Tent campsites near Leavenworth, Washington range from riverside dispersed spots to high-elevation mountain sites between 1,600 and 8,000 feet. The area experiences seasonal extremes with summer temperatures reaching 90°F and winter snowfall making many camping areas inaccessible from November through April. Sites along Icicle Road provide closest access to town, with road conditions deteriorating as elevation increases.
What to do
Kayak from lakeside campsites: At Glacier View Campground, campers can launch kayaks directly from their campsites. According to one visitor: "I take my kayak and I can launch it directly from my spot. Later in the summer though the mosquitoes are killer."
Hike to hidden alpine lakes: From Black Pine Horse Camp, access trailheads along Icicle Road that lead to lesser-known alpine lakes. Though "not too many sites," campers note this campground "doesn't seem to fill up too fast" since "this campground is so far down Icicle Road."
Fishing in mountain streams: Cast for trout at Goose Creek Campground where waterfront sites provide direct creek access. Campers report "the waterfront sites were awesome" with "your pick between tent sites right at the creek's edge or some more spacious sites that could accommodate RVs and trailers up higher overlooking the water."
What campers like
Proximity to trailheads: FS Road 7601 campsites sit just 2 miles from popular hiking access points. One reviewer explained: "The trailhead to the Enchantments trails is right up the road so it is very convenient compared to sleeping in the parking lot at the trailhead."
River access for cooling off: At Icicle Group Campground, campers enjoy direct access to Icicle Creek. Reviewers note that campers can find "great fishing/swimming hole nearby" and "flat, sandy soil, good for tents, lots of room."
Morning mountain views: Chumstick Mountain Dispersed Camping offers sunrise panoramas after a challenging drive. "The views of the mountains all around are insane!!! Loved watching the sunset and sunrise up here," reports one camper, though they caution "it is very windy!"
What you should know
High clearance vehicles needed: Most dispersed camping areas require 4WD or high clearance. One camper at Chumstick Mountain warns: "This would get 5 stars if it weren't for the terribly bumpy and long road up to the main site. My Toyota Highlander made it up, but I was a little nervous."
Mosquito populations vary by location: Insect activity intensifies in mid-summer, particularly at lakeside sites. A camper at Glacier View Campground reported that "The mosquito swarms in mid-June are ABSOLUTELY unbearable... they were flying into ears/eyes/mouths and into the flame from the cookstove by the hundreds."
Water filtration essential: Backcountry camping requires proper water treatment equipment. Even at established sites like Snow Lake Zone, campers must filter water: "There is water everywhere in the Enchantments, if you have a filter, you're never more than steps away from an alpine fresh water bottle refill."
Tips for camping with families
Choose lake access sites: Lakefront sites keep children entertained with swimming opportunities. At Lake Chelan State Park, one family reported: "This was our first time at Lake Chelan since we our new to the PNW. We wanted to go somehwere for Mothers Day... with that being said he had a blast! The water was still a little chilly but he was able to dip his toes in the water and get a little wet."
Look for playground access: Some established campgrounds offer play structures. Lake Chelan State Park provides "a nice playground for him to play on as well. We got one of the water sites so we had a nice veiw of the lake from our tent."
Secure food from wildlife: Wildlife encounters require proper food storage techniques. Store all food items in sealed containers, especially at higher elevations where mountain goats are common.
Tips from RVers
Trailer site limitations: RV campers should research site accommodations before arrival. At Goose Creek Campground, RV sites are "up higher overlooking the water" but one camper noted "passing cars would kick up the fine dust in the dirt lot RV/trailer sites."
Avoid narrow access roads: Some forest service roads narrow significantly, making RV access difficult. Check road width details before committing to remote sites.
Consider seasonal dust conditions: Summer camping in higher elevation sites can mean significant dust challenges for RVs. Sites closest to water typically offer more dust control and cooler temperatures.
