Tent camping near Entiat, Washington encompasses diverse terrain from riverside camps at 784 feet elevation to mountain sites above 4,000 feet. The camping season generally runs from late April through October, with July-August temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F at lower elevations. Most dispersed sites north of Entiat follow Forest Service roads into densely forested areas with established clearings.
What to do
Swimming at Lake Chelan State Park: The swim area offers both grassy and shoreside areas to relax. "Lake was nice and cool," notes Jorge H., who visited during the final week of summer. The park also features "amazing dock system and access to the lake, great day use area where you can rent kayaks and paddleboards."
Fishing at Antilon Lake: The lake holds multiple fish species for anglers. "I caught sun fish, crappie, and brown trout," reports Don about his mid-May visit to Antilon Lake Campground. Another visitor caught "3 gorgeous brown trout from my kayak, which made 2 delicious meals."
Hiking at Glacier View: The campground provides direct access to nearby trails. "There is even a trailhead for Hidden Lake on the road to the campground, which is a short easy hike up to a beautiful lake," mentions Tina T. about Glacier View Campground. The trail is described as "short and strenuous but will worth it for the views."
Mountain biking at Windy Camp: The forest roads provide trail access for cyclists. "Great place in forest to enjoy riding bikes," notes Teresa H. The campground sits several miles up Shady Pass Road with a "moderate climb" but "easy road" conditions during summer months.
What campers like
Quiet spots away from crowds: For campers seeking solitude, Forest Service Road 7601 offers seclusion. "Absolutely stunning! We went to the left side past the Porta potty's along the off-road trail very bumpy, but absolutely worth it," says Anna Marie about FS Road 7601 Dispersed. Multiple pull-offs along this road feature "beautiful views of the surrounding mountains."
Waterfront camping: Numerous sites offer direct water access. "All of the sites are spacious," notes Marie L. about Glacier View Campground, adding that "the view of the lake and the mountains is one of the best I have seen." Another camper appreciated that "almost every campsite has its own access to the lake."
Low-cost options: Free camping exists throughout the area. At Antilon Lake, one camper noted it's "free for a reason" but others appreciate the value, stating "extremely peaceful. Tons of wildlife, wild flowers, hiking trails and all around good views." The campground has "designated shooting area, bathrooms and awesome rangers checking in."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Animal sightings enhance the camping experience. "Had a bald eagle fly over our heads!" reports one camper at Glacier View. At Antilon Lake, visitors noted "lots of wildlife" and "falling asleep to the sound of the frogs and crickets."
What you should know
Mosquito preparation essential: Multiple campgrounds report significant insect issues. At Glacier View, one camper warned, "The mosquito swarms in mid-June are ABSOLUTELY unbearable. No amount of bug spray seemed to matter, they were flying into ears/eyes/mouths and into the flame from the cookstove by the hundreds." At Goose Creek, a camper reported they "only made it one night" because "there were more mosquitos there than I have seen in my whole life."
Road conditions vary significantly: Many dispersed sites require suitable vehicles. At Chumstick Mountain Dispersed Camping, a camper noted, "This would get 5 stars if it weren't for the terribly bumpy and long road up to the main site. My Toyota Highlander made it up, but I was a little nervous." Another described it as "a 4X4 road and I wouldn't suggest it in anything less."
Limited facilities at most sites: Most dispersed camping lacks amenities. At Swakane Canyon/Creek, expect "over 4 miles of poorly maintained gravel road, but with a nice forest patch at three end. One fireplace - check if fire ban is active!" For FS Road 7601, a camper noted, "It's pretty dusty as vehicles drive by" since the "road does go up to a busy trailhead, so traffic in the morning starts early."
Weekend crowds at established campgrounds: Plan accordingly for busy periods. At Lake Chelan State Park, a visitor noted, "It was a bit crowded but it's to be expected during the final week of summer." Another mentioned that despite being "busy, but worth the fight to get a spot during the busy season."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible waterfront options: Lake Chelan State Park offers family-friendly water access. "This was our first time at Lake Chelan since we our new to the PNW. We wanted to go somehwere for Mothers Day since the weather was going to be beautiful! So with this being our son (who is two) first official camping trip we wanted to make sure there would be stuff to keep him occupied," reports Courtney J. The park includes "a nice playground" where her toddler "had a blast."
Store convenience: Having supplies nearby helps with children. At Lake Chelan State Park Campground, "A small store with hot food, milkshakes and some floaties comes in really handy and the people running it are very nice." Another camper described it as having "everything you could possible need for a family camping weekend."
Wildlife precautions: Parents should secure food from animals. "Watch for the critters they are ruthless so cover ALL your dry goods!" warns one Lake Chelan camper. At Antilon Lake, campers should watch for "mosquitos and bees" that can make camping challenging with children.
Tips from RVers
RV site selection: Some campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles better than others. At Goose Creek Campground, the "campground caters to atv riders with trails and large sites with extra parking." The campground has "nice secluded, heavily treed ones on a creek" in the upper loop and "nice ones down by the river in the lower loop."
Hookup availability: Lake Chelan State Park offers various hookup options. "RV sites with electricity and water hookups" are available, according to one visitor. The campground is "big-rig-friendly" with electric hookups and water hookups available.
Dust management: Many forest roads create dusty conditions for RV campers. At Goose Creek, "passing cars would kick up the fine dust in the dirt lot RV/trailer sites." One camper noted it was "a bit too dusty for my liking" despite otherwise enjoying the campground.
