Ballard Campground

Star4.50
12 reviews
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Quick Facts

2,500 ft

Price

$5 - $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Open season typicall...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website
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Ballard Campground
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single site fee is $10 per night. Additional vehicle costs $5 per night, with a limit of two vehicles per site. Payment is digital-only through the...
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Standard Site Fee$10.00
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

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What Campers Say

4.50

Recommended

Based on 12 reviews

10 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlocationwell-maintained

"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."

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Campground Map

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Ballard Campground

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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.
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).

Best Time to Camp at Ballard Campground

Each season paints Ballard Campground with its own distinctive palette. Summer arrives with warm, sun-drenched days perfect for trail exploration, while the dry conditions create ideal camping weather. As autumn approaches, crisp air and occasional rain showers transform the forest into a tapestry of changing colors. Winter blankets the landscape in snow and brings freezing temperatures that create a peaceful, frozen wonderland. Spring emerges with gentle rains that awaken the forest, bringing wildflowers and rushing snowmelt to the river.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 23% in WA

Summer offers warm, sun-drenched days and ideal trail exploration per seasonal notes.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into October; fall likely offers crisp weather and quieter trails (implied).

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring access begins around May; conditions can be variable early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground typically closed outside May–October.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: .. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season typically spans May to October.
  • Current Alerts: .

About Ballard Campground

Nestled deep within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Ballard Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience where the melodic West Fork Methow River serves as your constant companion. This rustic forest haven beckons adventurers seeking solitude and serves as the perfect basecamp for exploring the legendary Pasayten Wilderness. Three premier trails begin their journey here—Robinson Creek Trail #478, Monument Creek Trail #484, and West Fork Methow Trail #480—each promising their own unique adventure into one of Washington's most pristine backcountry areas. For those seeking scenic drives, the spectacular Harts Pass road winds skyward from nearby, while rock climbers will find challenging routes in the mysterious Lost River area.
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.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay is limited to an unspecified number of nights.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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.
HikingThe campground provides access to several hiking trails, including Robinson Creek Trail #478, Monument Creek Trail #484, and the West Fork Methow Trail #480, which lead into the Pasayten Wilderness. The trails vary in difficulty and offer opportunities for day hikes.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
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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.
Active Alerts.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Ballard Campground

Reviews

4.5
12 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Ballard Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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...
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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...
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Based on 12 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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