Leavenworth — Washington State
Camping near
Leavenworth
Forest Service campgrounds along Icicle Creek Road, private RV resorts close to town, and dispersed camping in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
Full Leavenworth Guide →beExploring / Leavenworth
Overview
Camping near Leavenworth means choosing between the convenience of private campgrounds close to town and the Forest Service campgrounds that line Icicle Creek Road heading west into Icicle Canyon. The private options — Icicle River RV Resort and the KOA Holiday — offer full hookups, showers, and easy access to downtown. The USFS campgrounds stretch from mile 4 to mile 19, with vault toilets and no hookups, sitting above or along Icicle Creek in the forest.
The Enchantments area is one of the most sought-after hiking destinations in Washington, and Bridge Creek Campground is positioned at the start of the spur road to the Stuart Lake Trailhead. That location makes it extremely popular and fast-filling. Further along, Johnny Creek, Chatter Creek, and Ida Creek offer more remote camping with less competition. For hikers, Rock Island Campground on the Wenatchee River is a quieter option on the west side of town.
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Quick Picks
Not sure where to camp near Leavenworth? These picks match the most common trip types.
Best Amenities
Icicle River RV Resort — full hookups, showers, and a creekside setting 2 miles from downtown Leavenworth.
Best for Enchantments Hikers
Bridge Creek Campground — 6 first-come sites at the Colchuck Lake and Stuart Lake trailhead junction, 9 miles from town.
Best for Families
Eightmile Campground — larger site count, vault toilets, water, and a short drive to Leavenworth for town meals.
Most Remote
Ida Creek Campground — small and quiet at mile 19, one of the furthest campgrounds from Leavenworth in Icicle Canyon.
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Ways to Camp
Forest Service Campgrounds
Six USFS campgrounds line Icicle Creek Road heading west from Leavenworth, from the Icicle Group Campground at mile 4 to Ida Creek at mile 19. All are first-come, first-served with no hookups — vault toilets and (in most cases) potable water. Bridge Creek and Eightmile are closest to the Enchantments trailheads. Expect full campgrounds on summer weekends.
RV Parks & Private Campgrounds
For campers who want full hookups, showers, and easy access to town, Icicle River RV Resort and the Leavenworth/Pine Village KOA Holiday are both within a few miles of downtown. Both are reservable in advance and offer amenities that the Forest Service campgrounds do not — including electric hookups, WiFi, and laundry.
Dispersed Camping
Dispersed camping is permitted on National Forest land throughout the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest around Leavenworth. No designated sites, fees, or reservations required — bring everything you need, pack out all trash, and follow Leave No Trace principles. Stay at least 200 feet from water, roads, and trails. Check with the Leavenworth Ranger District for current fire restrictions and any temporary closures before heading out.
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Tips for Camping near Leavenworth
Arrive by Thursday morning for summer weekends at USFS campgrounds. Bridge Creek, Eightmile, and Johnny Creek all fill Thursday night — arriving Friday morning usually means no site.
Check campfire restrictions before every trip. Icicle Canyon sees regular burn bans in dry summers — check the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest for current restrictions before you go.
The Stuart Lake Trailhead parking lot for Colchuck Lake fills by 7–8 AM on summer weekends regardless of where you camp. If you are targeting Colchuck, plan to be at the trailhead by 6 AM.
Not all USFS campgrounds have potable water. Ida Creek in particular may not have water — bring your own or plan to filter. Confirm water availability for any campground before your trip.
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Common Mistakes
Showing up to Icicle Canyon on a Friday afternoon in July expecting to find a site. USFS campgrounds fill Thursday night at the latest in peak season. Either arrive early or book a private campground.
Expecting hookups at USFS campgrounds. Only Icicle River RV Resort and the KOA Holiday have electric hookups. All Forest Service campgrounds along Icicle Creek Road are vault-toilet, no-hookup camping.
Driving to the Colchuck Lake Trailhead without accounting for the parking situation. The lot fills early — campers at Bridge Creek have an advantage, but day hikers should aim to be parked before 7 AM on summer weekends.
Assuming Icicle Canyon is always cool. At lower elevations near town, summer afternoons can be warm. Bring sun protection and extra water, especially for sites with less tree cover.
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Explore Leavenworth
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