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Best Dispersed Camping near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

67 Reviews

Several dispersed camping options exist within the national forests surrounding Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. NF Dispersed Camping along Forest Road 1062 offers free primitive sites alongside a creek, though the access road has numerous potholes requiring higher clearance vehicles. A recent visitor noted, "The road was rough. We have a 27 foot RV I would not bring any trailers down here." Most sites permit fires and allow pets, though a Washington Discover Pass is required for camping.

Additional dispersed sites can be found at Sullivan Pond Camp near Winthrop, Cooper Mountain Road, and Upper Bobcat. Sullivan Pond features limited camping spaces in a flower-filled setting, while Cooper Mountain provides spectacular views from one of the highest points in the area. The Chewuch River Camping area offers multiple free sites with river access and established fire rings. Goat Creek Sno-Park functions as a large open lot suitable for various vehicle types with a long-drop toilet available. Most locations have a 14-day camping limit, with seasonal fire restrictions typically in place during summer months.

Map showing campgrounds near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, WashingtonExplore the Map

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (38)

    1. Goat Creek Sno-Park

    2 Reviews
    Mazama, WA
    23 miles

    "Just a parking lot a little off the highway. People are rolling in untill about 10:30 and start leaving at 6. Clean pit toilet. Nothing wrong with it, great place just to sleep and keep moving."

    2. NF Dispersed Camping

    12 Reviews
    Marblemount, WA
    34 miles

    "CLEARANCE NEEDED - around the same amount as the Subaru line of vehicles or greater - 4wd not necessary)

    Beautiful area, small town nearby where you could likely pick up a few things. I didnt stop."

    "Beautiful spot near the water also has some more secluded spots if wanted. Didn’t see too many people. And had no issues picking a spot to car camp. Definitely recommend."

    3. Hard Creek Bridge

    1 Review
    Marblemount, WA
    23 miles

    4. Sullivan Pond Camp

    3 Reviews
    Winthrop, WA
    30 miles

    "Nice, quiet dispersed camping next to Sullivan Pond near Winthrop Washington. Recommend 4wd with good clearance. Washington Discover Pass required."

    "Washington Discovery Pass is required for camping here."

    5. Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Methow, WA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 996-4000

    "A couple spots washed out and need high clearance but otherwise just a long slow switchbacky road to the top."

    "Near the peak of Fox Mountain, this area is at one of the highest points in the area. Great cell service(AT&T) and a amazing view for both sunrise and sunset!"

    6. Suiattle Riverside Camp

    1 Review
    Darrington, WA
    30 miles

    7. Eldorado Peak Alpine Camp — North Cascades National Park

    Be the first to review!
    North Cascades National Park, WA
    21 miles
    Website

    8. Upper Bobcat Dispersed Camping

    2 Reviews
    Winthrop, WA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 754-4624

    "Super close to the river. There were a lot of people, mainly families, but everyone was super respectful and it honestly made me feel safer and a solo traveler. Would definitely go back."

    9. Chewuch River Camping

    1 Review
    Winthrop, WA
    33 miles

    "This is a great location that is pretty much set up for hunting if you’re into that. It’s right on the water and there are plenty of spots and each spot has access areas to the river."

    10. Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Manson, WA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 682-4900

    "Sandy dirt camping site near the USGS sensor station. No fires today due to high fire danger, but there was a pit in the camp. Tent right on the ridge. Dirt road was 12 miles up the mountain."

    "Passed a park ranger on the way and he never said anything. There is also paid for camping on the way up here."

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

41 Photos of 38 Lake Chelan National Recreation Area Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

67 Reviews of 38 Lake Chelan National Recreation Area Campgrounds

  • Theresa K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2023

    Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek

    Repulsive

    Every 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

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2023

    Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping

    Nice spot up a long forest/logging road

    A couple spots washed out and need high clearance but otherwise just a long slow switchbacky road to the top.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 29, 2025

    Sullivan Pond Camp

    Winthrop

    The campsite is right by the forest road. Fire restrictions are in place for the summer months, so no campfires. Quite a few mosquitos do bring spray or other repellant types.

  • Sara J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 21, 2024

    Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek

    Beckler creek riverside

    Nice large campsite near the water. There were many campsites along the road. I had to clean up a lot of trash when it got here. Please pack out your own trash and follow other leave no trace rules. The campfire was awesome

  • Eric O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Baker Lake Road Dispersed Campsite

    All things considered, good spot

    Many pull offs along the gravel road. Stayed at one that was overlooking the lake. Lots of spots with easy lake access.

    Pros: free, good views, easy to get to, plenty of spots (even on Labor Day), fire rings.

    Cons: some spots have lots of trash (please remember leave no trace), most spots are along the gravel road so there are cars passing by every once in a while and sometimes they go by quite quickly kicking up lots of dust.

    All things considered, pretty good spot and would stay again.

  • H
    Oct. 13, 2024

    Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp

    Quiet camp with great views

    Arrived around 4pm on a Friday and there were a few spots left. Pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables available. No water. Got a spot with lake and Mountain View’s. Very small, quiet, stunning campground. Felt safe. We have a rooftop tent, not many sites with large enough spots to park trailers or vans. Mostly tent sites that are walk in. Mostly open, some sites in the forest. Had one bar of Verizon service. Would stay again!

  • Meghan The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 28, 2021

    Baldy Mountain Dispersed Camping

    Stellar views of Lake Chelan yet worlds away

    This 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.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 17, 2025

    Old Cascades Highway Dispersed

    Roadside Oasis

    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 for high clearance vehicles to pull into it and smaller cars have roadside space the road wasn’t too active when we camped overnight even so the sound of the waterfalls drowns it all out. It has Solid fire pit and very lush green forest surroundings.

  • John T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 25, 2023

    Sullivan Pond Camp

    Sullivan Pond, Winthrop WA

    Nice, quiet dispersed camping next to Sullivan Pond near Winthrop Washington. Recommend 4wd with good clearance. Washington Discover Pass required.

Guide to Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

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.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area in Washington

  • Many sites, like Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping, are accessible by vehicle, but a high-clearance vehicle is recommended due to rough roads.
  • Always check for a required permit before setting up camp, as places like Hard Creek Bridge enforce this rule.
  • Be prepared for a lack of amenities; for instance, Eldorado Peak Alpine Camp does not offer drinking water or toilets, so plan accordingly.

Scenic views and activities while free camping near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

  • Enjoy breathtaking sunrises and sunsets at Sullivan Pond Camp, which is known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful pond views.
  • For those who love hiking, NF Dispersed Camping provides access to numerous trails and scenic spots along the river.
  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to water at sites like South Fork Sauk River, where you can cast a line in a picturesque setting.

Dispersed campers should check out Chelan Lookout

  • The Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed offers stunning views from the ridge, making it a perfect spot for photography and relaxation.
  • This area is known for its sandy dirt camping sites, providing a comfortable base for your outdoor adventures.
  • The drive to Chelan Lookout can be an adventure in itself, with a scenic 12-mile journey filled with switchbacks and beautiful landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find dispersed camping in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area?

Dispersed camping opportunities can be found near Lake Chelan at Baldy Mountain Dispersed Camping which offers incredible sunset views of the valley from NF-8410 between the Cashmere and Chelan sections. This site requires 4x4 access or possibly high-clearance AWD from the Chelan side. Another option is Lake Chelan Overlook, a small pull-off area with a fire ring suitable for a single tent or camper van. While not directly in the recreation area, these nearby dispersed sites provide access to the Lake Chelan region. Note that many dispersed sites fill quickly on weekends, so arriving early is recommended.

What permits or regulations apply to dispersed camping in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area?

Dispersed camping in the Lake Chelan area requires permits and adherence to regulations. At Sullivan Pond Camp near Winthrop, a Washington Discover Pass is required for overnight stays. Fire restrictions are typically in place during summer months, prohibiting campfires when fire danger is high. The Hard Creek Bridge and other dispersed sites in the region require campers to follow Leave No Trace principles, including proper waste disposal. Pack out all trash, maintain appropriate distance from water sources, and limit stays to 14 days within a 30-day period. Check with North Cascades National Park Service for any additional backcountry permits needed for specific areas.

Is free camping available at Lake Chelan National Recreation Area?

Yes, free camping is available near Lake Chelan, though most sites require permits rather than fees. Lower Sandy Dispersed Camp offers free camping with basic amenities like pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, though no water is provided. Dispersed Camping Beckler Creek provides various free camping spots along forest service roads with water access, though you'll need to arrive early on weekends to secure a spot. While these sites don't have entrance fees, some may require a Northwest Forest Pass or Washington Discover Pass for parking, which represents an indirect cost. Always check current regulations before your trip.

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