1 campground with availability next weekend
The mountainous terrain surrounding Carlton, Washington offers diverse tent camping opportunities within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and along Lake Chelan. South Navarre Campground provides tent-only sites with vault toilets and access to miles of hiking trails, while Lake Chelan State Park offers dedicated walk-in tent sites with more amenities. Primitive tent camping can be found at Antilon Lake Campground, where dispersed sites provide more seclusion. Mitchell Creek Campground features lakefront tent sites accessible by boat or hiking trail, making it ideal for backcountry tent camping experiences away from developed areas.
High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many primitive tent campgrounds in the region, particularly South Navarre where the dirt mountain road becomes challenging in wet conditions. Most tent sites are set on natural surfaces ranging from forest duff to sandy soil, with minimal site preparation. Vault toilets are common at established campgrounds, though drinking water is rarely available. Campers should bring water purification equipment for sites near creeks or lakes. Seasonal considerations include summer fire bans, particularly in July and August, and potential snow blocking access to higher elevation sites until late spring. Bear activity necessitates proper food storage at all tent campsites.
In early summer, tent campers frequently find solitude at less accessible sites, though mosquitoes can become problematic when winds die down. According to reviews, the walk-in tent sites at Lake Chelan State Park offer significantly more privacy than the central camping areas. One visitor noted that sites at South Navarre Campground provide "plenty of space between sites and large areas to enjoy," making it ideal for tent campers seeking seclusion. The tent-specific sites at Mitchell Creek feature picnic tables and fire rings with creek access nearby. Campers report that fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds to primitive tent camping areas, while still offering clear night skies and good fishing opportunities at lakeside locations.
"This is a great park and a premium camping location on the popular Lake Chelan. A favorite location for west siders to escape the rain for some guaranteed sunshine in Central Washington."
"We camped in the tent camping side towards the lake (site 89) and had a decent amount of privacy."
Available next weekend
from $12 - $41 / night
"I had heard from the ranger that things could get wild, but it wasn’t too bad. The dirt road is long with curves, and can get bumpy at times."
"Tons of wildlife, wild flowers, hiking trails and all around good views. If you're looking to avoid the crowds I would advise going in the middle of the week to atleast claim your site!"
"This is one of my favorite places to get away from it all but still be connected. Limited cell service with Verizon. Great campsites! Plenty of space between and large area to enjoy."
"Nice, quiet dispersed camping next to Sullivan Pond near Winthrop Washington. Recommend 4wd with good clearance. Washington Discover Pass required."
"There is about a dozen pull off spots on the side of the road and then a few more at the top by the lake. The lake was almost non-existent/dried out when we visited."
"Campsites have picnic table and fire ring. Sites are small but perfect for tents. Many of the sites are closed due to falling tree danger."
"One of the many awesome boat up National Forest Service campgrounds along Lake Chelan. Nice shady spots, with firepits, picnic tables, and pit toilets. One CCC type shelter available, too."
"One of the many awesome boat up National Forest Service campgrounds along Lake Chelan. Gorgeous lake front spots, with firepits, picnic tables, and pit toilets. Creek is near the campground."
"the restrooms are a short walk; spare, but usually quite clean. nice dock facility, but secure your bumpers well due to passing boat wakes."
"One of the many awesome boat up National Forest Service campgrounds along Lake Chelan. Nice lake front spots, with firepits, picnic tables, and pit toilets."
GuideOf the three public campgrounds on the west side of the river, I think this is the best one. It's the furthest in but one of the sites actually has a Sandy little beach. I was there in the off-season so I had the campground it myself
GuideIt's right on the river and then there's the falls Creek that flows down and there's the falls Creek waterfall which is awesome
GuideNice spot on the river. I was there the off-season so I was me and one other person.
GuideI don't think this is really a campground anymore. You can drive down there but the undergrowth is high and you are absolutely not allowed to have fires.
TravelerWe’ve stayed here before, and each time the stay has been wonderful! Our first time was when an unexpected snowfall happened (over 2 feet) while camping. One of the hosts let us stay in the laundry area to stay warm, and even offered one of the cabins to cook in to stay out of the elements. The RV park is wonderfully kept and the facilities is all regularly cleaned. It’s a short walk onto the main strip of Winthrop.
TravelerThe heated bathrooms with showers were definitely comfort on our cross country road trip. We arrived after hours but because we already had made reservations that morning we were able to use the slider and enter the campground. Star gazing is always top priority. We headed down to the lake’s beach to snap some shots with my iPhone 14 Pro night, setting on a tripod and remote.
LegendEnjoyed a couple nights relaxing at this great spot. A couple of visitors drove through to check out the river but we were the only ones camping. We stayed at the back at the site with beach access.
GuideWe originally drove up NF-51 to check out Falls Creek Campground (which is also beautiful) and discovered this gem! While there is no fee per night to camp, a Discover Pass is required (unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license).
No potable water or hookups available. Very stinky pit toilet. Fire rings at sites but there was a ban in place when we were there.
There was plenty of room when we were here, but I would imagine it is very busy during the summer and hunting season.
RangerBeautiful setting Hot clean showers Good cell service Leave it Better Than you found it!
Tent campsites near Carlton, Washington sit at elevations between 1,100 and 3,500 feet in the eastern foothills of the North Cascades. The region receives significantly less rainfall than western Washington, with summer temperatures regularly reaching 85-95°F. Dispersed camping options range from lakeside settings to forest clearings with minimal facilities.
Fishing the small lakes: At Antilon Lake Campground, anglers can catch several species from shore or boat. "I caught 3 gorgeous brown trout from my kayak, which made 2 delicious meals. I literally had the entire lake to myself," reports Christine R. The lake also contains perch, sunfish and crappie according to campers.
Boating on Lake Chelan: For water recreation, Lake Chelan State Park Campground provides direct lake access. "Amazing dock system and access to the lake, great day use area where you can rent kayaks and paddleboards," notes Marie L. The park's swimming area includes both grassy areas and shoreline sections for relaxing between water activities.
Hiking the backcountry: Access miles of wilderness trails from remote camp locations like South Navarre Campground. "Miles of trail to enjoy from the site," mentions Andrea F., making it a good basecamp for day hikes. The area connects to the broader Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest trail system, though many routes require preparation for steep terrain.
Lakeside tent sites: Many campers appreciate the waterfront camping options at Mitchell Creek Campground, which requires boat access. "Camped here last weekend. Loved it! Lots of boat parking with breakwater. Pit toilet was very clean," writes Paije A. The sites include fire rings and picnic tables with direct lake access.
Wildlife viewing: Evening and early morning offer opportunities to spot deer, various birds, and small mammals. "The view in the morning is beyond description," says David H. about Antilon Lake. During spring and early summer, wildflowers bloom throughout the higher elevation campsites.
Budget-friendly options: Many tent campsites near Carlton provide low-cost or free camping. Antilon Lake camper Jess G. notes, "Did I mention Antilon is free?!" while other areas require only the Washington Discover Pass. At Sullivan Pond Camp, John T. confirms, "Washington Discover Pass required" for dispersed camping.
Access considerations: Many roads leading to remote sites require appropriate vehicles. "Travel is best in a high clearance vehicle with good tires. It's a long drive on a dirt mountain road. NOT for trailers," warns Andrea F. about South Navarre Campground. Wet weather can worsen road conditions substantially.
Insect activity: Mosquitoes can be problematic at certain sites, particularly in early summer. "BRING BUG SPRAY!!! After setting up our tent and bunking down for the night we found probably 100 mosquitoes INSIDE of the tent," cautions Serena G. about her Antilon Lake experience. Bees can also be active during warmer months.
Seasonal crowding: Weekend competition for sites intensifies during summer months. "It was a bit crowded but it's to be expected during the final week of summer," observes Jorge H. at Lake Chelan State Park. Weekday visits offer significantly more solitude according to multiple campers.
Beach access locations: Sullivan Pond Camp provides family-friendly dispersed camping with gentler terrain. "Really peaceful and lovely campsite. Lots of flowers, just a few camping spaces available," notes Emma T. The pond setting offers calm water appropriate for younger children.
Playground amenities: Lake Chelan State Park provides built-in activities for children. "There was also a nice playground for him to play on as well," mentions Courtney J. about camping with her two-year-old. The park also features large playfields where "people were always welcoming in others to play."
Food storage precautions: Small animals actively seek food at most campgrounds. "Watch for the critters they are ruthless so cover ALL your dry goods!" advises Marie L. at Lake Chelan State Park. Proper food storage becomes even more important with children who may leave snacks accessible.
Length restrictions: Most undeveloped campsites near Carlton cannot accommodate larger RVs. "Spots vary in size and the ones with lake access go first. Too windy for a fire, but fire rings made from rocks are present. 2WD vehicles should have no problem, but doesn't seem equipped to handle trailers or RV's," reports Chris about Antilon Lake camping.
Resource management: No hookup sites require careful water and power planning. Lake Chelan State Park offers "RV sites with electricity and water hookups" according to Shari G., but most other camping areas have no utilities. Small travel trailers and truck campers have more site options than larger motorhomes.
Parking logistics: Many tent-focused sites separate parking from camping areas. At Lake Chelan State Park, "The water sites you park at the top and carry your things down to the site so be prepared for that," explains Marie L., making equipment organization important for RV campers who also want to tent camp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Carlton, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Carlton, WA is Lake Chelan State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 24 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 99 tent camping locations near Carlton, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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