Is Alta Lake State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Alta Lake State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Alta Lake State Park before I book?

Yes! Alta Lake State Park has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

Are there showers at Alta Lake State Park?

Yes, Alta Lake State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Alta Lake State Park have?

Alta Lake State Park has 130 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Alta Lake State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Alta Lake State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Alta Lake State Park?

Alta Lake State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Alta Lake State Park?

Popular activities at Alta Lake State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Alta Lake State Park

4.40

10 reviews

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Washington

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,201 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

130 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on Washington State Parks Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,201 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Reservable

Sites

130 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on Washington State Parks Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Alta Lake State Park

No fees available

Campsite Fees

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

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What Campers Say

4.40

Recommended

Based on 10 reviews

27 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowerslakestaff

Some mention

noisecrowded

"Reviews are mostly positive: visitors praise the beautiful, family-friendly lake, boating/fishing access, clean restrooms and helpful park staff. Common negatives are weekend crowding, close/tight sites, insects/wasps, occasional smells in the water, and noisy neighbors."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Alta Lake State Park

48.0322, -119.9347

Best Time to Camp at Alta Lake State Park

Summer is the season here. Daytime highs run mid-70s to low-90s°F, evenings cool to the 50s and 60s, and the lake warms enough for comfortable swimming and paddleboarding. Expect the busiest crowds on weekends when the beach and boat launch see heavy use. Afternoon winds are nearly constant. Tent campers need to stake down securely. The family-friendly vibe peaks in July and August.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Primary season: warm temps and lake temps in upper 60s–70s°F make summer ideal for swimming.

Planning Tips

About Alta Lake State Park

Alta Lake State Park sits along the shores of a warm-water lake in Washington's Columbia River Valley, about 1,200 ft elevation. The 130-site campground draws families for swimming, boating and fishing access, with clean restrooms and helpful staff. Sites are fairly close together and weekends fill up fast.

Campground offers waterside tent sites and organized loops including a group site; a mix of typical state-park car/tent sites is present.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the season here. Daytime highs run mid-70s to low-90s°F, evenings cool to the 50s and 60s, and the lake warms enough for comfortable swimming and paddleboarding. Expect the busiest crowds on weekends when the beach and boat launch see heavy use. Afternoon winds are nearly constant. Tent campers need to stake down securely. The family-friendly vibe peaks in July and August.

Natural Features and SceneryAlta Lake dominates the landscape, its waters warming to the upper 60s and mid-70s°F in July and August. A sandy beach lines the shore, backed by day-use lawns that give way to valley views of orchards and distant peaks. A steep trail climbs from camp to a ridgeline overlook of the lake cradled by mountains. Strong afternoon winds sweep through the valley regularly. The Columbia River corridor and surrounding ranchland stretch beyond the park's boundaries.

Geological RegionAlong the Columbia River in north-central Washington with lake, valley and mountain setting

Scenic ViewsLake views (many Loop 2 sites), mountain and valley views (notably from Loop 1 and Loop 3 and the short trail), and views across the Columbia River to apple orchards.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

First-come sites available for one night only
no same-day reservations for reserved sites noted

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsGoingToCamp (washington.goingtocamp.com)

Total Campsites130 campsites

Best CampsitesLoop 1 offers the most privacy and mountain views. Loop 2 has lakefront views. Site 62 and other outer-rim spots are mentioned for slightly more separation. Loop 3 tends to be quieter, with mountain and valley views instead of direct lake access. Tent sites on the water in Loop 2 are popular but book early.

Need help booking Alta Lake State Park?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

GoingToCamp Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Day-use and campground facilities include a designated swimming beach, boat launch, concession stand/kayak rentals, restrooms and coin-operated showers, and picnic tables and grills in day-use/parking areas. Reviewers repeatedly note very clean showers with good hot water and functioning hand dryers (some hand dryers reported broken in the group restroom).

Showers

Flush toilets

Picnic tables

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Alta Lake is focused on lake recreation (swimming, boating, fishing) with a short steep park trail for vistas; concessions offer kayak rentals and there's a boat launch for water access.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsThe short park trail is steep, rocky and exposed with little shade. Strong afternoon winds can create hazards for tents and unsecured gear; visitors recommend anchoring tents. Wasps/hornets have been reported by campers.

Weather at Alta Lake State Park

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

10 reviews

Recommended

Alta Lake State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are mostly positive: visitors praise the beautiful, family-friendly lake, boating/fishing access, clean restrooms and helpful park staff. Common negatives are weekend crowding, close/tight sites, insects/wasps, occasional smells in the water, and noisy neighbors.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful lake for swimming, boating and fishing; boat launch and kayak rentals; reviewers repeatedly praise very clean, hot showers and friendly rangers/staff; family-friendly atmosphere.

Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

Sites crowded and close together with little privacy or shade (due to past fire). Noise from barking dogs or peak weekend crowds. Not dog-friendly (beach ban, disturbances). Steep trail challenging...

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Book in advance for weekends and consider outer/rim sites for more privacy; anchor tents due to strong afternoon winds; bring your own toilet paper; expect coin-operated showers (quarters) and...

Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Quiet, Serene peaceful, beautiful lake."; "Very clean showers and great hot water."; "Crowded on weekends."; "Such a fun summer vacay... the wasps/hornets are absolutely relentless…concessions are...

Based on 10 reviews

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Antilon Lake Campground sits at 2,400 feet in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest near Chelan. The sites are large enough for small RVs and group camping, and there's no fee. Expect free access, no amenities, and no cell service.