Klipchuck Campground
4.6027 reviewsnull
Klipchuck Campground
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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 camping costs $20/night, and additional vehicles are $10/night. Digital payment only accepted through the recreation.gov mobile app; cash and checks are not accepted. A 50% discount is offered for single site camping with Interagency Senior, Interagency Access, Golden Age, or Golden Access passes.
About this campground
Nestled among towering conifers along the rushing waters of Early Winters Creek, this enchanting 44-site campground offers a perfect blend of wilderness immersion and comfort. Three intimate loops wind through a cathedral of mature forest, where Douglas firs and hemlocks create natural privacy screens between sites. Each campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables and grilles, while well-maintained vault toilets and fresh potable water ensure a comfortable stay. At 2,900 feet elevation, you'll find refreshing mountain air even on the warmest summer days. Keep your food secured and eyes open – this is authentic bear country where wildlife sightings are part of the adventure.
Klipchuck Campground caters to a variety of campers, offering space for tents and RVs. It operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, with no reservations accepted.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic mountain climate where weather can shift from sunshine to dramatic clouds in moments. While nearby Winthrop basks in warmth, this higher elevation sanctuary offers naturally air-conditioned summers and delightfully unpredictable conditions that keep every day interesting. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland where frozen firewood tells tales of the season's chill, while summer visitors discover the perfect escape from valley heat in these cool, pine-scented heights.
ElevationPerched at 2,900 feet in the North Cascades foothills, this mountain retreat offers the best of both seasons. Summer campers enjoy naturally cooled air that's typically 10-15 degrees cooler than the valley floor, while winter adventurers discover a pristine snowy landscape perfect for those seeking solitude and seasonal beauty.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into an ancient forest theater where massive Douglas firs, stately Jeffrey pines, and graceful hemlocks tower overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Early Winters Creek carves its way through a dramatic gorge nearby, its melodic rushing providing nature's soundtrack to your stay. A vibrant understory of new growth creates living walls of green, offering both visual beauty and natural privacy that makes each campsite feel like its own secret grove.
Geological RegionGateway to adventure in the stunning Methow Valley, this campground sits within the vast Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable beauty. Towering Douglas firs, Jeffrey pines, and hemlocks stand as living monuments to centuries of growth, while Early Winters Creek continues its age-old work of carving through solid rock. From this strategic basecamp, the legendary peaks and alpine meadows of the North Cascades beckon explorers to discover one of America's most spectacular mountain wilderness areas.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available, but specific details on other accessibility features were not provided.
Sites SizeThe campground has a mix of site sizes. One user with a 29' travel trailer noted that "most spaces are more than big enough," but another user cautioned that it "would be tight for travel trailers over 25’."
Sites PrivacyThe campsites offer fair to good privacy due to thick under and middlestory growth. "Nice campsites separated by trees for privacy," noted one reviewer.
Total Campsites44 campsites
Recommended CampsitesStake tents and bring extra blankets due to wind and cooler weather.
Best CampsitesSpots in the left loop are spacious and closest to Early Winters Creek. Sites on the right loop after the fee board offer more shade and shorter parking aprons.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
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Check-out
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Two tents OR one RV and one tent maximum per site.
Groups
Group camping is not available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThree unnamed loops offering varying privacy and proximity to the creek. 44 combined sites with picnic tables and grilles.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen weekend before Memorial Day through October 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not supported; campsites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. User reviews suggest availability even during peak times.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Potable water
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Klipchuck Campground is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering proximity to hiking, biking, and scenic driving routes. While fishing is restricted in Early Winters Creek, the surrounding area provides plenty of natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Hiking
The campground offers access to several hiking trails, including Driveway Butte Trail #481 (4 miles, open to hikers and horseback riders), Early Winters Creek Trail (4 miles, suitable for hiking and mountain biking), and the Creekside Loop Trail (0.25 miles, foot traffic only). "There are lots of hiking trails all along the North Cascade Scenic Highway," one user noted, making this an excellent base camp for hikers.Fishing
Fishing is allowed with restrictions, such as catch-and-release trout fishing. However, Early Winters Creek is closed to fishing.Biking
The campground is part of the Northern Tier Long Distance Bicycle Route, making it a notable spot for road cycling enthusiasts.Wildlife viewing
Abundant birdwatching opportunities are available within the campground, and users have reported sightings of chipmunks and deer. Reviewers also emphasized the need to be cautious around deer, especially during fawning season, as they can be aggressive.Winter Activities
During the off-season in winter, there are no fees, but campers should prepare for frozen and wet conditions, especially if attempting to use firewood.Water Sports
No water sports, such as kayaking or paddleboarding, are available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
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- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsBears and aggressive deer pose safety concerns. Pet control and safe food storage practices are mandatory.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
92
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 13%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.3 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 receptacles are provided for campers to dispose of waste. Recycling facilities were not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresEarly Winters Creek is within a few minutes' walk of the campground. The creek is small but provides a significant auditory presence.
Common complaintsNoise from nearby highway was noted as a concern by some users. Water spigots were turned off during certain visits, and payment issues have also been cited.
HostThe campground host Robert was praised in a review for handling campsite mix-ups effectively. Host site features the lone threaded water spigot.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsLocated one mile off North Cascades National Scenic Highway 20 on the north side of the highway, nineteen miles northwest of Winthrop. In Winthrop, WA take State Rt. 20 west 17.2 miles to 'Campground' sign. Turn right at sign onto Forest Rt. 300 and go 1.2 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads from the North Cascades National Scenic Highway 20. User reviews describe it as "a mile and half off the highway, made it nice and quiet." Road conditions are suitable for most vehicles including travel trailers under 29 feet.Nearby places
Winthrop: 19 miles northwest, approximately 30 minutes drive.
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.6
27 reviews
Klipchuck Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently highlight Klipchuck Campground's serene environment, clean facilities, and well-spaced sites. While many appreciated its tranquil setting and proximity to hiking trails, some noted issues with highway noise and the lack of water availability during certain visits.
Review Summaries
Based on 27 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean and well-maintained facilities, spacious campsites with privacy, proximity to hiking and biking trails, and a peaceful setting away from the highway are commonly praised aspects.
Based on 27 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some campers reported highway noise despite the campground's distance from the road. Others encountered issues with water spigots being turned off during their stay. Wildlife concerns, such as...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggest downloading the recreation.gov mobile app before arrival for digital payments, bringing extra blankets for cooler weather, and preparing for potential wildlife encounters. During the...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is generally quieter during the off-season, with fewer visitors and no fees. However, weather conditions can be harsher, and water availability may be limited. Summer months bring more...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"We managed to scrounge for some firewood but it was frozen and wet - would highly suggest bringing your own during the winter months." "If there’s a competition for which campground has the cleanest...
Based on 27 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites near Early Winters Creek are noted to be more spacious. "The parking aprons to the left are spacious and closest to Early Winters Creek," according to official comments.
Based on 27 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly, but further accessibility details were not provided.
Based on 27 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Users mentioned aggressive deer during fawning season and advised keeping pets under control at all times.
Based on 27 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025