Klipchuck Campground

Star4.62
64 reviews
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Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

2,900 ft

Price

$10 - $20/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

44 campsites

Season

Open weekend before ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest site

Official Website
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Klipchuck Campground
$10.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single site camping costs $20/night, and additional vehicles are $10/night. Digital payment only accepted through the recreation.gov mobile app; cash...
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Standard Site Fee$20.00
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

4.62

Top-Rated

Based on 64 reviews

58 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacypeacefulcleanspacious

Some mention

noise

"User reviews consistently highlight Klipchuck Campground's serene environment, clean facilities, and well-spaced sites. While many appreciated its tranquil setting and proximity to hiking trails, some noted issues with highway noise and the lack of water availability during certain visits."

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Campground Map

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Klipchuck Campground

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Driving directionsLocated one mile off North Cascades National Scenic Highway 20 on the north side of the highway, nineteen miles northwest of Winthrop. In Winthrop, WA take State Rt. 20 west 17.2 miles to 'Campground' sign. Turn right at sign onto Forest Rt. 300 and go 1.2 miles to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads from the North Cascades National Scenic Highway 20. User reviews describe it as "a mile and half off the highway, made it nice and quiet." Road conditions are suitable for most vehicles including travel trailers under 29 feet.
Nearby places
Winthrop: 19 miles northwest, approximately 30 minutes drive.
Nearby supplies
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Best Time to Camp at Klipchuck Campground

Experience the dynamic mountain climate where weather can shift from sunshine to dramatic clouds in moments. While nearby Winthrop basks in warmth, this higher elevation sanctuary offers naturally air-conditioned summers and delightfully unpredictable conditions that keep every day interesting. Winter transforms the campground into a snow-dusted wonderland where frozen firewood tells tales of the season's chill, while summer visitors discover the perfect escape from valley heat in these cool, pine-scented heights.

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

Open in summer; summer months bring more visitors and pleasant mountain conditions.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 31; quieter, scenic fall colors and good solitude noted.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Only open weekend before Memorial Day; water availability and harsher weather noted in early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed after Oct 31; not a winter destination.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open weekend before Memorial Day through October 31.
  • Current Alerts: null

About Klipchuck Campground

Nestled among towering conifers along the rushing waters of Early Winters Creek, this enchanting 44-site campground offers a perfect blend of wilderness immersion and comfort. Three intimate loops wind through a cathedral of mature forest, where Douglas firs and hemlocks create natural privacy screens between sites. Each campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with picnic tables and grilles, while well-maintained vault toilets and fresh potable water ensure a comfortable stay. At 2,900 feet elevation, you'll find refreshing mountain air even on the warmest summer days. Keep your food secured and eyes open – this is authentic bear country where wildlife sightings are part of the adventure.
Klipchuck Campground caters to a variety of campers, offering space for tents and RVs. It operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, with no reservations accepted.
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Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Klipchuck Campground is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts, offering proximity to hiking, biking, and scenic driving routes. While fishing is restricted in Early Winters Creek, the surrounding area provides plenty of natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
HikingThe campground offers access to several hiking trails, including Driveway Butte Trail #481 (4 miles, open to hikers and horseback riders), Early Winters Creek Trail (4 miles, suitable for hiking and mountain biking), and the Creekside Loop Trail (0.25 miles, foot traffic only). "There are lots of hiking trails all along the North Cascade Scenic Highway," one user noted, making this an excellent base camp for hikers.
FishingFishing is allowed with restrictions, such as catch-and-release trout fishing. However, Early Winters Creek is closed to fishing.
BikingThe campground is part of the Northern Tier Long Distance Bicycle Route, making it a notable spot for road cycling enthusiasts.
Wildlife viewingAbundant birdwatching opportunities are available within the campground, and users have reported sightings of chipmunks and deer. Reviewers also emphasized the need to be cautious around deer, especially during fawning season, as they can be aggressive.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBears and aggressive deer pose safety concerns. Pet control and safe food storage practices are mandatory.
Active Alertsnull

Weather at Klipchuck Campground

Reviews

4.6
64 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Klipchuck Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews consistently highlight Klipchuck Campground's serene environment, clean facilities, and well-spaced sites. While many appreciated its tranquil setting and proximity to hiking trails, some noted issues with highway noise and the lack of water availability during certain visits.
Review Summaries
Based on 64 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and well-maintained facilities, spacious campsites with privacy, proximity to hiking and biking trails, and a peaceful setting away from the highway are commonly praised aspects.
Based on 64 reviews

Common Concerns

Some campers reported highway noise despite the campground's distance from the road. Others encountered issues with water spigots being turned off during their stay. Wildlife concerns, such as...
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Based on 64 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest downloading the recreation.gov mobile app before arrival for digital payments, bringing extra blankets for cooler weather, and preparing for potential wildlife encounters. During the...
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Based on 64 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is generally quieter during the off-season, with fewer visitors and no fees. However, weather conditions can be harsher, and water availability may be limited. Summer months bring more...
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Based on 64 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We managed to scrounge for some firewood but it was frozen and wet - would highly suggest bringing your own during the winter months." "If there’s a competition for which campground has the cleanest...
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Based on 64 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites near Early Winters Creek are noted to be more spacious. "The parking aprons to the left are spacious and closest to Early Winters Creek," according to official comments.
Based on 64 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly, but further accessibility details were not provided.
Based on 64 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Users mentioned aggressive deer during fawning season and advised keeping pets under control at all times.
Based on 64 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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