Best Tent Camping near Bow, WA
Tent campers visiting Bow, Washington can find several primitive camping options within a short drive of town. Pine and Cedar Lakes Primitive Camping offers hike-in tent sites with fire rings and free camping, while Lily and Lizard Lakes provides walk-in tent access with designated camping areas that require permits. Cedar Groves Rural Campground, located near Bow, features four walk-in tent sites with picnic tables and toilet facilities.
Most primitive tent sites in the area lack basic amenities, requiring campers to pack in their own water and supplies. Pine and Cedar Lakes has no drinking water, toilets, or trash facilities, making it essential to prepare for self-sufficient camping. Walk-in tent sites at Lily and Lizard Lakes feature fire rings, benches, and flat areas for tent setup, but limited water sources mean bringing a good filter for lake water. Cedar Groves offers more developed tent camping with toilets and picnic tables, though still maintaining a rustic experience. Fires are permitted at most locations, but seasonal fire bans may apply during dry summer months.
The tent camping experience near Bow provides opportunities for solitude and immersion in natural settings. At Pine and Cedar Lakes, campers can enjoy two distinct lakes with Cedar Lake offering better campsites that are "bigger and flatter," according to visitor reports. The short but steep hiking trails to these primitive tent sites keep crowds minimal. Lily and Lizard Lakes features only four campsites, all positioned close together, offering good views but limited privacy between tent sites. A visitor noted that "all the sites had a fire ring, bench and a flat area to set up your tent," making these primitive locations suitable for basic tent camping despite their remote nature.