Is Grouse Mountain Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Grouse Mountain Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. null

What is the best time to visit Grouse Mountain Campground?

Grouse Mountain Campground is open null. 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 Grouse Mountain Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Grouse Mountain Campground?

Fire policies at Grouse Mountain Campground: null. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Grouse Mountain Campground have?

Grouse Mountain Campground has 4 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Grouse Mountain Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Grouse Mountain Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Grouse Mountain Campground?

Popular activities at Grouse Mountain Campground include Hiking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Grouse Mountain Campground

3.23

13 reviews

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Primitive Camping Washington

Quick Facts

4,508 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

4 campsites

Season

null

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,508 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

4 campsites

Season

null

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Grouse Mountain Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for camping at Grouse Mountain campground.

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

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Campground Map

Grouse Mountain Campground

47.9890, -120.3112

Nearby places

Chelan (3 miles south via Highway 97A to Southshore Road)

Nearby supplies

null

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 10 miles. Grouse Mountain Campground is on the right.

"The campground is accessible via a steep, dirt and gravel road with numerous switchbacks, as noted by user reviews and official directions. One user commented, "the road up is very steep dirt/gravel, and very many switchbacks." The road condition may require careful navigation and appropriate vehicles during certain seasons.

Weather at Grouse Mountain Campground

Best Time to Camp at Grouse Mountain Campground

Summer delivers the most reliable access and snow-free trails. Expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-70s Fahrenheit at this elevation, with nights dropping to the mid-30s to low-40s. Long daylight hours suit big day hikes. Subalpine meadows peak with wildflowers during summer months. Trail conditions are best then, with wide, clear views when wildfire smoke isn't present. Crowds stay moderate given the difficult access road.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer gives the most reliable access and snow-free trails; reviewers favor summer visits.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: null

About Grouse Mountain Campground

Grouse Mountain Campground sits at 4,508 feet in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest with four small, primitive tent sites. Access requires navigating a rough, steep road that keeps crowds thin. There's no water on-site and no cell service unless you hike back down the access road. The tradeoff: real solitude and direct access to trails like Devil's Backbone, Pot Peak, and Angle Peak.

Grouse Mountain Campground is a small, remote, and primitive tent-only camping area with four individual sites. It does not support RVs, group camping, or cabin accommodations.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable access and snow-free trails. Expect daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-70s Fahrenheit at this elevation, with nights dropping to the mid-30s to low-40s. Long daylight hours suit big day hikes. Subalpine meadows peak with wildflowers during summer months. Trail conditions are best then, with wide, clear views when wildfire smoke isn't present. Crowds stay moderate given the difficult access road.

ElevationPerched at 4,500 feet above sea level, this mountain retreat offers crisp, clean air and cooler temperatures that provide welcome relief from valley heat. The elevation creates an alpine atmosphere where morning mists dance through the forest and afternoon breezes carry the scent of pine and wildflowers.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies forested terrain shaped by ancient volcanic activity and glacial carving. Conifers provide shade and some screening between sites, though the layout keeps campers relatively close together. Breaks in the canopy offer glimpses of the surrounding peaks and ridgelines. Reviewers mention tremendous views from nearby trails, where ridge-top hiking opens up panoramic vistas across the wilderness. Bears are active in the area.

Geological RegionTucked within the magnificent Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Grouse Mountain Campground serves as your gateway to some of the Pacific Northwest's most dramatic terrain. This rugged landscape beckons hikers to explore legendary trails like Devil's Backbone, where ridge-top views stretch for miles, and the challenging ascents to Pot Peak and Angle Peak reward intrepid adventurers with panoramic vistas of the surrounding wilderness. The campground's location places you at the heart of a geological wonderland shaped by ancient volcanic activity and glacial carving, creating the dramatic peaks and valleys that define this spectacular region.

Scenic ViewsNearby CHealna -

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available as the campground only offers tent camping sites.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

There is no limit specified.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Groups

Group camping is not available at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutnull

Walk-in Availabilitynull

Cancellation Policynull

Site SizeThe campground includes four small tent-only sites, suitable for individual or small group camping.

PrivacyThe sites are relatively secluded but located close to each other, offering a moderate level of privacy.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Recommended Sitesnull

Amenities available

Grouse Mountain Campground offers very basic amenities for campers, including picnic tables and fire rings at each of the four tent-only sites. There are two pit toilets available for use, described by a user as 'old wooden pit toilets.' However, potable water is not available, so campers must bring their own water supply. Trash and recycling facilities are also absent, and visitors are required to carry out all garbage. The campground provides a rugged and remote camping experience rather than luxury or convenience.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Grouse Mountain Campground

Campers at Grouse Mountain Campground can enjoy hiking, with several trails nearby, including Devil's Backbone trail, Pot Peak trail, and Angle Peak trail. Wildlife viewing is also possible, as a user reported seeing a bear in the area, emphasizing the need to follow safety rules.

Hiking4.0/5

Wildlife viewing3.0/5

Users report wildlife sightings (bear); area supports wildlife but not a dedicated wildlife draw.

Winter Activities1.0/5

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote location with no cell service and few sites suggests good night skies (inferred).

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; only pit toilets are provided.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are provided and required for all food and scented items. This area has active wildlife that may be attracted to improperly stored food.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.2

13 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User reviews highlight the campground's remoteness, quiet atmosphere, and excellent opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Some reviewers appreciated the lack of crowds, while others noted the difficult access road and the absence of amenities like water or cell service.

Review Summaries

Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praised the campground for its solitude and proximity to hiking trails. Jeremy Simpson noted, 'Great place to camp. Wasn't crowded on what seemed like a busy weekend everywhere else.'...

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes the rough access road described as 'very steep dirt/gravel, and very many switchbacks' by Lilli Hills, and the lack of water and cell service. Windy conditions and limited...

Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site reviews are not available; however, users generally describe the campground as small and quiet with four sites.

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring plenty of water, as there is none on-site, and to prepare for a rough and steep access road. Bear safety precautions should be followed, as noted by Jerrod Marleau, who...

Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter visits may be challenging due to the area's high elevation and potential snow conditions. Summer reviews frequently mention wind, warmth, and the area's susceptibility to fire risks. The...

Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. Jeremy Simpson: 'Great place to camp. Wasn't crowded on what seemed like a busy weekend everywhere else.' 2. Jerrod Marleau: 'Tremendous views. I go every year. I've seen a Bear so follow the...

Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies are not discussed in reviews.

Based on 13 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Grouse Mountain Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No fees are required for camping at Grouse Mountain campground.

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

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Provider

Go if

Hikers who pack in all their water and can handle a steep, switchback-heavy dirt road will find this hard to beat at zero dollars a night. Reviewers describe empty sites on weekends when everywhere else was packed.

Skip if

No potable water on-site, no cell service, and a rough access road that's RV-hostile by design. Campers who need hookups, a host, or reliable connectivity won't find any of that here.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.9

(15)

Snowberry Bowl Campground

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Snowberry Bowl Campground sits in the foothills of Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest near Chelan, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. This very small campground offers nine sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables under a shady forest canopy. Families come here for quiet, off-grid camping with hiking access, though the terrain is steep and creek access is limited.

Grouse Mountain Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Grouse Mountain Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Grouse Mountain Campground

Best Time to Camp at Grouse Mountain Campground

Planning Tips

About Grouse Mountain Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Grouse Mountain Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Activities

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Grouse Mountain Campground

Best Time to Camp at Grouse Mountain Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Things to do at Grouse Mountain Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews