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Best Leavenworth Camping: The Ultimate Guide

Leavenworth camping is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Located in the heart of the Cascade Mountains, Leavenworth offers an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities and stunning scenery.

Best Leavenworth Campground

Location and Getting There

Leavenworth, Washington is a beautiful and iconic destination located in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. This Bavarian-style village is a popular getaway spot for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty of Washington State.


Getting to Leavenworth is fairly easy and there are many options available. The town is located two hours east of Seattle, just off Interstate 90. It is also accessible by train and bus. There are several airports within driving distance, including SeaTac International Airport and Spokane International Airport.


Leavenworth Washington Map

Check out the map below to help you navigate around Leavenworth:



The Best Time to Go

e Leavenworth is an excellent destination to visit any time of year, as there are pros and cons to visiting in different seasons. Spring is the perfect time for camping near Leavenworth, as the temperatures are mild and the campgrounds and campsites are not yet filled up. Summer is great too, but the campgrounds can be busy and you may need to book in advance.


Autumn offers the opportunity to enjoy the colorful foliage in the region, while winter brings the chance to participate in a variety of winter activities like snowshoeing, skiing, and sledding.


Campgrounds Near Leavenworth

Here are some of the wonderful campgrounds near Leavenworth, Washington.


Eightmile Campground is likely the most popular campground near Leavenworth that's mostly used for tent camping. The campground is named for its distance up Icicle Road, eight miles. It is best known for its proximity to Forest Service Road 7601 which takes hikers to the Stuart Lake trail and into the Enchantments.

Eightmile campground
A view of one of the best sites in Eightmile Campground

Amenities and Need to Know

  • Standard Tent Site (non-electric): $24.00 a night

  • Standard (non-electric): $24.00 a night

  • Standard Double (non-electric): $44.00 a night

  • Fire rings

  • Water via hand pump

  • Tent pad

  • Grills

  • Potable water

  • Vault toilets

There are a total of 41 sites divided into two sections, many of which are right along the river. There are also four double sites and a group campsite with a huge parking area.



Ida Creek Campground

Ida Creek is a beautiful, isolated campground near the end of Icicle Road. It will take you about 20 minutes to get there from Leavenworth and there are some spots where the road's quality deteriorates. Just beyond the campground, the road turns to dirt.

Ida Creek
A view of Ida Creek from one of the campsites

Amenities

  • 2 vault toilets

  • Picnic tables

  • Fire pits

  • Water

There are 10 single sites in the campground, many of which are right on the river. Nearby, is a trail that runs along the river, known as the Ida Creek Trail. It's great for running or early morning strolls. The sites are all $20 a night with extra cars costing $9.



Bridge Creek Campground

The Bridge Creek Campground is yet another option along Icicle Creek. It's about 9 miles from Leavenworth and is smaller than some of the other options with only 6 single sites. It goes at the same rate as the other sites, at $20 for a single site. The group site is $125. None of the sites are reservable and there is a maximum of 55 people are allowed in the group site.


Amenities

  • Vault toilet

  • Picnic tables

  • Fire pits

Upper and Lower Johnny Creek Campground

Upper and Lower Johnny Creek Campgrounds are 12 miles from Leavenworth. The upper campground is further from the river and the road. Between the two campgrounds, there are:

  • 3 vault toilets

  • 56 single sites

  • 9 double sites

None of the campgrounds are reservable and every single site is $20. The double sites are $40 and extra vehicles cost an extra $9.

Icicle River
The Icicle River


Chatter Creek Campground & Chatter Creek Group Site

Chatter Creek Campground is another popular camping area near Leavenworth. It's on Icicle Road, just about 15 minutes from Leavnworth's downtown area.


This campground is incredibly popular throughout the summer with single sites costing $20 a night and the group site $125 per night.


Amenities

  • Vault toilet

  • Potable water

  • Easy access to trails and the river

  • Picnic tables

  • Fire pits

There are a total of 12 single sites and a max of 55 people can stay at the group site. None of the sites are reservable.


RV Campgrounds Near Leavenworth

Here are a few of the best RV campgrounds near Leavenworth, Washington.


Icicle River RV Park

Icicle River RV Park is open from April 2nd to October 16 (or thereabouts) yearly. The campground charges between $55 and $85 depending on what kind of site you're looking for. There is no tent camping at the site but there are cabins! Here's what you need to know:


There are more than 75 campsites and 8 cabins.

  • Laundry

  • Cable TV

  • Hot tub

  • Bathrooms and showers

  • Wifi


Blu-Shastin RV Park

This is a 13-acre RV camping area near Leavenworth that's a perfect place to find all the best amenities mixed with the great outdoors (including a pool!). You can make reservations to enjoy the 86 sites for RVs and a few tent-camping sites.

Amenities

  • Restrooms and showers

  • Volleyball court

  • Firewood for sale

  • Playground

  • Fishing

  • Shopping

The Enchantments
A view of the beautiful Enchantments

Thousand Trails Leavenworth

Thousand Trails Leavenworth is an RV camping area that has an impressive 279 sites and is open year-round. There is a clubhouse, games, bathrooms, a shower, and even a pool. There are also cottages and tiny homes to reserve if you want to spend a bit more. The RV sites are around $79 and the cabins are much more.



To Do Nearby

Leavenworth is a great place to explore and enjoy outdoor activities. From camping near Leavenworth to exploring the unique Bavarian village, there are plenty of things to do in and around Leavenworth.


For a truly unique experience, visit Leavenworth's Bavarian Village. This town has been modeled after a Bavarian village with its shops and restaurants that offer delicious German food and traditional German drinks. The village also hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as Oktoberfest and Christmas Lighting Festival. There is also a variety of local events to explore, such as wine tasting, live music, craft shows, and farmers' markets.


For a day trip outside of Leavenworth, take a scenic drive to Cashmere. Here you can explore its many historical sites and visit Pioneer Village Museum. Cashmere is also home to some of Washington's best wineries where you can sample delicious wines made from local grapes.


Nearby are also several hikes you might be interested in, including:


Blackbird Island is a hike within Leavenworth. It is a short, scenic hike is a great option for someone with limited time in the town. The hike takes you along


This is a very popular hike that's only about 5 minutes from Leavenworth. It's harder than some simpler options nearby but has a great payoff. You'll get to look down at the city and the surrounding Wenatchee Valley.



Make sure to check out Traverse the PNW's full list of the best hikes near Leavenworth, Washington. We also have a list of the easiest hikes near Leavenworth too.


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