The Cascade foothills near Thorp offer diverse glamping and camping opportunities at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 2,200 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day, dropping to 45-55°F at night, while winter brings significant snowfall that transforms camping options. Most campgrounds in this region experience high winds in the afternoon, particularly along the Yakima River corridor.
What to do
Fishing the Yakima River: Access prime fishing spots from Whispering Pines RV Campground with trails leading directly to the water. "There are nice trails along the Yakima River and a fun little playground for the kiddos. I believe there is another playground being built as well," notes Kimberly E.
Winter sports access: Lake Easton State Park remains open year-round with winter camping opportunities. "Nice for camping in the snow," shares Jennifer M., making this location valuable for those seeking cold-weather activities beyond summer months.
Off-road vehicle trails: Riders Camp Campground connects directly to beginner and advanced ORV trails. "This is a great place to camp and ride ORVs. They have a beginners loop trailhead attached to this site as well as a trail head to a larger trail system," reports Bruce S., highlighting the $5 per night fee.
What campers like
Waterfront accessibility: Wish Poosh Campground offers lake access in a secluded setting. "The lake is walking distance and provides plenty of space for everyone to splish and splash around although the water is quite cold but wonderful," writes Kimmy G., who also notes the campground has "well-spaced" sites "allowing for privacy."
Family-friendly amenities: Wenatchee River County Park combines natural settings with practical facilities. "Nice level asphalt roads and paved sites. Grounds/grass well maintained. Clean restrooms and pay 25 cents for four minutes clean showers," explains Leonard H.
Year-round access: Squaw Rock RV Resort maintains facilities throughout all seasons. "We'd stay here again. This is a mixture of cabins and RV sites. The cabins are nice and nicely laid out on the property," shares Cande D., who appreciated the riverside location and well-maintained common areas.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects several campgrounds in the region. At Lake Easton State Park, "The road noise was just too loud for me. Definitely try to get a spot away from the road," advises Laura M., who otherwise found the park "well kept" with a "beautiful lake."
Limited facilities: Many campgrounds offer restricted amenities. At Wish Poosh, "There is no water and the toilet is a honey bucket. This campground needs some extra maintenance because the porta potties needed to be serviced," reports Kimmy G.
Wildlife encounters: Bears frequent some camping areas. "On our first night, a bear passed by one of our neighbor's site so make sure you clean up after yourselves and don't leave food out at night," warns a camper at Wish Poosh Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Whispering Pines RV Campground offers multiple play areas. "The campground was very clean, the spots were spacious and tons of things for the kids to do," shares Nick C., who called it "one of the nicest we have every been to."
Junior Ranger program: Lake Easton State Park offers educational activities. "Activities for children such as the Jr. Ranger program," mentions Trevor M., who also noted the "lovely river walk trail follows the Yakima River."
Swimming options: Bumping Lake Campground provides designated swim areas. "The lake is within a short walk from the camp sites. The sites are also somewhat secluded which is nice for me since it provides some privacy," explains Katie O.
Tips from RVers
Hookup accessibility: At Squaw Rock RV Resort, "Single utility service serves two sites. The water spigot has a Y splitter to share a single water connection. Power has one 30 Amp and one 50 Amp socket," explains Cande D., suggesting early arrivals get first choice of power options.
Extra hose length needed: Some campgrounds have unusual utility layouts. "Bring an extra hose because your connection may be at the front right of your camper," advises Thomas M. about Squaw Rock.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly by location. "You're in a valley with NO cell service. Wi-Fi in the park is non-existent. There's a weak signal near the office," notes an RVer at Squaw Rock, while at Leavenworth-Pine Village KOA, "Wi-fi is there, but can be pretty spotty," according to Julie F.
