Camping spots near Wenatchee, Washington provide unique access to an area where the arid Columbia Basin meets the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains. Average summer temperatures often reach the mid-90s°F, with low humidity and minimal rainfall between June and September. Winter camping options are limited as most facilities close seasonally, with occasional snowfall possible from November through March.
What to do
Paddle boarding in calm waters: At Lincoln Rock State Park Campground, the morning conditions create ideal paddleboarding opportunities. "The calm water in the morning sun made for perfect paddleboarding," notes Nicole N. The park also features multiple boat launches for kayaking and motorboats.
Bike riding on paved trails: Wenatchee Confluence State Park offers extensive paved pathways connecting the campground and day-use areas. "There are large grassy areas and walking/biking trails all over the campground and area," explains Rich S. The park's flat terrain makes it suitable for riders of all skill levels.
Swimming in protected areas: Most waterfront campgrounds maintain designated swimming zones during summer months. Lincoln Rock State Park has "lots of water activities too!" according to Brandon K. Swimming areas are typically roped off for safety, with some offering gradual entries suitable for younger children.
Fruit picking and wine tasting: The Wenatchee area is known as Washington's fruit basket. As Ilene P. mentions about the area near Lincoln Rock, "Go in late summer or early fall to stock up on wonderful fruit or take in a wine tasting." Local orchards and vineyards often offer U-pick options and tastings from July through October.
What campers like
Riverfront camping spots: Campers consistently rate waterfront sites highest. At Wenatchee River County Park, guests enjoy direct access to the water. "Full hook ups, right on the Wenatchee River with easy access and a few sand beaches. Great place for paddle boarding or just floating in the cool water," shares Mike B. Sites closest to the water typically book 6-9 months in advance.
Well-maintained facilities: Many campgrounds in the area feature clean, updated amenities. At Entiat City Park, "This park is gorgeous! It is small, but super clean. So clean that it looks brand new," reports Luke L. The park underwent recent renovations, adding modern shower buildings and improved RV sites.
Proximity to local attractions: Campers appreciate the convenient access to nearby towns. The Leavenworth-Pine Village KOA offers "walking distance to downtown Leavenworth (maybe 20 min walk)," according to Sara S. This allows campers to explore the Bavarian-themed village without moving their vehicles.
Open space for recreation: Large grassy areas for outdoor games are highly rated at several campgrounds. Daroga State Park has "lots of space for kids to play, ride bikes or swim," says Brandon K. These open areas provide room for frisbee, soccer, and other group activities away from campsites.
What you should know
Limited cell service in mountain areas: Connectivity varies significantly by location and carrier. At Icicle River RV Resort near Leavenworth, "wireless is terrible if you need to work while on the road here," warns Amy. T-Mobile coverage is particularly poor in mountain valleys, while Verizon typically offers better reception.
Sprinkler schedules affect tent placement: Several state parks operate automatic irrigation systems on weekdays. At Daroga State Park, "the automatic sprinkler system coming on Monday-Friday for 30 minutes at each site" requires careful planning. Travis B. notes, "We had to almost pack everything up into the trailer each day and then pull it all back out if you did not want to get completely wet."
Reservation requirements vary seasonally: While summer months require advance bookings, shoulder seasons offer more flexibility. At Lincoln Rock State Park, late-season arrivals may find available sites without reservations. "Instructions at the [closed] entry booth directed us to pick any empty site without orange cones at their entry point," shares Roy S. about a late Sunday arrival.
Walk-in tent sites require planning: Some campgrounds feature walk-in tent areas separate from vehicle access. Daroga State Park's tent sites are "over 1/4 mile away from the parking lot," according to Anne C. While wheelbarrows are provided, availability can be limited during peak check-in times.
Tips for camping with families
Find campgrounds with organized activities: Some private campgrounds offer scheduled recreation. The Leavenworth KOA stands out for families as they host "events all weekend, a shuttle into Leavenworth, movie nights and a cheap pancake breakfast," according to Amanda B. Her family makes this an annual tradition despite having other options.
Look for playgrounds and protected swimming: Daroga State Park Campground features "a swim beach right next to the campground" with designated swimming areas. The park maintains clean facilities and has "huge grass areas" perfect for outdoor games, making it popular with families.
Choose sites away from road noise: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds more than others. At Wenatchee River County Park, "Road noise during day. Was quiet from 10pm to 6am," reports Leonard H. Request sites furthest from highways when making reservations, particularly if traveling with light sleepers.
Consider spacing between sites: Privacy varies significantly between campgrounds. At Blu Shastin RV Park, one camper notes that "spaces are spread out nicely, never feeling crowded." However, at Wenatchee Confluence State Park, sites are "very large, flat, grassy area with plenty of room but very little privacy between sites."
Tips from RVers
Look for hookup variations: Not all RV sites offer the same amenities. At Blu-Shastin RV Park, "Full price for this site is $40, no additional taxes or fees. The 50% Passport America discount is weeknights only, April and October only, for up to 5 nights," details Laura M. about Wenatchee River County Park. Discounts can reduce costs significantly during off-peak periods.
Check pad dimensions before booking: Some parks have narrower sites than advertised. At Daroga State Park, "from an RVer's perspective the site pads are very narrow which makes them difficult to pull through or back into. I watched several campers attempt to park and none were able to do so without driving on the grass a bit," observes Family H.
Consider dump station logistics: Not all campgrounds offer sewer hookups at individual sites. At Wenatchee Confluence State Park, the absence of "waste disposal at the sites means that small RVs with small tanks are not able to stay more than a few days," according to one reviewer. Plan tank usage accordingly or choose parks with full hookups for longer stays.
