Camping near Winthrop, Washington occurs at elevations ranging from 1,700 to 4,000 feet in the Methow Valley, contributing to its distinctive four-season climate. This eastern slope of the North Cascades receives significantly less annual rainfall than the western side, creating drier camping conditions throughout summer and fall. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing with campgrounds at higher elevations closing by late October.
What to do
Fishing access points: Pearrygin Lake State Park offers multiple fishing spots along the shoreline, with morning hours typically most productive for anglers. "The lake was full of boats and jet skis going pretty fast and the lake is not very wide. Also, there is a boat docking fee which I think is silly when we only have kayaks," notes one visitor regarding water activities.
River exploration: The Methow River running alongside Early Winters Campground provides spots for refreshing dips during hot summer days. "The Methow River is right there and it's super COLD thanks to all the snow melt. If you need a refreshing dip, this river will provide just that," explains a camper who enjoyed the natural cold water alternative to showers.
Hiking trails: Several trail systems connect directly to campgrounds in the area, allowing for day hikes without driving. "Just a short walk from your campsite you can find the Methow Trails which is known primarily for its cross country ski access points but is also great for hiking during the warmer months," mentions a reviewer of Early Winters Campground. The trail from Klipchuck Campground offers more challenging terrain with elevation gain.
What campers like
Private lakefront sites: Big Twin Lake Resort features camping spots with direct lake views approximately 100 yards from the water. One camper describes, "I had a 'lake front' site, which was really nice but still a good 100 yards from the lake. But I was happy with an unobstructed view." These sites tend to fill quickly, especially on weekends.
Spacious camping areas: Riverbend RV Park offers well-spaced sites even during busy periods. "Host did great job of spacing rvs throughout camp for optimal privacy," explains one visitor. Another notes, "Nice quiet amenities - new bathrooms, large dog area, easy river access, playground was older but did the trick for the kids, nice paved roads to scooter and skate."
Western-themed facilities: The regional western aesthetic extends to campground designs and amenities. A visitor to the KOA described, "The campground has western vibe, with old wagons that you can actually rent to sleep in, log cabins, and western-style artifacts throughout." These themed elements complement the overall Methow Valley experience.
What you should know
Shoulder season availability: Campgrounds at lower elevations remain accessible later into fall, with Sullivan Pond Camp often available when other sites have closed. "Nice, quiet dispersed camping next to Sullivan Pond near Winthrop Washington. Recommend 4wd with good clearance. Washington Discover Pass required," advises one camper who visited during the transitional season.
Variable water quality: Lake conditions can change throughout the season affecting both fishing and swimming opportunities. A visitor to Big Twin Lake noted, "The lake was so murky, swimming and fishing were not activities we got to enjoy," indicating water clarity varies by season and recent weather patterns.
Limited cell coverage: Connectivity varies significantly by location and carrier. One Winthrop/N. Cascades National Park KOA visitor mentioned, "Skoolie friendly, nice and quiet. Very friendly staff. Good for travellers as you can rent just a shower. Only downside is wifi is sketchy and 4g is sub par." Some higher elevation sites have no service at all.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Pine Near RV Park offers family-friendly amenities within walking distance to Winthrop. "Tent camped here by myself with 3 kids. It was super easy, nice showers, very close to town!" reports one parent who appreciated the convenience for managing multiple children.
Mosquito preparation: Summer months bring increased insect activity, particularly at sites near standing water. "The mosquitoes were everywhere. We drove in to town to get additional mosquito repellents and nothing worked," warns one camper who ultimately cut their trip short due to the pests.
Weather variability: Temperature fluctuations between day and night can be extreme, especially in spring and fall. Pack accordingly with both warm weather and cold weather clothing. Evening winds can pick up quickly as noted by one camper: "One of the nights we were there, we had to douse our campfire because embers were flying everywhere."
Tips from RVers
Dump station locations: Several campgrounds require exits through specific routes to access dump stations. "The one strange thing is the dump sites location. You have to go to the far right side near the back of the park and then drive all the way back to the front," explains one KOA visitor, highlighting the importance of understanding the layout before departure.
Site selection strategy: RVers recommend requesting sites away from playground areas if seeking quiet. "The campground was very quiet (except for the playground straight across from my site) and not busy on the weekdays we visited," notes one KOA camper, suggesting midweek stays offer more peaceful conditions.
Road access considerations: Larger rigs should carefully research campground approaches. "If you are in a larger rig, bring a detachable vehicle to navigate in town as there are not a lot of places to park larger rigs in the community itself," advises an experienced RVer who stayed at Riverbend RV Park.
