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The eastern slopes of the North Cascades surrounding Mazama, Washington feature a range of camping options from primitive Forest Service sites to full-service RV parks. Klipchuck Campground and Lone Fir Campground, both located along Highway 20, provide semi-primitive camping experiences with vault toilets and drinking water spigots. Early Winters Campground, split by the highway with sites on both sides, offers proximity to the Methow River. Most campgrounds in this area operate seasonally from May through October, closing during the winter months when snow makes access difficult. The region includes both first-come, first-served sites and reservable options, with tent camping, RV spaces, and some cabin rentals available at locations like Pearrygin Lake State Park.
Wildfire risk significantly impacts camping in the Mazama area during summer months, with fire restrictions common from July through September. As one camper noted, "This area has been prone to several wildfires the last several years. Please be sure to check current advisories and restrictions regarding open flames." Cell service is minimal throughout much of the region, particularly at Forest Service campgrounds. Most primitive sites offer basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets, while lacking showers or hookups. Temperatures can vary dramatically, with summer highs reaching over 100°F and cool nights even in peak season. The Mazama General Store serves as a convenient resupply point for campers, offering "amazing baked goods and coffee" according to visitor reviews.
National Forest campgrounds near Mazama receive consistently high ratings for their spacious sites and natural settings. Campers frequently mention the tall trees providing shade and the sound of nearby creeks as highlights. "Sites are clean and large. They are spread out and give you a lot of privacy," noted one visitor to Klipchuck Campground. Road noise can be an issue at some locations, particularly Lone Fir Campground which sits directly adjacent to Highway 20. Weekend crowding is common during summer months, with many campers recommending Thursday arrival to secure sites. The proximity to hiking trails is another frequently mentioned benefit, with multiple trailheads accessible directly from campgrounds. Bear awareness is necessary throughout the area, with proper food storage required at all campsites.
"Easy access to trails, river, and the towns of Mazama and Winthrop which are known for great hiking, climbing, mountain biking, etc."
"Nestled just short distance off the main highway through this area, the Klipchuck campground is remote feeling and quiet. Sites here are beautiful with tall trees and lush greenery."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"The towns of Mazama and Winthrop are figuratively but not literally cool, and with temperatures rising over 110 during the record heatwave of July 2021, the lake was a lovely place to cool down."
"Easy access, Made same day late reservation at front gate, Paved streets & individual sites, Most sites close to level, Restrooms and showers clean and work well, Nice walking paths, Good family park"
from $12 - $180 / night
Check Availability"There are 2 areas split by the highway. We stayed on the north side close to the creek. It was fairly quiet, minimal road noise."
"As the other review stated, this isn't anything special but it is a nice spot if you find yourself in the Mazama area."
"This campground is located directly off Highway 20. As in, close enough that you will hear road noise anytime a car goes by. But aside from that one downside, this campground is pretty great."
"Easy access to trails, river, and the towns of Mazama and Winthrop which are known for great hiking, climbing, mountain biking, etc."
"The Chevron station was not able to help with the water situation but suggested we try here. Anna was very helpful and allowed us to fill up."
"A easy walk to downtown. 3 minute walk and located in the street below. Very cool historic museum across the street. First class setup that’s highly educational."
"The campground is right off of the highway, so there is a little car noise during the day. At night, we didn't really notice it."
"This KOA is a great campground, it's clean, it's centrally located to the town of Winthrop and there are close by amenities for groceries, etc. A very kid friendly place to stay as well."
"Just a parking lot a little off the highway. People are rolling in untill about 10:30 and start leaving at 6. Clean pit toilet. Nothing wrong with it, great place just to sleep and keep moving."
GuideThis was a bit tenuous getting in with our 21’ RV, but at the end of the road there was a turnaround and a couple sites left with a late arrival. Nice listening to the river as we went to sleep. Not a ton of clearance from the narrow road though.
TravelerJust used this spot for one night. Not to noisy for being close to the highway. Can put a tent up in the raised area. Ground is very soft so hard to stick stakes in the ground. There was some trash left around. If you bring a dog watch their paws the gravel is supper small and gets caught in between there pads, as well as broken bottles on the ground.
GuideFirst impression-Ah I like this place. Friendly hosts during a busy vintage motorcycle rally. Mature crowd so not loud and obnoxious. Nice large grass spot that’s well maintained. My site had full hookups (30 amp), water and dump water. $60/night 25 June 26. Showers and toilets spick and span clean. Showers are private and they provide towel and cloth floor mat. Just drop a $1 token into machine for a hot high pressure shower. I imagine this setup is like the 1800 S in mining towns. What a great experience! Very large washing machines and dryers for large items lime comforters or sleeping bags? Used for my comforters and was so nice. A easy walk to downtown. 3 minute walk and located in the street below. Very cool historic museum across the street. First class setup that’s highly educational.
GuideWe had a very nice stay here. Mostly Class C & trailers with some nice tent sites too. A good size dog area (thank you) plus a playground with a basketball court. A small store on site, but we never went in as we checked-in after hours, which was easy. We did not check-out the laundry.
The campground was about half full, which kept things quieter. A few f/t residents too. Everybody was friendly. The bathrooms were spotless, with coin operated showers (quarters). $.75 was the ticket.
The location is just off Highway 20, but road noise wasn’t bad at all.
There’s decent but not the greatest grass. Please keep in mind that the west has been in drought for over 5 straight years and the Methow Valley is an arid landscape. The area is magical but not perfect.
Also if you have a water dog (Labrador, etc), consider something other than a river side site ;-)
TravelerNice campsite. Pull in and choose any open spot. Pay by cash or Venmo and only $20/night. We had a great riverside view.
ScoutPerfect dispersed area for open camping with plenty of room for tents or campers.
ScoutThis is a nice campground with nice pull through sites for trailer. Great Lake with stunning views of the snow capped mountains great trails around the lake for hikers and bikers.
GuideTennessee state parks have delivered time and again. Great facilities and amazing locations.
ScoutNewhalem Creek Campground is a solid base camp if you’re in the North Cascades to actually hike or paddle. You roll out of your tent and you’re already on trail, with the Skagit River right there and Ladder Creek Falls a short walk through some overgrown gardens. The sites have the basics covered: fire rings, picnic tables, bear boxes, and surprisingly clean flush toilets even on busy weekends. RVs fit fine up to 50 feet on paved pads, and tent folks get platforms in Loops A and B. Fair warning, you will hear your neighbors. The big trees give you visual privacy but not soundproofing. If you want quiet, grab a walk-in site along the creek and carry your gear a bit. At$24 a night it’s a good deal, especially with potable water and decent Verizon service thanks to being close to Newhalem. Book ahead on the NPS site, though cancellations do pop up. Just check Highway 20 before you go, since closures can mess up access during fire season or winter. Best for: Hikers and paddlers who care more about trail access than total solitude. 4/5 if you’re okay with campground chatter. https://3pattiflyingchess.org/
The Methow Valley surrounding Mazama, Washington sits at approximately 2,170 feet in elevation, marking a transition zone between dense forests and more arid terrain. Summers in this region can reach over 100°F during peak season, while nighttime temperatures often drop significantly even in July and August. Camping spots near Mazama, Washington feature varying tree coverage, with many sites in designated campgrounds offering shade from ponderosa pines.
Kayaking access points: At Winthrop/N. Cascades National Park KOA Holiday, campers can rent kayaks and boats directly from the campground. "The river that meanders along the back of the campground is the stopping point for tube rentals. The river is very rocky so not enjoyable to walk along but apparently good for fishing," notes reviewer Shelly S.
Hiking from camp: The Klipchuck Campground offers direct trail access without driving to a trailhead. "3 trails lead out of this campground making it the perfect setting for exploring... I suggest the scenic trail which has some amazing views of the forest and the many features of the landscaping around," writes Crystal C. Another camper adds: "There is a hike right off the campground, which we did. It was strenuous and a little sketchy (steep hillside slopes with a narrow, slippery path to follow) but the views were pretty amazing."
Western-themed town visits: Located only a few blocks from downtown, Pine Near RV Park provides easy access to Winthrop's attractions. "Only a short block walk into the heart of Winthrop which has all amenities, restaurants, micro brews, shopping etc," notes Scott-Christy B. The proximity lets campers explore the town's western theme without moving their vehicle.
Creek sounds for sleeping: Campers frequently praise the natural sound of moving water at Early Winters Campground. One reviewer explains, "We stayed in site #2 which was the closest to the vault toilet. We were next to the creek and could hear it all night which was very soothing." This campground splits across Highway 20, with sites available on both sides.
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the space and separation at forest service campgrounds. As one Chewuch Campground visitor described their site: "We pulled into Chewuch and found a wonderfully secluded (on all sides) site (#10) that was perfect for our Rooftop Tent rig. Beautifully treed with large Ponderosas and a very nice view of a mountain peak from the dining/sitting area."
Late-season camping options: Some campgrounds near Mazama remain open later than others. "It is one of the last to close when the snow season arrives as it is in a lower location than Klipchuck or Lone Fir further west along the highway," notes a camper about Early Winters Campground. This makes it valuable for fall camping when other sites have closed.
Payment systems vary: Campgrounds in the area have different payment requirements. At Lone Fir Campground, "fees can be paid at a honor box located at the entrance of the campground near the restrooms. Additionally, something to note is those who have the Senior Access pass are eligible for a 50% discount when their pass is displayed clearly on their dash."
Site selection strategy: Early arrival makes a significant difference in site quality. At Chewuch Campground, "There are some sites that are on the river but those go quick and we never get there quick enough to snag one." Similarly, at Klipchuck, weekends fill rapidly, especially during summer months.
Cell service considerations: Connectivity varies widely between campgrounds. One camper at Klipchuck noted: "Sporadic cell service here--weak, but great with a booster." The Winthrop KOA Holiday visitor reported: "Only downside is wifi is sketchy and 4g is sub par."
Swimming access: Pearrygin Lake State Park Campground offers designated swimming areas that work well for children. "The best part was the beach. The kids loved kayaking near the ducks," notes Sarah H., though she cautions about boat traffic: "I would not let them kayak too far though. The lake was full of boats and jet skis going pretty fast and the lake is not very wide."
Playground availability: The Winthrop KOA offers extensive family-friendly facilities. "Swimming pool, bike rentals, mining for gems, arrowheads and fossils; purchase from store, playground," says one reviewer. Another notes: "The campground was very quiet (except for the playground straight across from my site) and not busy on the weekdays we visited."
Wildlife awareness: Parents should prepare children for potential wildlife encounters. At Klipchuck Campground, "the area does have bear awareness signs located throughout so it would be wise to come prepared for the possibilities of animal encounters." Proper food storage and wildlife education are essential for family safety.
Site leveling challenges: RVers report varying experiences with site levelness. One Klipchuck camper noted: "The sites are spacious enough but some aren't level but the tenting area is, though." This can affect comfort for larger rigs without leveling equipment.
Size restrictions: Forest Service campgrounds have limitations for larger RVs. At Lone Fir, there's "1 pull through site for bigger rigs (35 feet max)." Most other sites accommodate medium-sized trailers and smaller motorhomes.
Dump station locations: Plan ahead for waste disposal as many campgrounds lack this amenity. At Pearrygin Lake State Park, "Dump station at exit for those w/o sewer hookup sites" provides convenience that most forest service campgrounds don't offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Klipchuck Campground a good option when camping in Mazama?
Klipchuck Campground is an excellent option when camping near Mazama. Located about a mile off Highway 20, it offers good privacy between sites and clean facilities. The campground accommodates both tents and small RVs, making it versatile for different camping styles. Its location provides easy access to trails, the river, and the towns of Mazama and Winthrop, known for great hiking, climbing, and mountain biking opportunities. While it's one of the larger campgrounds in the area, its slight distance from the highway helps reduce road noise. For those exploring the Cascades region, Sullivan Pond Camp offers a quieter dispersed camping alternative, though 4WD with good clearance is recommended.
What are the best campgrounds near Mazama, Washington?
Mazama offers several excellent camping options in the North Cascades. Early Winters Campground stands out with its creekside sites, minimal road noise, and clean facilities for $15/night. It's conveniently located near hiking and biking trails. Another top choice is Lone Fir Campground, which features quiet, family-oriented sites with well-maintained facilities. Though it sits close to Highway 20, most campers find the scenery and trail access worth it. Both campgrounds provide easy access to Mazama's amenities and outdoor recreation opportunities. For those seeking more seclusion, Harts Pass Campground offers beautiful high-country camping with ranger presence during summer months.
Do I need reservations for camping in Mazama, WA?
Reservation requirements vary among Mazama area campgrounds. Both Klipchuck Campground and Lone Fir Campground operate on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system, making them good options for spontaneous trips. However, they can fill up quickly, especially on summer weekends. For those preferring guaranteed spots, Colonial Creek Campground in the nearby Ross Lake National Recreation Area accepts reservations through Recreation.gov. During peak season (May-September), securing reservations for reservable campgrounds is highly recommended, particularly for weekend stays. For holiday weekends, plan to reserve months in advance or arrive mid-week to improve your chances at first-come, first-served sites.
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