The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Chelan. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Chelan is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Discover great camping spots near Chelan, reviewed by campers like you.
"Sandy dirt camping site near the USGS sensor station. No fires today due to high fire danger, but there was a pit in the camp. Tent right on the ridge. Dirt road was 12 miles up the mountain."
"Passed a park ranger on the way and he never said anything. There is also paid for camping on the way up here."
"Pretty good view of the lake below and almost no light pollution. Very windy road to get up but I pulled my trailer fine. Washboard road at the beginning but it gets better."
"Next to Hwy and behind tall bushes. Vault bathrooms 1/4 mile down the road. Pretty quiet spot even though 300 yards from highway."
"This campsite is along the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route between the Cashmere and Chelan sections along NF-8410."
"RV and tent camping. Can be windy during season change. Boat accessible. Gravel and dirt. Very beautiful night, great for star gazing."
"It is very remote, no services around and a little odd to get to, in that you have to wind past a lakeside"resort" with a little store and campsites that didn't look really very nice, yet there were people"
"A couple spots washed out and need high clearance but otherwise just a long slow switchbacky road to the top."
"Near the peak of Fox Mountain, this area is at one of the highest points in the area. Great cell service(AT&T) and a amazing view for both sunrise and sunset!"
"Within the almost 4 million acres of the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest, lie countless locations for dispersed camping."
"The views of the mountains all around are insane!!! Loved watching the sunset and sunrise up here. It is very windy!"
"As described, little to no water sources. Private property marked in some areas. Camp sites are just off the road so there is some road dust. In May there was plenty of wood for burning."
"Found a spot with incredible near-360 mountain views! Exposed to the wind though. Have to go pretty far in along Derby road to find campsites."
$12 - $50 / night
"A good option for Dispersed camping if Lake Wenatchee State Park campground. This is a at the Lake Wenatchee Airstrip Snoparks at the junction of 207 and 22 near Lake Wenatchee and Fish lake."
"We turned at (47.8178974, -120.7258512) which you travel a short distance down a well maintained FS road to a very large gravel and dirt parking area."
ScoutAs described, little to no water sources. Private property marked in some areas. Camp sites are just off the road so there is some road dust. In May there was plenty of wood for burning. Do be mindful of burn restrictions later in the season. This area is very popular with mountain bikers and some dirt bikes. Service roads did have some heavily washed out areas and rocks that higher ground clearance and AWD/4WD would be beneficial, but a 2WD car could make it to some sites. Great spot though to camp near Leavenworth Wenatchee area. Verizon phone service was ok, T-Mobile was spotty at best occasionally a message would get through.
RangerDog wasn’t feeling well so took a chance and went up this USFS mostly paved road. There are lovely views on the trip up and a few roadside areas you could car or van camp in a pinch. Towards the top a couple private roads break off, and just above the now dirt USFS road continues. Here is 1 large, not terribly level, high clearance needed, site with fire ring and lots of parking options.
TravelerA couple spots washed out and need high clearance but otherwise just a long slow switchbacky road to the top.
GuideThis campsite is along the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route between the Cashmere and Chelan sections along NF-8410. Obviously, this is a 4X4 road but if you approach from the Chelan side you could maybe get away with a high clearance AWD vehicle. Incredible sunset views of the valley overlooking Lake Chelan to one side and a vast forested mountain range to the other. This particular spot photographed is on the south side of the road to the north of the Baldy Mountain crest. This area seemed to have a good number of sites in the immediate vicinity, not that we saw anything in them. This particular site was clearly well used as it was flat, had log stump seats, and a stone fire pit (even if you aren't supposed to have fires most of the year in this forest). Someone even built a rustic camp toilet in the woods just away from the campsite.
GuideWithin the almost 4 million acres of the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest, lie countless locations for dispersed camping. This area of the southeast corner of the NF has very little traffic compared to others, we saw only one ATV for the whole time we were there. This area lies along the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route between the Cashmere and Chelan sections along NF-7400. Obviously, this is a 4X4 road and I wouldn't suggest it in anything less. Incredible sunset views of the valley in front of Chumstick Mountain, it gets pretty windy at night but there are treelines you can position against. This particular spot photographed is just up the hill off the roadside in a nice grassy clearing. More spots were just up the hill around the bend as well.
GuideLots of small pullouts on the way up but they were all taken. None of those would work for Starlink.
We went as far as we could in our Ram Promaster till there was a crazy steep and washed out climb. Had to turn around
TravelerFound a spot with incredible near-360 mountain views! Exposed to the wind though. Have to go pretty far in along Derby road to find campsites. The first few miles are private property or in the thicket, lower in the canyon. Road was in good condition. Didn’t hit large potholes until we pulled off 7400.
LegendCamped here in February and November and in generally recommend it for fall and spring. Avoid summer when it gets too hot and ticks and rattlesnakes are around. It gets cold at night so come prepared.
There are several established sites near Ancient Lakes and Dusty Lakes that can be accessed from the lower trailhead hiking or biking in.
Ancient Lakes sites are only 2 miles from the trailhead on flat terrain which makes it for an ideal first backpacking experience.
Only catch is that the lakes are polluted with agricultural runoff so that water should not be used for drinking not even if filtered. Pack all the water you will need.
No facilities at the lakes. Port-a-potty at the trailhead.
Need Discover Pass to park here.
ScoutNice, quiet dispersed camping next to Sullivan Pond near Winthrop Washington. Recommend 4wd with good clearance. Washington Discover Pass required.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Chelan, Washington, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Chelan, WA is Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 28 dispersed camping locations near Chelan, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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