshoe Cove Campground. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Horseshoe Cove Campground also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Horseshoe Cove Campground's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • View Recreation.gov for Fee Information and for open season dates.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Horseshoe Cove Campground

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.