Lone Fir Campground
4.3935 reviewsLone Fir Campground, Early Winters Creek, North Cascades Scenic Highway 20, Washington
Lone Fir Campground
$12.00 - $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
Campsites range from $12 to $20 per night depending on the payment method and use of passes. Digital payment required and handled exclusively via recreation.gov app (cash or checks not accepted). Additional vehicle fee is $10/night. All passes (Interagency Senior, Access, Golden Age, Golden Access) provide a 50% discount for single sites.
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About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Lone Fir Campground beckons travelers with its enchanting blend of mountain wilderness and creek-side tranquility. Just a stone's throw from Highway 20, this single-loop sanctuary immerses visitors in a world of towering conifers and crystalline mountain air. The melodic rush of Early Winters Creek provides a natural soundtrack to your stay, while the campground's strategic location serves as your gateway to adventure. Whether you're setting out on the Lone Fir Trail 535, exploring the scenic Cutthroat Creek Trail 483, or pedaling through on a cycling journey, this forested haven offers the perfect blend of accessibility and escape.
Primarily suited for tent camping and small RVs, Lone Fir Campground features limited amenities with first-come, first-serve sites. It includes 26 sites, four designated for tents, 22 combined tent/RV sites, and one pull-through spot.
Weather and SeasonsFrom late May through October, Lone Fir transforms with the seasons, offering visitors a diverse palette of mountain weather. Summer mornings greet campers with crisp temperatures in the mid-40s, perfect for that first cup of coffee by the creek, before warming to comfortable mid-70s by afternoon. Late summer emerges as the crown jewel of camping seasons here, when clear mountain skies dominate and dry conditions create ideal circumstances for stargazing and trail exploration. The reliable weather window makes this the perfect time to experience all the campground and surrounding wilderness have to offer.
ElevationPerched at 3,600 feet above sea level, Lone Fir Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where summer's heat gives way to pleasantly cool evenings. This elevation creates a natural air conditioning effect, providing comfortable sleeping temperatures even during the warmest months. The mild conditions at this altitude make it an ideal escape for those seeking relief from valley heat while still enjoying accessible mountain camping.
Natural Features and SceneryHere, where Early Winters Creek dances alongside your campsite, nature puts on a spectacular show. Majestic conifers create a living cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dappled patterns across the forest floor. The lush undergrowth tells stories of abundant mountain moisture, while strategic clearings invite sunshine to warm morning gatherings. Campers consistently praise the campground's peaceful ambiance, with one visitor noting how 'the creek runs right next to it,' creating a soothing wilderness symphony. The generous site spacing and natural sound barriers ensure that even when occupied, the campground maintains its reputation for tranquil seclusion. Mountain vistas peek through the trees, reminding visitors they're camping in the heart of some of the Pacific Northwest's most stunning terrain.
Geological RegionLone Fir Campground rests in the spectacular Methow Valley, a geological wonderland within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This mountain ecosystem showcases nature's diversity through its impressive stands of spruce, hemlock, and fir trees that have thrived here for generations. The surrounding mountainous terrain, carved by ancient glaciers and sculpted by Early Winters Creek, creates a dramatic backdrop of peaks and valleys. The forest floor, rich with abundant undergrowth, speaks to the area's ecological vitality and provides habitat for the diverse wildlife that calls this region home.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available, making the campground partially accessible.
Sites SizeSites are described as 'big' and well-spaced by reviewers.
Sites PrivacyFair to good privacy between sites due to dense under and middlestory foliage.
Total Campsites26 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites closer to the creek for privacy and quieter settings or opt for sites closer to the highway for mountain views.
Best CampsitesUser reviews identify Site 21 as 'the best because you have the river in your backyard,' and Site 24 as secluded but prone to mosquito activity.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is strictly limited to 5 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Max of 2 vehicles and 2 tents, or one RV and one tent per site.
Groups
No designated group sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle-loop layout with sites varying in sunlight exposure and proximity to the creek or highway. Dense coniferous areas offer privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from the weekend before Memorial Day through October 31.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations; first come, first serve.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 26 sites are first come, first serve; limited availability during peak weekends.
Cancellation PolicyNo cancellation policy specified. First come, first serve sites only.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Lone Fir Campground provides opportunities for hiking, biking, scenic drives, and wildlife observation. Access to Lone Fir Trail 535 and proximity to Cutthroat Creek Trail 483 make it an excellent base for outdoor exploration. "Plenty of hiking trails and easy road cycling routes," reviewers stated, adding that the area is part of the Northern Tier Long Distance Bicycle Route.
Hiking
Day hikes include the Lone Fir Loop Interpretive Trail (2 miles). The first 0.4 miles are paved, but parts of the trail require maintenance, with bridges needing repair and unclear markings.Biking
Road cycling is popular due to its location on the Northern Tier Long Distance Bicycle Route, with scenic views along Highway 20.Wildlife viewing
Campers reported sightings of species like Western Tanager, adding to the appeal of wildlife observation.Winter Activities
No winter activities are available as the campground is accessible only from June to October.Water Sports
Not applicable; water sports are not permitted or supported.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire rings are available on all sites. Campfires allowed unless otherwise posted.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM onwards.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include proximity to the highway leading to traffic noise, and seasonal mosquito activity, as noted by users: 'Mosquitoes were horrible even with bug spray.'
Active alertsSite is currently closed as of the latest authoritative update.
Weather forecast
87
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 19%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.8 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
Closest emergency services are located in Winthrop, WA, which is approximately 24 miles away and offers hospitals and police services.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune through October, coinciding with snow-free access via State Route 20.
Trash and recyclingTrash receptacles are available, but no recycling facilities are present, as noted by users who observed cans and bottles piling up in the dumpster.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Early Winters Creek. Reviews mention the creek provides a scenic backdrop ('The creek runs right next to it').
Common complaintsCommon complaints include traffic noise due to proximity to Highway 20, lack of potable water, no showers, and occasional site management issues ('Bathroom ran out of TP').
HostUser Khurram Ijaz noted the presence of a campground host available to answer questions.
Campground Map
Lone Fir Campground, Early Winters Creek, North Cascades Scenic Highway 20, Washington
Driving directionsIn Winthrop, WA, take State Rt. 20 west 24 miles to the 'Campground' sign. Turn left at the sign into the campground.
Located directly off North Cascades Scenic Highway 20, which is paved. Accessible when State Route 20 is open, typically snow-free June through October; closed during winter season due to highway closure.Nearby places
Winthrop (24 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Diablo Lake westbound (next campground).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies for groceries, camping gear, and fuel are available in Winthrop, WA, 24 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.4
35 reviews
Lone Fir Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are generally positive, highlighting the scenic location, clean facilities, and quiet nights. Complaints focus on lack of potable water, poor trail maintenance, and occasional mismanagement during busy weekends.
Review Summaries
Based on 35 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated clean vault toilets, scenic views of Silverstar Mountain, proximity to hiking trails, and quiet nights despite the campground's location near Highway 20.
Based on 35 reviewsCommon Concerns
Issues included lack of potable water, no recycling facilities, trail maintenance problems, and miscommunication over campsite reservations during peak times.
Based on 35 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bug spray to counter heavy mosquito presence. Choose river-adjacent sites for more privacy and scenic views. Download the recreation.gov app before arriving for digital payments.
Based on 35 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews highlight warm weather and increased mosquito activity, while fall reviews praise quiet nights and clean restrooms. Winter camping is not possible due to highway closures.
Based on 35 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The vault toilets were clean and mostly odor-free," said Mary H. "Site 21 is the best because you have the river in your backyard," added Julia Esquivel. "Plenty of other hiking trails nearby,"...
Based on 35 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 2 and 23 were noted as pull-through spots suitable for larger RVs. Site 21 was praised for its proximity to Early Winters Creek, while Site 7 was quiet and available on a late Saturday.
Based on 35 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-friendly vault toilets were appreciated by users.
Based on 35 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dog-friendly campsite policies were noted positively, with leash requirements ensuring safety.
Based on 35 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025