46 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Several dispersed camping options exist within the national forests surrounding Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, offering free primitive campsites ranging from creekside spots to high-elevation viewpoints. 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.
"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."
"This is a very short drive on a gravel road less than 1/4 mile off paved road. Very large parking lot mostly flat with a few other campsites with fire ring just before it. We took one of those."
"This was a bit tenuous getting in with our 21’ RV, but at the end of the road there was a turnaround and a couple sites left with a late arrival. Nice listening to the river as we went to sleep."
"I didn’t have to go far in to find a place to car camp for the night. So I can’t speak to what’s further up the road (including Forest Road 1062, which is the marker for this Dyrt listing)."
"It's true this exact location is a particular pull out over a river. Slept here in my truck just fine. A big rig wouldn't fit but good for trucks/vans."
"If you are looking to hike goat peak or fox mountain this is an ideal location."
"Nice, quiet dispersed camping next to Sullivan Pond near Winthrop Washington. Recommend 4wd with good clearance. Washington Discover Pass required."
"There is about a dozen pull off spots on the side of the road and then a few more at the top by the lake. The lake was almost non-existent/dried out when we visited."
"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!"
LegendThe dispersed sites are on the narrow, gravel section. There are a few on the paved area but most have been blocked off. Even on the gravel section most are pull-offs or quite close to the road. They are dispersed sites so no amenities. Most are close or have access to the Sauk River. The road and TH’s were very busy but cleared out as evening settled in.
LegendWe spent two nights at this small campground. It is free in off season. There is a vault toilet but no other amenities. Sites were clean and in good condition.
Baker Lake TH is a few miles up the road for more exploring.
LegendEnjoyed a couple nights relaxing at this great spot. A couple of visitors drove through to check out the river but we were the only ones camping. We stayed at the back at the site with beach access.
LegendRoad closures due to a bridge out closed off probably the better sites up top but we did find a great spot off the road with a view. Enjoyed a nice evening under the stars and a campfire.
GuideWe originally drove up NF-51 to check out Falls Creek Campground (which is also beautiful) and discovered this gem! While there is no fee per night to camp, a Discover Pass is required (unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license).
No potable water or hookups available. Very stinky pit toilet. Fire rings at sites but there was a ban in place when we were there.
There was plenty of room when we were here, but I would imagine it is very busy during the summer and hunting season.
LegendPotential for being a non stop dust bath. I lucked out and came to this soot after it rained so the dirt road was wet. My van is right on the side of the road. If the ground is dusty, that could be rough time with the dust. LOTS of cars driving past. Even a few throughout the night. If you are in a tent, I dont think it would be too bad as the tent areas are down closer to the water. It looks like room for 1 larger tent and maybe a smaller tent on even ground.
Not too bad on the bug situation.
Ground is very rocky so no place to dig a bathroom. Remember NOT to leave your poopoo and TP. Thats disgusting and the next camper doesnt want to deal with that. You are ruining it for everyone else. (I hate that this needs to be addressed in reviews now) 2 miles up the road at the trail head has pit toilets
Nice access to the lake. If it wasnt so cold and rainy I definitely would have gotten the paddle board out.
I would say theres around 15-20 spots along this road. We made it to the end, its a trail head and it had a few large rigs down there set up for the night.
TravelerWent to camp here in my truck. Very convenient spot and easy to find off the main road. However this forest road is closed and actively under construction.
TravelerVery convenient spot. I didn’t have to go far in to find a place to car camp for the night. So I can’t speak to what’s further up the road (including Forest Road 1062, which is the marker for this Dyrt listing). I was still on Forest Road 1060, which is labeled Bacon Creek Road from Highway 20. Initially I drove past it trying to find where my map told me to turn based on the GPS. So just keep an eye out for Bacon Creek Road. Google Maps labels at Forest Road 1060.
GuideWe stayed here 2 nights on our road trip, tent camping. The road is a bit of a far drive from the highway, but there seems to be many spots to camp along the way. There are also a few paid for campgrounds in the area. But the free dispersed spots are the furthest down the road. The view of the lake and mountains in the distance are beautiful. The water is so clear and blue, fishing, and boating is common. No amenities near the free camping, but there are toilets and dumpsters along Baker Lake road. Not too many mosquitoes when we were there, but be aware of the mice. It rained the first night, but on the second, we had a wonderful view of the moonrise. We also spotted some toads by the lake at night. Signs say there are bears in the area, but we didn't have a problem with that. My only complaints are we could not park our car right next to camp, but it wasn't far, campfires were not allowed, and people cannot seem to clean up after themselves. There were areas that were clearly used as bathrooms; toilet paper scattered around, and piles of poop. Please have the decency to bury your feces. But overall, I would definitely recommend this campsite!
Dispersed camping near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area requires preparation for remote, rustic conditions. Most sites sit at elevations between 2,000-4,700 feet and lack developed facilities. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F while spring and fall bring cooler conditions requiring warmer gear. Seasonal access restrictions apply during winter months when snow closes many forest roads.
River access: Multiple Chewuch River dispersed sites provide direct water access. "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. The one in the very back left has its own personal beach area," notes Sarah S. about Chewuch River Camping.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings at creek-side locations often reward campers with animal sightings. At NF Dispersed Camping, one camper reported "The morning we were able to watch a fish swim upstream and large buck taking a stroll along the creek," making these sites particularly valuable for nature photographers.
Stargazing: Higher elevation sites like Cooper Mountain Road provide exceptional night sky viewing due to minimal light pollution. "Near the peak of Fox Mountain, this area is at one of the highest points in the area," explains joseph about their experience at this location.
Seclusion: Less-traveled sites can provide quieter camping experiences. At Suiattle Riverside Camp, Kristen Z. found "This spot was so beautiful over looking a stream rushing over rocks. Ferns and big pines in the the background."
Elevated views: Several dispersed areas sit at higher elevations with panoramic vistas. "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," writes Luke B. about Chelan Lookout.
Water features: Many campers specifically seek sites adjacent to water bodies. At Upper Bobcat, Emma noted "Great spot with plenty of sites. Lots of room at your site and between neighbors. Super close to the river."
Road conditions: Many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles or careful navigation of unmaintained roads. According to Marco at NF Dispersed Camping, "Probably some good camping out this way, but we didn't get more than a mile in our promaster before turning around. Camped on a wider part of the road."
Variable site conditions: Site cleanliness and maintenance vary throughout the season. Lauren M. observed at some locations: "The site closer to hwy 20 had both trash and food debris everywhere. The tent pad was completely unusable because of trash." Always bring garbage bags to pack out waste.
Permit requirements: Washington Discover Pass is required at several dispersed camping areas. Emma T. noted about Sullivan Pond Camp: "Really peaceful and lovely campsite. Lots of flowers, just a few camping spaces available. Washington Discovery Pass is required for camping here."
Safety considerations: Choose sites with adequate space for children away from hazards. At Upper Bobcat, Emma noted despite crowds, "There were a lot of people, mainly families, but everyone was super respectful and it honestly made me feel safer and a solo traveler."
Bug protection: Insect populations can be significant in warmer months. PJ H. warns about Upper Bobcat: "Was here last summer and the bugs were BAD, like hiding in the car and tent bad. Left with more bug bites than I could count."
Alternative accommodations: When forest roads prove challenging, consider SNO-Parks as backup options. "Nothing special. Just a parking lot a little off the highway. People are rolling in until about 10:30 and start leaving at 6. Clean pit toilet," reports Ashley A. about Goat Creek Sno-Park.
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller RVs only. Reagan S. at NF Dispersed Camping found "Not super level, but worked with limited options available. Went all the way to the coordinates and found a spot good enough for a tent and a car."
Pull-out options: Some locations offer simple roadside pull-outs rather than developed sites. Kimberly C. evaluated Hard Creek Bridge and noted "We didn't stay here but we evaluated it on our way to one that was large enough to accommodate our big rig. It's a pullout just over the bridge along the main road."
Road access challenges: High-clearance requirements and rough roads limit RV access. Brett B. observed about Cooper Mountain Road: "A couple spots washed out and need high clearance but otherwise just a long slow switchbacky road to the top."
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.
Keep Exploring
