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    Alta Lake State Park

    3.4 (27 reviews)

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    Kimber R.

    Alta Lake has been a camping staple for my family since before I was born. Loop two is where you want to be. With concrete spots with electric and water for trailers, and lower primitive spots right on the lake, this loop has a grass field in the middle and easy access to the swimming area. It has two bathrooms, one above the swimming area(which is a little dirtier) and one on the other side by the tent sites. Both have quarter operated showers. Reservations for the campsites start booking out 9 months in advance, and it isn't an easy spot to get into on short notice. They do have overflow that is first come first served. Each site gets one vehicle, and it's an extra $10 a night for another.

    Jessica L.

    Beautiful campsite! The pictures don't show the true beauty of this site! Friendly park rangers. We were looking for a campsite to spend the night and decided to check it out. The park ranger took the time to write down all the spots that were free for us to check out. The campsites were lovely. They were all tiered so you couldn't really see others (depending on the site you choose) but you still get views of the lake and mountains. Bathrooms were super clean and lit. There is also a shower, I didn't take one but it's 3 min for 50 cents. We were here July 5th, no mosquitos during this time we went. Super comfortable temperatures to sleep in. We didn't go on the lake but plenty people did with their boats, I think there are also rentals Highly recommend this campsite if you're looking to camp on this area. $30 a night

    Cathy S.

    We stayed at the Alta Lake State Park campground this past weekend for one night during our trip around the North Cascades Highway Loop. We arrived here on Saturday evening to find the place hopping with beach goers and and groups bbqing. We quickly realized this was going to be a rowdy campground as there were people and cars everywhere. We found our campsite fairly quickly and luckily it was at the top of the loop away from other campsites. We parked the car and quickly headed down to the lake to enjoy the last hours of sunlight. The lake is a short walk from the campground and while the water was chilly it was just right on this hot July afternoon. After swimming, we picked up some firewood which is sold at the small convenience store and headed back to the site. Overall, we enjoyed our 1 night stay here and really that's probably all I could tolerate. Be sure to bring quarters for the showers and be prepared to either shower really early in the morning or wait in a long line. Also, watch out for rattlesnakes here. We only saw one during our stay and he was minding his own business, but you just need to keep an eye out while walking during nighttime.

    Campsite
    Bao-Yen T.

    My friends and I stated at Alta Lake State Park campground this past weekend and overall, it was just okay. Decent campgrounds, clean restroom facilities, nice background, dirty lake water and so many bugs. My friends and I camp every year around June. We decided to stay here because everything was already booked at Lake Chelan State Park. PROS: Background: The mountains surrounding the lake made a beautiful backdrop. The trees would have looked amazing if that recently fire hadn't taken place. Campsite: 30-40 min drive from Lake Chelan. Our campsite was right next to Alta lake so there was easy access to the water. There is a large picnic table at each campsite, it looked rather new. Bathrooms: Cleanest bathroom at any state park that I have ever been to! I was so surprised at how clean it was. There are individual bathrooms with a toilet/shower combo and there are shared bathrooms with toilet stalls. Hand soap available as well! CONS: Lake: I was so disappointed with the condition of the lake. The water was filled with algae and it was very murky. Not in any condition to swim in. With the scorching heat, we ended up driving to Lake Chelan to swim there. Bugs: Yes I know camping involves being in the woods so there are always going to be bugs. I've never had as many bug bites from all the campsites that I have been to as this one. There were so many fire ants surrounding our tent that we had to place our shoes up and away from the ground. Not only were there mosquitoes, but there was wasps, bees and fleas as well. Bring bug spray! Tips: Discover Pass required for parking. Coined shower ($.50/3 minutes), no tokens needed, just quarters. I probably wouldn't come back...

    View walking to the bathroom
    Ashley T.

    We loved camping here August 2019. We camped with our kids(2,4) and our two dogs. We stayed in loop 2. Our kids and our dogs had a blast. The lake was clean for being lake water, the restrooms were clean and they have showers. The campground was family friendly. We rented two kayaks(they were a bit pricey) had a great time. The park does offer WiFi but it basically was so slow that we gave up. I would definitely camp here again.

    Peter K.

    What can be more satisfying than enjoying a stay in this remote area away from the city. Hike up the mountain about a mile one way moderate level. We did with our 4 kids, everyone enjoyed, beautiful scenery. A gold course near by and people are friendly. Campground is clean, can be windy sometimes so bring some kites. Bikes are a plus to explore this area and enjoy the quiet ride along with the dry fresh mountain air. Closest store is about 10 - 15 min away

    Overview of state park from the top of the hike!
    Morlina D.

    I thoroughly enjoyed this state park! You can camp, hike, swim here almost everything but burn a fire bc there is a ban which was kind of a bummer but it didn't take away from my experience. It's maintained well and the bathrooms are clean compared to other campsites. They have showers that take quarters so bring a ton of change if you plan on washing the stink off. They also have a camp store that sells ice cream and snacks and the man who runs it is very chill!! Only complaint is that there is absolutely no privacy I can look across the campsite and see what the other campers are doing. They're also close together.

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    4 years ago

    Spent the night on a bench in the park because the ground cover and my tent were overrun by mites. Disgusting experience!

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    Ask the Community - Alta Lake State Park

    Review Highlights - Alta Lake State Park

    Very nice clean bathrooms and hot showers!!!

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    Whistlin' Pine Ranch Sawtooth Outfitters - Cowgirl Capable Women's Empowerment Retreat - 2024 Group Photo

    Whistlin' Pine Ranch Sawtooth Outfitters

    3.8(10 reviews)
    0.9 mi

    This campground is a hidden gem if your looking for a real camping experience--not a crowded RV…read moreparking lot with generators humming all night? Let me introduce you to a hidden gem that's the real deal. Whistlin' Pine Ranch sits at the quiet end of Alta Lake, just one mile past the State Park. This four-generation, family-run ranch and campground was started by my girlfriend's grandparents and lovingly restored by Tara, who grew up hunting, fishing, and outfitting with her dad, Brian Varrelman. Many of you will remember Brian as the heart behind Sawtooth Outfitters, leading generations of families on unforgettable trail rides and backcountry hunts. This isn't just any trail ride. It's access to untouched wilderness--no joggers, no mountain bikes, no barking dogs. Just you, a sure-footed horse, and views so breathtaking they'll leave you speechless. If you're lucky, you might even spot the ranch's resident bear stretched out sunbathing by the pond. Whistlin' Pine is the kind of place that reminds you what camping should feel like--peaceful mornings, paddleboarding on the lake, fishing at sunrise, and star-filled nights. Tara has done an incredible job honoring her family's legacy while giving the ranch some love and new life. So if you're craving the real outdoors, not the Instagram version--this is it. Book a site, saddle up, and go make some core memories.

    We first visited WPRSO about ten years ago, shortly after the fire that decimated the nearby Alta…read moreLake State Park. At that time we met Brian, the owner/outfitter, and were impressed with what he had to offer though we were just passing through at the time. We learned from his sidekick that the only reason the beautiful homes, cabins, and ranch at the south end of the lake weren't destroyed in the fire is that Brian and some helpers stayed to keep things watered down when official help wasn't. That's true grit. Fast track to now, and we were planning on staying in Chelan (about 40 minutes away) and I wanted to do some trail riding. I found the newly updated website (really well done - AltaLakeRanch) and contacted Tara, Brian's daughter, who has taken the reins of the ranch now that the Covid issues have passed. She returned my message immediately, something that sooooo many other riding places seem unable to do. She answers her phone. Long story short, we got two rides scheduled for early in the week. She does have a two rider minimum, like so many trail riding places. First two-hour ride ended up being just the two of us, and since I've had horses about forever we could take some of the steeper and rockier trails. This time I rode Bella, a draft/Friesian cross and a giant horse. These trails weren't the easiest, yet she never missed a beat. Since Bella hyper-enjoyed the spring grass, Tara did have to get off her horse to adjust (tighten) up Bella's cinch a few times around her round belly. Otherwise, the saddle fit me well. Tara was riding a young horse that wasn't "string" ready yet but still seemed very well trained to me. Dog Rip, already a great trail dog for his age, joined us. Second two-hour ride we had another person join us, not a regular rider though very fit. Tara asked if I wanted to ride her horse June from the day before (guess I passed the riding test!) so I rode third with her. Once she is on the official string she'll be a favorite as she is nicely trained, moved off the leg really well, was also very sure footed, and just was a pleasure to ride. Well, that plus she isn't a mile high like Bella. Tara rode June's sister, also a young horse in training, and she did great too. Got to add here that Tara knows her horses' quirks well and has appropriate tack for each horse and rider combo. It's awful trying to ride hilly ground on a saddle built for a giant that you slosh around in. This time we took different trails which were more suitable for less experienced riders and really enjoyed the scenery and mountain wildflowers. With 500 acres in this three-generation ranch and adjacent state land to ride on, there are lots of choices for riders from beginners to the more experienced. Reminder to people who don't ride regularly: don't start out with a long ride as you'll be using muscles you never thought you had. You'll realize that in 24 hours and beyond. I found two hours to be perfect for me. We haven't stayed in their campground or attended any equestrian events so I can't comment on that, though Tara is making improvements to the camping area and has more she is exploring. I'll be back to ride again and check on her upgrades as some of them sounded pretty cool.

    Photos
    Whistlin' Pine Ranch Sawtooth Outfitters - Sawtooth Outfitter trail horse waiting for the herd to catch up

    Sawtooth Outfitter trail horse waiting for the herd to catch up

    Whistlin' Pine Ranch Sawtooth Outfitters - Cool photo op location buy the barn

    Cool photo op location buy the barn

    Whistlin' Pine Ranch Sawtooth Outfitters - Whistlin Pine Ranch trail ride with the ranch's dog.

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    Whistlin Pine Ranch trail ride with the ranch's dog.

    Bridgeport State park - bathroom

    Bridgeport State park

    3.7(9 reviews)
    15.1 mi

    We went camping at the park and had a great time…read more The park manager is a nice older gentleman that was happy to answer questions and always seemed to be around when you needed him. The park is not selling fire wood this year (2020), so we had to find a nearby gas station after we arrived. They do have ice for $2/bag. The campsites themselves are a good size and we felt like we had plenty of distance from our neighbors. There were a good number of kids around making lots of noise, but the camp manager came around at night to make sure the buzz of the campground stayed at a low, consistent level. The facilities are fine and the shower is one big room and was plenty satisfactory. With covid, the playground is closed. In addition there is apparently toxic algae every year, so the beachfront is closed often, and it was on our visit. Finally, the wasps here are numerous. I was wearing flip flops and still got stung on the foot. I don't feel they were particularly aggressive, but they are everywhere. If you cook anything, you will be completely swarmed. Bring some traps to try and keep them away from your site.

    Nice state park. Open during winter which was nice. Trail leading out of park allows for peaceful…read morewalk. Not many people. Few campers. Came once with snow on ground, enjoyed the solitude and river views. Came another time when it was warmer and was able to walk the whole trail and back. Geese like this park as well...just saying to clean your shoes before getting back into your car.

    Photos
    Bridgeport State park - Playground

    Playground

    Bridgeport State park - Algae warning

    Algae warning

    Bridgeport State park - Garbages

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    Garbages

    Pearrygin Lake State Park - Lovely lake

    Pearrygin Lake State Park

    4.3(14 reviews)
    33.7 mi

    Great small lake and park near Winthrop. Part of the lake is well-maintained and landscaped and…read morethere are plenty of tables and spots to have a picnic. Large, clean restrooms too. There is a swimming area sectioned off, and it would be a great spot for boating. Definitely a nice picturesque spot while in the North Cascades.

    I don't know what to say... It's our favorite camping spot... My kids call it yuppie camping. I…read morejust love getting to know all the campers that come every year, and the amazing camp posts! The Rangers are amazing also... This last time we were there which was really recent three different fires broke out... We were able to witness all the different air relief for the fires...As we swam in the lake, we had full hook up and we were in the old Derrys area... I loved it because they could walk straight across to the water... And right now they're redoing everything and it will be just so gorgeous when it's done!! So many hiking trails... It was amazing! I also enjoyed the town of Winthrop which is a old western themed town... And Sherri's has the best ice cream around!... Just a little tip if you pay cash it tends to be a little cheaper! Putt putt golf is down below now with the new deck for up above there is more shade down below while your little ones try to sink a hole in one!! Winthrop also has a lot of hiking trails and I enjoyed it very much our kids favorite is going to the fish hatchery and taking a tour and feeding all the little fish in a pond... They also love the hike that is next to the fish hatchery... You get to go through field and there are horses... It was awesome! I would have to say kid friendly slowly becoming animal friendly... And many amazing places to go out to eat!

    Photos
    Pearrygin Lake State Park - A cute little cabin.

    A cute little cabin.

    Pearrygin Lake State Park - Trails with horses

    Trails with horses

    Pearrygin Lake State Park

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    Riverbend RV Park

    Riverbend RV Park

    3.4(22 reviews)
    26.7 mi

    My family has stayed here the past two summers and will be returning this summer. I have seen some…read morereviews about a not so nice lady in the office and I can tell you she is so nice and answered every question we had with no attitude. From my understanding the park is ran by two people and they have been nothing but welcoming and nice. We reserve 2 tent sites each summer. The bathrooms are SO CLEAN! They have great WiFi and the river is amazing. The dog run is HUGE and they have outdoor games for the kids and a covered area.

    Riverbend RV Park was one of my favorite camping sites along my cross country road trip. My…read moreexperience was quite pleasant and made for fond memories during my visit and exploration of North Cascades National Park. Upon arriving spontaneously in the charming town of Twisp, Washington...I needed a place to sleep for the evening before embarking on my journey through North Cascades NP. While using the app on my phone called Campendium, I found Riverbend RV Park. A lot of trailer and RV parks don't accommodate tents...but this place did! And that's how I was planning on staying here, setting up my tent and sleeping within the wonderful woods of nature. What was truly great about this Riverbend Park was that although I arrived in late afternoon at the last moment, I was still able to book a tent site using my credit card online through their website...riverbendrv.com. It was $28 plus tax for a campsite located right by the river! How cool! Not only was I setting up camp within the forest...but the surrounding river made for such a soothing and calming ambiance. I absolutely loved it here! Another fantastic aspect about Riverbend included in the $28 were showers and restrooms. Perfect! Now I had the chance to freshen up and get myself organized before camping out the next few days at North Cascades. When I did arrive...the Park Hosts had left for the evening and I luckily found an attendant on the grounds who provided me with a passcode to unlock the doors to the showers and bathrooms. Also, to use the showers...I needed quarters to operate them. But for me that wasn't an issue as I had plenty of change in my car for moments like these. Overall, the showers were clean and had hot running water. I was very satisfied with the conditions. When I had visited during this summer of 2020, there was a posted sign saying due to wildfires within the area...please no charcoal grills for barbecuing. Only electric grills allowed. Well...I had to break this rule. Otherwise I had no way of cooking dinner. So...I did light my small grill. I swear...I contained the flames extremely cautiously, lol. Also at my site was a picnic table...and once again...this was all situated along the banks of the river (how awesome). I simply found the setting here to be absolutely ideal! Here I was...enjoying a couple of hamburgers and hot dogs while sitting down at my picnic table relaxing by the free flowing river...all situated within the heart of bountiful trees and grass! Seriously...I was really happy here, lol. When the sun set, I had a terrific summer night's evening. It wasn't too cool outside and the stars were in full force. Sitting in my lounge chair I was able to take some time to appreciate the night's sky here in Northern Washington. In the moment I realized just how fortunate I felt to be able to travel (during this pandemic) especially coming from South Florida. I was a long ways away from home. Just some final points from my visit...this Riverbend RV Park is situated right off the road along Highway 20. Once I pulled onto the grounds there were instructions and a map on where to find the campsites. When I was here back in August of 2020, the sites were filled with plenty of trailers and RV's. You could sense this was a popular place for visitors and tourists. I had a wonderful night's sleep here. It was quiet and I felt rested the following day. Since the town of Twisp was nearby, when I woke up the next day before heading to North Cascades NP...I stopped at famous Cinnamon Twisp Bakery for some breakfast. It was a fulfilling way to get my day started. Overall, I couldn't ask for anything more than the amenities and accommodations I received here at Riverbend RV Park. I can't recommend this place enough! It's the perfect starter/campground for getting your North Cascades journey going in the right direction when entering the park from the east side and venturing west.

    Photos
    Riverbend RV Park
    Riverbend RV Park
    Riverbend RV Park

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    Alta Lake State Park - boating - Updated May 2026

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