Lake Wenatchee State Park - Washington
Alpine lake, sometimes that’s the only two words you need to hear before planning a camping trip. Lake Wenatchee looks just like a movie set and is exactly what you might picture as the perfect lake getaway.
Located not far from the famous Bavarian town of Leavenworth, Lake Wenatchee is glacier fed, with a sandy beach and two campgrounds. This park has many activity choices which appeal to all types of campers. Be as lazy as you like or hike to the top of a mountain, plan games and get-togethers or relax in the sun.
Lake Wenatchee State Park is centered around a generous beach area. The sandy beach is large and leads to a shallow lagoon perfect for swimming. A metal ramp through the center of the beach makes the lake ADA accessible. The park offers horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, large bathrooms, boat rentals and a small store. (Yes, the store sells ice cream!) Picnic tables are everywhere encouraging visitors to relax and roast up a great meal.
Hiking, biking and horseback riding trails around the park were easy to find and well maintained. The lake loop trail is an easy hike great for bird watching. In the winter multiple snowshoeing trails are also available. If you’re looking for a challenge or epic views there are plenty of trails a short drive from the park including Dirtyface Peak.
Campers can choose from 197 campsites spread over two campgrounds, North and South of the river. We stayed in the South campground which appeared to be newly refurbished and was extremely well laid out. Campsites were large and private. Winter camping is available on a first come first serve basis and must be very cold. The park provides heated bathrooms and a warming hut for those willing to brave the snow.
The lake itself is five miles long and welcomes boaters, kayakers, windsurfers and paddle boarders. A small island appropriately named Emerald Island is accessible by boat. As if this park hadn’t made it easy enough to have the perfect vacation, boat rentals are also available.
Our Take: Lake Wenatchee State Park is the perfect lake getaway. We stayed in the South campground fairly close to the lake. Our view was great but the closer to the lake your campsite the more wind you might encounter in certain seasons. The South campground is very well laid out and this is honestly one of those campgrounds you can’t find a bad site in. Don’t hesitate to book a trip here! On your way out be sure to swing through Leavenworth for beers & brats!
Fire Ring: Yes
Ranger Station: Yes
Trash on site: Yes, no recycling.
Water on site: Yes
Links: Lake Wenatchee State Park, Lake Wenatchee State Park Campground Map
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