Camping opportunities near Manson, Washington range from 1,600-foot lakeside sites to forest dispersed options reaching elevations of 4,750 feet. This region experiences significant temperature variations, with average summer highs of 85-90°F and nighttime lows that can drop to 55-60°F. Campers can find both reservation-required state parks and first-come, first-served dispersed sites throughout the region's national forest land.
What to do
Fishing access: Lake Chelan offers various fishing opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers. At Antilon Lake Campground, campers can catch multiple species. "I camped here in mid-May 2023. I camped in dispersed campground 'A' and really enjoyed it. There is good shore access for bank fishing (I caught sun fish, crappie, and brown trout)," notes one visitor.
Swimming options: The region features several designated swim areas with varying amenities. Beebe Bridge Park provides a structured swimming experience. "There's a boat launch, playground, beach area with swimming area roped off, and a big open field to play any games you like. The Columbia River runs right along the campground which helps to keep the air cooler," reports one camper.
Boat launching: Several campgrounds maintain boat launches for watercraft access. At Twenty-Five Mile Creek State Park, "Dock for boats, fishing area is very limited. Swimming area is a bit sad but I think it's mainly for the little ones," according to one visitor. This park serves as a convenient entry point for exploring Lake Chelan by water.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Direct lake and river frontage ranks highly among camper preferences. Entiat City Park earns praise for its Columbia River setting: "This place was a hidden gem when I was looking for a campground last minute. Great campsites with green grass and views of the river. Clean modern bathrooms. A lakefront park for swimming and a dock for boats/jet skis etc."
Cleanliness standards: Well-maintained facilities consistently receive positive mentions in reviews. "This park is gorgeous! It is small, but super clean. So clean that it looks brand new (maybe it is?). All sites have a view of the Columbia River, and the beach is swimmable," notes one visitor about Entiat City Park.
Off-grid experience: Some campers specifically seek locations with limited connectivity. At Antilon Lake, "I had 1 bar of Verizon if remember correctly," mentions one camper, while another notes: "No cell service for me out here (T-Mobile)." This location provides a balance of accessibility and disconnection.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Peak season requires advance planning, especially for waterfront sites. "If you can get a site on the beach here it's well worth the alarms you have to set on your phone to get them! The sites are smallish and a little weird shaped but you get direct access to the water," explains a visitor to Lake Chelan State Park.
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds involves driving on unpaved roads. For Chelan Lookout dispersed camping, "Dirt road was 12 miles up the mountain. Lots of switchbacks, but passible in a sedan. Takes 45 mins to get up. Take shady pass road to the top."
Weather variability: Wind conditions can significantly impact camping experiences. "We liked camping here but the road can be loud. The lake is gorgeous but very windy! It's great for a night!" notes a camper at Lake Wenatchee State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature designated play areas for children. "There was also a nice playground for him to play on as well. We got one of the water sites so we had a nice view of the lake from our tent," shares a Lake Chelan State Park visitor about their experience camping with a two-year-old.
Child-friendly water areas: Look for campgrounds with designated swimming zones. One visitor to Lake Wenatchee State Park notes, "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."
Wildlife awareness: Children often enjoy wildlife sightings, but proper storage prevents unwanted encounters. "TIP: Watch for the critters they are ruthless so cover ALL your dry goods!" warns a Lake Chelan State Park camper.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV spaces vary significantly between campgrounds. At Alta Lake State Park, "we camped in spot 5 in loop 1, or the woods campground... It's very barren and hot." Another camper notes, "Sites are very close together, little privacy and weekends at lake are busy."
Utility access: Hookup availability differs across the best places to camp near Manson, Washington. "Water, electricity and plenty of perfect grass! Great family camping with a small swimming area and boat launch. This is a perfect campground if you are a boater," shares one RVer about Beebe Bridge Park.
Leveling requirements: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for comfortable RV setup. One visitor to Lake Wenatchee State Park notes, "20 ft max vehicle length, per sign at campground entrance," while another camper at Alta Lake mentions specific site limitations for larger vehicles.
