Atkinson Flat Campground
03 reviewsChiwawa River Road/Forest Road 6200, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Atkinson Flat Campground
$22.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$22.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Single campsite fee is $22/night. Additional vehicle fee is $11/night. A 50% discount applies to single site camping for holders of Interagency Senior, Interagency Access, Golden Age, or Golden Access passes. Payment options include cash, check, and digital methods.
About this campground
Discover the tranquil charm of Atkinson Flat Campground, where 11 intimate campsites await along the pristine waters of the Chiwawa River. Tucked into a dramatic glacially carved valley within the expansive Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, this hidden gem offers adventurers the perfect blend of natural beauty and authentic wilderness camping. Here, the rushing river provides a soothing soundtrack to your outdoor escape, while towering forest walls create a sense of peaceful seclusion from the outside world.
Atkinson Flat Campground is a small, primitive campground with 11 sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. It is designed for campers seeking a more rugged outdoor experience.
Historical SignificanceInformation null
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations that make Atkinson Flat a year-round destination. Winter brings a hushed blanket of snow to the valley, with crisp temperatures hovering in the mid-30s°F, creating a pristine wonderland for the hardy cold-weather camper. As spring melts into summer, the campground comes alive with warmth and sunshine, offering perfect conditions with temperatures climbing to a comfortable upper 70s°F to low 80s°F. These warm, dry summer days invite endless exploration and relaxation by the river's edge.
ElevationPerched at 2,500 feet above sea level, Atkinson Flat occupies a sweet spot in the Cascade foothills where mountain air stays refreshingly cool even in summer. This moderate elevation creates the campground's distinctive climate, bringing crisp, star-filled nights and invigorating mornings, while winter transforms the landscape into a snow-dusted retreat that captures the essence of Pacific Northwest wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape sculpted by ancient glaciers, where the Chiwawa River winds through a dramatic valley carved by ice age forces. Visitors consistently marvel at the 'beautiful and serene' atmosphere that defines this riverside sanctuary. Morning mists rise from the water as curious deer emerge from the forest shadows, while the gentle murmur of the river creates a natural meditation. Yes, the mosquitoes make their presence known in warmer months, but they're simply part of the authentic wilderness experience that makes Atkinson Flat so memorable.
Geological RegionAtkinson Flat sits within one of nature's most impressive geological showcases—a spectacular glacially carved valley that tells the story of ice age forces that shaped the Cascade Mountains. The Chiwawa River corridor, protected within the vast Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, offers campers a front-row seat to witness the raw power of geological time, where massive glaciers once ground through solid rock to create today's dramatic valley walls and river channel.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features for disabled campers are not mentioned in any of the sources.
Sites SizeSites are described as small and primitive, with one review noting, 'Only one spot on the river.'
Sites PrivacyThe level of privacy between campsites is not described in the sources.
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor privacy and scenic views, Site #4 is highly recommended. Sites along the river offer closer proximity but are more limited in number.
Best CampsitesUsers suggest Site #4 for its 'amazing 180-degree view of the river.'
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Information null
Check-out
Information null
Stay Limit
Information null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Information null
Groups
No group sites or their features are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes 11 sites, with at least one riverfront site (Site #4). Layout details are limited.
Open and Closed SeasonInformation null
Reservation PlatformsSites are first-come, first-served only, with no advance reservations.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are occupied on a first-come, first-served basis; no specific data on fill patterns provided.
Cancellation PolicyInformation null
Activities you can enjoy
Atkinson Flat Campground offers opportunities for river-related activities and wildlife viewing. The Chiwawa River, which runs near the campsite, is noted for its fast current and 'huge natural log jam.'
Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is abundant, with one user mentioning 'a lot of deer.' The natural environment of the glacial valley is conducive to observing local fauna.Winter Activities
The sources do not mention winter-specific activities, but the area might be challenging to access in winter due to its primitive and remote nature.Water Sports
There is no mention of non-motorized water sports, and the fast-moving river with log jams makes such activities potentially unsafe.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are Information null
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonal hazards include 'extremely cold and fast river currents,' as noted by user reviews. Mosquito activity is high in summer despite use of repellents. User reports also describe harassment incidents in the area.
Active alertsInformation null
Weather forecast
92
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 20%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Chelan County Sheriff (Approx. 20 miles south in Leavenworth); Cascade Medical Center (Approx. 20 miles south in Leavenworth).
Good to know
Peak season datesInformation null
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is directly adjacent to the Chiwawa River. The river is described as 'extremely cold and very fast' with a natural log jam around the bend.
Common complaintsHigh mosquito presence in summer ('A LOT of mosquitoes,' noted by users) and reports of harassment and unsafe behavior in the area.
HostInformation null
Campground Map
Chiwawa River Road/Forest Road 6200, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
Driving directionsFrom Leavenworth, take US-2 West for about 15 miles. At Coles Corner, turn right onto WA-207 North and travel 4.4 miles. Turn right onto Chiwawa Loop Road and go about 0.5 mile. Stay right onto County Highway 22 and travel 0.8 miles. Take the second left onto Chiwawa River Road/Forest Road 6200. Follow Chiwawa River/Forest Road 6200 for about 16 miles (road becomes rough gravel/dirt at the 11-mile point). The campground will be on your left.
The final 5-mile section of Chiwawa River road is very rough gravel and dirt and may not be suitable for low-clearance vehicles.Nearby places
Leavenworth (approximately 20 miles, 30 minutes by car)
Fish Lake (approximately 20 miles, 30 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies available in Leavenworth (20 miles south)
fuel and camping supplies available at Fish Lake (20 miles south).
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Atkinson Flat Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the natural beauty of the campground and its surroundings, but they also include safety concerns and the primitive nature of the facilities. Positive aspects include scenic views of the Chiwawa River and abundant wildlife. Negative reports include mosquito infestations and a troubling incident involving nighttime harassment by unknown individuals.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground's location by the glacial valley and river received praise. One reviewer remarked, 'Most beautiful place to camp,' while another noted, 'Nice little campground near the river.'
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
Mosquitoes were a significant issue, with one user saying, 'We had three candles going and 40% deet bug spray and we still got bit.' Another review detailed a serious safety concern involving...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to prepare for mosquitoes and carry strong insect repellents. It's also wise to be cautious and aware of one's surroundings, given the safety concerns raised by one user.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer brings mosquitoes and a fast-moving river, while the area's remoteness might make it less accessible during winter. User reviews do not provide specifics about other seasons.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Most beautiful place to camp. Atkinson Flatts #4 has an amazing 180-degree view of the river.' - Sarah Weber
2. 'Nice little campground near the river. Only one spot on the river. Primitive...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific mentions include Atkinson Flatts #4, noted for a '180-degree view of the river,' but no other site-specific reviews are detailed.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
There are no reviews specifically addressing accessibility features or experiences.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There is no specific information about pet policies or experiences involving pets.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025