Several glamping options near Mazama, Washington offer access to the rugged terrain of the Cascade Mountains, with elevations ranging from 1,800 to 2,300 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically reaching the 80s and winter lows dropping well below freezing. Trails connect many camping areas to the 30,000+ acres of wilderness within the Methow Valley region.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Leader Lake Campground provides easy shoreline access for anglers seeking trout, largemouth bass and crappie. As one reviewer noted, "Lots of access to the water. Lake has trout, largemouth bass and crappies" and the campground has "Vault toilets, Paved roads, right on the water, fire pits, etc."
River exploration: At Marble Creek Campground, campers can enjoy the adjacent Cascade River. One visitor shared, "I spent one morning just sitting in the creek (which was still cold in August) sipping a local brew." The campground features direct river access from some sites, with another camper mentioning "There was access to the Cascade River from the campground, and we had a great time hanging out at the beach."
Hiking trails: Located near numerous trail systems, Boulder Creek serves as a convenient base for day hikes. A reviewer described the experience: "Beautiful mountain views. Creek is amazing. Campsites are well maintained. Restroom are cleaned daily." Many trails are accessible within a 20-minute drive.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Visitors appreciate the room between campsites at Marble Creek Campground. According to one camper, "Campsites are super spacious and spread out, so it felt very private." Another noted, "The sites are well spaced out and all are very spacious."
River access: The proximity to water ranks highly among Upper Bobcat Dispersed Camping visitors. One camper shared, "Great spot with plenty of sites. Lots of room at your site and between neighbors. Super close to the river." Dispersed camping areas typically have fewer amenities but offer more solitude.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention well-maintained bathrooms and grounds. A visitor to Riverbend RV Park observed, "Wonderful check-in process. Super simple. Great customer service, friendly staff, you can receive packages here no charge. Lots of shade trees, level site, good spacing, places to access the river, etc."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. For Pine Near RV Park, weekends are particularly busy as one camper advised, "We found a spot here last second after signing up to run the Sun Mountain 25k last minute." Plan to reserve weeks in advance for summer stays.
Water availability: Not all campgrounds provide drinking water. As one camper at Marble Creek Campground pointed out, "No water, so make sure to plan ahead on that front." Bringing your own water supply is essential at many locations.
Weather preparation: The region experiences significant seasonal temperature fluctuations. At Antilon Lake Campground, one camper reported, "Aside from a very windy/rainy day and night with 40 mph gusts, the weather was perfect." Wind patterns can change rapidly, particularly in higher elevations.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Children can enjoy dedicated play areas at several locations. At Riverbend RV Park, "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."
Wildlife viewing: Young visitors enjoy observing local fauna at Shady Pines Resort, where one camper mentioned, "Our dogs were happy playing in the water and watching the deer, geese and herons." Wildlife sightings are common throughout the Methow Valley, particularly at dawn and dusk.
Safe water activities: Families appreciate designated swimming areas during summer months. At Antilon Lake Campground, a visitor noted that while "The upper lake is very overgrown…no swimming and no real place to safely put my kayak in. The lower lake was much better, although a VERY steep hill down to the water."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: RV campers note the generous spacing at Riverbend RV Park. A reviewer mentioned, "Host did great job of spacing rvs throughout camp for optimal privacy." The park maintains buffer zones between sites even during busy periods.
Limited large rig access: Many forest service campgrounds have restrictions for larger vehicles. At Liars Cove Resort, RVers have options for various setup sizes. "The owners are great people and the Resort is very well kept. They have cabins and RV sites as well as tent sites."
Dump station locations: Some campgrounds have unusual dump station placements. One visitor to Winthrop/N. Cascades National Park KOA Holiday observed, "The one strange thing is the dump sites location. You have to go to the far right side near the back of the park and then drive all the way back to the front." Planning your approach can save time and hassle.
