Best Equestrian Camping near Winthrop, WA

Visited 7/26-7/31 2020 Loop 1 site 22 Pros- clean facilities, great day use area, some campsites (loop 3) are on the water. The lake is cool and clear. Nice staff. Kayak and paddle board rentals (not this summer due to covid). Close to Winthrop and Chelan.

Cons- extensive fire damage in 2014 has downed many trees and most campsites have zero or little shade. Sites are very close together, little privacy and weekends at lake are busy. My main issue was the out of date campsite photos. Our site showed 6 trees but we had zero (cut down I’m guessing due to fire). We knew it would be hot but we also thought there would be shade.

Personally I really enjoyed this park and camping. The park itself is really well maintained, and in a beautiful location. The lake and surrounding hills were beautiful. Even with the few private homes nearby, it didn't really take away from the scenery in my opinion.

I camped in the upper loop in a site that backed to the hill side. The layout of the sites are very unique, no two sites (in the upper loop at least) are alike. My spot had a lower parking area with room for two cars. The you step up to the "living room" where the picnic table and fire pit were, then off of that area was a isolated tent pad area.

The next spot over on one side was up hill from me, so didn't really see them (but could hear them). The spot on the other side was closer and lacked a little bit of privacy, but as far as state parks go, it was still fairly spread out. I was also there for a Saturday and Sunday night, so Sunday the park completely emptied out and I think there were only 2 or 3 others in the entire upper loop, and not near me at all, which was nice.

I'm sure there are times when the lake gets overrun with motor boats and jet skis, but the weekend I was there (6/8 & 6/9) wasn't to bad at all. Paddle boards and kayaks outnumbers the boats with motors, and even those weren't racing around the lake, they were all fishing.

I mostly camp in dispersed camping areas, but this is a state park I would put on my short willing to return to list.

I look forward to Alta Lake every year! I try to get my favorite spot on the end near the water and stay as many days as my life will allow. We take our kayaks and explore. Hiking trails are close by.

It can get crowded up in the RV section. People seem to enjoy themselves, it gets pretty loud and rowdy in the afternoon and evening. I am glad we have other options. Our Basecamp is only 16 feet long and we can run off the grid, so we actually can take it along the lake in a tent spot. If you are going to attempt it, it is truly a tight fit. Be careful! Sites are small, pull off is more accurate than pull through,and we used a lot of blocks to level up. I wouldn't think this place is known for privacy, but I think it makes up for it with location. The bathrooms are nice and have showers too.

Lots of fish, birds, turtles, and little critters running around. The lake is lovely. There are motorized boats allowed, kayaks and swimmers be careful!

The campground is beautiful. Because of the fire that destroyed the campground, there is next to no privacy on each campsite.

Pros: -Stars were incredible- we saw the milky-way and a few shooting starts -clean flushable bathrooms -views, access to hikes -cool lake to swim in -cellphone service (although we opted to put our phones in airplane mode to unplug) -family friendly

Cons: -noise: during quiet hours there was zero enforcement of quiet time. We had a camp next to us partying until 1am and another group up at 6am putting up a canopy and being incredibly loud -no privacy at campsites -there is a fire ban, so if you are hoping for s’mores make sure to bring a propane stove (not a con for us, but may be for others) -bees: there were so many bees. If you are allergic I recommend staying away. We had a screened in canopy and still managed to get several inside -not a ton of shade, mostly because of precious fires

Along Thunder-creek trail Junction is tucked away about 10 miles in. While the hike is relatively easy-moderate while passing through the other camps, once you get pass camp Tricouni you have 2.2 miles until camp Junction and it’s a strenuous hike up the mountain for about a mile. There are 3 campsites to choose from in Junction. Get there relatively early because there are only 2 with a view of the glacier, the third is nice and private and tucked away but you won’t see the mountain from the site. The pit toilet is tucked away in some trees to your left of the campsites with plenty of privacy and scenery. Junction great spot for camping or to break for lunch and take in the gorgeous views. I will add if you choose to visit during a warmer time bring bug spray and get a fire going ASAP to keep them at bay until the night air comes in.