We're here to help you find where to go horse camping in Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. Camping with horses is a beautiful way to experience nature. These scenic and easy-to-reach Lake Chelan National Recreation Area campsites are perfect for equestrian campers.
Lake Wenatchee State Park is a 489-acre camping park with 12,623-feet of waterfront on glacier-fed Lake Wenatchee and the Wenatchee River and is a great place for camping near Seattle. The park is bisected by the Wenatchee River, creating two distinct areas – south park, which features areas for camping, swimming and horseback riding, and north park, which is in a less developed, forested section of the park and a quarter-mile walk from the lake.
The park has 155 tent spaces, 42 water and electric sites, one dump station, seven restrooms, and 16 showers. In addition, the park provides two ADA campsites. Call 509-763-3101 for more information.
The south campground (sites 1 - 100) has parking pads 30 to 40-feet in length, with only two pull-through sites. Larger RVs and fifth-wheelers should use the north campground (sites 101 - 197) which includes 42 large pull-through utility sites. Maximum tents allowed are one family tent or up to two 2-3 man tents. Maximum vehicles allowed are two per site, additional vehicles may park in overflow areas.
Along Thunder Creek Trail, the first open view is from a 1970 burn at about 4.5 miles (7.2 km). Here an emerging forest of young Douglas-fir and a profusion of seed bearing herbs and shrubs attract birds, rodents and their predators. Across the valley, note a newer burn from lightning strikes in 1990. Rock cliffs and McAllister Glacier provide natural fire breaks and a splendid backdrop for this evolving forest scene. The next backcountry camps, McAllister hiker and stock, are located at mile 6.7 (10.8 km) and are a popular overnight destination. Pass the stock camp first, with a view from a high cliff down Thunder Creek. This view was created in the massive floods of 2003, when the river below shifted course significantly and carved into the cliff, suddenly bringing trail and hiker into much closer proximity to the creek! Hikers continue a short distance and cross the roaring creek on a log bridge to access the spacious and green creek-side hiker camp. The far site is a group site. Smaller Tricouni Camp lies 1.3 miles (2.1 km) beyond McAllister, in a more open salal forest, just after crossing Fisher Creek on a bridge. From Tricouni, the trail begins its first real climb: a relentless 2.2 miles (3.5 km) gains over 1000 feet (305 m) to reach Junction Camps (hiker and stock) and a major trail junction. From the high ridge of the hiker camp, enjoy an expansive view of Boston Glacier and Tricouni Peak. From here, one may either take the Fisher Creek Trail 14.8 miles (23.8 km) over Easy Pass to SR 20, or continue on the Thunder Creek Trail to Park Creek Pass. Both ways lead to grand trail experiences.
The Nason Creek Campground is located approximately 19 miles north of Leavenworth, Washington, and about one mile south of the Lake Wenatchee State Park. Set in old growth forest and in the Cascade foothills, Nason Creek is a popular destination.
In addition to being a prime location for hiking, fishing, swimming, horseback riding and mountain biking in summer and early fall, the Nason Creek area offers excellent skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the winter months. The campground is also a great base camp for day-hikers and overnight backpackers. Several access trails from the area give hikers the chance to create their own excursions, whether it be a day hike or an overnight trip. Anglers enjoy fishing for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and kokanee salmon from boat or shoreline on nearby Lake Wenatchee.
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest offers stunning scenic views, with high, glaciated alpine peaks, valleys of old growth forest and rugged shrub-steppe country making up the diverse landscape. Elevations range from below 1,000 feet to over 9,000 feet. Visitors to the area can expect many days of warm, sunny weather in the summer, and winters with clear skies and plenty of snow. The surrounding undeveloped wilderness, clean streams and diverse forests support an abundance of wildlife, including deer, porcupine, native fish and migratory birds. Endangered and threatened species, including the Northern Bald Eagle, the Northern Spotted Owl, gray wolves and grizzly bears, also find havens in nearby ecosystems.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (661) 702-1420 for general information.
Visitors enjoy the North Cascades and Lake Wenatchee State Park. Guests can also explore the area's colorful railroad and mining history at the Steven's Pass Historic District, or hit the slopes at Steven's Pass Ski Area.
Cancellations Individual Campsites: Cancellations up to 2 days before a reservation start date incur a $10.00 cancellation fee. A visitor who cancels a reservation the day before or on the day of arrival will pay a $10.00 service fee AND forfeit the first night's use fee including tax and applicable add-on for a campsite. Cancellations for a one-night reservation will forfeit the entire amount paid and will not be subject to an additional service fee. No-Shows A no-show visitor is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date. Staff will hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. No-shows are assessed $20.00 service fee and forfeit the first night's rate, taxes and applicable add-on for a campsite. Refunds Visitors may submit a refund request through their Recreation.gov profile within 7 days of the end date of their reservation. Refunds will not be issued after the 7 days has ended. Refunds for debit or credit card payments will be issued as a credit to the original bank or credit card used to pay. For check or cash purchases, Recreation.gov will mail a Treasury check for refunds of cash, check, or money order payments to the address associated with the reservation. Treasury check refunds may take up to 6-8 weeks to arrive. In the event of an emergency closure, the Recreation.gov team or facility manager will refund all fees and will attempt to notify you using the contact information within the Recreation.gov visitor profile.
$25 / night
Great views. Alpine meadows. This forested campground is located in the Hart's Pass Area, near the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. No trailers allowed on Forest Road 5400 to Hart's Pass (very narrow road).
Alta Lake State Park has 32 utility spaces, trailer dump, 4 restrooms (one ADA) and 12 showers. Maximum site length is 38 feet (limited availability). Dump station available year-round, dump station fees are $5 per use. If you are camping, this fee is included in your campsite fee.
Located near the Chiwawa River at Rock Creek this campground is approximately 15 miles up the Chiwawa River Road #6200. It offers 7 long pull-through spurs and horse facilities. It is wheelchair accessible. __The Basalt Ridge Trail #1527__and The Rock Creek Trail #1509 are accessed from this horsecamp.
Maple Grove Campsites are located on Baker Lake Trail. This is a wonderful family hike for all seasons with its low elevation and level grade. Stands of giant old growth trees draped in lichen and covered in moss are some of the highlights along this trail. Baker Lake Trail is the only trail on Mt. Baker Ranger District open for stock and llama use year round. It can also be accessed at the north via Baker River Trail 606. This trail leads into a majestic stand of Douglas fir that regrew after Mt. Baker erupted and started a forest fire in 1843. You can still see the burned snags of the cedar trees that once dominated the area. From south to north, the trail contours the eastern shoreline of Baker Lake, offering glimpses of Mt. Baker. All along the trail spot western trillium, twinflower, foamflower, coralroot and twisted stalk.
$20 - $60 / night
The Smith Brook trail starts off with several switchbacks, then continues up to Union Gap where it meets the Pacific Crest Trail. Turn south (left) at Union Gap and continue hiking until you reach the gap between Mount Lichtenberg and McCausland, where you get a first glimpse of Lake Valhalla.
Just before reaching the gap, a boot trail follows the ridge up to an old lookout site at Mount McCausland. Less then a half a mile and 600 feet of climbing and you will reach the top, where you will have a great view of Glacier Peak to the north. There are lots of huckleberries in the meadows along this trail.
Pass over the gap and descend to Lake Valhalla. There are a number of overnight campsites and a couple of backcountry toilets at the lake, although campfires are not permitted. There is a very pleasant sandy beach at the lake as well, which is perfect for lunch and relaxing in the summer.
Scout
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
Guide
This place was so fun we plan to go back again in September! Even though the sites were close together, we still felt like we had a lot of privacy. There were lots of paths to take our kids for walks or bike rides. And the swimming area at the lake was really nice. They even had a snack shack! The only thing that was missing was a better playground. There was a slide, and that was about it.
GuidePersonally I really enjoyed this park and camping. The park itself is really well maintained, and in a beautiful location. The lake and surrounding hills were beautiful. Even with the few private homes nearby, it didn't really take away from the scenery in my opinion.
I camped in the upper loop in a site that backed to the hill side. The layout of the sites are very unique, no two sites (in the upper loop at least) are alike. My spot had a lower parking area with room for two cars. The you step up to the "living room" where the picnic table and fire pit were, then off of that area was a isolated tent pad area.
The next spot over on one side was up hill from me, so didn't really see them (but could hear them). The spot on the other side was closer and lacked a little bit of privacy, but as far as state parks go, it was still fairly spread out. I was also there for a Saturday and Sunday night, so Sunday the park completely emptied out and I think there were only 2 or 3 others in the entire upper loop, and not near me at all, which was nice.
I'm sure there are times when the lake gets overrun with motor boats and jet skis, but the weekend I was there (6/8 & 6/9) wasn't to bad at all. Paddle boards and kayaks outnumbers the boats with motors, and even those weren't racing around the lake, they were all fishing.
I mostly camp in dispersed camping areas, but this is a state park I would put on my short willing to return to list.
Traveler
Outside the picturesque town of Leavenworth, lies the most stunning body of water in the Pacific Northwest. This was our first camping trip and we could not have picked a better time or place. We visited in September when summer was slowly becoming fall. The weather was cool but not unmanageable and the camp ground was near empty. The only sounds that could be heard were the wrestling of leaves, the gentle lapping of waves, and the nightly screaming of elk in the distance.
At the time of our visit, there was a burn ban but we were allowed to use a propane fire pit.
We plan on going back when it’s a bet warmer so we can take our kayaks.
Our dog loved it!
Legend
We camped here due to all the campgrounds near the enchantments being full, but the 25 drive to and from leavenworth was very pretty and not too bad. Try to get a site on the creek! The sites on the creek are the most private and you can go for a dip like we did! The water isn’t freezing. It is also right down the road from Lake Wenatchee State Park which is beautiful!
TravelerQuite liked this campground, a few things to note first about the site then the park.
Site: 31 Great distance between tent pad and picnic table with a few well placed trees for hammock/ clothing line Fire ring was great distance from picnic table. Great privacy (granted the people in the site next to us weren’t there) Close walk to bathroom/showers & Trash Short 5 minute walk to the lake.
Park: Showers were actually free Normally it is pretty windy, but there was no wind both days we were present Mosquitos were worse than usual, but a constant cost of DEET and a anti mosquito candle kept them at bay, still got bit up a bit There is a pretty legit store with camping stuff, espresso, and ice cream Playground near beach area By the beach there was a dude selling kayak/ paddle board rentals, he does not come on especially windy days Kind Staff, met camp hosts dog
I’ve also attached some photos of the RV sites from the north campground
Definitely will come back
GuideLove this park normally but the amount of mosquitoes were off the chart. Even with multiple means of combating them, it was a losing battle.
TravelerStopped 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!
TravelerYou park really nervst the other, that’s why only 4 stars, hood for fishing, hook ups, great view, well maintained
ScoutFirst night here. Hosts are great. Reserved and first come first served. Shady spots and not too close. Some sites near the road, it's not a wilderness spot.
GuideSite was adequate. The picnic table was super close to the fire pit and a huge rock but you can’t move it. The table is chained to the ground. The site has decent shade during the day. But enough exposure to dry clothing and tents. Baths are okay. The shower rooms were clean. $0.50 for 3 minutes. Water was close by. Garbage and bathroom were a short walk.
GuideClean and fairly private campground with great hosts and several sites on l creek and lake. Good roads to park. Clean bathrooms. Recommend sites 36 and 37 on creek.
Ranger
Highest road in WA: Harts Pass. You need good weather, 4W drive and high clearance. Yep, sedans might be able to do it but they shouldn’t, plain and simple. If you bottom out on this road, you have a LONG walk to town.
Camp: moderately sized sites. We arrived July 1 and only two campsites were habitable due to snow. A bear box would be nice. The landscape is a bit unusual due to beetle and fire damage.
TravelerWe had a tent site up on the hill that was semi-private with beautiful views. Plenty of birds to wake you with the sunrise. I could see how the lake could be busy in peak months but it wasn’t while we were here.
TravelerThis was our first big camping trip as a family. My husband and I had both camped separately as kids/teens but we never did it as a couple for some reason.
Anyways, this was a fun trip. Despite there being a heat wave, the weather by the lake was refreshing. The campers around us were polite. My daughter even made some friends with the site next to us.
The beach was super busy but there was still abundant room to set up a couple of chairs & relax. The rentals were fairly priced - hubby went out on the lake in a kayak. And the little store was friendly. Bathrooms were as clean as busy state park bathrooms could be.
We're headed back again to the same site this year.
GuideIt’s Lake Wenatchee + camping. No more review needed.
ScoutIt was too cold to swim but so nice on the beach. It was quiet at night and they have a little store in case you forgot anything.
Guide
The campground was in good shape, nice and clean.
GuideOf the 200+ sites in the south campground, none were occupied. It was dark, facilities were shut down for the season, host was off duty. Ghost town. One other car pulled in after I'd made camp, but I'd already decided to bail for the KOA in Leavenworth. Did not stay the night.
Tmobile 5G was good: 50-80mpbs, same with ATT.
TravelerWonderful place to camp during autumn. Beautiful colors. Arrived for the last weekend before gates were closed (Closed noon Monday 10/11) A lot of no show reservations, recommend coming Saturday morning and taking the pick of the crop. Very close to amazing hikes and Leavenworth. Camp hosts were helpful, bathrooms were clean and comfortable. Fires were permitted, cold at night this time of year but many sites were still tent camping.
LegendWe camped here in early October on Friday night. Only the lower loop was available. Our site was a standard one with no hookups. It cost $25 in the off season. There is a trail to the beach but not much of interest. There is a day use area if you want to swim or launch a boat.
We camped here because my grandparents used to camp and fish here.
It was quiet even though there were some private homes nearby
There were full hook up sites for the larger RVs so we didn’t have the sound of generators to bother us.
GuideWe stayed 1 night at site 57 near the river on our way over the pass and it was a nice stay. Lots of campsites spread out among several campgrounds. Great facilities in general and lots of greenery and trees. The river is close by, but the 207 is also close by, so you can kinda hear vehicles drive by which accounts for -1 star. Solar exposure is spotty depending on the campground. AT&T cell service is good.
ScoutWe went on a last minute trip with our 3 and 1 y/o. We were lucky to snag a spot as it was the last one available. It seemed like a popular spot so book in advance. The campground was nice and tidy, bathrooms and showers were as clean as possible for a campground. We camped in the north campground. Campsites were a little close together, but still tons of room for the family. We drove around the lake and hiked up to Hidden Lake the first night, and hiked up the river to the lake on the second day. Both hikes were about 2 miles and easily done by our 3 y/o. Didn't run into to any mosquitos! We would love to come again if possible, and next time we will try and book early so we can snag a campsite closest to the trail/lake.
RangerWe got in super late and the only spots available were close to the road. It wasn’t too bad overnight but it got pretty loud. We packed up and moved down to spot 52 since it was open and close to the creek. Pretty private spot with plenty of shade. Bathrooms are clean but it’s odd there is only one male and female stall for each loop. Not quite enough IMO. The camp host was super nice too. I would definitely stay here again.
ScoutStayed two nights in site 17. Right across from the creek. Osprey neat above us. Water levels were low enough that kids played in creek a lot. State park is less than a mile away with a huge beach, full facilities on Lake Wenatchee. Highly recommend it here!
Guide
This camp site was so beautiful and peaceful. I loved the view and the snow there didn't bother me one bit. I plan to visit this spot many times this year and future years to come.
ScoutPopular camping ground. Visited in Fourth of July weekend. It was very busy.
For the most part, beach side is windy, lake is wavy; campground (south side) is hot and dry. For one day, when the beach side was hot and quite, there were a lot mosquitos.
it is a sand beach with clean lake water.
Campground was clean. Mosquitos are the issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area is Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 42 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 equestrian camping locations near Lake Chelan National Recreation Area, with real photos and reviews from campers.
