Lake Wenatchee South Campground (Sites 1-100)

For Washington locals dreaming of a quintessential lakeside camping experience, Lake Wenatchee South Campground offers a vibrant and amenity-rich destination. Located within the highly popular Lake Wenatchee State Park near Leavenworth, this campground provides direct access to the beautiful, glacier-fed Lake Wenatchee and a wealth of recreational opportunities. While its popularity, especially during peak season, can lead to a lively and sometimes crowded atmosphere, its extensive facilities and stunning natural setting make it a compelling choice for families and groups looking for an active outdoor getaway in the heart of Washington State.

Lake Wenatchee South Campground is part of a larger state park, renowned for its clear blue waters and surrounding mountain vistas. It's designed to offer a comfortable and engaging camping experience, complete with features often sought after by those who enjoy more developed facilities. However, as with any popular destination, understanding its characteristics, including potential for noise and crowds during busy periods, is key to planning a successful visit. This comprehensive overview will detail the location, services, and highlights of Lake Wenatchee South Campground, offering Washington residents the insights needed to make the most of their lakeside adventure, whether they seek bustling summer fun or a serene off-season retreat.

Lake Wenatchee South Campground is prominently located at 21588 WA-207, Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA. This places it directly within Lake Wenatchee State Park, a cherished natural gem in Chelan County. The campground is situated on the south side of the five-mile-long Lake Wenatchee, a large, glacier-fed lake surrounded by the majestic Cascade Mountains. This prime lakeside location is a major draw, offering campers immediate access to the water and picturesque views.

Accessibility to Lake Wenatchee South Campground is generally straightforward, as it's located directly off WA-207, a well-maintained state highway. From Leavenworth, visitors would typically take US-2 West to Coles Corner, then turn onto WA-207 North, following it directly to the park entrance. This easy access makes it a convenient destination for locals traveling from various parts of Washington. The park gates close at dusk, but campers with reservations can open and proceed through the unlocked gate after hours, ensuring flexible arrival times.

Within the park, the South Campground (Sites 1-100) is well-laid out, offering 100 standard sites suitable for tents, camper vans, truck campers, and smaller trailers (less than 20 feet). The campground features central amenities that are easily accessible from most sites. The proximity to Lake Wenatchee's sandy swimming beach and the park's store further enhances its convenience, allowing campers to easily transition between their campsite and popular recreational areas. This combination of a beautiful natural setting and relatively easy access makes Lake Wenatchee South Campground a highly desirable spot for Washington residents.

• Campsites: Lake Wenatchee South Campground offers 100 standard campsites. These sites are designed for tents, camper vans, truck campers, and small trailer combinations less than 20 feet. Each site typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate.

• Restrooms and Showers: The campground provides clean and well-maintained restrooms with flush toilets. Hot showers are also available, often coin-operated (e.g., 50 cents for 3 minutes), ensuring a comfortable and refreshing experience for campers.

• Potable Water: Potable drinking water is available throughout the campground, with water facilities that are regularly checked and maintained.

• Camp Store: A camp store is conveniently located near the swim beach and restrooms. It offers a variety of prepared foods, snacks, beverages, ice cream, espresso, camping supplies, firewood, ice, and other camping necessities. It is typically open daily from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day, with weekend hours during fall, winter, and spring.

• Dump Station: A dump station is available within Lake Wenatchee State Park, often located near the campground entrance, providing a convenient service for RV and trailer campers.

• Reservations Required (Peak Season): Camping reservations are required, especially during peak season, and can be made up to nine months in advance via washington.goingtocamp.com or by calling (888) 226-7688. Same-day reservations can also be made between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m.

• Parking: Campsites accommodate two vehicles per site, with overflow parking available for additional vehicles (subject to a $10/night extra vehicle fee). Day-use parking is also available, often requiring a Discover Pass.

• Winter Camping: During the winter, designated areas of the South Park day-use area offer first-come, first-served camping with heated restrooms and showers, picnic tables, fire pits, and two covered shelters.

• Cell Phone Signal: Reviews indicate that cell phone signal is generally "good enough" for connectivity, including hotspot use, which can be a valuable service for many modern campers.

• Regular Staff Cleanup: Despite potential for litter during busy periods, staff "must clean up regularly," suggesting active maintenance to keep the park tidy.

• Direct Lake Access and Sandy Beach: The most prominent highlight is the campground's immediate access to Lake Wenatchee and its sandy swimming beach. This provides abundant opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the clear, glacier-fed waters.

• Water Sports and Rentals: Lake Wenatchee is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and other non-motorized water activities. Rentals for kayaks and standup paddleboards are often available on-site near the swim beach from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day.

• Family-Friendly Environment (with caveats): The campground is generally designed with families in mind, featuring a playground and open grounds for children. While it can be noisy with large groups, it also offers many activities suitable for families.

• Diverse Recreational Activities: Beyond water sports, the surrounding Lake Wenatchee State Park offers a wide array of activities including hiking on approximately eight miles of trails (ranging from easy to moderately difficult), biking on about seven miles of trails, fishing (for sockeye salmon, trout, etc.), and even horseback riding (with rentals available from nearby outfitters).

• Stunning Scenery: Campers are surrounded by the picturesque beauty of the Cascade Mountains, dense coniferous forests, and the sparkling blue waters of Lake Wenatchee, providing a beautiful backdrop for any outdoor adventure.

• Winter Wonderland: Lake Wenatchee State Park transforms into a popular winter destination. The South Park offers groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, a groomed sled hill, and designated winter camping areas, making it a year-round recreational hub.

• Convenient Camp Store: The on-site camp store provides easy access to essentials, snacks, and even prepared foods and espresso, adding a layer of convenience to the camping experience.

Address: 21588 WA-207, Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA

Phone: (509) 763-3101

Mobile Phone: +1 509-763-3101

For direct inquiries regarding Lake Wenatchee South Campground, or Lake Wenatchee State Park in general, the provided phone numbers (509) 763-3101 and +1 509-763-3101 are the official contact points. These numbers connect directly to the park office. Washington locals are highly encouraged to use these contacts for any questions about current park conditions, burn bans (a Level 3 Burn Ban was in effect as of June 2025, allowing gas/propane stoves only), operational hours, or specific site information. Since reservations are required for camping at Lake Wenatchee State Park, prospective campers can also make bookings via the Washington State Parks reservation system at washington.goingtocamp.com or by calling (888) 226-7688. Checking for alerts on the official Washington State Parks website is also advisable before any visit, especially given the dynamic nature of weather and fire regulations in the region.

Lake Wenatchee South Campground stands as a prime destination for Washington locals, offering a comprehensive and engaging outdoor experience. While some peak-season visitors have noted challenges with noise and crowds, these are often a trade-off for the extensive amenities and popular recreational opportunities that the campground provides. For Washington residents seeking a vibrant, activity-filled camping trip with direct lake access, modern conveniences, and a variety of ways to enjoy the stunning natural landscape, Lake Wenatchee South Campground is exceptionally well-suited.

Its status as a Washington State Park ensures a certain level of maintenance and infrastructure, including clean restrooms, hot showers, and a convenient camp store. This makes it an ideal choice for families, or those who prefer a more comfortable camping experience without fully "roughing it." The abundance of activities, from swimming and paddleboarding on the beautiful lake to hiking and biking on scenic trails, means there’s never a dull moment. Even with the potential for bustling summer crowds, the sheer beauty of the glacier-fed lake set against mountain backdrops remains an undeniable draw.

For locals, the ease of access via WA-207 means less travel time and more time spent enjoying the outdoors. Furthermore, the availability of winter camping with heated facilities extends its appeal beyond the traditional summer season, offering unique opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding. While those seeking absolute solitude might prefer more remote sites, Washington residents looking for a lively, amenity-rich, and activity-packed lakeside camping adventure will find Lake Wenatchee South Campground to be a highly rewarding and convenient choice for creating lasting memories in their home state.

Lake Wenatchee South Campground (Sites 1-100)

21588 WA-207, Leavenworth, WA 98826, USA