1 campground with availability this weekend
Tent campers near Peshastin, Washington can find several dispersed camping options in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. FS Road 7601 offers free primitive tent sites with drive-in access, while Chumstick Mountain Dispersed Camping provides similar accommodations about 15 miles northeast of town. Both areas require permits and allow campfires when seasonal restrictions are not in place.
Most primitive tent sites in this region lack basic amenities. Campers should bring their own water, waste disposal equipment, and be prepared for variable conditions. Sites typically feature natural, ungraded surfaces with minimal improvements beyond occasional fire rings. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many dispersed camping areas, particularly after spring snowmelt when forest roads may be rutted or washed out. Vault toilets are not available at most dispersed sites, requiring proper backcountry waste disposal practices. The Swakane Canyon/Creek area features a single fire ring but requires travel over four miles of poorly maintained gravel road.
Areas farther from Leavenworth offer deeper seclusion for tent campers seeking quieter experiences. The Snow Lake Zone provides backcountry tent camping opportunities for those with permits, though these are difficult to secure through the annual lottery system. A camper noted, "There is a backcountry toilet at Snow Lake, but no other amenities. There is water everywhere in the Enchantments if you have a filter." For those seeking established campgrounds, Icicle Group Campground provides walk-in tent sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets. The sandy soil at this location works well for tent setup, though it can become dusty during windy conditions. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, many primitive camping areas require preparation for wildlife encounters, including proper food storage to avoid attracting bears.
"Originally we were set up on a small pull off on the side of the road, but then we took a walk and saw a small road shooting off the side with 3 large spots with fire pits."
"Each of the 3 spots had easy access to the river. It's only 2 miles away from the Stuart and Colchuck Lake TH too!"
"This campsite is hike-in only. It is located near Leavenworth, WA. It is a popular location, so permits are hard to come by."
"I would suggest 6 to 8 hours to hike in, sight see around the lake and hike out. Moderate to heavy traffic. Get to the parking lot early or no parking."
from $10 - $25 / night
"There was a fire ring which is how we could tell it was a spot. The views of the mountains all around are insane!!! Loved watching the sunset and sunrise up here. It is very windy!"
"Within the almost 4 million acres of the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest, lie countless locations for dispersed camping."
"Right on lake wenatachee, 18 a night. 4 vault toilets and plenty of sites, picnic tables, water access and fire rings. we had the entire camp ground to ourselves very romantic, slept right on the beach"
"The first few sites had space for RVs, but after that it's primarily hike-in sites, but a one or two sites for a camper van to pull into (which is the option we chose)."
"Snow Lakes is amazing. It's about 8 miles backpacking in from the Snow Lake Trailhead. It's at elevation, but not as cold as the Core Zone."
from $10 / night
"Pros: Lots of trees for shade, but open enough to get lots of sun, too.- Flat, sandy soil, good for tents, lots of room.
- Three picnic tables, steel fire pit, bear proof trash cans, 2 clean porta"
"Well-kept campground with plenty of wide open flat spaces for a big tent. Big fire pits with tons of room for everyone to keep warm. Great place to go if you’re in a big group."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $152 / night
"One fireplace - check if fire ban is active!"
"It was ok don't like the fact that we had to park our vehicle so far away from campsite because it was a bitch to get to camping area"
"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
"Stopped to check out Goose Creek Campground which was pretty much empty when we got there, but had loads of trash left behind by previous campers."
"Campground caters to atv riders with trails and large sites with extra parking."
from $18 - $28 / night
"As you know, once you do the research, you realize most campgrounds around here are a first come basis."
ScoutIt was fairly easy to get to this area however despite our best efforts we only found one established campsite with a fire ring. Road getting here was mostly paved with some debris on the roadway. We lost GPS signal just before arriving and passed NF200. I gave 3 stars because we were unable to locate other sites. Maybe it was just me but we drove quite a while on NF200 and only found the one right at the entrance.
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.
LegendRoad closures due to a bridge out closed off probably the better sites up top but we did find a great spot off the road with a view. Enjoyed a nice evening under the stars and a campfire.
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.
RangerDecent little camp ground, designated spots at the top an you can drive down to the lake. Walking around you did see a fair amount of trash N no cell signals.
RangerNot far off main road, and gravel road not bad at all. Absolutely no cell coverage, a few designated spots.
ScoutFREE!! NO FEE!! This place has around 20 spots. Some of the spots are on one road right as you enter with a vault toilet. But if you continue and take a right down that road there are more spots and another vault toilet. The larger sites are on this second road.
Each spot has a picnic table and fire ring.
It looks like the road has a closed during the winter but the camping is still open. Snowmobiling to the sites.
LegendThe reviews here seem to be from two different places
Parking lot up by the logging operation is fine
Down the road by the creek is a bunch of permanent trailers
Be nice if people reviewed the proper spots
LegendAmazing but a bit dirty and lots of other campers. We stopped for a river visit but didn’t stay the night
Dispersed tent camping near Peshastin, Washington offers options ranging from riverside sites to mountain-accessible locations in Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The area sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation with surrounding peaks reaching 8,000+ feet, creating dramatic temperature variations between day and night. Summer temperatures can reach 90°F during the day but drop to 50°F at night, requiring campers to pack accordingly.
Mountain biking trails: Access multiple skill levels of rides from FS Road 7601, where the terrain varies from moderate to challenging. "Originally we were set up on a small pull off on the side of the road, but then we took a walk and saw a small road shooting off the side with 3 large spots with fire pits. So beautiful and pretty quiet besides the cars during the day," notes one FS Road 7601 visitor.
Kayaking and canoeing: Launch directly onto Lake Wenatchee from campsites at Glacier View Campground. "We had a great 2-night stay. Arrived Sunday afternoon to the last of the weekenders packing up, then had the place to ourselves," reports a camper. The calm water areas are suitable for beginners and families.
Hiking to alpine lakes: Access the Enchantments trail system for day hikes or overnight backpacking. A camper at Colchuck Lake states, "Beautiful 4 mile hike up (8 round trip) to the lake. There was a weird smell coming from the river, so maybe don't drink from it haha. Bring plenty of your own water, also BUG SPRAY."
Easy river access: Many campers praise the proximity to water at dispersed sites. "Absolutely stunning! We went to the left side past the Porta potty's along the off-road trail very bumpy, but absolutely worth it. We camped right along the river, and there was even a little access point for kayaks and canoes and calm water for the kids," says an FS Road 7601 visitor.
Secluded mountain camping: For those willing to drive rougher roads, Chumstick Mountain Dispersed Camping offers impressive vistas. "This would get 5 stars if it weren't for the terribly bumpy and long road up to the main site. My Toyota Highlander made it up, but I was a little nervous. It seemed like there was only one large spot at the top/end of road," notes a camper.
Wildlife viewing: Early mornings and evenings offer prime opportunities to spot local wildlife. "There are multiple pull off spots along this road, each with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. I camped at two different pull offs. Didn't worry too much about not finding a vacant spot," reports a camper at FS Road 7601.
Mosquito preparedness: Bug activity varies dramatically by season and location. A visitor to Goose Creek Campground warns, "We came out and stayed here over Memorial day weekend and the bugs were so bad we only made it one night! The campsites are nice, there are a bunch of nice ones down by the river in the lower loop, and the upper loop has nice secluded, heavily treed ones on a creek."
Fire restrictions: Always check current fire regulations before camping. "There are no fires allowed," notes a visitor to Snow Lake Zone, which applies to many areas during peak summer months.
Road conditions: Many dispersed camping access roads deteriorate throughout the season. "Within the almost 4 million acres of the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest, lie countless locations for dispersed camping. This area of the southeast corner of the NF has very little traffic compared to others, we saw only one ATV for the whole time we were there," says a Chumstick Mountain camper.
Sandy shorelines: Look for sites with gentle water access for children. At Icicle Group Campground, "Flat, sandy soil, good for tents, lots of room. Three picnic tables, steel fire pit, bear proof trash cans, 2 clean porta potties are well stocked. Right by the river(it's loud, so that might be a con for some)."
Weather preparedness: Pack for 30-40 degree temperature swings. "I used my 15 degree sleeping bag end of July (I'm a cold sleeper and the temps were about 30)," notes a Snow Lake Zone camper.
Wildlife awareness: Teach children proper food storage techniques. "This is bear/cougar country - bring protection. Lots of good hiking trails and rock climbing spots nearby," advises an Icicle Group Campground visitor.
Limited hookup options: Most dispersed camping near Peshastin lacks facilities for RVs. At Lake Chelan State Park Campground, "If you can get a site on the beach here it's worth the alarms you have to set on your phone to get them! 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."
Dust management: The sandy soil common to the area creates dust issues for RV campers. "Sandy soil blows around pretty bad if it's windy. Gets in EVERYTHING," warns an Icicle Group Campground visitor.
Campground timing: Arrive midweek for better site selection. "Campground caters to atv riders with trails and large sites with extra parking," notes a Goose Creek Campground visitor, indicating the weekend popularity among motorized recreation users.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Peshastin, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Peshastin, WA is FS Road 7601 Dispersed with a 5-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Peshastin, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 91 tent camping locations near Peshastin, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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