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.
"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."
"(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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
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
TravelerA couple spots washed out and need high clearance but otherwise just a long slow switchbacky road to the top.
TravelerThe 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.
ScoutNice 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
GuideMany 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.
ScoutArrived 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!
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.
ScoutJust 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.
ScoutNice, quiet dispersed camping next to Sullivan Pond near Winthrop Washington. Recommend 4wd with good clearance. Washington Discover Pass required.
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
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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