Entiat is situated along the Columbia River at 780 feet elevation with a semi-arid climate. Summers reach temperatures in the 90s with minimal rainfall, while winter months typically see highs in the 30s. The area serves as a gateway to surrounding recreational lands including the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest where campers can find numerous hiking trails and fishing spots.
What to do
Water activities on the Columbia River: Entiat City Park offers direct river access with a swimming area and boat dock. "Perfect swimming spot. Showers, drinking fountains, flush toilets. Highly recommend," notes a visitor to Entiat City Park.
Alpine hiking trails: Trails near Leavenworth provide excellent day hikes from nearby campgrounds. "Hiking in the Leavenworth area is amazing! Colchuck Lake is incredible, and I would highly recommend doing this one," shares a camper who stayed at Thousand Trails Leavenworth.
Explore Bavarian culture: Visit the German-themed town of Leavenworth, approximately 30-40 minutes from Entiat. "Leavenworth is a little over 2 miles away," notes one reviewer about location access from their riverside camping spot.
What campers like
Riverside camping spots: Many campsites in the area feature Columbia River views. "Beautiful spots right along the Columbia River...full RV hookups," notes a camper from Entiat City Park.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the region maintain well-kept amenities. "This park is gorgeous! It is small, but super clean. So clean that it looks brand new," writes a camper about Entiat City Park.
Off-season tranquility: Visiting in fall offers quieter camping experiences. "October is perfect time. So quiet, leaves changing, crisp weather. Just make sure you have heated water hose," advises a camper from Thousand Trails Leavenworth.
Mineral lakes: The region features unique lake experiences like Soap Lake. "Soap Lake is interesting with a very soft muddy bottom on the CG side of the lake," notes a visitor to Smokiam RV Resort.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Many RV sites near Entiat, Washington close after Labor Day. "Entiat City Park provides full hookups operating from May 1 through Labor Day," while other campgrounds like Icicle River RV Resort operate from "Apr 1 - Oct 20."
Limited cell service: Coverage varies throughout the region. "WiFi and cell service was bad. We use Verizon and pretty much had to go into town for service," reports a camper from Icicle River RV Resort.
Campsite spacing: Site proximity varies significantly between campgrounds. "The campground for being Thousand Trails was pleasant. The full hookup sites are close together and not great IMHO. We settled for the spot in the Lakeview area," shares one visitor.
Winter preparation: For off-season camping, water lines may freeze. "Just make sure you have heated water hose," advises a camper who visited in October.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Several campgrounds offer activities specifically for children. "Looking for a mini resort with activities for kids? This might fit the bill. For the kids the pool, lake, miniature golf, game room etc. was fun," writes a visitor to Thousand Trails Crescent Bar.
Swimming areas: Safe swimming spots are available at several campgrounds. "All sites have a view of the Columbia River, and the beach is swimmable," notes a camper at Entiat City Park.
Playground access: Many campgrounds feature play equipment. "Great playground for kids, nice store in case you forget anything," mentions a visitor to Smokiam RV Resort about their amenities.
Nearby attractions: Plan day trips to local points of interest. "About 30 minutes from Leavenworth, this campground is a great launchpad for some unforgettable adventures," shares a visitor about the Thousand Trails location.
Tips from RVers
Alternative routes: Access to some RV sites requires planning. "Might want to go alternate route and not Chumstick," advises a camper about reaching Thousand Trails Leavenworth.
Water quality concerns: Water conditions vary by campground. "Decently Spaced... We settled for the spot in the Lakeview area. This area of the campground will accommodate up to 22' RV's. Water and 110 electric. Quite dusty but it worked," notes a camper.
Site selection strategies: Choose sites based on specific needs. "We elected for the Water 110 electric hook up. The site was dusty, and the spaces somewhat spread apart. No real privacy," shares an RVer who typically prefers boondocking.
Dust management: Some campgrounds experience dusty conditions. "Sprinklers were busted in most of the park which created unpleasant dust storms," reports a visitor to Thousand Trails Crescent Bar.