How much does camping cost at Schaefer Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Schaefer Creek Campground range from $22/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Schaefer Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Schaefer Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Open for walk-up reservations; specific site availability and patterns are not noted.

What is the best time to visit Schaefer Creek Campground?

Schaefer Creek Campground is open Open season not explicitly stated, but campground status is listed as 'open.'. 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 Schaefer Creek Campground?

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

How many campsites does Schaefer Creek Campground have?

Schaefer Creek Campground has 7 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Schaefer Creek Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Schaefer Creek Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Schaefer Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Schaefer Creek Campground include Hiking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Schaefer Creek Campground

3.00

6 reviews

Scenic ViewsPeace & Quiet

Featured in:Forest Camping Washington

Quick Facts

2,500 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Open season not expl...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,500 ft

Price

$22/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

7 campsites

Season

Open season not expl...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Schaefer Creek Campground

$22.00 - $22.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single campsite fee is $22 per night, payable digitally only. Extra vehicles are charged $11 per night. Senior and access pass holders are eligible...

Standard Site Fee$22.00

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Schaefer Creek Campground

47.9744, -120.8020

Nearby places

Leavenworth is 21 miles away. Lake Wenatchee is approximately 21 miles from the campground.

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies for groceries, camping gear, or fuel might be found in Leavenworth, 21 miles away

specific supply locations are not listed.

Driving directionsFrom Leavenworth, head southwest on US-2 West for 15 miles. At Coles Corner, turn right onto WA-207 North and go 4.4 miles. Go right on Chiwawa Loop Road and stay right at the intersection. Then take the second left onto Chiwawa River Road/Forest Road 6200 and follow it for about 15 miles.

Road access requires traveling 4 miles on a dirt road, as one user review mentions: 'You will have to drive 4 miles of dirt road to get there.' The roads may have seasonal closures or conditions depending on weather.

Weather at Schaefer Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Schaefer Creek Campground

Summer brings the best conditions: sunny afternoons between 70 and 85°F, cool nights in the 40s and 50s, and fully melted trails. July and August see moderate crowds across the seven sites. Regional wildfire smoke can drift in during dry years, and fire restrictions sometimes apply. Winter dumps up to 19 inches of snow during peak weeks. Spring offers crisp 52°F days with fewer visitors, though trails may still hold snow at higher elevations.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer described as best: 70–85°F, trails fully melted; moderate crowds at seven sites.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open season not explicitly stated, but campground status is listed as 'open.'

About Schaefer Creek Campground

Schaefer Creek Campground sits 21 miles from Lake Wenatchee in a forested valley flanked by cliff faces along the Chiwawa River. Seven sites offer seclusion at 2,500 feet elevation, though the final 4 miles in require a dirt road. Sites run $22/night. Reviewers praise the scenery and quiet but warn that steep slopes separate camp from the cold, clear river below.

Schaefer Creek Campground offers basic camping accommodations with no mention of advanced facilities like cabins or glamping options. It is accessible via a dirt road and best suited for self-sufficient campers.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions: sunny afternoons between 70 and 85°F, cool nights in the 40s and 50s, and fully melted trails. July and August see moderate crowds across the seven sites. Regional wildfire smoke can drift in during dry years, and fire restrictions sometimes apply. Winter dumps up to 19 inches of snow during peak weeks. Spring offers crisp 52°F days with fewer visitors, though trails may still hold snow at higher elevations.

ElevationPerched at 2,500 feet above sea level, Schaefer Creek Campground occupies that perfect elevation where mountain air stays refreshingly cool even in summer, yet remains accessible for much of the year. This moderate altitude creates an ideal microclimate for diverse forest life while occasionally challenging winter access when heavy snows blanket the access road, adding to the site's remote appeal.

Natural Features and SceneryCliff faces rise on both sides of the valley, framing dense conifer forest along the Chiwawa River corridor. The river runs clear but cold, fed by mountain snowmelt. Reaching the water means navigating steep embankments. The canyon shows the work of glacial carving and river erosion. Dramatic rock walls above, forested slopes below, and the sound of moving water threading through camp.

Geological RegionSchaefer Creek Campground sits within the magnificent Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, where ancient geological forces have carved a spectacular valley along the Chiwawa River corridor. This unique landscape showcases the raw power of glacial and river erosion, with dramatic cliff faces standing as sentinels over the forested valley floor. The campground's position within this geological wonderland offers visitors a front-row seat to millions of years of Earth's sculptural artistry, all while being cradled in one of the Pacific Northwest's most pristine forest ecosystems.

Scenic ViewsUsers describe scenic views of a forested valley framed by cliff faces adjacent to the Chiwawa River.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo information is available about lodging accommodations, such as cabins or lodges, at this site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stay limits are unspecified.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum trailer size allowed is 30 feet, but exact guest limits are unspecified.

Groups

Specific details about group sites are not provided.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSeven sites spread through the forested valley. No details on loop structure or spacing, but the remote location and small site count keep things quiet.

Walk-in AvailabilityOpen for walk-up reservations; specific site availability and patterns are not noted.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation terms not disclosed.

AccessibilityDetails about accessibility features for campers with disabilities are not provided.

Site SizeSpecific information about campsite sizes is not available.

PrivacyDetails about the privacy of campsites are not discussed in the provided materials.

Total Campsites7 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near the river may require navigating steep hills.

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational opportunities at Schaefer Creek Campground include day hiking and picnicking. The access to the Chiwawa River provides additional opportunities for activities, although specifics like fishing or swimming are not mentioned.

Hiking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNavigating steep hills to reach the river may be challenging for some. Wildlife and terrain hazards are unspecified.

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

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are likely in Leavenworth, 21 miles away. Specific facilities are not listed.

Trash & RecyclingInformation on trash and recycling facilities, including locations and pickup schedules, is not provided.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to the Chiwawa River, providing access to clear but cold water. Navigating steep hills may be necessary for river access.

Camp HostA user appreciated the managing company, describing them as 'nice and polite.'

Cell CoverageThe presence and quality of cell phone service at Schaefer Creek Campground are not discussed.

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

3.0

6 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User reviews for Schaefer Creek Campground highlight its remote and scenic location in a forested valley along the Chiwawa River. Campers appreciate the natural beauty and quiet setting. However, accessibility challenges, such as the 4-mile dirt road and steep access to the river, are noted. One reviewer described the river as 'clear but cold.'

Review Summaries

Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciated the scenic location of the campground, with one user describing it as being located 'in a forested valley between two cliff faces.' The managing company was commended for being...

Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

Challenges mentioned include the need to drive 4 miles on a dirt road to access the site and the steep terrain to reach the river. The lack of potable water is a significant limitation.

Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

There is a user mention that the campground has between 4 to 7 campsites, but no specific site numbers or detailed reviews for individual sites are provided.

Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own potable water as there is none provided on-site. Be prepared for a 4-mile drive on a dirt road to access the site.

Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Awesome location in a forested valley between two cliff faces.' - Austin H. 2. 'The managing company was nice and polite.' - Austin H. 3. 'The river is clear but cold, and you gotta go down a...

Based on 6 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not mentioned in either authoritative sources or user reviews.

Based on 6 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies or experiences with pets are not discussed in the provided information.

Based on 6 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Remote forest solitude is the point for you, and you'll pack all your water in. The canyon walls and river sound make summer nights here hard to beat, and with only seven sites it rarely feels crowded.

Skip if

No potable water is a real logistical problem if you're underprepared, and the steep bank between camp and the river frustrates anyone expecting easy water access. The 4-mile dirt road also rules out rigs over 30 feet.

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