Tent camping near Pateros, Washington offers diverse experiences in the eastern foothills of the Cascade Mountains. The region sits at elevations between 775-1,200 feet and maintains hotter, drier summer conditions than western Washington, with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F in July and August. Winter camping requires preparation for snow at higher elevations, while spring brings wildflower displays throughout the surrounding hills.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Lake Chelan State Park Campground, anglers can access both shoreline and deep water fishing. "The swimming area is nice, with grassy and shoreside areas to lay out," reports Kate I., making it convenient to alternate between fishing and relaxation.
Wildlife viewing: Spring and fall camping seasons provide better wildlife viewing opportunities with fewer crowds. At Antilon Lake Campground, visitors report seeing "tons of wildlife, wild flowers, hiking trails and all around good views," according to Jess G.
Water recreation: Beyond swimming, the region offers kayaking and paddleboarding options. Lake Chelan State Park features "amazing dock system and access to the lake, great day use area where you can rent kayaks and paddleboards," notes Marie L., making it easy to get on the water without bringing your own equipment.
What campers like
Lakefront access: Several campgrounds offer direct water access. At Mitchell Creek Campground, Paije A. mentions, "Lots of boat parking with breakwater. Pit toilet was very clean... Fun view from our site of some rock cliff jumping."
Natural soundscapes: Many campers appreciate the quieter spots. Antilon Lake provides "just sounds of nature," according to Chris, while Curtis H. describes Lake Chelan State Park offering "the option to stay in a spot that you would listen to Frogs all night, or next to the stream that sounded like Niagara Falls."
Fishing variety: The best tent camping near Pateros includes diverse fishing opportunities. Don at Antilon Lake reports, "I caught sun fish, crappie, and brown trout... The brown trout I grilled was good, too!" Christine R. adds, "I caught 3 gorgeous brown trout from my kayak, which made 2 delicious meals."
What you should know
Campsite availability patterns: Weekdays offer better chances for prime spots. "We arrived Thursday night and there was plenty of space. By Sunday sites were all full," notes Paije A. about Mitchell Creek.
Seasonal considerations: The region has distinct camping seasons. At Safety Harbor Campground, the "great swimming area" mentioned by Shari G. is primarily usable from late June through September when water temperatures become comfortable.
Bug preparation: Mosquitoes can be problematic, especially at certain campgrounds. Serena G. warns about Antilon Lake: "After setting up our tent and bunking down for the night we found probably 100 mosquitoes INSIDE of the tent... spent the rest of the night listening to thousands of mosquitoes fly at all sides of the tent."
Access challenges: Some campgrounds require specialized access. David H. notes about Antilon Lake: "Our visit was a completely random one... we arrived after dark, set up camp, told a few stories, and went to bed. the view in the morning is beyond description."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Snowberry Bowl Campground provides a quieter alternative when other locations are full. Steven G. advises, "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."
Kid-friendly amenities: Several locations offer facilities designed for children. Courtney J. describes her experience at Lake Chelan State Park: "This was our son (who is two) first official camping trip... 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."
Food options: Some campgrounds offer convenient food access. Shari G. mentions Lake Chelan State Park has a "store, and a restaurant across the street with burgers and great milkshakes. Staff really helpful!"
Tips from RVers
Water access: When camping with RVs, water access is crucial. At South Navarre Campground, Andrea F. notes, "Stock water nearby" but cautions about access: "Travel is best in a high clearance vehicle with good tires. It's a long drive on a dirt mountain road. NOT for trailers."
Site selection: Choose your site based on practical considerations. Marie L. explains about Lake Chelan State Park: "The sites are smallish and a little weird shaped but you get direct access to the water... The water sites you park at the top and carry your things down to the site so be prepared for that."
Storage precautions: Wildlife can be an issue for food storage. Marie L. warns: "Watch for the critters they are ruthless so cover ALL your dry goods!"
