Camping near Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in Washington contains a wide variety of camping areas ranging from developed campgrounds to remote backcountry sites. The region includes established facilities like Salmon La Sac and Johnny Creek Campground near Leavenworth, plus numerous dispersed camping opportunities along forest service roads. Accommodation options span from tent camping at primitive sites to RV camping with hookups at places like Leavenworth-Pine Village KOA, along with cabin rentals and glamping alternatives. Several campgrounds such as Kachess Campground offer boat-in access, while others like Colchuck Lake require permits and hiking to reach designated campsites.
Roads leading to campgrounds in the area can present challenges, particularly for larger vehicles. "The gravel road up to the campground is narrow and severely wash-boarded. Made towing a trailer a slow go," noted one visitor to Beverly Campground. Many forest service roads become dusty during summer months, affecting campsites positioned close to roadways. Campground availability varies significantly by season, with most facilities operating from April through October. High-elevation sites like those near Colchuck Lake may have snow until mid-summer. Cell phone service is limited or non-existent in many areas, particularly along the North Fork Teanaway Road. Permits are required for overnight stays in popular areas such as the Enchantments, with a competitive lottery system for the most sought-after zones.
Riverside camping receives consistently positive reviews, with numerous campers highlighting the North Fork Teanaway River as a desirable location. A visitor reported, "We had a nice short walk through a secluded walk-in site that led to a rocky river bed." Wildlife encounters, particularly mountain goats at higher elevations, add to the camping experience but require proper food storage. Campgrounds closer to Leavenworth tend to fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays. Many reviewers note that while established campgrounds provide basic amenities like vault toilets and picnic tables, dispersed sites offer greater privacy and direct river access. Morning temperatures can be cold even in summer months, especially at higher elevations, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in late summer, making proper weather preparation essential for comfortable camping experiences.
