Wenatchee National Forest surrounds Leavenworth, Washington at an elevation of approximately 1,200 feet, with camping options ranging from riverfront sites to mountain-view accommodations. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F during July and August, with cooler nights dropping to 50-55°F. Winter camping near Leavenworth often involves snow conditions from November through March with daytime temperatures averaging 30-40°F.
What to do
Riverside relaxation: Eightmile Campground provides direct access to the Icicle River for swimming and wading. As one camper noted, "This creek is what beautiful mountain dreams are made of! Been here a few times and loved it! Close to Leavenworth and so far away at the same time. Beautiful hiking!" The riverside sites offer a natural soundtrack for your camping experience.
Winter camping: Lake Easton State Park Campground maintains year-round operations, making it suitable for snow camping. A visitor mentioned, "Nice for camping in the snow," while another shared that the "grounds are fairly well maintained and the park and lakeshore are nice." The park features hiking trails and picnic areas accessible throughout winter months.
Mountain biking: Forest service roads and trails near Wenatchee National Forest Swauk Campground offer mountain biking opportunities from May through October. One camper reported, "Great hiking trail up Mad River trail and great bike riding up Tyee road." The riding conditions vary seasonally with optimal trail conditions typically in late spring and early fall.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Wenatchee River County Park receives consistent praise for maintenance standards. A recent visitor observed, "Good level asphalt roads and paved sites. Grounds/grass well maintained. Clean restrooms and pay 25 cents for four minutes clean showers." Another camper described it as a "nice little nugget of a campground."
Riverside campsites: Many campers value direct water access at Eightmile Campground. One review highlighted, "A friend told me to check out Leavenworth. It was cute, but every bit the touristy type of thing I'm not a fan of. The real jewel of the area are these Wenatchee National Forest campgrounds. This one is right on the river." Riverfront sites typically fill first, especially during summer months.
Wildlife viewing: Daroga State Park Campground offers opportunities to observe local wildlife along the Columbia River. The campground provides "views of the Columbia river and mountains" according to one visitor, who also noted it's "pristine and gorgeous." Another camper described it as "clean, nice campground on the Columbia River with great views."
What you should know
Road noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience highway noise due to proximity to major roads. At Lake Easton State Park, a camper warned, "Noisy, noisy, noisy, and noisy. From the sound of the highway to the insurmountable number of inconsiderate neighbors... forget getting any sleep." Consider requesting sites further from roads when making reservations.
Walk-in tent sites: Daroga State Park features tent sites requiring a quarter-mile walk from parking areas. As one camper explained, "The walk in sites are over 1/4 mile away from the parking lot. It can be a fight to grab one of the wheelbarrows to haul your stuff too and from the site." Bring collapsible wagons or carts to transport gear if staying at walk-in sites.
Summer heat management: Whispering Pines RV Campground experiences hot, dry conditions during summer months. A visitor observed, "If you like hot dry weather, tall pine trees and not much grass this is a great spot." Eastern Washington temperatures regularly exceed 90°F from July through August, requiring proper hydration and shade planning.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Wenatchee River County Park includes children's play areas near campsites. A visitor mentioned there's "a fun little playground for the kiddos (I believe there is another playground being built as well)." The play areas provide supervised recreation options within walking distance of camping areas.
Swimming opportunities: Daroga State Park features designated swimming areas suitable for children. One camper shared, "Lots of space for kids to play, ride bikes or swim. Facilities are excellent, bathrooms and pay showers." The swimming areas include gradual entry points appropriate for different swimming abilities.
Activity planning: Thousand Trails Leavenworth offers numerous family activities during summer months. A visitor explained, "For the kids the pool, lake, miniature golf, game room etc. was fun." Consider weekday visits when facilities are typically less crowded than weekends.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Whispering Pines RV Campground provides spacious, level RV sites. A recent visitor noted, "Lots are comfortable with shade. Reasonably level on blacktop." Another camper shared, "Lots of pull through spots too. It's a big campground but super quiet."
Electrical service: Wenatchee River County Park offers 50-amp service at designated sites. According to a visitor, "50 amp service and sewer and water are all available." Electrical hookups operate year-round, though water systems may be winterized during freezing conditions from November through March.
Water pressure concerns: Some campgrounds experience water pressure variations. At Eightmile Campground, a camper observed, "Only real complaint is low water pressure at water stations." Consider bringing a water pressure regulator and additional water storage containers for dry camping periods.
