1 campground with availability this weekend
Dispersed tent camping options abound in the Wenatchee National Forest surrounding Entiat, Washington, with several free primitive sites scattered throughout the nearby mountains. Swakane Canyon Creek offers tent campers secluded forest patches at the end of a rough gravel road, while Chumstick Mountain Dispersed Camping provides tent sites with panoramic valley views. Lake Chelan State Park, located approximately 15 miles from Entiat, features walk-in tent sites along the lakeshore with options ranging from standard drive-in sites to more secluded spots near flowing creeks.
Access to dispersed tent camping areas typically requires high-clearance vehicles and preparation for basic conditions. The road to Swakane Canyon Creek involves over 4 miles of poorly maintained gravel, while Chumstick Mountain access requires 4x4 capability along Forest Service Road 7400. Campgrounds like Antilon Lake and Goose Creek provide basic vault toilets, but most dispersed camping areas have no facilities. Most sites feature established fire rings, though campers should verify current fire restrictions before arrival. A Northwest Forest Pass or equivalent permit is required for many locations. Surface conditions vary from grassy clearings on Chumstick Mountain to forest duff at Lake Chelan's walk-in tent sites.
Tent campsites near Entiat vary significantly by location and elevation, offering everything from lakeshore access to high-ridge solitude. "This area of the southeast corner of the National Forest has very little traffic compared to others," noted one visitor about Chumstick Mountain, highlighting the solitude available at higher elevation sites. Lake Chelan's walk-in tent sites offer more amenities but less privacy, with some exceptions. A camper remarked that sites near flowing water "was beautiful and so relaxing to listen to at night." Most primitive tent sites provide basic fire rings but require pack-in water and pack-out waste management. Summer temperatures can be extremely hot, especially at lower elevations, while higher sites experience significant wind. Fall brings cooler temperatures ideal for tent camping, with fewer crowds at established campgrounds and continued accessibility to most dispersed sites until snowfall.
"This is a great park and a premium camping location on the popular Lake Chelan. A favorite location for west siders to escape the rain for some guaranteed sunshine in Central Washington."
"We camped in the tent camping side towards the lake (site 89) and had a decent amount of privacy."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $41 / night
"One fireplace - check if fire ban is active!"
"It was ok don't like the fact that we had to park our vehicle so far away from campsite because it was a bitch to get to camping area"
"There was a fire ring which is how we could tell it was a spot. The views of the mountains all around are insane!!! Loved watching the sunset and sunrise up here. It is very windy!"
"Within the almost 4 million acres of the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest, lie countless locations for dispersed camping."
"I had heard from the ranger that things could get wild, but it wasn’t too bad. The dirt road is long with curves, and can get bumpy at times."
"Tons of wildlife, wild flowers, hiking trails and all around good views. If you're looking to avoid the crowds I would advise going in the middle of the week to atleast claim your site!"
"One of the many awesome boat up National Forest Service campgrounds along Lake Chelan. Gorgeous lake front spots, with firepits, picnic tables, and pit toilets. Creek is near the campground."
"the restrooms are a short walk; spare, but usually quite clean. nice dock facility, but secure your bumpers well due to passing boat wakes."
"Awesome National Forest Service campground, just 3-4 miles above 25-Mile State Park on Lake Chelan. Lots of shade and great trees for hammocks."
"Right on lake wenatachee, 18 a night. 4 vault toilets and plenty of sites, picnic tables, water access and fire rings. we had the entire camp ground to ourselves very romantic, slept right on the beach"
"The first few sites had space for RVs, but after that it's primarily hike-in sites, but a one or two sites for a camper van to pull into (which is the option we chose)."
"Stopped to check out Goose Creek Campground which was pretty much empty when we got there, but had loads of trash left behind by previous campers."
"Campground caters to atv riders with trails and large sites with extra parking."
from $18 - $28 / night
"Originally we were set up on a small pull off on the side of the road, but then we took a walk and saw a small road shooting off the side with 3 large spots with fire pits."
"Each of the 3 spots had easy access to the river. It's only 2 miles away from the Stuart and Colchuck Lake TH too!"
ScoutIt was fairly easy to get to this area however despite our best efforts we only found one established campsite with a fire ring. Road getting here was mostly paved with some debris on the roadway. We lost GPS signal just before arriving and passed NF200. I gave 3 stars because we were unable to locate other sites. Maybe it was just me but we drove quite a while on NF200 and only found the one right at the entrance.
TravelerThe heated bathrooms with showers were definitely comfort on our cross country road trip. We arrived after hours but because we already had made reservations that morning we were able to use the slider and enter the campground. Star gazing is always top priority. We headed down to the lake’s beach to snap some shots with my iPhone 14 Pro night, setting on a tripod and remote.
LegendWe spent a pleasant evening in this beautiful park. Facilities are clean and well kept. Sites are spread out with plenty of grassy area between each site.
RangerDecent little camp ground, designated spots at the top an you can drive down to the lake. Walking around you did see a fair amount of trash N no cell signals.
RangerNot far off main road, and gravel road not bad at all. Absolutely no cell coverage, a few designated spots.
ScoutFREE!! NO FEE!! This place has around 20 spots. Some of the spots are on one road right as you enter with a vault toilet. But if you continue and take a right down that road there are more spots and another vault toilet. The larger sites are on this second road.
Each spot has a picnic table and fire ring.
It looks like the road has a closed during the winter but the camping is still open. Snowmobiling to the sites.
GuideIt is basically a gravel lot along soap lake. It has full hookups and costs $52/ Night. Easy to get in. You have to use the QR code box on the board beside the gate. It works easily and you get your gate code by email quickly. The internet is strong but slow. We are using our Verizon with 5g signal. Showers nice and hot.
RangerPit toilets clean and stocked. Sites spread out. Only one other camper on a Saturday. Diverse landscape with variety of birds Verizon 2 bars on ridge 1 bar in lower sites. No trash or water.
LegendWe camped here for one night. It’s about a mile down a dirt road that is fairly well maintained. Several gravel campsites. Right next to the lake, although you can’t really see it with all the bushes. But there is a gravel boat ramp that you could launch a kayak or a canoe from. There is a vault toilet, but it’s pretty sketchy. Was nice and quiet. Only one other camper here with us.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Entiat, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Entiat, WA is Lake Chelan State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 24 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 81 tent camping locations near Entiat, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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