RV camping near Leavenworth, Washington offers year-round options with varying terrain and accessibility challenges. Nestled in the eastern Cascades at elevations ranging from 1,100 to 2,000 feet, the area experiences hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. Cell service can be spotty outside town limits, with stronger coverage at RV parks closer to the Bavarian-themed village.
What to do
River activities: The Yakima River provides scenic spots for fishing and water recreation. At Whispering Pines RV Campground, "There are paths that go to the Yakima river or along side it was nice," reports one camper who enjoyed the riverside location about 45 minutes from Leavenworth.
Winter recreation: For cold weather camping, several locations remain open when snow blankets the region. "We have stayed here for many years to enjoy the Chelan WinterFest Festival in January. The park is within walking distance of town and is perfect for the festival weekend," notes a visitor to Lakeshore RV Park.
Wildlife viewing: Some campgrounds offer nature watching opportunities right from your site. At Icicle River RV Resort, one camper mentioned, "Loved our time here, clean campsite, beautiful spots on the river. Loved seeing black bears across the river."
What campers like
Riverside sites: Many RV parks feature premium spots along waterways. At Entiat City Park, "All sites have a view of the Columbia River, and the beach is swimmable. There are trees, but none of the camp-sites are shaded. The sites are level and easy to back into," according to a recent visitor.
Clean facilities: Bathroom quality varies widely between parks. Whispering Pines RV Campground earns high marks for cleanliness with one camper noting, "The bathrooms were pristine, and the hookups worked great."
Off-season tranquility: Visiting during shoulder seasons provides a different experience. "October is perfect time. So quiet, leaves changing, crisp weather. Just make sure you have heated water hose," advises a camper at Thousand Trails Leavenworth.
What you should know
WiFi limitations: Internet connectivity challenges affect most area campgrounds. At Blu-Shastin RV Park, located in Peshastin just minutes from Leavenworth, a visitor warned, "There is no cell coverage due to the mountains. No Wi-Fi was available, although they say they have it."
Road noise: Highway proximity affects some camping experiences. For Entiat City Park, one camper mentioned its complete renovation with "new shower/bathrooms and more rv & tent spots," though noted highway sounds can be heard from some sites.
Site spacing: RV parks vary significantly in how close together campsites are placed. One visitor to Thousand Trails Leavenworth noted, "The full hookup sites are close together and not great IMHO. We settled for the spot in the Lakeview area," suggesting checking site maps before booking.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several parks offer water access for children. "Perfect swimming spot. Showers, drinking fountains, flush toilets," reports a visitor about Entiat City Park, which features a beach along the Columbia River.
Playground amenities: Some campgrounds include recreational facilities for kids. Blu-Shastin RV Park has "a pool but its dirty. There is a slime film on the bottom and water is not clear. They have a small game room but most of the games are old and in disrepair," according to one less satisfied visitor.
Quiet hours: Enforced quiet periods vary between parks. At Whispering Pines, "Quiet time at 10...woke up early and packed up...felt safe, didn't get bothered," making it suitable for families needing consistent sleep schedules.
Tips from RVers
Winter hookups: Cold weather camping requires special preparation. As one RVer at Thousand Trails Leavenworth advised for October visits, "Just make sure you have heated water hose" to prevent freezing.
Site selection: Choose locations based on specific needs. At Icicle River RV Resort, "Spaces 76-80 didn't have that issue. We have a 25 foot trailer and that island in the road can be a bit of a problem. Spaces are a bit close together but we were hiking most of the days we were there."
Late arrivals: Some parks have strict check-in times. One RVer at Whispering Pines RV Campground shared, "The camp host turned our anxieties around, as he came whipping cheerfully through the gate in his golf cart to let us in at 9:55, exclaiming 'You just barely made it!'," noting the 9:30 check-in and 10 PM setup deadline.
