Dispersed camping near Entiat, Washington provides access to the eastern slopes of the Cascade Range where elevations range from 1,200 to 4,000 feet across accessible camping areas. The region experiences a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters that close many forest service roads from November through May. Most dispersed sites require visitors to pack out all trash and bring sufficient water supplies.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Cooper Lake offers excellent rainbow trout fishing in a motor-free environment. Brian B. reports that "fishing is excellent" at Owhi Campground, making it worth the trek to this walk-in camping area.
Paddling access: The Entiat region provides multiple lakes for kayaking and paddleboarding. At Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground, visitors have direct water access. Laura M. mentions the campground "has a boat launch" and is ideal for day use activities.
Mountain biking: Forest trails near Teanaway provide excellent terrain for cyclists. Daniel notes the Teanaway area has "a trail system right out of camp" making it convenient for mountain bikers looking to combine camping with riding.
Hiking options: The Pacific Crest Trail sections near Entiat offer day hikes and overnight options. Madison S. describes the Lake Valhalla trail as "a gorgeous hike along the pacific crest trail that ended at a beautiful alpine lake" with a moderate difficulty level over approximately 4 miles.
What campers like
Diverse campground sizes: Sites range from small tent-only spots to larger group areas. Roxanne W. states Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground offers "group camping. Spacious with lots of room to be 'noisy'" for larger gatherings.
Night sky viewing: The remote location provides excellent stargazing opportunities. Cassiey K. recommends arriving early at Teanaway Campground to "get a good spot so you can see those brilliant stars at night" during clear weather conditions.
Access to alpine lakes: Multiple campgrounds provide water access for swimming and cooling off. Alyson M. found that Nason Creek served as a good base for lake activities: "It is also right down the road from Lake Wenatchee State Park which is beautiful!"
Varied terrain: The region offers diverse camping environments from riverside to lakeside sites. Christopher D. notes that at Nason Creek Campground, "The best sites are along the creek, beautiful and peaceful, and some are right on the road."
What you should know
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures can reach 90°F+ while spring and fall nights drop below freezing. Leah F. warns about Alta Lake State Park: "extensive fire damage in 2014 has downed many trees and most campsites have zero or little shade. Sites are very close together."
Insect preparation: Mosquitoes are prevalent throughout summer months. Kevin K. advises Lake Wenatchee visitors to "bring bug repellent because the mosquitoes are bad" especially during evening hours from June through August.
Reservation systems: Campgrounds operate on different scheduling systems. Laura M. explains that Nason Creek "is a huge USFS campground in the Wenatchee National Forest, with something like 4 separate loops and separate entrances from the road. Most of the sites are reservable on recreation.gov but they have a few FCFS sites."
Road conditions: Access roads vary from paved to rough gravel. Brian B. notes that for Owhi Campground, the "road has some pot holes, but otherwise easy for small vehicles."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access: Several lakes offer designated swimming areas. Hailey T. highlights that Lake Wenatchee "has such a nice beach!! Great swimming for adults and kiddos! There is also a playground that my niece loved."
Day trip options: The central location provides easy access to surrounding attractions. Amanda E. shares that from Nason Creek: "An easy ten minute walk led you to Lake Wenatchee, the most amazing alpine lake with a great beach and camp store where you can rent kayaks, paddle boards, and get ice cream."
Site selection for privacy: Some campgrounds offer more secluded family options. Marie L. explains that at Owhi Campground, "the campsites are situated pretty well for views and privacy" though access requires carrying equipment down from parking areas.
Campground facilities: Amenities vary widely between established sites. Laura M. points out that Lake Wenatchee's south campground is "more developed and family friendly" with "a playground, store with snacks and basics, and accessible and gendered restrooms."
Tips for RVers
Length restrictions: Many forest campgrounds have size limitations. Laura M. notes that at Lake Wenatchee State Park there's a "20 ft max vehicle length, per sign at campground entrance."
Hookup availability: Only select campgrounds offer electric and water connections. Mark M. observed that Alta Lake State Park Campground has RV sites right on the lake but they "are basically a parking lot with campers sitting side by side, no privacy."
Dump station access: Plan waste disposal in advance as facilities are limited. Roberta P. mentions that Alta Lake has an "easy to access dump station" though the general consensus is to arrive with empty holding tanks.
Leveling considerations: Forest service sites often require leveling equipment. Shay F. advises: "Be careful! Sites are small, pull off is more accurate than pull through, and we used a lot of blocks to level up."
