Handy Springs Campground
01 reviewHandy Springs Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
No fees are required for this site.
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About this campground
Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Handy Springs Campground beckons adventurous souls seeking an authentic backcountry experience. This tent-only sanctuary sits majestically at 6,500 feet, where primitive roads wind through untouched landscapes to deliver you to a world far removed from modern distractions. Here, simplicity reigns supreme – with limited amenities that encourage a genuine connection with nature and a return to the fundamentals of outdoor living.
Handy Springs Campground provides only one tent-only site. No additional options such as RV, group, cabin, or glamping are available.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Handy Springs into a high-altitude paradise, where crystal-clear skies stretch endlessly above and gentle mountain breezes keep temperatures refreshingly comfortable. As autumn approaches, the landscape erupts in golden hues before winter's dramatic arrival. When snow blankets the peaks – often for weeks at a time – the campground becomes an inaccessible wonderland, with freezing temperatures and significant snowfall creating a pristine but formidable alpine environment that demands respect and proper timing for your visit.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 6,500 feet above sea level, Handy Springs offers campers a true high-country experience. This substantial elevation brings cooler temperatures, thinner air, and weather patterns that can shift dramatically – creating both challenges and rewards for those who venture to these heights. The altitude transforms every sunrise into a spectacular event and makes stargazing an unforgettable experience in the crisp mountain air.
Natural Features and SceneryEmbrace the raw beauty of Washington's high country, where towering evergreens create a natural cathedral around your campsite. The surrounding forested mountains stand as silent sentinels, offering complete seclusion from the outside world. This rugged landscape invites exploration and contemplation, with each vista revealing the untamed character of the Pacific Northwest's alpine wilderness. The isolation here isn't just geographic – it's transformative, providing a rare opportunity to disconnect and rediscover the profound peace found only in nature's embrace.
Geological RegionThe Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest's dramatic mountainous terrain creates a geological wonderland around Handy Springs. This region, sculpted by ancient glaciers and volcanic activity, showcases the raw power of natural forces through its soaring peaks, deep valleys, and rugged ridgelines. The high-elevation landscape tells a story millions of years in the making, where every rock formation and mountain silhouette speaks to the dynamic geological processes that continue to shape this remarkable corner of the Cascade Range.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe campground contains one tent-only site. There is no additional information on site dimensions.
Sites PrivacyNo details about site privacy were provided in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Groups
No group site is 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
Activities you can enjoy
Due to its remote location and primitive nature, the campground primarily supports tent camping. Activities such as hiking, fishing, and other outdoor pursuits were not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Winter Activities
No winter activities were mentioned in authoritative content or user reviews.Water Sports
No information about water sports was provided in authoritative content or user reviews.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include the lack of potable water, primitive road access, and seasonal weather challenges such as snow. Wildlife encounters may also be possible due to the remote location.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 46%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 7.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo information about trash and recycling facilities was provided in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight the primitive condition of the campground and the challenging road access, which may not suit all campers.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Chelan, travel south on Highway 97A for 3 miles. Turn right onto Southshore Road and go approximately 20 miles to Shady Pass Road #5900. Turn left up the Shady Pass Road, go approximately 18 miles. Handy Springs Campground is on the left.
The campground is located 18-20 miles up in the mountains on primitive roads west of Lake Chelan. User reviews confirm challenging road conditions, noting "primitive roads" that may require careful navigation.Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Handy Springs Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews mostly focus on the remote location and primitive nature of the campground. One user review highlights the incorrect location listed in Google Maps prior to 2017 and provides insights into its true location approximately 18-20 miles west of Lake Chelan.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
The remote and primitive nature of the campground may appeal to campers looking for solitude or a more rugged experience.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
User reviews suggest that the campground's primitive roads and outdated mapping information might be difficult for some to navigate. The lack of amenities such as potable water was also noted.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Future campers should prepare adequately for a primitive camping experience, including bringing their own water and supplies. Familiarity with the surrounding area and roads is advisable.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No detailed seasonal trends were provided. However, the primitive nature and elevation of the campground suggest that weather conditions could substantially impact usability.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Handy Springs Campground is ACTUALLY about 18 or 20 miles up in the mountains on primitive roads west of Lake Chelan from Twenty-five Mile Creek." - Timothy O.
2. "My three-star review is ONLY a...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews specific to particular campsites were provided, as the campground contains only one tent-only site.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews or information addressing accessibility features were provided.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews or information addressing pet policies were provided.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025