Newhalem Creek Campground

 So you like the finer things in camping. Like being within walking distance of a general store, where you can reserve a campsite (for an extra fee), where large RVs are welcome. No judgment here.

Colonial Creek 
Campground 

The whopping 142 sites on the shores of Diablo Lake are claimed on a first-come basis, but they fill up fast—car campers race to the old-growth forest, ranger programs, and the nicest services in the park (yep, that means flush toilets).

Hozomeen 

The good news: You can drive in. The bad news: You have to drive in via Hope, British Columbia, and rangers suggest packing a spare tire for the unpaved road. But there’s potable water and free camping on the northernmost end of Ross Lake.

Big Beaver Trail Camp

Though you’ll need a boat (or the water taxi run by Ross Lake Resort) to reach this spot about a third of the way up Ross Lake, there’s a dock, access to the dramatic Big Beaver Trail, a bear box for food, and maybe a little company—there are seven whole sites.

Desolation Trail Camp 

Feeling desolate? The single site, a mile below Kerouac’s old haunt of Desolation Peak, is hike-in only after a Ross Lake boat trip. Oh, and it’s BYOB: Bring Your Own Bear Canister. No water, unless you can find snow to melt, and, yeesh, no campfires.