How much does camping cost at Ballard?

Camping fees at Ballard range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Ballard first-come first-served or reservation?

Ballard operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Ballard?

Ballard is open May 01 to November 01. 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 Ballard?

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

Are dogs allowed at Ballard?

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

Ballard

0 review

Ballard

Featured in:Summer Camping Washington

Quick Facts

Price

$10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov (mobile app)Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

$10/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov (mobile app)Official Website

Get Directions

Ballard

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ScanPay 1: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

N/A

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Ballard

48.1314, -103.2376

Nearby places

Winthrop — 15 miles

Weather at Ballard

Best Time to Camp at Ballard

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather for camping here — typically crisp, dry days and cool nights (daytime highs often in the 50s–70s°F, nights in the 30s–40s). This is prime time for clear skies, colorful shrubs and grasses in the Methow Valley area, quiet trails and lower campground use than summer, making first-come first-served sites easier to snag. Outdoor activities like day hikes, photography and stargazing are at their peak, while wildfire smoke and extreme heat are less likely than, Peak months: September, October, August, June

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Overview explicitly states 'Best season: fall' with crisp, dry days and cool nights.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01 to November 01. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Ballard

Ballard Campground sits near Winthrop and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Cell service is limited or nonexistent in the area, so download the Recreation.gov app before you arrive if you plan to reserve via QR code, though alternative payment methods are recommended.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable weather for camping here — typically crisp, dry days and cool nights (daytime highs often in the 50s–70s°F, nights in the 30s–40s). This is prime time for clear skies, colorful shrubs and grasses in the Methow Valley area, quiet trails and lower campground use than summer, making first-come first-served sites easier to snag. Outdoor activities like day hikes, photography and stargazing are at their peak, while wildfire smoke and extreme heat are less likely than, Peak months: September, October, August, June

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov mobile app (Scan and Pay) may be available for on-site payment; no advance reservations (first-come, first-served only).

Recommended SitesDownload the Recreation.gov mobile app (https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app) prior to arrival if you plan to use the Scan and Pay feature, because cellular service may be limited or unavailable on arrival.

Amenities available

This campground is first-come, first-served only; visitors must physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. On-site payment may be available by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app (Scan and Pay feature) after arrival.

I manage this campground

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From Booking Sources

0.0

0 reviews

Limited Reviews

Ballard has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Review Summaries

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Ballard

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ScanPay 1: $10.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

N/A

Go if

Fall campers who can drive out from Winthrop on a weekday morning and claim a site in person will find the sweet spot here: crisp days, clear skies, and a forest-riverside setting without the summer heat or smoke.

Skip if

No cell service means the QR payment system may not work on arrival, and there's no advance reservation option at all, so anyone who needs a guaranteed site or reliable connectivity before heading 15 miles out of Winthrop should plan elsewhere.

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