Lake Wenatchee State Park offers year-round camping options near Manson, about 60 miles west via Highway 97. The area sits at approximately 1,800 feet elevation, with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F in July and August. Winter camping remains available at select campgrounds around Manson, though many facilities close seasonally from November through March.
What to do
Swimming and beach activities: Lake Chelan State Park Campground offers extensive lake access with varied shoreline options. "The swimming area is nice, with grassy and shoreside areas to lay out. There are also large playfields with courts which people were always welcoming in others to play," notes Kate I.
Fishing from shore: Mitchell Creek Campground provides boat-in access with fishing opportunities. "Nice dock facility, but secure your bumpers well due to passing boat wakes," advises Gailanne M. The campground sits along Lake Chelan with beach access for fishing or launching kayaks.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Many campgrounds offer rentals or easy lake access for water sports. At Alta Lake State Park, "The lake is cool and clear" with rental options typically available during peak season. The lake's moderate size makes it manageable for beginner paddlers.
What campers like
Direct water access: Wapato Lake Campground offers waterfront tent camping with easy lake entry. "It boasts waterfront tent camping and the showers and bathrooms are always clean and stocked. With two docks for fishing and floating as well as the adjacent boat launch, you'll be able to play with all your water toys," reports Savannah M.
Quieter alternatives: Many campers prefer staying outside the main tourist areas. "This is one of the most amazing campgrounds I've ever visited. I would highly recommend staying here if you want to visit the Chelan area without camping in downtown proper," adds Savannah about Wapato Lake Campground.
Scenic views: Beebe Bridge Park offers unobstructed water views from many sites. "Such a lovely chilled site with lovely drive throughs that have unobstructed views of the Columbia River. So chilled that we booked another night more than we'd planned," writes Vik H.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. For Lake Chelan State Park, Marie L. advises, "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!"
Wildlife concerns: At Antilon Lake, Christine R. notes the natural soundtrack: "I loved falling asleep to the sound of the frogs and crickets." However, mosquitoes can be problematic in some seasons, especially near standing water.
Site privacy variations: Daroga State Park Campground offers walk-in sites with varying distances from parking. Anne C. explains, "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."
Weather patterns: Wind can affect camping comfort at waterfront sites. For Daroga State Park, Zane G. cautions, "Only draw back is the wind. It can sure make for a tough set up of camp. Sites do have a small wind break."
Tips for camping with families
Beach day preparation: Beebe Bridge Park receives high marks from families. "The grounds are immaculately kept, the bathrooms are thoroughly cleaned everyday, and the location is great! There's a boat launch, playground, beach area with swimming area roped off, and a big open field to play any games you like," writes Taylor W.
Kid-friendly activities: Alta Lake State Park Campground offers family-oriented facilities. "There are concessions for the kids on a large grass beach area with floats you can use," reports Mark M., while Courtney J. adds, "There was also a nice playground for him to play on as well."
Pet-friendly considerations: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Manson have standard pet policies requiring leashes. Pet owners should note that while pets are allowed at campsites, they're typically prohibited on designated swimming beaches.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: For RVs at Alta Lake, Leah F. advises, "Most campsites have zero or little shade. Sites are very close together, little privacy and weekends at lake are busy." This makes early reservations essential for premium spots.
Water and waste management: At Beebe Bridge Park, Jennifer H. notes about the group area: "Power in group enclosures for food preparation but not for RV's so come prepared for that in the summer months."
Hookup availability: Family H. explains challenges at Daroga State Park: "The site pads are very narrow which makes them difficult to pull through or back into... The other big downfall is the lack of waste disposal at the sites. This means that small RVs with small tanks are not able to stay more than a few days."
