Best Equestrian Camping near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area

This is one of our favorite campgrounds in Washington.  It is nice that the sites are large and private you don't feel like you are in a fishbowl like a lot of campgrounds that are just like a parking lot with picnic tables.

We love camping in this area of Washington. There are so many campsites and each one is just far away from the nearest town which is so nice to know that you won't be bothered by the busy road. I always have the best time and have the best memories here.

The campground is divided into two parts by a crisp clear and cold Wenatchee River, flowing out of Lake Wenatchee, locat d in the central Cascade Mountains of Washington. The deep lake is glacier fed, the campgrounds are well loved by locals. Nice pay showers, and the outside campsites in the north part of the campground feel more secluded. Mosquitos are thick in June, but leave due to dry hot weather in July. Huckleberries sling simple hiking trails. Nearby “Enchantments” hikes are more challenging and spectacular.

Seems like these sites are quite popular. However, I went during the middle of the week, on a slightly rainy day, at the end of August and was the only person there. 

If you're like me and not from Washington, remember to get a discovery pass (~$10 per day) if you're parking at the Baker Lake Trailhead. The hike in to Maple Grove is approx. three and a half miles. Don't be surprised if you run into some folks on horseback. 

The trail is relatively flat and goes through some beautiful old growth forest. We got a spot right by the lake that was flat and soft. All of the sites had fire pits and seemed pretty dispersed. There were also bear boxes.  The vault toilets were some of the cleanest I'd seen. 

As you can see from some of the photos, there's a dock that you could boat up to that doubles as a great place see Mt. baker.

Camping is great for those who like to experience the atmosphere of the mountains and forests or resorts that also have camping. As the article above shows, camping is very fun if we have a happy spirit. So let's see the feedback experiences of customers when coming to the camping places on this website: https://suikagameonline.io

Along Thunder-creek trail Junction is tucked away about 10 miles in. While the hike is relatively easy-moderate while passing through the other camps, once you get pass camp Tricouni you have 2.2 miles until camp Junction and it’s a strenuous hike up the mountain for about a mile. There are 3 campsites to choose from in Junction. Get there relatively early because there are only 2 with a view of the glacier, the third is nice and private and tucked away but you won’t see the mountain from the site. The pit toilet is tucked away in some trees to your left of the campsites with plenty of privacy and scenery. Junction great spot for camping or to break for lunch and take in the gorgeous views. I will add if you choose to visit during a warmer time bring bug spray and get a fire going ASAP to keep them at bay until the night air comes in.

Gorgeous backcountry campground, complete with firepits and privy -- makes roughing it even easier. Water is easy access from Thunder Creek, which is just down the hill. This site is about 10 miles south of the Colonial Creek Campground, a great basecamp option for this trek, as you start the hike through old growth forest. This is the perfect site for a large group, but it also has quite a few smaller “tucked away” spots for individuals, couples, etc. The views of Boston Glacier (currently the largest glacier in the North Cascades National Park) and multiple waterfalls are fantastic. Bear canisters are required, as the predominant fir trees in the area are not conducive to hanging food. Cost=free! Permit required from NOCA Visitor Center.

The road to Hart's pass is carved into the side of a mountain and NOT for the faint of heart. But once you're up there, the views are great. It was pretty smoky in August of 2018 from all the wildfires and the campground itself was burned through in the not too distant past (not sure when) but it is still a gorgeous spot. It is the kick off for the last leg of the PCT before Canada and the start of a nice backpack South to Rainy Pass.

There is little or no shade or privacy because of the lack of trees but the sites are fairly far apart. 

Great place for star gazing!

Amazing! Our spot faced the lake and surrounding mountains. The lake has such a nice beach!! Great swimming for adults and kiddos! There is also a playground that my niece loved. Only downside was it could get a bit windy. Other than that a great place to camp!

This campground was awesome! We got super lucky and found one camp ground someone must have canceled and we were able to book the camp ground! The lake is absolutely beautiful and there are quite a few trails to do around the lake! Also they offer rentals for sup boards and kayaks too. This is a must go if you haven’t but make sure to book in advance to Ghana spot!

After making a spontaneous decision for camping the weekend of Fourth of July, we were lucky enough to nab one of the last spots at this state park. Staff was incredibly friendly and amenities appeared well tended too even with the full campground. We also appreciated the privacy of each site as it did not seem like any sites sat on top of one another. Would definitely stay again.

Beautiful setting next to Lake Wenatchee, tucked between mountains. Great beach area for playing, playground, and camp store. Unfortunately, worst mosquitoes ever encountered and the mountains funneling wind across the lake curtailed our visit. Campsites are close together without much flora in between, so noise levels are loud and unfortunately quiet times were not followed or enforced.

This campsite is great for simple campers. There’s the lake where you can rent out kayaks and stand up paddle boards during the summer. It’s about windy there and they’re known to be a hotspot for mosquito bites! Also perfect for group camping since they have a group site that is spacious! It even has a launching dock for groups who wish to go boating.

We had the best time in May at Lake Wenatchee State Park, there is lots of kid friendly activities for all ages. The bathrooms were update and cleaned everyday. This is one of our new best places go back to again and again

We use the group camping. Spacious with lots of room to be “noisy” bring your bug spray

We stayed here in February and used the campground as a home base for a XC ski trip. The winter camping area is in the South Campground in what is the summer-time day use area. Tents can set-up near the water in the trees. Vans and RV have to stay in the parking lot. We only had two other groups camping on a Thursday night. Apparently it gets busy even in winter during the week-end.  There was an open heated bathroom with shower and a warming hut with a woodstove (not on and no firewood) used by skiers. Views are awesome and access to groomed ski trail network was also right off your steps.  Decent AT&T cell reception.

Stopped off on way to Seattle and ended up staying a few days. Really great campground with nice play structure for kids and the restrooms were the cleanest of any campground I have been to in years! Well maintained and if not here during peak feels like you have the lake to yourself. Great stop off!

Love this park normally but the amount of mosquitoes were off the chart. Even with multiple means of combating them, it was a losing battle.

This is a great campground with a play area, store and a terrific beach on a beautiful lake.  We went in mid-june and had the misfortune of LOTS of mosquitos.  Luckily the store had extra bugspray, citronella candles, etc. to make things manageable.