Schaefer Creek Campground
02 reviewsSchaefer Creek 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 per night, payable digitally only. Extra vehicles are charged $11 per night. Senior and access pass holders are eligible for a 50% discount on the $22 fee (passes include Interagency Senior, Access, Golden Age, and Golden Access).
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About this campground
Nestled deep in a dramatic forested valley 21 miles from Lake Wenatchee, Schaefer Creek Campground offers an intimate escape where towering cliff faces frame your wilderness experience. This hidden gem along the pristine Chiwawa River features seven secluded campsites that promise both solitude and adventure. Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking setting, with one camper describing it as an 'awesome location in a forested valley between two cliff faces,' where friendly camp hosts enhance the welcoming atmosphere of this riverside retreat.
Schaefer Creek Campground offers basic camping accommodations with no mention of advanced facilities like cabins or glamping options. It is accessible via a dirt road and best suited for self-sufficient campers.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of Pacific Northwest seasons at Schaefer Creek, where each time of year paints the landscape in distinct moods. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-laden wonderland, with depths reaching up to 19 inches during peak weeks and temperatures that demand cozy sleeping bags. Spring awakens the forest with crisp 52°F days perfect for hiking without crowds. Summer delivers the sweet spot for camping, with comfortable 74°F afternoons ideal for river play and stargazing under increasingly clear skies. From winter's cloudy embrace to summer's azure canopy, every season offers its own rewards for the prepared adventurer.
ElevationPerched at 2,500 feet above sea level, Schaefer Creek Campground occupies that perfect elevation where mountain air stays refreshingly cool even in summer, yet remains accessible for much of the year. This moderate altitude creates an ideal microclimate for diverse forest life while occasionally challenging winter access when heavy snows blanket the access road, adding to the site's remote appeal.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a natural amphitheater where ancient cliff faces rise dramatically on either side of your forest sanctuary. The star attraction flows right through camp—the crystal-clear Chiwawa River, whose icy mountain waters invite brave souls for refreshing dips. While reaching some swimming holes requires navigating steep embankments, the reward is worth the effort: pristine pools perfect for cooling off after a day of exploration. Towering conifers provide a verdant canopy overhead, creating dappled shade patterns that dance across your campsite throughout the day.
Geological RegionSchaefer Creek Campground sits within the magnificent Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, where ancient geological forces have carved a spectacular valley along the Chiwawa River corridor. This unique landscape showcases the raw power of glacial and river erosion, with dramatic cliff faces standing as sentinels over the forested valley floor. The campground's position within this geological wonderland offers visitors a front-row seat to millions of years of Earth's sculptural artistry, all while being cradled in one of the Pacific Northwest's most pristine forest ecosystems.
Campsite details
AccessibilityDetails about accessibility features for campers with disabilities are not provided.
Sites SizeSpecific information about campsite sizes is not available.
Sites PrivacyDetails about the privacy of campsites are not discussed in the provided materials.
Total Campsites7 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near the river may require navigating steep hills.
Best CampsitesSpecific best campsites are not provided.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Stay limits are unspecified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum trailer size allowed is 30 feet, but exact guest limits are unspecified.
Groups
Specific details about group sites are not provided.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground reportedly has 4 to 7 sites (exact count confirmed as 7). Layout specifics are not detailed.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season not explicitly stated, but campground status is listed as 'open.'
Walk-in AvailabilityOpen for walk-up reservations; specific site availability and patterns are not noted.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation terms not disclosed.
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational opportunities at Schaefer Creek Campground include day hiking and picnicking. The access to the Chiwawa River provides additional opportunities for activities, although specifics like fishing or swimming are not mentioned.
Hiking
Day hikes are explicitly noted as an activity here, but no detailed information about trail difficulty, length, or specific routes is provided.Winter Activities
Winter activities such as skiing or snowshoeing are not mentioned.Water Sports
Water sports beyond the general mention of river access are not discussed.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsNavigating steep hills to reach the river may be challenging for some. Wildlife and terrain hazards are unspecified.
Weather forecast
93
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 19%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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 likely in Leavenworth, 21 miles away. Specific facilities are not listed.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingInformation on trash and recycling facilities, including locations and pickup schedules, is not provided.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the Chiwawa River, providing access to clear but cold water. Navigating steep hills may be necessary for river access.
Common complaintsNo potable water available on-site. User reviews also mention the 4-mile dirt road required to reach the campground may be inconvenient.
HostA user appreciated the managing company, describing them as 'nice and polite.'
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Leavenworth, head southwest on US-2 West for 15 miles. At Coles Corner, turn right onto WA-207 North and go 4.4 miles. Go right on Chiwawa Loop Road and stay right at the intersection. Then take the second left onto Chiwawa River Road/Forest Road 6200 and follow it for about 15 miles.
Road access requires traveling 4 miles on a dirt road, as one user review mentions: 'You will have to drive 4 miles of dirt road to get there.' The roads may have seasonal closures or conditions depending on weather.Nearby places
Leavenworth is 21 miles away. Lake Wenatchee is approximately 21 miles from the campground.
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies for groceries, camping gear, or fuel might be found in Leavenworth, 21 miles away
specific supply locations are not listed.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Schaefer Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Schaefer Creek Campground highlight its remote and scenic location in a forested valley along the Chiwawa River. Campers appreciate the natural beauty and quiet setting. However, accessibility challenges, such as the 4-mile dirt road and steep access to the river, are noted. One reviewer described the river as 'clear but cold.'
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciated the scenic location of the campground, with one user describing it as being located 'in a forested valley between two cliff faces.' The managing company was commended for being...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Challenges mentioned include the need to drive 4 miles on a dirt road to access the site and the steep terrain to reach the river. The lack of potable water is a significant limitation.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own potable water as there is none provided on-site. Be prepared for a 4-mile drive on a dirt road to access the site.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No specific seasonal insights are provided in the user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Awesome location in a forested valley between two cliff faces.' - Austin H. 2. 'The managing company was nice and polite.' - Austin H. 3. 'The river is clear but cold, and you gotta go down a...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
There is a user mention that the campground has between 4 to 7 campsites, but no specific site numbers or detailed reviews for individual sites are provided.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not mentioned in either authoritative sources or user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies or experiences with pets are not discussed in the provided information.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025