Camping
Campground Information
by District
Developed Campgrounds
There are over 150 campgrounds and picnic areas on the seven Ranger Districts of the Okanogan and Wenatchee National Forests. Camp spots are generally available on a first-come, first-served basis. Several of the larger campgrounds also offer group reservation opportunities. During the summer months, weekends are usually very busy. To avoid crowds, try timing your visit for mid-week.
Some campgrounds have sites designed for tent camping, for camper truck use, and for use by those pulling a trailer. Other campgrounds have areas specially designed for campers who bring their horses for trail riding. Still other areas have been developed with the trail bike enthusiast’s camping needs in mind. Both single family and multi-family camping sites may be found.
Some free-use sites have campfire rings or fireplaces, picnic tables, and primitive restroom facilities.
Sites which are more developed charge a use fee of between $5 and $17 per night per vehicle. Most fee campgrounds have drinking water and garbage service in addition to the basic amenities. See the camping sections by district (links above) or contact the Ranger District for more details on each campground. Restroom facilities in some of the more developed campgrounds may even have flush toilets. Campground use rules and instructions on how to pay camping fees are posted on bulletin boards in each campground.
There are also developed campgrounds which have sections available for use by large groups, such as family reunions. These sites may be reserved ahead of time and use fees are based on the number of people in the group and length of stay. Fees may range between $30 to $120 per night. Many are resevable through www.recreation.gov
For those who plan to camp in one of the Okanogan and Wenatchee Forest campgrounds, following are some suggestions for a more pleasant visit.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE: Upon arrival check out the entire campground to find the site that will best suite your needs. Are there special rules that will affect your recreation activities? Are some areas for day use only? Are some sites better suited to tents or trailers than other sites? Some areas allow for saddle or pack animals; others do not. Set up your campsite only if you intend to stay; others may need to use the site. Is there plenty of room at the site you selected? Remember to keep your car and trailer on the surfaced area/drive through/parking pad so no damage occurs to trees and their roots.
WHILE YOU ARE THERE: Use a closed bucket or other similar receptacle for garbage from your trailer and campsite. Keep the faucet area clean because soap residues can build up under the faucet and hamper proper drainage. Take water back to your campsite for personal hygiene, cleaning fish, washing dishes, etc. or use special facilities when they are provided. Use the fire ring or fire pit provided. Please remember, be careful not to hurt or destroy any of the native plants in the area.
If camping at a "pack-it-out" campground, please take your garbage with you; don't stash it in the toilets, as this fills them quickly and makes them impossible to pump and clean.
WHEN YOU LEAVE: Did you remember to take all your gear? Check the area, will the next camper to use the area think you were a good neighbor? A good rule of thumb is to leave the campsite looking better than it did when you arrived.
OTHER "GOOD NEIGHBOR" CAMPING SUGGESTIONS:
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Keep radios/music turned low; sound really carries outside.
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Run generators only when it won't disturb others or interfere with other campers' sleep.
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Encourage children to refrain from loud, boisterous play while near other campsites.
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Gather firewood only from designated areas, and then only dead and down wood.
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Pick up litter that other people leave; everyone has a stake in keeping an area beautiful.
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Keep pets under control at all times.
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Don't drive nails into or tie wire around trees. This opens the way for insects and other plant diseases.
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Drive vehicles cautiously through campgrounds.
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Ride motorcycles only where they are designated and where they do not disturb other campers' peace and quiet.
For more information about camping in National Forest campgrounds, please contact the nearest Forest Service office.
