Nestled within the Chelan Valley at an elevation of 1,200 feet, Manson sits along the north shore of Lake Chelan with mountain views in every direction. Summer temperatures regularly reach 85-95°F from June through August, creating ideal conditions for water activities at nearby RV campgrounds. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing.
What to do
Swimming and boating: Four Lakes RV Park in Manson provides easy access to Lake Chelan for water activities during summer months. The park sits within walking distance of swimming areas and boat launches.
Winter recreation: Lakeshore RV Park makes a good base for winter activities. "I am surprised to find how often we camp in the snowy winter months, empty campgrounds are a plus this time of year! Come summer you won't be able to get a reservation in this park, but in January it was wide open! We have stayed here for many years to enjoy the Chelan WinterFest Festival in January," notes a camper.
Hiking trails: Multiple hiking options exist within 30 minutes of Manson RV parks. Thousand Trails Leavenworth provides access to alpine trails. "Hiking in the Leavenworth area is amazing! Colchuck Lake is incredible, and I would highly recommend doing this one," shares one visitor who used the campground as a base for day hikes.
What campers like
River access: Many campers appreciate waterfront RV spots throughout the region. "We stayed in a spot easily enough. Our issue was finding availability for us and our daughter arriving the next day. The full hookup sites are close together and not great IMHO. We settled for the spots in the Lakeview area," reports a camper at Thousand Trails Leavenworth.
Off-season tranquility: Winter camping provides a different experience with fewer crowds. "October is perfect time. So quiet, leaves changing, crisp weather. Just make sure you have heated water hose," recommends a visitor about fall camping at Thousand Trails Leavenworth.
Bavarian atmosphere: Icicle River RV Resort offers proximity to the themed town of Leavenworth. "Very nice well kept RV Park near the Bavarian town of Leavenworth. Take in one of several musicals that play throughout the summer. Make sure and see and hear the alpenhorn played daily at noon in downtown Leavenworth," suggests a camper.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between Manson RV parks and surrounding areas. "Blu-Shastin RV Park is in a cell dead zone. We actually enjoyed being disconnected from the Internet," notes one camper, while others mention bringing signal boosters when staying outside Manson.
Reservation timing: Summer reservations for Manson RV campgrounds should be made 6-12 months in advance. Winter reservations can often be made with minimal notice, sometimes even same-day.
Site spacing considerations: Many RV parks in the region have close spacing between sites. "The park for being Thousand Trails was pleasant. The full hookup sites are close together and not great IMHO," reports one camper about site proximity.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming facilities: Crescent Bar RV Resort offers pool access for families with children. "Take advantage of the pool at the nearby condos, wine tasting up the hill or maybe even a concert at the Columbia gorge," advises one visitor.
Playground access: Several campgrounds near Manson feature dedicated play areas. "The kiddos were also welcome with their own play area that was well maintained and away from the other campers just enough to not disrupt the silence of the camp. This area had its own water fountain to assure hours of safe and hydrated play," describes a visitor at Riverbend RV Park.
Activity options: Blu-Shastin RV Park provides recreational facilities beyond camping. "They have 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. None of the games are free," cautions a recent visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Experienced RVers recommend requesting specific sites when booking. Riverbend RV Park earns praise for thoughtful site assignments. "Host did great job of spacing RVs throughout camp for optimal privacy," notes one RVer.
Size limitations: Not all parks accommodate larger RVs despite marketing claims. "This is not a suitable site for big rigs. We have a 22 foot and it was pretty tight," warns a camper about Columbia Cove RV Park.
Water filtration: Several campers recommend bringing water filters to Manson area RV parks. "Park like setting. They water every night, you have to pull everything in, every night," advises a camper about the sprinkler system at one park.
