The Methow Valley near Winthrop sits at 1,768 feet elevation in North Central Washington, experiencing hot, dry summers and snowy winters. The area offers multiple glamping options that remain accessible year-round despite seasonal closures of North Cascades Highway (SR-20), typically from November through April. Many glamping sites provide close access to the 120-mile Methow Valley trail system that connects multiple communities.
What to do
Riverside fishing access: At Riverbend RV Park, campers enjoy direct access to the Methow River. "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, yard games set up for anyone's use," notes Jennifer H.
Winter cross-country skiing: The area maintains accessibility during winter months with nearby skiing opportunities. One camper mentioned, "The location of this campsite is key as it is close to town but also along the loop within driving distance of the North Cascades Park and also some of the Washington State Parks. If you can detach and use this as a home base it will work well with your travels."
Lake fishing variety: Antilon Lake Campground offers fishing opportunities for multiple species. "I caught sun fish, crappie, and brown trout... The brown trout I grilled was good, too!" reports Don. Another visitor caught "3 gorgeous brown trout from my kayak, which made 2 delicious meals."
What campers like
Spacious glamping near Winthrop: Pine Near RV Park provides tent areas with open layouts. "We used a tent site which was in excellent shape. The views from our site were of the North Cascades. Only a short block walk into the heart of Winthrop which has all amenities, restaurants, micro brews, shopping etc," shares Scott-Christy B.
Affordable riverside camping: American Legion Park offers budget options with unexpected amenities. "Free WiFi, Free Showers, Bathrooms, Water... Nothing spectacular, but free showers, free WiFi, bathrooms, water faucet, and water spigot is hard to beat," notes Jonathan T. Another camper adds, "$10/night/vehicle or tent."
Lakefront glamping with amenities: Waterfront glamping provides scenic views at several locations. At Shady Pines Resort, one visitor observed, "Relaxing stay, great panoramic water view and excellent customer service. Our dogs were happy playing in the water and watching the deer, geese and herons. Good WiFi. I really liked the bistro lights in the evening."
What you should know
Bug preparation essential: Mosquitoes can be intense in certain areas, especially near lakes. At Antilon Lake, one camper warned, "BRING BUG SPRAY!!! After setting up our tent and bunking down for the night we found probably 100 mosquitoes INSIDE of the tent." Another visitor noted, "Some mosquitos, but I've seen worse."
Road conditions vary: Some access roads require caution, particularly for smaller vehicles. "The dirt road is long with curves, and can get bumpy at times," reports a visitor to Antilon Lake. Another camper cautions, "1. If you're going to follow Google Maps instructions fully you're going to need an ATV. If not you will definitely get stuck in one of many holes and/or moon dust."
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate seasonally, with varied opening dates. At Leader Lake Campground, visitors note it "fills up quick starting around 5pm on Friday. So if you're trying for the weekend - get there quick." The campground is described as having "Vault toilets, Paved roads, right on the water, fire pits, etc."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. Riverbend RV Park features "a large pet area for them to run free" and "their own play area that was well maintained and away from the other campers just enough to not disrupt the silence of the camp." Another camper mentioned the playground "was older but did the trick for the kids."
Swimming options: Not all water bodies are suitable for swimming. A visitor to Antilon Lake reported, "The upper lake is very overgrown...no swimming and no real place to safely put my kayak in. The lower lake was much better, although a VERY steep hill down to the water."
Game availability: Riverbend RV Park provides communal games for families. "We had fun using corn hole game," one camper mentioned. Another noted the campground has "yard games set up for anyone's use and proximity to twisp, Winthrop, the rodeo etc."
Tips from RVers
Site spacing considerations: RV sites vary in proximity to neighbors. At Winthrop/N. Cascades National Park KOA Holiday, a visitor reported, "The sites are HUGE for a KOA and very well maintained." They also mentioned, "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."
Long-term options: Some campgrounds accommodate extended stays. At Riverbend RV Park, one camper observed, "A few long terms folks" while praising the "nice quiet amenities." American Legion Park imposes a "72-hour camping limit and is a city park, which means they don't accept any type of pass or discount such as the Discover Pass."
Leveling and spacing: Site characteristics matter for comfortable setup. At Riverbend RV Park, a visitor noted, "good spacing, level site" and mentioned the "host did great job of spacing rvs throughout camp for optimal privacy." Another camper appreciated that their "site was pretty level" with a "really decent price for full hookups."
