How much does camping cost at Ballard Campground?

Camping fees at Ballard Campground range from $5-$10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Ballard Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Ballard Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Ballard Campground before I book?

Yes! Ballard Campground has 1 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Ballard Campground?

Ballard Campground is open .. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Ballard Campground?

Ballard Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Are dogs allowed at Ballard Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Ballard Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Ballard Campground?

Ballard Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Ballard Campground?

Popular activities at Ballard Campground include Hiking, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ballard Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Ballard Campground?

Fire policies at Ballard Campground: Not specified; likely subject to standard regulations regarding fire safety in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.75

12 reviews

Featured in:RV Camping Washington

Quick Facts

2,500 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open season typicall...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,500 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open season typicall...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Ballard Campground

$5.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight Use: Single Site: $10 per night Additional Vehicle Fee : $5 per vehicle per night

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Ballard Campground

Nearby places

Winthrop (15 miles, approx. 25 minutes by car)

Nearby supplies

Mazama Store (located nearby, as praised in user reviews, for convenience and quality of items). Nearest fuel and larger grocery stores are likely in Winthrop (15 miles away).

Driving directionsFrom Winthrop, drive 15 miles west on Highway 20, turn right onto Lost River Road, drive 7.5 miles on pavement and continue another 1.5 miles on gravel forest road 5400 to Ballard Campground on the left side of the road.

Accessible via a combination of paved and gravel roads. Seasonal conditions may affect accessibility, particularly during winter months when snowfall is significant.

Weather at Ballard Campground

Best Time to Camp at Ballard Campground

Summer brings the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs reach the mid-60s to mid-80s°F, while nights drop to the mid-30s to low 50s°F. Trails are typically dry and accessible from late June through September, with long daylight hours for extended hikes. Expect higher use on summer weekends and holidays. Wildfire smoke can move through the valley during peak fire season. Winter closes the area with heavy snow and freezing temperatures. Spring runoff swells the river and mud lingers on trails into early summer.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer has most reliable conditions; trails dry and accessible; pleasant temps.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: .. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season typically spans May to October.

About Ballard Campground

Ballard Campground sits along the West Fork Methow River in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, about 30 miles northwest of Winthrop at 2,500 feet elevation. Sites cost $5-10 per night and accommodate both tents and RVs. Three wilderness trailheads. Robinson Creek Trail #478, Monument Creek Trail #484, and West Fork Methow Trail #480. Start from or near the campground, making it a practical basecamp for hikers heading into the Pasayten Wilderness.

Ballard Campground caters to a range of camping styles, focusing on traditional setups. It is suitable for tent and RV camping, with restrictions on RV size and site capacity.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the most reliable conditions. Daytime highs reach the mid-60s to mid-80s°F, while nights drop to the mid-30s to low 50s°F. Trails are typically dry and accessible from late June through September, with long daylight hours for extended hikes. Expect higher use on summer weekends and holidays. Wildfire smoke can move through the valley during peak fire season. Winter closes the area with heavy snow and freezing temperatures. Spring runoff swells the river and mud lingers on trails into early summer.

ElevationPerched at 2,500 feet above sea level, Ballard Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where the air is crisp and clear. This elevation provides naturally cooler temperatures that offer welcome relief during summer months, while the surrounding peaks create a dramatic amphitheater of mountain scenery that changes with every shift of light and weather.

Natural Features and SceneryThe West Fork Methow River runs directly past the campground, providing both sound and access to cold, clear mountain water. Dense evergreen forest covers the valley floor and surrounding slopes. The campground sits in a river corridor that leads into the Pasayten Wilderness, where glacially carved peaks and ancient bedrock define the landscape. Morning fog is common along the river. Shade from the forest canopy keeps sites cool even on warm summer days.

Geological RegionBallard Campground sits at the confluence of river and wilderness in the heart of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Here, the West Fork Methow River has carved its path through ancient bedrock, creating a valley corridor that leads directly into the rugged Pasayten Wilderness. This dramatic landscape tells the story of millennia of geological forces, from glacial carving to volcanic activity, all combining to create one of the most spectacular wilderness gateways in the North Cascades region.

Scenic ViewsSites near the river are praised for their scenic quality. "Camped right by the river which was wonderful" and "great site by the river" are quotes from user reviews highlighting the appeal.

Best Campsites

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Stay Limit

Maximum stay is limited to an unspecified number of nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum capacity of 2 tents or 1 RV and 1 tent per site. Two vehicles per site allowed.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations must be made via the recreation.gov mobile app.

Walk-in AvailabilityLikely limited as the campground strongly emphasizes the need for reservations via recreation.gov.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not specified explicitly but could be subject to recreation.gov's standard campground rules.

Recommended SitesChoose sites near the river for superior views and ambiance.

Best CampsitesReviews mention sites directly by the river as the most desirable. These provide closest access to the water and the best natural sound insulation from other campers.

Need help booking Ballard Campground?

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When to Book

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Amenities available

This campground provides basic amenities ideal for a rustic camping experience. Picnic tables are available at campsites, but potable water and trash receptacles are not provided. Campers must pack out their own trash. Restrooms are available, and user reviews note that the bathrooms are well-maintained and clean, with one reviewer describing them as 'clean bathrooms' and another stating that 'the restrooms were in good shape.'

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Ballard Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, making it an excellent base for exploring the surrounding natural areas. Popular activities include hiking, scenic drives, and rock climbing.

Hiking

Climbing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include extreme weather variations (freezing winters, thunderstorms during transitional seasons), and being in a remote wilderness area. Wildlife encounters may require precautions.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyNot specified; likely subject to standard regulations regarding fire safety in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are .

Emergency ServicesMazama Store (for basic supplies, located nearby as per user reviews). Hospitals and police stations are in Winthrop or other towns beyond the 15-mile distance.

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are not provided. Campers are required to pack out their own trash.

Water FeaturesLocated along the West Fork Methow River. Sites by the river are appreciated for their scenic beauty.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.8

12 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Ballard Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight Ballard Campground as a quiet, scenic, and well-maintained camping spot. Many campers appreciated the proximity to the river and the cleanliness of the facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive highlights from reviews include the scenic riverfront location, clean and well-maintained bathrooms, and the campground's tranquil atmosphere. One reviewer described it as 'a great camping...

Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

There are no specific complaints noted in the provided reviews. However, the lack of potable water and trash receptacles could be a downside for some campers.

Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend being prepared to bring your own water and pack out all trash. The nearby Mazama store is noted as a convenient option for meals and supplies.

Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Great rustic camping with a decent number of lots and pit toilets.' - Logan Shelagowski, 2019. 2. 'Camped right by the river which was wonderful. The restrooms were in good shape and the Mazama...

Based on 12 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Hikers heading into the Pasayten will find Robinson Creek Trail #478 and West Fork Methow Trail #480 launching right from camp. River sites fill first, so book via the recreation.gov app early. The Mazama Store covers forgotten supplies nearby.

Skip if

No potable water on-site means packing in everything you'll drink. Trailers over 28 feet can't fit, and there's no cell signal to sort out logistics once you've left Winthrop.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.7

(11)

River Bend Campground

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

River Bend Campground sits along the West Fork Methow River in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, a primitive spot at 2,600 feet elevation near Winthrop. The campground has tent and primitive sites at $10 per night, with vault toilets and picnic tables but no potable water. Reviewers call it isolated and stunning, a true get-away-from-it-all location with bears present.

Ballard Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Ballard Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Ballard Campground

Best Time to Camp at Ballard Campground

Planning Tips

About Ballard Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Ballard Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to Ballard Campground

Best Time to Camp at Ballard Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Ballard Campground?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns