Handy Springs Campground

Star0
1 review

Quick Facts

6,500 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

Opens Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest site

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Handy Springs Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for this site.
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 1 reviews

2 Google 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."

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Fees & Passes at Handy Springs Campground

Free

Campsite fees

Standard Site

Basic tent/RV spot

Free
Prices verified November 17, 2025

Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest website.


Best Time to Camp at Handy Springs Campground

Summer 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.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.

Planning Tips

    About Handy Springs 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.
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    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

    Best Campsites

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    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.
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    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 at Handy Springs Campground

    25
    °F
    Dec 7
    Sunday
    Overcast
    Precipitation: 0%

    Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

    Humidity: 94%

    High humidity, may feel muggy

    Wind: 16.8 mph

    Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

    Overcast

    Weather History
    Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

    Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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    Reveal forecast

    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.

    Reviews from booking and map sources

    0.0
    1 reviews
    Limited Reviews
    Limited 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 reviews

    Common 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 reviews

    Pro 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 reviews

    Seasonal 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 reviews

    Camper 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...
    Show more
    Based on 1 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    No reviews specific to particular campsites were provided, as the campground contains only one tent-only site.
    Based on 1 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    No reviews or information addressing accessibility features were provided.
    Based on 1 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    No reviews or information addressing pet policies were provided.
    Based on 1 reviews

    Camper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers

    0
    0 review
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    Last updated November 17, 2025
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