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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.
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.
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.
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.
For facility specific information, please call (360) 386-8214.
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.
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.
I haven't been to Baker Lake in years, and I was disappointed that the beach was practically nonexistent at Horseshoe Cove. This area used to have a huge beach and was beautiful. When we went, the beach was mostly dug up holes from the kids, and I actually fell in one trying not to step in someone's space. I have no plans to return.
I loved this spot which I was lucky enough to scoop just a couple weeks in advance. There are no hookups and primitive toilets but for a short camp it wasn't an issue. There are spigots with running water.
The spot I lucked up on was south loop 27 which was very spacious and a short walk to the water and a peaceful overlook. The perfect spot to sit and watch a sunrise/sunset, have a drink, etc. The site had parking for one car, fire ring and grill grate. Plenty parking on the loop road for other cars if you need for your party.
The swimming area was pretty sizable and busy when we were there. There's no view of Baker from this campground. Mosquitos were out in force early July so pack that spray!
I did have LTE service via T-Mobile near the lake and an inconsistent signal at the campsite.
We stayed at Horseshoe Cove Campground on Baker Lake, campsite # 23, in July 2023. The lake itself was very nice with a swim area and boat launch. The campground was fine, no hookups, no dump station, we found one water spiket with a threaded faucet to fill our fresh water tank. #23 was large and level with a small view of the lake through the trees. Our issues had to do with day-use people; boat engines revving all hours of the day & night; and the campground hosts having their off-duty sign up the entire time. Day-use people completely took over the swim beach during the weekend. Many left trash, a couple had uncontrolled aggressive dogs, & some smoked pot. Boat owners zoomed all over Baker Lake which could be heard as late as 11 PM and as early as 4 AM. There was no evidence of the hosts trying to request compliance with rules and they definitely did not clean the swim beach area. Too bad, it should have been a better camping experience.
Camp ground was great. Beautiful scenery. The only issue was the field mouse climbing into our vehicles. We had our food stored away in bins and coolers inside the vehicle in hopes of not attracting the bears, which I did see a mom and a cub just outside the entrance to camp.
Tremendous campground. We stayed in early September and the water was cold but not so cold you couldn’t swim. Great spot for kayaking. Amazing views of the mountains, lots of wildlife, chipmunks and blue jays galore! Sites are large and mostly level with decent privacy. We stayed in site 19 and had amazing access to the lake though privacy suffered a bit because of the trails to the lake next to the site. Definitely could hear sounds of children and parents from the beach and campground all weekend, but largely had an amazing time.
