Dispersed camping options near Stehekin, Washington provide overnight accommodations in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Several primitive sites can be accessed via forest service roads with varying levels of difficulty. The region sits at elevations between 4,000-5,000 feet with dramatic temperature shifts between seasons. Most sites lack developed facilities and require visitors to be self-sufficient.
What to do
Hike nearby trails: Lake Wenatchee Airstrip SnoPark serves as a trailhead access point. "A good option for Dispersed camping if Lake Wenatchee State Park campground. This is at the Lake Wenatchee Airstrip Snoparks at the junction of 207 and 22 near Lake Wenatchee and Fish lake," notes reviewer Emma A.
Wildlife viewing: The Goat Creek Sno-Park area provides access to wildlife viewing opportunities. "There appears to be a hitching post and a trail that leaves from the campground," mentions Anna P., indicating possibilities for hiking and animal spotting from this location.
River access: NF Dispersed Camping offers creek and river access. "There is a fast flowing stream with crystal clear water. Quiet mountain/forest area. No sounds of civilization," writes Russel M. Another camper notes, "Right next to the river! This app is great. Never would have found this!"
What campers like
Elevated views: Lake Chelan Overlook provides scenic vistas. Ryan S. reports, "Almost at the top of the mountain but not quite. Pretty good view of the lake below and almost no light pollution. Very windy road to get up but I pulled my trailer fine."
Quiet seclusion: Free camping near Stehekin at Sullivan Pond Camp offers peaceful surroundings. "Really peaceful and lovely campsite. Lots of flowers, just a few camping spaces available," says Emma T. about this dispersed camping area.
Accessibility to National Park: Goat Creek Sno-Park provides straightforward access to North Cascades National Park. "Nothing special. Just a parking lot a little off the highway. People are rolling in until about 10:30 and start leaving at 6. Clean pit toilet. Nothing wrong with it, great place just to sleep and keep moving," writes Ashley A.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many dispersed sites near Stehekin require higher clearance vehicles. At NF Dispersed Camping, one camper notes, "Probably some good camping out this way, but we didn't get more than a mile in our promaster before turning around. Camped on a wider part of the road." Another adds, "Tons of semi-deep pot holes in the road."
Site availability: Dispersed camping sites around Stehekin can be found even during busy periods. "All the other paid campsites were packed but found a few open spots here on the 4th of July weekend," reports Zac S. about NF Dispersed Camping.
Permit requirements: Sullivan Pond Camp requires a Washington Discovery Pass. John T. confirms: "Washington Discover Pass required." This permit regulation differs from other sites that may not require specific documentation.
Tips for camping with families
Insect preparation: Upper Bobcat Dispersed Camping can have significant insect activity. "Was here last summer and the bugs were BAD, like hiding in the car and tent bad. Left with more bug bites than I could count," warns PJ H. Bring appropriate repellent, especially during summer months.
Site selection for space: Upper Bobcat Dispersed Camping offers ample room between sites. "Great spot with plenty of sites. Lots of room at your site and between neighbors. Super close to the river," notes Emma, making it suitable for families needing space.
Safety considerations: Group camping areas may provide additional security. "There were a lot of people, mainly families, but everyone was super respectful and it honestly made me feel safer as a solo traveler," shares Emma about Upper Bobcat.
Tips from RVers
Airstrip parking: Lake Wenatchee Airstrip SnoPark accommodates larger vehicles. "There is a large parking lot and some pull outs off an old forest road the loops around from one side of the road to the other," notes Emma A. Another camper details: "We turned at (47.8178974, -120.7258512) which you travel a short distance down a well maintained FS road to a very large gravel and dirt parking area."
Site selection: When seeking dispersed camping near Stehekin with an RV, consider size limitations. Jennifer J. cautions about Lake Chelan Overlook: "Not trailer or full RV. Views are pretty but you can't sit outside your tent or vehicle and see the lake. You have to walk to edge to see it."
Seasonal considerations: Free dispersed camping sites at higher elevations typically open later in spring. "Quiet in the spring. No facilities and good AT&T cell reception," reports Emma A. about Lake Wenatchee Airstrip SnoPark, suggesting early season visits may offer more solitude.
