1 campground with availability this weekend
Several tent camping options exist around Methow, Washington, primarily concentrated in the Lake Chelan area. Tent campsites range from developed sites at Lake Chelan State Park, which offers drinking water, showers, and flush toilets, to free primitive tent camping at Antilon Lake Campground with minimal services. Tent campsites at South Navarre Campground provide a more remote experience and require higher-clearance vehicles to access.
Most tent camping areas in the region have limited amenities. Lake Chelan State Park stands out with drinking water, showers, and flush toilets, making it suitable for campers seeking more comfortable facilities. The majority of primitive tent sites like those at Mitchell Creek and Deer Point offer only basic vault toilets with no potable water. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with many backcountry areas prohibiting fires during dry periods. Campers should bring water filtration systems when staying at primitive sites, as most lack reliable water sources. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing remote tent camping areas.
The tent campsites around Methow offer exceptional natural settings and various levels of solitude. Waterfront tent sites at Lake Chelan provide swimming and boating access. According to one visitor, "This site has a good area if you are alone. Our trip had huge winds which made it difficult to set up and cook with no wind break." More remote tent campgrounds typically offer greater privacy but require additional preparation. Tent campers at primitive sites should expect to encounter wildlife and prepare accordingly with proper food storage. Many backcountry tent sites serve as excellent base camps for hiking and fishing activities. While summer brings warm temperatures ideal for swimming, campers should note that late season camping may involve significant temperature fluctuations between day and night.
"This is a great park and a premium camping location on the popular Lake Chelan. A favorite location for west siders to escape the rain for some guaranteed sunshine in Central Washington."
"We camped in the tent camping side towards the lake (site 89) and had a decent amount of privacy."
Available this weekend
from $12 - $41 / night
"I had heard from the ranger that things could get wild, but it wasn’t too bad. The dirt road is long with curves, and can get bumpy at times."
"Tons of wildlife, wild flowers, hiking trails and all around good views. If you're looking to avoid the crowds I would advise going in the middle of the week to atleast claim your site!"
"One of the many awesome boat up National Forest Service campgrounds along Lake Chelan. Gorgeous lake front spots, with firepits, picnic tables, and pit toilets. Creek is near the campground."
"the restrooms are a short walk; spare, but usually quite clean. nice dock facility, but secure your bumpers well due to passing boat wakes."
"This is one of my favorite places to get away from it all but still be connected. Limited cell service with Verizon. Great campsites! Plenty of space between and large area to enjoy."
"One of the many awesome boat up National Forest Service campgrounds along Lake Chelan. Nice lake front spots, with firepits, picnic tables, and pit toilets."
"One of the many awesome boat up National Forest Service campgrounds along Lake Chelan. Nice shady spots, with firepits, picnic tables, and pit toilets. One CCC type shelter available, too."
"Awesome National Forest Service campground, just 3-4 miles above 25-Mile State Park on Lake Chelan. Lots of shade and great trees for hammocks."
TravelerWe’ve stayed here before, and each time the stay has been wonderful! Our first time was when an unexpected snowfall happened (over 2 feet) while camping. One of the hosts let us stay in the laundry area to stay warm, and even offered one of the cabins to cook in to stay out of the elements. The RV park is wonderfully kept and the facilities is all regularly cleaned. It’s a short walk onto the main strip of Winthrop.
TravelerThe heated bathrooms with showers were definitely comfort on our cross country road trip. We arrived after hours but because we already had made reservations that morning we were able to use the slider and enter the campground. Star gazing is always top priority. We headed down to the lake’s beach to snap some shots with my iPhone 14 Pro night, setting on a tripod and remote.
LegendEnjoyed a couple nights relaxing at this great spot. A couple of visitors drove through to check out the river but we were the only ones camping. We stayed at the back at the site with beach access.
LegendWe spent a pleasant evening in this beautiful park. Facilities are clean and well kept. Sites are spread out with plenty of grassy area between each site.
GuideWe originally drove up NF-51 to check out Falls Creek Campground (which is also beautiful) and discovered this gem! While there is no fee per night to camp, a Discover Pass is required (unless you already have a Vehicle Access Pass issued with the purchase of an eligible hunting or fishing license).
No potable water or hookups available. Very stinky pit toilet. Fire rings at sites but there was a ban in place when we were there.
There was plenty of room when we were here, but I would imagine it is very busy during the summer and hunting season.
LegendWe camped here for one night. It’s about a mile down a dirt road that is fairly well maintained. Several gravel campsites. Right next to the lake, although you can’t really see it with all the bushes. But there is a gravel boat ramp that you could launch a kayak or a canoe from. There is a vault toilet, but it’s pretty sketchy. Was nice and quiet. Only one other camper here with us.
GuideDiscovered this CG around dusk...We needed a site for the night...Full hook up...kiosk serviced CG....Decent CG clean, safe,secure...We decided to stay a couple of nights in order to visit Coulee Dam....glad we did! Woke up after nite #2 to find a flat tire on my tow vehicle...picked up a large screw somewhere the night before....Tried to plug it myself to no avail......sought out advice from local mechanic...he recommend Les Schwab Tire shop in either Ephrata or Coulee Dam....We drove to Ephrata(incredibly scenic drive)..arrived at Les Schwab tire shop an hour before they closed....very busy place.....I told the salesman I would like to have the tire pulled off the rim and a patch put on from the inside.....He said well as you can see we're very busy but I'll try and get it done before we close...20 minutes later the salesman calls and tells me my tire is repaired and ready to be picked up....He printed out an invoice...COMPLIMENTARY REPAIR....NO CHARGE....I couldn't believe it....The tire wasn't bought at one of their dealerships as I live on the East coast...So I HIGHLY RECOMMEND EPHRATA Les Schwab Tire Shop should you ever be in the neighborhood.........Coulee City municipal campground saved the day.....I was able to extend the visit long enough to make the necessary repairs...Incredibly scenic area in the high desert.... I saw on one review about prickly little tree droppings...yes indeed all around on the ground....but high desert and you can expect such things....A fair amount of dog droppings ...so watch your step. Overall we were pleased with the campground....price was decent
LegendBeautiful state park right on the Columbia river. There are several pull through sites as well as lots of back in sites and dry camping sites. Most of the sites have water, electric and sewer hook ups. On asphalt pads. Showers were clean and lots of hot water. Great hiking and biking trails in the area. Right next to a huge park that has a playground and volleyball and horseshoe pits. Grass everywhere! Did get charged $15 extra for being out of state resident.
RangerBeautiful setting Hot clean showers Good cell service Leave it Better Than you found it!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Methow, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Methow, WA is Lake Chelan State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 24 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Methow, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 90 tent camping locations near Methow, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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