Camping areas surrounding Waterville, Washington provide access to the Columbia River Basin at 2,600 feet elevation, where summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F between June and August. The region's central location serves as a convenient base for exploring both the Columbia River and the eastern foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Winter overnight temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March, with most camping facilities closing seasonally.
What to do
Swimming opportunities: Entiat City Park features a lakefront swimming area with a dedicated dock. "This place was a hidden gem when I was looking for a campground last minute. Great campsites with green grass and views of the river. Clean modern bathrooms. A lakefront park for swimming and a dock for boats/jet skis etc.," notes a visitor at Entiat City Park.
Water sports access: The Columbia River provides multiple water recreation points near Waterville. One camper at Thousand Trails Crescent Bar describes it as a "Great location with awesome views of the Columbia River Valley. Well maintained grounds and amenities for a Thousand Trails campground." The park features "a walking path that you can access easily from the campground that goes to the end of Crescent Bar."
Winter activities: Some campgrounds remain open year-round, allowing access to winter recreation. "I am surprised to find how often we camp in the snowy winter months, empty campgrounds are a plus this time of year! Come summer you won't be able to get a reservation in this park, but in January it was wide open!" reports a visitor at Lakeshore RV Park, noting its convenience for the "Chelan WinterFest Festival in January."
What campers like
Riverside sites: Many RV parks near Waterville offer waterfront camping spots with direct river access. "We have a beautiful spot with a view of the water, surrounded by green grass, a willow tree and pickle ball court. There are a lot more trees and privacy in this campground compared to the other one," shares a camper at Entiat City Park.
Modern facilities: Newer or recently renovated campgrounds provide updated amenities. A review of Smokiam RV Resort states, "Granted we are here off season but the swimming pool, hot tub and clubhouse are immaculate. If you're tent camping, no worry - bathrooms have showers and are extremely clean."
Family activities: RV parks offer various recreational options beyond camping. One visitor at Smokiam RV Resort reports, "Very clean campground. Nice amenities for families. Put put golf swimming pool hot tubs basketball and volleyball court and nice playground. Paddle board kayak and paddle boat rentals as well."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Several RV parks around Waterville operate only during warmer months. Thousand Trails Crescent Bar specifically runs "April 24 to September 28" according to their seasonal information.
Limited cell service: Mobile reception varies significantly between locations. At Blu-Shastin RV Park, a camper reports: "No cell coverage with T-Mobile. WiFi at the clubhouse. Stay here. Best price only 45 a night full hookups." Another notes it's "in a cell dead zone."
Varying campsite spaciousness: Site size and privacy differ significantly between parks. "The sites are pretty close together, but not too close to be uncomfortable," notes a camper at Smokiam RV Resort, while another at Blu-Shastin warns, "The camping spots for everyone else are so close to each other that you can't put your awning out all the way without hitting the trailer next to you."
Water quality considerations: Some facilities have water quality issues. "Water came out brown each morning without a filter," cautions a visitor at Lakeshore RV Park, who also noted, "They water every night, you have to pull everything in, every night."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Choose parks with multiple activity amenities for children. At Thousand Trails Leavenworth, a camper notes, "For the kids the pool, lake, miniature golf, game room etc. was fun. The campground is about 30 minutes from Leavenworth. The girls all went shopping in town and had a great time."
Swimming safety: Consider water conditions when planning swimming activities with children. A visitor at Smokiam RV Resort warns, "The lake is great, once you get past the first 6 feet of muck. It's warm, shallow, but appropriately named. The water tastes soap and has a film, but that's the 'healing' part, right?"
Off-season visits: Family camping during shoulder seasons offers more space and quieter environments. "October is perfect time. So quiet, leaves changing, crisp weather. Just make sure you have heated water hose," recommends a camper at Thousand Trails Leavenworth.
Tips from RVers
Big rig access: Larger motorhomes need specific sites at certain RV parks Waterville area campers frequent. At Bridgeport Marina RV Park, facilities include 14 sites with full hookups, while a visitor at Conklin Landing RV Park appreciates the "60 ft pull throughs, NO PROBLEM" and describes "Gorgeous 2 parks 1/2 mile apart."
Winter preparations: RVers staying during colder months should plan for freezing temperatures. Smokiam RV Resort provides "heated coils to prevent any water freeze," according to one winter camper.
Hookup variations: Electrical and water connections differ between facilities. A Blu-Shastin RV Park visitor mentions "Full hookups at all sites," while another notes the value: "Best price only 45 a night full hookups."
