The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Tonasket, WA

185 Reviews

Tent camping options near Tonasket, Washington include several primitive sites scattered throughout the surrounding forestland. Spectacle Lake offers fishing access with tent camping allowed in designated areas, though a sign indicates no camping at the boat launch itself. Blue Lake South provides tent sites with fire rings and valley views, operating seasonally from early May through late October. Most camping areas are situated in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest or on Department of Natural Resources land.

Campgrounds typically feature basic amenities suited for tent campers seeking a more rustic experience. Several sites like Blue Lake South and Long Lake have vault toilets but no drinking water, requiring campers to bring their own supply. Fire restrictions may apply during summer months, with some campgrounds having approved fire rings while others prohibit fires entirely. Most locations have no electricity, running water, or garbage service. Many tent sites in the Tonasket area are accessible via unpaved forest roads that may require higher clearance vehicles, particularly after wet weather or during spring snowmelt.

The area provides tent campers with quiet, natural settings away from more developed camping areas. Green Lake offers a peaceful tent camping experience with lakeside sites and good fishing opportunities. Small campgrounds like Oriole Campground and Cottonwood Campground feature just a handful of sites, though they can fill up during peak season. Palmer Lake provides primitive boat-in camping options for those seeking additional solitude. According to one visitor, "Blue lake has much to offer. Fishing, hiking, camping to name a few. Several camp sites have approved fire rings. Most of the camping spots have a beautiful view of the lake and valley." Walk-in tent sites at Spectacle Lake and nearby areas provide alternatives when drive-in locations are full.

Map showing campgrounds near Tonasket, WashingtonExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Tonasket, Washington (47)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 47 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Tonasket Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Tonasket, WA

2 Photos of 47 Tonasket Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Tonasket, WA

185 Reviews of 47 Tonasket Campgrounds

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 19, 2023

    Pearrygin Lake State Park Campground

    Lake and mountains!

    General: A variety of different campsites in two sections ranging from economy to basic to popular, with and without hookups, and priced according to peak or non-peak season. There are also three cabins and two group camp areas. 

    Site Quality: We are happy we were able to book a basic tent site with our campervan (there were more than a few others with RVs in these sites). Parking was on grass and not completely level, but we made it work. Each site had a picnic table and fire ring (although there was a fire ban in effect when we were there). The sites with utilities had paved camper pads. 

    Bath/Shower house: Clean with soap and air dryers. The showers are free but you are asked to not use more than three button pushes. My shower in the afternoon was completely COLD and I am not sure if it was the time of day, the particular shower, or user error. My husband’s shower got hot midway through. 

    Activities/Amenities: All things water-based including jet skis, water skiing, kayaking, SUP, and fishing. There is also a boat wash. There are also numerous trails used for hiking, running, and mountain biking. Other activities include volleyball and horseshoes.

    Despite my cold shower and the fact that state parks are becoming increasingly pricy (with reservation and out-of-state fees, we paid $ 77 for two nights for a tent site), we enjoyed our stay here.

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 5, 2020

    Klipchuck Campground

    Semi-Primitive Camping With Trio Of Trails

    Nestled just short distance off the main highway through this area, the Klipchuck campground is remote feeling and quiet. Sites here are beautiful with tall trees and lush greenery. This campground was so beautiful and as the fog lifted in the early morning following a rain it was something out of a movie with the cascading sites lining the flatter areas and also the gentle climbing slopes. 

    Despite the nature of this site being semi-primitive you do not feel as though you are without as there is running water located at centralized spigots throughout camp and vault toilets scattered throughout. No matter the site number you select you will be within close proximity to walk to these features. 

    Each site is equipped with a parking space large enough for a mid to large size vehicle, with some large enough for larger RV units as well. I found on a quick drive through camp there were sites to accommodate all camping styles depending on your personal preference of size. 

    Standard site amenities include picnic tables and fire rings with clear area perfect for tent camping. Garbage collection areas are placed along each of the 2 loops, a great bonus feature not all forest camps offer. 

    Pricing was very friendly and could be deposited into a self pay station at the entrance. This is checked by a campground host daily. Additionally the campground host when I was there was extremely friendly offering great tips for adventures in the area within driving distance. 

    3 trails lead out of this campground making it the perfect setting for exploring, though the area does have bear awareness signs located throughout so it would be wise to come prepared for the possibilities of animal encounters. I suggest the scenic trail which has some amazing views of the forest and the many features of the landscaping around. 

    Perhaps my favorite feature of this camp is the constant sound of the water around you which makes it extremely peaceful. If you are interested in getting a bit closer to the water make sure to camp along the back side of the campground. 

    **TIP: **

    • Bring everything you will need to this site, there are no stores on property to purchase anything, including fire wood you will need to come prepared!! 
    • Consider one of the hikes from camp for a day trip instead of preparing to only hike at a trail away from camp.
  • Sarah C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2017

    Klipchuck Campground

    Another Methow Gem

    This is great camping option in the beautiful Methow Valley. Close to the small town of Winthrop and near two cold and refreshing snow fed bodies of water (Early Winters Creek and the Methow River) perfect for cooling off in the hot summer. This valley is breathtaking all times of year!

    This is a USFS run campground and is available for $12/night on a first come, first serve basis. This campground is highly popular in the summer months and can experience high volume especially on weekends and holidays. There are vault toilets available that are well maintained but that condition can begin to deteriorate as the summer goes on due to the number of visitors.

    Each site offers a nice large gravel area for pitching tents, picnic tables and decent shade. There is potable water available in the summer months and trash receptacles can also be found here.

    This area has been prone to large wildfires in recent years so be sure to check for current conditions regarding fire bans, as they are often in effect in the summer. Remember, only you can prevent forest fires!

  • Carrie J.
    Aug. 30, 2016

    Foggy Dew Campground

    Cheap site, great hiking

    This is a small campground so you don't have to worry about too many people disturbing you. There are 12 sites available at this campground and each has a fire ring. Several of the sites are located along the creek. It's so peaceful to sit next to your campfire and hear both the crackling of the fire and the bubbling flow of the creek. Definitely some nice sounds to fall asleep to! There are also picnic tables at the site, so don't worry about bringing camp chairs unless that's your style.

    I believe there is some RV access but I much prefer to tent camp so that's generally all that I pay attention to.

    There are vault/pit toilets here which is a plus considering you're so far in the middle of nowhere. Great hiking is right outside your tent!

  • Teresa H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2020

    Sherman Overlook Campground

    Great one night plus spot in NE corner Washington state.

    Cool sleeping at this elevation when hot weather persists in lower lands.  We pull a 32’ Outdoors RV trailer behind a full size 6’ bed and quad cab Dodge truck.  We would have fit in a few of spots and there was 8 total with tighter loop turn around at end.  Water was off due to Covid and was no trash dumpster but did have outhouses.  Nice trail to go hiking out back of campground and simple walking wheelchair loop at Overlook parking lot.  Was some road noise when the few cars around here passed us since CG is beside road at summit of Pass but was still nice private spaces with table, fire ring and near level parking pads.

  • Scout G.
    Aug. 29, 2022

    Osoyoos Lake Veterans Memorial Park

    Solid RV park

    Not super busy, about half full on a Sunday night. Bathrooms and showers for campers are clean (the public ones closer to the lake are much less clean, showers there are closed). Lots of flat spots, every one has a picnic table. Paid $26 for a dry spot. Lake is also pretty.

  • Teresa H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2020

    Beaver Lake Campground

    Peaceful spots

    Nice drive thru loops between camp spots between 2 lakes even for larger rigs.  Locals use rope swing off highway into Beaver Lake.  Large spots with tables and fire rings.  Trash dumpster, water, outhouses but no showers or hookups!

  • Crystal C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 5, 2020

    Early Winters Campground

    Limited Amenities With Close Proximity To Trail System

    I traveled the Cascade Loop and along the way found many campgrounds which I absolutely loved. Amongst those I found amenities varied as did price points. 

    Early Winters Campground appealed to my budget saving desires when I wanted to find something which was not completely removed and offered some basic amenities. Camping here was only $12 per night which was very budget friendly. 

    The sites were decently sized but seemed a but less secluded than some locations I had visited along the way. Mostly tent campers were here when I visited, I feel this is in large part due to the smaller pull in areas. 

    Fees can be paid at a honor box located at the entrance of the campground near the restrooms. Additionally, something to note is those who have the Senior Access pass are eligible for a 50% discount when their pass is displayed clearly on their dash. There is no water at this campground so keep that in mind when planning a visit. 

    The basic campsites are equipped with picnic tables and fire rings. They are surrounded by trees and many low laying shrubs which makes for great windbreak on a blustery day. 

    The biggest benefit I could see to staying at this location was the proximity to the trails which run through the area. Just a short walk from your campsite you can find the Methow Trails which is known primarily for its cross country ski access points but is also great for hiking during the warmer months. In some areas you can also do mountain biking on the trails, however there are signs posted as to where this is or is not approved. 

    TIPS: 

    • If you are wanting to stay here there is no reservation system, keep this in mind during peak season and arrive early to secure your camping location. 
    • If you are a person who travels with your horses you will not be able to stay at this location. Horses are prohibited. 
    • Bring everything you will need to this campground as there are not any services at the site. This includes firewood, come prepared!!
  • Judy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 29, 2021

    Early Winters Campground

    Beautiful location along Early Winters Creek

    This is a USFS campground located in the Okanagan National Forest along highway 20 or the North Cascades Highway. This is the problem as road noise can be a problem during the summer months. It is one of the last to close when the snow season arrives as it is in a lower location than Klipchuck or Lone Fir further west along the highway.

    We have camped here several times the most recent being October 26, 2020 when there was several inches of crusty snow. We stayed in site #2 which was the closest to the vault toilet. We were next to the creek and could hear it all night which was very soothing. We had the entire campground to ourselves and the traffic was light due to snow.

    The campground has large pine trees, a standard wooden picnic table and fire pit. Camping was free as the iron ranger had a garbage bag covering it. Campground fee is usually $8.

Guide to Tonasket

Nestled in the stunning landscapes of Washington, Tonasket offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and tranquility.

Tent campers should check out Blue Lake South

  • Experience the beauty of nature at Blue Lake South, where fishing, hiking, and breathtaking views of the lake and valley await.
  • This campground features approved fire rings, making it a great spot for evening campfires under the stars.
  • With no reservations required, you can enjoy a spontaneous getaway in this picturesque setting.

Explore the local activities at Fish Lake #4

  • Fish Lake #4 is perfect for fishing enthusiasts, offering ample camping spots and beautiful scenery.
  • The campground provides approved fire rings, allowing for cozy nights by the fire after a day of outdoor fun.
  • A Washington Discovery Pass is required for access to some areas, ensuring a well-maintained environment for all visitors.

Discover the attractions near Oriole Campground

  • Just a short distance from Oriole Campground, you can find Salmon Creek, ideal for exploring and enjoying the natural surroundings.
  • This campground features vault toilets and is conveniently located near a fresh spring water tap at Cottonwood Campground.
  • With a low nightly cost and a serene atmosphere, it’s a great choice for those looking to unwind in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Tonasket, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Tonasket, WA is Spectacle Lake with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Tonasket, WA?

TheDyrt.com has all 47 tent camping locations near Tonasket, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring