Tent camping near Methow, Washington offers year-round options with distinct seasonal experiences. Summer temperatures in the Lake Chelan area can exceed 90°F during daytime hours while dropping to the 50s at night, requiring campers to prepare for significant temperature swings. The region's varied terrain includes lakeside locations at 1,100 feet elevation and mountain campgrounds reaching 4,000+ feet, creating diverse microclimates across relatively short distances.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Antilon Lake Campground, multiple fish species are available for anglers. "I caught sun fish, crappie, and brown trout... The brown trout I grilled was good, too!" reports one camper who visited in mid-May. The lake provides solid fishing options, though shore access can be challenging in some areas.
Water activities: Lake Chelan State Park Campground offers extensive water recreation options. "Amazing dock system and access to the lake, great day use area where you can rent kayaks and paddleboards," notes one visitor. The park maintains a swimming area with both grassy and shoreline spaces to relax after swimming.
Hiking access: Mountain trails connect several camping areas in the region, with many serving as trailheads. According to a camper at Snowberry Bowl Campground, "access to all of the up lake hiking makes it worth it," highlighting how these sites function as gateways to backcountry experiences.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: The natural areas around Methow camping sites host diverse wildlife. One Antilon Lake visitor mentioned, "Stunning... the view in the morning is beyond description," highlighting the combination of lake vistas and natural surroundings that create memorable experiences.
Waterfront campsites: Several campgrounds offer direct lake access. At Mitchell Creek Campground, "Gorgeous lake front spots, with firepits, picnic tables, and pit toilets. Creek is near the campground," making it popular among boaters and paddlers seeking immediate water access.
Quieter alternatives: When primary campgrounds fill up, secondary options often remain available. "Pro tip: if you want to stay at 25 mile creek state park on lake chelan and it is full, drive another 3 miles up road to snowberry," suggests one experienced camper, noting that these alternatives typically offer more seclusion than popular destinations.
What you should know
Access challenges: Many campgrounds require specialized transportation. At South Navarre Campground, "Travel is best in a high clearance vehicle with good tires. It's a long drive on a dirt mountain road. NOT for trailers, I've drug with just a basket on my hitch in a couple of spots."
Insect presence: Mosquitoes can be problematic at certain sites and seasons. At Antilon Lake, one camper reported, "We found probably 100 mosquitoes INSIDE of the tent. We were able to kill them all but spent the rest of the night listening to thousands of mosquitoes fly at all sides of the tent."
Water availability: Most primitive sites lack drinking water. According to a Mitchell Creek visitor, campers should "Bring a water purifying device" since potable water isn't available. Some sites have creek access, but filtering or treatment remains necessary.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Lake Chelan State Park offers dedicated play areas for children. "He had a blast! The water was still a little chilly but he was able to dip his toes in the water and get a little wet. There was also a nice playground for him to play on as well," notes a parent who brought their two-year-old.
Accommodation size: Site dimensions vary significantly between campgrounds. At Lake Chelan State Park, "The sites are smallish and a little weird shaped but you get direct access to the water," requiring families to consider space needs when selecting locations.
Wildlife precautions: Local wildlife may investigate campsite food. One visitor warns, "Watch for the critters they are ruthless so cover ALL your dry goods!" A properly secured food storage system prevents unwanted animal encounters.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Many campgrounds in the Methow area aren't suitable for larger vehicles. At Deer Point Campground, the focus is primarily on tent camping with limited RV access, making advance research crucial for RV travelers.
Hookup availability: Lake Chelan State Park provides some of the region's few RV-friendly options. "RV sites with electricity and water hookups" are available, though they typically require reservation well in advance, especially during summer months.
Road conditions: Access roads to many campgrounds present challenges for RVs. Multiple reviewers note rough roads with "moon dust" conditions that can trap vehicles, particularly those with lower clearance or longer wheelbases.
