River Bend Campground

Star4.50
11 reviews
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

2,600 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Typically open from ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest site

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River Bend Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Single site costs $10 per night. Additional vehicle fee of $5/night (2 vehicle maximum per site). Payment is digital-only through the recreation.gov...
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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 11 reviews

7 Google reviews

Most mentioned

location

"User reviews present River Bend Campground as a remote and isolated location that caters to campers looking for a primitive experience. The presence of bears is noted by some visitors, highlighting a potential safety consideration."

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Campground Map

River Bend Campground

48.6522, -120.5550

Driving directionsFrom Winthrop, drive 14 miles west on Highway 20, turn right onto Lost River Road (County Road #9140). Follow Lost River Road through Mazama to the end of the paved road at 7.5 miles. The road becomes gravel on Harts Pass Forest Service Road 5400, 22 miles northwest of Winthrop. Travel about 1.75 miles, stay to left (rather than turning right on switchback and following the main Harts Pass # 5400 road uphill to the right), continue to River Bend Campground on the left, about 0.10 mile.
The road includes a transition from paved to gravel after 7.5 miles. Harts Pass Forest Service Road 5400 can be challenging for certain vehicles due to gravel terrain. Travelers are advised to stay left to avoid a steep switchback.
Nearby places
Winthrop (14 miles, approx. 20-25 min drive), Mazama (7.5 miles, approx. 10-15 min drive).
Nearby supplies
Mazama (7.5 miles from the campground) offers basic supplies. For more comprehensive options, travelers can visit Winthrop (14 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at River Bend Campground

From May through October, River Bend Campground welcomes visitors with a delightful range of mountain weather. Summer brings crystal-clear skies and pleasantly mild temperatures perfect for outdoor adventures, while early season and late fall visitors should pack layers for cooler mountain evenings. Outside the operating season, winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, with temperatures frequently plunging below freezing and heavy snowfall blanketing the forest in pristine white.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May–October; summer offers mild temperatures, clear skies and trail access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into fall; likely good for quieter visits and changing foliage though specifics lacking.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open beginning in May; late-spring access possible but limited season window.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground typically closed outside May–October; winter not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season likely aligns with the May-October operational window, but specific dates are not provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Typically open from May to October.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts mentioned.

About River Bend Campground

Tucked away in the heart of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, River Bend Campground offers an authentic wilderness escape along the pristine waters of the West Fork Methow River. This hidden gem serves as your gateway to some of the region's most spectacular trails, including the winding West Fork Methow Trail #480, the adventurous Robinson Creek Trail #478, and the breathtaking Monument Creek Trail #484. Far from the crowds and chaos of everyday life, River Bend provides the perfect sanctuary for solitude seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you're planning scenic mountain drives, challenging day hikes, or ambitious climbing expeditions, this tranquil basecamp promises both adventure and serenity in equal measure.
River Bend Campground offers primitive camping options without advanced facilities. It is suitable for tent camping and does not support RV hookups.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum stay duration is not explicitly mentioned.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The River Bend Campground is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts with access to a variety of recreational activities. Authoritative sources highlight hiking, backpacking, mountain biking, and scenic drives as key attractions. No swimming, fishing, or other water-based activities are noted.
HikingCampground is near trails including West Fork Methow Trail #480, Robinson Creek Trail #478, and Monument Creek Trail #484. These trails cater to both day hikes and backpacking experiences.
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.
BikingMountain biking opportunities are available, particularly on West Fork Methow Trail #480, according to authoritative sources.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention bear activity in the area; precautions are recommended. Remote location may delay emergency response.
Active AlertsNo active alerts mentioned.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at River Bend Campground

Reviews

4.5
11 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
River Bend Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews present River Bend Campground as a remote and isolated location that caters to campers looking for a primitive experience. The presence of bears is noted by some visitors, highlighting a potential safety consideration.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers appreciate the isolation, proximity to the river, and natural beauty of the location. One reviewer described it as 'Absolutely stunning campground!' Another mentioned it as a great place to...
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Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

The campground's lack of potable water and trash receptacles are commonly noted drawbacks. Additionally, there are mentions of bears being present in the area.
Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing sufficient water and preparing to pack out all trash due to the lack of on-site facilities. It is advised to download the recreation.gov mobile app in advance to pay...
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Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews do not provide specific trends based on seasons, but the campground is accessible from May to October, according to authoritative sources.
Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"If you want to get away from it all this is the place to go!!!" - Rachel Louise Pitner. "Bear have claimed the campground." - John. "Absolutely stunning campground! Extremely isolated, near the...
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Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews or preferences, such as the best or worst sites, are not mentioned.
Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features for users with disabilities are available.
Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews addressing pet policies or experiences are available.
Based on 11 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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