Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, WA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
Sadly though the campsites are not well cared for.
Nice, quiet dispersed camping next to Sullivan Pond near Winthrop Washington. Recommend 4wd with good clearance.
Great campsite with an awesome view. Sandy dirt camping site near the USGS sensor station.
$50 / night
Our favorite camp spots are right on the water, and most spots you'll find here deliver - creeks run through the (what seems to be) endless forest
$12 - $50 / night
A good option for Dispersed camping if Lake Wenatchee State Park campground.
Just a couple miles East of Skykomish, up a paved road, the campsite is just before you go over the bridge on your right and had enough room
TravelerFound this sweet spot a little bit ago. Various dispersed camping spots along the road and up the forest service roads. There are some really sweet spots along the road with water access.
RangerThe directions had me believing that the dispersed camping was just various pull offs on the highway loop and that’s where I stayed. It was loud and it felt like the traffic was coming through my tent at times. After driving to North Cascades I discovered that there was real dispersed camping on that road but probably 45 minutes to an hour past where the coordinates took you. Once the highway turned into a gravel road is when I started seeing nice dispersed campsites
GuideThis campsite is along the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route between the Cashmere and Chelan sections along NF-8410. Obviously, this is a 4X4 road but if you approach from the Chelan side you could maybe get away with a high clearance AWD vehicle. Incredible sunset views of the valley overlooking Lake Chelan to one side and a vast forested mountain range to the other. This particular spot photographed is on the south side of the road to the north of the Baldy Mountain crest. This area seemed to have a good number of sites in the immediate vicinity, not that we saw anything in them. This particular site was clearly well used as it was flat, had log stump seats, and a stone fire pit (even if you aren't supposed to have fires most of the year in this forest). Someone even built a rustic camp toilet in the woods just away from the campsite.
ScoutNice, quiet dispersed camping next to Sullivan Pond near Winthrop Washington. Recommend 4wd with good clearance. Washington Discover Pass required.
ScoutEvery dispersed campground we checked along this road (maybe five or so) was littered with human feces and toilet paper everywhere. We found a literal bucket of human waste beside the river with a soiled pool noodle nearby I can only assume was being used as a toilet seat. Please, if you care about keeping nature wild, carry out your toilet paper and dig a cathole or use the outhouse in the campground. If you don’t know what a cathole is, you should probably should not being using dispersed camping and try the campground down the road. We ended up staying at the campground because we couldn’t find dispersed camping where there wasn’t poop and had a positive experience there. Leave no trace!!
https://www.nps.gov/articles/leave-no-trace-seven-principles.htm
TravelerThis site will be on your right as you drive up NF-1062. someone made a firepit using stones, it will be easy to spot.
This was my very first dispersed camping that i did with my dog. will comeback if i drive by or something.
LegendA good option for Dispersed camping if Lake Wenatchee State Park campground. This is a at the Lake Wenatchee Airstrip Snoparks at the junction of 207 and 22 near Lake Wenatchee and Fish lake. There is a large parking lot and some pull outs off an old forest road the loops around from one side of the road to the other. Quiet in the spring. No facilities and good AT&T cell reception.
TravelerOur favorite camp spots are right on the water, and most spots you'll find here deliver - creeks run through the (what seems to be) endless forest, trees provide shade and lovely hammock set ups, and most spots are separate from others giving you a private, relaxing experience. Hike out to Blanca Lake!
TravelerWe was there during the week and we could to find a free spot easily.
Just turn right after the Horseshoe Cove CG. It’s a unpaved road, go until the lake. Has a toilet and 10ish campsites with fireplaces and tables.
Dispersed camping near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area in Washington offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the crowds. With stunning landscapes and a variety of sites, this area is perfect for those seeking adventure and tranquility.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is NF Dispersed Camping with a 4.8-star rating from 6 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 29 dispersed camping locations near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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