Eightmile Campground

Welcome to Eightmile Campground, a popular and highly-regarded destination nestled in the breathtaking Icicle Canyon, just a short and scenic drive from the charming Bavarian village of Leavenworth, Washington. For locals across the Evergreen State seeking an immersive outdoor experience with convenient access to renowned hiking trails and the soothing sounds of Icicle Creek, Eightmile Campground offers an ideal basecamp. This campground is celebrated for its clean, well-maintained environment and the friendly presence of its host, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all visitors. While it provides essential amenities for a comfortable stay, its true appeal lies in its prime location, offering unparalleled access to the natural wonders of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Eightmile Campground is a fantastic choice for families, avid hikers, and anyone looking to unplug and connect with the stunning landscapes of Central Washington. It offers a balance of privacy and community, allowing campers to enjoy their secluded sites while also benefiting from the shared experience of being surrounded by nature lovers. This comprehensive overview will delve into what makes Eightmile Campground a suitable and sought-after destination for Washington residents. We will explore its strategic location and accessibility, the services it provides, its distinct features and highlights, and how to get in touch to plan your next memorable outdoor adventure in the heart of Washington's majestic mountains. Prepare to discover your next favorite spot for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

Eightmile Campground is conveniently located on Icicle Rd, Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA. This address places it squarely within the popular Icicle Canyon, a gateway to the vast recreational opportunities of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Its proximity to Leavenworth is a significant advantage for campers from across Washington. The charming Bavarian village is just a short drive away, providing easy access to groceries, restaurants, unique shops, and any last-minute supplies you might need for your camping trip.

Access to the campground is straightforward via Icicle Road (also known as Forest Service Road 7600), which is a well-maintained paved road extending several miles into the canyon. This makes it easily reachable for most vehicle types, including cars and RVs, though the campground itself is not primarily an RV park. The drive along Icicle Road itself is scenic, with towering peaks and the flowing Icicle Creek alongside. The campground's location means less time spent navigating challenging backroads and more time enjoying your destination.

For those coming from major population centers in Western Washington, like Seattle or Tacoma, the drive typically involves crossing Stevens Pass on US-2, a route known for its breathtaking mountain views. From Eastern Washington, access is equally convenient via US-2. The campground's position on Icicle Road also places it within easy reach of numerous trailheads, enhancing its appeal as a basecamp for hiking and exploration. This balance of natural seclusion and accessible convenience makes Eightmile Campground an ideal choice for Washington locals seeking an effortless transition into the great outdoors.

Eightmile Campground offers a range of essential services and facilities designed to provide a comfortable and functional camping experience, catering to the needs of its visitors. While focused on a traditional camping environment, these amenities contribute to a pleasant stay.

• Campsites: The campground provides numerous individual campsites. Reviewers note that these sites are "mostly private with lots of shade," offering a sense of seclusion and protection from the sun. Each campsite typically comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit, perfect for outdoor dining and campfires (when conditions allow). Some sites even feature unique elements like "a big rock that the kids had fun climbing on."
• Restroom Facilities: The campground provides restrooms for public use. While a review mentioned one being broken and another having "brown tinge" water (likely a temporary issue or related to the well water's natural mineral content), the overall sentiment from another review is that the campground is "clean and well maintained," suggesting generally acceptable facilities. (Note: These are typically vault toilets in Forest Service campgrounds, designed for efficiency in a natural setting.)
• Water Access: Water spigots are available, though a particular review noted issues with water quality ("mud not water" from a hand pump, "brown tinge" from a fountain, and one broken fountain). This highlights the importance of checking current conditions or bringing supplementary water, although official sources generally indicate potable water availability. Visitors often come prepared for filtering or treating water when camping in natural areas.
• Friendly Camp Host: A significant service highlight is the presence of a "friendly" camp host. A good host can greatly enhance the camping experience by providing information, assisting with issues, and ensuring campground rules are followed.
• Trash Disposal: While not explicitly detailed, Forest Service campgrounds typically have designated areas for trash disposal, or require campers to pack out their waste, contributing to a clean environment.

Eightmile Campground is rich with features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for outdoor enthusiasts and families in Washington. These attributes contribute significantly to its popularity and positive reputation.

• Excellent Access to Hiking Trails: One of the most significant highlights is the campground's superb access to numerous hiking trails. Visitors can embark on easy walks directly from the campground, such as "just heading up the river," which "goes on for several miles connecting up with a smaller campground further up stream." For more adventurous hikers, the campground serves as a gateway to iconic, longer trails in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, including the popular hike to Lake Stuart and Horseshoe Lake.
• Riverside Proximity to Icicle Creek: The campground offers an "area that you can walk up to the river and put your feet in." This close proximity to Icicle Creek provides soothing sounds, beautiful views, and opportunities for cooling off, even if the current is "moving too fast" for deeper swimming during certain times of the year (like June).
• Privacy and Shade at Campsites: Campers appreciate that sites are "mostly private with lots of shade." This provides a comfortable and secluded feeling, allowing for a more intimate connection with nature away from direct sun.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Environment: Despite specific water issues noted by one reviewer, the overall consensus is that Eightmile is a "fabulous campground" that is "clean and well maintained." This commitment to upkeep enhances the visitor experience.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The presence of unique features like "a big rock that the kids had fun climbing on" suggests an environment welcoming to families, providing natural entertainment for younger campers.
• Friendly Camp Host: The presence of a "friendly" camp host contributes positively to the overall atmosphere and assistance available to campers.
• Close to Leavenworth Downtown: Its location "not far from downtown Leavenworth" allows campers to easily access the town's unique Bavarian charm, shops, and restaurants, offering a blend of wilderness immersion and cultural exploration.

For inquiries, reservations, or to obtain the most current information regarding Eightmile Campground, it is recommended to contact the official reservation system or the managing authority, the U.S. Forest Service.

Address: Icicle Rd, Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA

Phone: (877) 444-6777

Mobile Phone: +1 877-444-6777

These phone numbers connect to the National Recreation Reservation Service (Recreation.gov), which handles reservations for many Forest Service campgrounds, including Eightmile. While a direct local number might also exist through the Leavenworth Ranger Station ((509) 548-2550), the 877 number is the primary way to book sites and get general information. It is always highly advisable to check the Recreation.gov website or call this number for up-to-date information on site availability, current water conditions (especially given past feedback), fire restrictions, and any seasonal closures before planning your trip. This proactive approach will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable camping experience at Eightmile Campground.

Eightmile Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for locals throughout Washington state, offering a compelling blend of accessibility, natural beauty, and a prime location for outdoor activities. For Washingtonians who cherish their state's wilderness, this campground provides an ideal basecamp directly on Icicle Road, making it easily reachable from various parts of the state without extended travel. This convenience allows for spontaneous weekend getaways or well-planned vacations, maximizing time spent enjoying the outdoors.

The campground’s appeal is significantly enhanced by its "mostly private with lots of shade" campsites, offering a comfortable and secluded environment that many locals seek to escape the hustle of city life. The presence of a "friendly host" and a generally "clean and well maintained" atmosphere contributes to a pleasant and stress-free experience. While a past issue with water quality was noted, the overall positive feedback suggests that the fundamental aspects of the campground are well-managed, and it remains a reliable choice for traditional camping.

Crucially, Eightmile Campground serves as a direct gateway to the vast recreational opportunities of the Leavenworth area and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Its immediate access to numerous hiking trails, including those that follow Icicle Creek for miles, is a major draw for Washington's active population. The ability to "walk up to the river and put your feet in" offers a refreshing connection to the natural environment. For families, the unique features like "a big rock that the kids had fun climbing on" add an element of natural play. For all these reasons, Eightmile Campground stands as a highly suitable and beloved destination for Washington locals seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty and adventure of their home state.

Eightmile Campground

Icicle Rd, Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA