The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Winthrop. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Winthrop is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Winthrop and user-submitted reviews.
"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."
"Super close to the river. There were a lot of people, mainly families, but everyone was super respectful and it honestly made me feel safer and a solo traveler. Would definitely go back."
"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."
"A couple spots washed out and need high clearance but otherwise just a long slow switchbacky road to the top."
"Near the peak of Fox Mountain, this area is at one of the highest points in the area. Great cell service(AT&T) and a amazing view for both sunrise and sunset!"
"A wonderful site, with awesome lake access."
"Next to Hwy and behind tall bushes. Vault bathrooms 1/4 mile down the road. Pretty quiet spot even though 300 yards from highway."
"Sandy dirt camping site near the USGS sensor station. No fires today due to high fire danger, but there was a pit in the camp. Tent right on the ridge. Dirt road was 12 miles up the mountain."
"Passed a park ranger on the way and he never said anything. There is also paid for camping on the way up here."
TravelerA couple spots washed out and need high clearance but otherwise just a long slow switchbacky road to the top.
TravelerThe campsite is right by the forest road. Fire restrictions are in place for the summer months, so no campfires. Quite a few mosquitos do bring spray or other repellant types.
ScoutNice, quiet dispersed camping next to Sullivan Pond near Winthrop Washington. Recommend 4wd with good clearance. Washington Discover Pass required.
GuideThis campsite is along the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route between the Cashmere and Chelan sections along NF-8410. Obviously, this is a 4X4 road but if you approach from the Chelan side you could maybe get away with a high clearance AWD vehicle. Incredible sunset views of the valley overlooking Lake Chelan to one side and a vast forested mountain range to the other. This particular spot photographed is on the south side of the road to the north of the Baldy Mountain crest. This area seemed to have a good number of sites in the immediate vicinity, not that we saw anything in them. This particular site was clearly well used as it was flat, had log stump seats, and a stone fire pit (even if you aren't supposed to have fires most of the year in this forest). Someone even built a rustic camp toilet in the woods just away from the campsite.
TravelerThis is a dry Camp only. , no water/power ect. Has a small lake or a large pond? With a beautiful view of the valley floor.
TravelerGreat campsite with an awesome view. Sandy dirt camping site near the USGS sensor station. No fires today due to high fire danger, but there was a pit in the camp. Tent right on the ridge. Dirt road was 12 miles up the mountain. Lots of switchbacks, but passible in a sedan. Takes 45 mins to get up. Take shady pass road to the top.
TravelerBeautiful lake, long, big and I hear they have fish (not a fisherman). Has several points of access to the lake.
ScoutNext to Hwy and behind tall bushes. Vault bathrooms 1/4 mile down the road. Pretty quiet spot even though 300 yards from highway.
GuideReally peaceful and lovely campsite. Lots of flowers, just a few camping spaces available. Washington Discovery Pass is required for camping here.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Winthrop, Washington, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations to choose from, each offers unique experiences and stunning landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the regulations for dispersed camping in the Winthrop area?
Dispersed camping in the Winthrop area requires a Washington Discover Pass for most locations. Fire restrictions are typically in place during summer months, prohibiting campfires during high fire danger periods. At Goat Creek Sno-Park, you'll find basic facilities like pit toilets, but camping is essentially just parking in designated areas. Hard Creek Bridge and similar sites have specific vehicle limitations - many dispersed sites are unsuitable for large RVs and better for car/van camping. Stay limits are typically 14 days within a 30-day period, and pack-in/pack-out principles apply for all waste.
Where can I find dispersed camping near Winthrop, WA?
Several excellent dispersed camping options exist near Winthrop. Sullivan Pond Camp offers quiet camping alongside a small pond, though 4WD vehicles with good clearance are recommended for access. Cooper Mnt Rd Dispersed Camping features sites along a switchback road leading to mountain views, with some spots requiring high clearance vehicles. Other options include Goat Creek Sno-Park, which provides basic overnight parking with pit toilets, and Black Lake Backcountry Campsite with lake access. Most dispersed sites in the area require a Washington Discover Pass.
When is the best season for dispersed camping around Winthrop?
The prime season for dispersed camping around Winthrop is late spring through early fall (May-September), with summer offering the most accessible conditions. However, summer brings challenges like mosquitoes at Lake Chelan Overlook and other sites, so pack repellent. Summer also typically means fire restrictions at places like Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed. Early fall provides milder temperatures and fewer insects, while spring offers wildflowers but potentially muddy roads. Winter access is extremely limited due to snow, with most forest service roads becoming impassable, though some sno-parks remain available for winter camping enthusiasts.
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