Early Winters Campground
4.5620 reviews/
Early Winters Campground
$8.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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 Site: $15/night. Additional Vehicle: $5/night. Cash/check NOT accepted. Digital payment only via the recreation.gov mobile app.
About this campground
Tucked away where Early Winters Creek meets the mighty Methow River, this intimate forest retreat offers the perfect blend of accessibility and wilderness charm. Split by the scenic State Route 20, Early Winters Campground serves as your gateway to endless mountain adventures, with well-appointed sites featuring sturdy picnic tables, clean vault toilets, and refreshing potable water. Whether you're planning to explore nearby trails, embark on breathtaking scenic drives, or make a quick jaunt to the charming town of Mazama, this cozy campground provides an ideal basecamp for your North Cascades journey.
Early Winters Campground offers a mix of tent and combined camping options, providing a small, rustic camping experience along Early Winters Creek.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the North Cascades at Early Winters. Winter cloaks the campground in pristine snow and crystalline frost, creating a wonderland for cold-weather enthusiasts. As summer arrives, the forest comes alive under warm, sun-drenched days that can climb into the balmy 80s, perfect for creek-side relaxation and mountain exploration. Spring and fall offer their own magic, with wildflower blooms and golden larch displays painting the landscape in spectacular colors.
ElevationPerched at a comfortable 2,200 feet above sea level, Early Winters strikes the perfect balance between mountain majesty and accessibility. This moderate alpine elevation means you'll enjoy crisp mountain air and cooler temperatures without the challenges of high-altitude camping, making it an ideal choice for families and those seeking a gentler introduction to mountain environments.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the pristine beauty of the Okanogan National Forest, where towering evergreens create a natural cathedral around your campsite. The soothing sounds of Early Winters Creek and the Methow River provide a constant natural soundtrack, while the lush forest canopy offers welcome shade and privacy. Visitors consistently rave about the campground's tranquil atmosphere, where the babbling creek and rustling pine needles create the perfect setting for reconnecting with nature.
Geological RegionSet within the stunning Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Early Winters Campground showcases the region's remarkable geological diversity. The convergence of Early Winters Creek and the Methow River has carved a verdant valley through ancient mountain terrain, creating a landscape rich with hiking trails and scenic viewpoints. This unique location offers campers direct access to some of the Pacific Northwest's most spectacular drives and backcountry adventures, all while remaining comfortably nestled in a protective forest embrace.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible vault toilets are provided. No further accessibility information is available.
Sites SizeSites are spacious and can accommodate multiple tents. Parking aprons vary in size, with some longer aprons on the north side of the campground.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy between sites is minimal due to sparse undergrowth and middlestory vegetation.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 10 offers partial shade during the day and proximity to a swimming hole along Early Winters Creek. Riverfront sites are recommended for campers seeking scenic views.
Best CampsitesSeveral user reviews highlight riverfront sites as the best for views and ambiance.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
No group sites are available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutDivided into two sections separated by State Route 20, with campsites on both the north and south sides of the highway. Sites on the north side are closer to the highway and feature longer parking aprons.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen mid-May through October 31. Typically accessible April - November.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations; first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityThe campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and user reviews note limited availability with spots filling early in the morning.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system is in place; sites are first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
This campground provides access to a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, and scenic drives in the picturesque Methow Valley area.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include nearby Cedar Creek Trail 476 and Driveway Butte Trail 481, both within 4 miles. Additionally, trails like Jack's Trail (3.4 miles, multi-use) and River Run Trail (2.4 miles) are accessible from the campground.Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Swimming
Although no designated swimming areas are mentioned, a user review highlights a swimming hole and wading pool accessible by crossing a footbridge near the campground.Biking
The campground connects to the Methow Valley Community Trail for mountain biking and is part of the Northern Tier Long Distance Bicycle Route for road cycling.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned, but the campground is noted as a good early or late season option when other campgrounds are closed.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports opportunities are available at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsUser reviews mention yellow jackets, hornets, and wasps as potential hazards, especially near food areas. Campers with allergies should exercise caution.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
96
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 13%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.5 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
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Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingTrash dumpsters are available on the north side of the highway. No recycling facilities are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Early Winters Creek and the Methow River, with several campsites offering direct access to the water.
Common complaintsUser reviews frequently mention lack of privacy due to sparse vegetation and traffic noise from the highway. Other concerns include the presence of yellow jackets and limited site availability.
HostUser reviews describe hosts as friendly and helpful, although not always nearby. One review specifically notes clean restrooms.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsIn Winthrop, WA take State Rt 20 west 14.7 miles to campground sign. Turn right or left into campground.
Located on North Cascades National Scenic Highway 20. Drive west from Winthrop on Highway 20 for 15 miles to Early Winters Campground. The campground is divided into two sections separated by State Route 20, with campsites available on both the north and south sides of the highway.Nearby places
Winthrop, 15 miles.
Nearby supplies
Close to Mazama Grocery Store, as noted in user reviews.
Camper Reviews
4.6
20 reviews
Early Winters Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews generally praise the serene and scenic setting of Early Winters Campground, with its proximity to Early Winters Creek and the Methow River providing a peaceful backdrop. However, the small size of the campground, limited facilities, and occasional issues with insects and privacy are noted. The campground is recommended both for its accessibility to outdoor activities and as a convenient stop when other nearby sites are full.
Review Summaries
Based on 20 reviews
What Campers Love
Campers appreciate the natural beauty, spacious sites, and the sound of the creek providing a relaxing atmosphere. Vault toilets are often described as clean, and the proximity to trails and...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Privacy between sites is minimal due to sparse vegetation. Noise from State Route 20 is mentioned by light sleepers, and insect issues (especially wasps and hornets) are noted during summer. "The...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early, as sites fill quickly. Bring earplugs to counter noise from the highway. Be prepared for potential insect issues during summer. If you prefer quieter areas, choose the south side of the...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews highlight the campground as an excellent early or late-season option when other sites in the region are closed (e.g., Cascade National Park). Summer reviews note insect issues and higher...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"This place is gorgeous and quiet," noted Rick Pennington. Another camper, Yuliya N, stated, "The river made for a relaxing white noise backdrop." One user highlighted the swimming hole: "If you...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 10 provides 50% shade during the day, according to user feedback. Spot #6 was noted to have a swarm of meat-eating yellow jackets. South-side sites are quieter but offer less privacy.
Based on 20 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were found, though vault toilets are described as wheelchair-friendly.
Based on 20 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews or comments about pet policies or experiences were found.
Based on 20 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025