Best Campgrounds near Winthrop, WA

Campgrounds in the Winthrop area of Washington provide a range of accommodations from fully-developed facilities to primitive sites. The area features established destinations like Pearrygin Lake State Park and Winthrop/North Cascades National Park KOA, which offer cabin camping alongside traditional tent and RV sites. Several privately operated campgrounds including Pine Near RV Park and Big Twin Lake Resort provide additional cabin rental options within a short drive of downtown Winthrop, many with lake or river access. Most developed campgrounds in this region maintain western-themed aesthetics that complement the surrounding Methow Valley landscape.

The camping season near Winthrop typically runs from mid-May through October, with most facilities closing for winter. Many campgrounds require reservations during peak summer months when temperatures and visitor numbers rise. "The campground was very quiet and not busy on the weekdays we visited," noted one visitor about the KOA, suggesting timing considerations can significantly impact the camping experience. Road access to most developed campgrounds remains straightforward, though sites at higher elevations like Klipchuck Campground may have shorter operational seasons. Campgrounds closer to town offer convenience but tend to fill quickly, especially those with water features or unique amenities like hot tubs and private fenced areas offered at select KOA sites.

Campers consistently mention the proximity to water as a key feature of camping in the Winthrop area. The Methow River runs alongside several campgrounds, while others provide lake access for fishing and paddling. A visitor at Big Twin Lake Resort remarked that "the lake was so murky, swimming and fishing were not activities we got to enjoy," indicating water quality can vary by location and season. Mixed-use campgrounds that accommodate both RVs and tents are common in the region, with some offering distinct areas for each. Many developed campgrounds provide amenities such as showers, laundry facilities and camp stores, though these typically come with higher nightly rates compared to more basic Forest Service sites. The western-themed town of Winthrop, with its boardwalks and historic ambiance, remains within easy reach of most camping areas, providing convenient access to supplies, dining and entertainment.

Best Camping Sites Near Winthrop, Washington (243)

    1. Pearrygin Lake State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    Winthrop, WA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 996-2370

    "Minutes from Winthrop"

    "However we still had a great time hanging out at the lakeside beach area, it’s dog friendly, hot weather, and close to downtown Winthrop for great shopping and food!"

    2. Winthrop/N. Cascades National Park KOA Holiday

    10 Reviews
    Winthrop, WA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (509) 996-2258

    "The Winthrop KOA is similar and on par with most other KOA campgrounds, as far amenities go."

    "This KOA is a great campground, it's clean, it's centrally located to the town of Winthrop and there are close by amenities for groceries, etc. A very kid friendly place to stay as well."

    3. Klipchuck Campground

    23 Reviews
    Mazama, WA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 996-4000

    $20 / night

    "Easy access to trails, river, and the towns of Mazama and Winthrop which are known for great hiking, climbing, mountain biking, etc."

    "Close to the small town of Winthrop and near two cold and refreshing snow fed bodies of water (Early Winters Creek and the Methow River) perfect for cooling off in the hot summer."

    4. Pine Near RV Park

    7 Reviews
    Garner, NC
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 341-4062

    "Only a short block walk into the heart of Winthrop which has all amenities, restaurants, micro brews, shopping etc. Very clean restrooms, ( $1.00 for a 2 minute shower) laundry available"

    "Nice greasy sites, trees, a block up from the charming town of Winthrop. Nice restrooms and laundry."

    5. Riverbend RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Twisp, WA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 997-3500

    "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, yard games set up for anyone’s use and proximity"

    "Washington Rolling down the road on the Cascade Loop I took in all the scenery and enjoyed every moment."

    6. Big Twin Lake Resort

    4 Reviews
    Winthrop, WA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 996-2650

    $30 - $65 / night

    "Nice lake, close to Winthrop, and friendly!"

    "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. "

    7. Sullivan Pond Camp

    3 Reviews
    Winthrop, WA
    4 miles

    "Nice, quiet dispersed camping next to Sullivan Pond near Winthrop Washington. Recommend 4wd with good clearance. Washington Discover Pass required."

    "Washington Discovery Pass is required for camping here."

    8. Silverline Lakeside Resort

    2 Reviews
    Winthrop, WA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 724-9924

    $33 - $60 / night

    "Cozy atmosphere with lake access and great amenities including kept up bathrooms/ showers, kayak/ paddleboard rentals, breakfast, and well stocked general store."

    9. Early Winters Campground

    8 Reviews
    Mazama, WA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 996-4000

    "There are 2 areas split by the highway. We stayed on the north side close to the creek. It was fairly quiet, minimal road noise."

    "There's decent climbing close by at Goat Wall (5.2 miles from the campground)."

    10. Cougar Lake

    1 Review
    Winthrop, WA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 754-4624
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Recent Reviews near Winthrop, WA

468 Reviews of 243 Winthrop Campgrounds


  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 11, 2025

    FR51

    FR51 Flat

    This is a really nice spot and accommodates larger rigs. It’s on a high flat above a river, which would be easy to walk down to if you wanted to fish plenty of space for cars that are blocked off by larger rock so you could set up a tent if you wanted to or just camp in your RV. Beautiful view of the river.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Chewuch River Camping

    River Camping

    This is a great location that is pretty much set up for hunting if you’re into that. It’s right on the water and there are plenty of spots and each spot has access areas to the river. The one in the very back left has its own personal beach area, which is the one that we stayed at. Plenty of spots to choose from and it looks like a paid campground, but it’s free dispersed camping. Fire rings are set up all throughout. We came in September so it was pretty empty when we got here BUT the couple that was here when we got here says that it’s about to get filled up for hunting.

  • Sarah S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Pearrygin Lake State Park Campground

    State park camping

    Decent little spot for overnight camping. We stayed mostly to fill up in water and it was great for that. 4 unisex bathrooms each with a combined toilet and shower space.

  • GoldDust D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Pearrygin Lake State Park Campground

    A quick stop over

    Easy to get a last-minute reservation, clean bathrooms and showers, and the camping area was well kept. Would stay again!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 18, 2025

    Alta Lake State Park Campground

    Nice for an overnight

    Lake sites have beautiful views, both nice sunrise and sunset. However the RV sites on the lake are basically a parking lot with campers sitting side by side, no privacy, any conversation is easily overheard. Facilities were very clean. Easy to access dump station.

  • Eric O.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Klipchuck Campground

    Great spot

    Many available spots, even on a Sunday prior to Labor Day. Campsite cost is $20 per night plus $2 in fees. Each site was very clean, with picnic table, fire pit, and a pretty flat tent pad. Pit toilets were very well maintained, and water spigots were at every other site. Would come again, highly recommend. Only payment option is to “Scan & Pay” where you scan the QR code with the recreation.gov app and you get a confirmation number, which you write down on your site post (once you get service the app will charge your card). No cash options afaik.

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Colonial Creek South Campground — Ross Lake National Recreation Area

    Colonial Creek South Campground

    This campground is in such a beautiful setting! Big trees, piles of moss, and lots of ferns. Mostly tent campers, so it feels like actual camping. Unfortunately, no showers, but there are flushing toilets. My only real complaint is because of the popularity of the place, you do have noisy families and poor camp etiquette (ex: running to your cars a lot, slamming doors, headlights flashing at night, beeping your car to lock it... etc.)

  • Meghan B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Klipchuck Campground

    Klipchuck Campground

    Nice campground. We stayed at a lovely site just a short walk from the river. The vault toilets were HORRIBLE though. The Scan & Go is also a rip off. You HAVE to use the system, and it's $20 PLUS fees. There's a 14-day stay limit, but I could only book 4 of my 5 nights at one time ($20/night plus $10 fee) and the final night I had to book the morning of ($20 plus $2 fee). Sporadic cell service here--weak, but great with a booster.

  • Ashley A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Goat Creek Sno-Park

    Good place to sleep

    Nothing special. Just a parking lot a little off the highway. People are rolling in untill about 10:30 and start leaving at 6. Clean pit toilet. Nothing wrong with it, great place just to sleep and keep moving.


Guide to Winthrop

Camping near Winthrop, Washington, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do

  • Water activities: Enjoy kayaking, jet skiing, and fishing at Pearrygin Lake State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "All things water-based including jet skis, water skiing, kayaking, SUP, and fishing."
  • Hiking: Explore the nearby trails, especially if you’re staying at Klipchuck Campground. A visitor shared, "This is a good basecamp for exploring the North Cascades."
  • Relaxing by the lake: Spend a day lounging at Alta Lake State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "The swimming area at the lake was really nice."

What campers like

  • Scenic views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One happy camper at Lone Fir Campground said, "The scenery around every turn was AWESOME!"
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A reviewer at Klipchuck Campground noted, "Most sites are relatively private."
  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Pearrygin Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The showers are free but you are asked to not use more than three button pushes."

What you should know

  • Road noise: Some campgrounds, like Early Winters Campground, are close to highways, which can lead to noise. A camper noted, "Road noise can be a problem during the summer months."
  • Limited amenities: Not all campgrounds have full facilities. A reviewer at Antilon Lake Campground pointed out, "There is no drinking water, no electric hookups, and no showers."
  • Reservation challenges: Many sites are first-come, first-served. A visitor at Klipchuck Campground advised, "Get there early or it will be hard to find a spot for an RV."

Tips for camping with families

  • Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas and trails. One parent at Alta Lake State Park Campground said, "There were lots of paths to take our kids for walks or bike rides."
  • Safety first: Bring bug spray, especially if you're camping at places like Antilon Lake Campground, where mosquitoes can be a nuisance. A camper warned, "BRING BUG SPRAY!!!"
  • Plan for meals: Some campgrounds have picnic tables and fire rings, making it easy to cook. A visitor at Pearrygin Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Each site had a picnic table and fire ring."

Tips from RVers

  • Check site sizes: Not all campgrounds can accommodate larger RVs. A reviewer at Klipchuck Campground noted, "Few sites are long enough for larger rigs."
  • Be prepared for tight turns: Some campgrounds have narrow loops. A visitor at Lone Fir Campground mentioned, "Turns are tight in the loops."
  • Bring cash for fees: Many campgrounds operate on a cash-only basis. A camper at Klipchuck Campground advised, "Make sure you have cash or check to pay in the Dropbox."

Camping near Winthrop, Washington, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but being prepared can make your experience even better!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Winthrop, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Winthrop, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 243 campgrounds and RV parks near Winthrop, WA and 19 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Winthrop, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Winthrop, WA is Pearrygin Lake State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 29 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Winthrop, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 free dispersed camping spots near Winthrop, WA.

What parks are near Winthrop, WA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Winthrop, WA that allow camping, notably Lake Chelan National Recreation Area and North Cascades National Park.