Stunning Lake Wenatchee: camping, hikes + more in this WA state park

Imagine a beautiful lake in Washington and you’d probably envision dense forests and snow-capped mountains reflected in deep, clear water. If that’s the case, you’ve just imagined Lake Wenatchee, a glacier-fed lake near Leavenworth, WA.

With so many things to do on Lake Wenatchee, you’ll stay busy hiking, kayaking, biking, SUPing and even horseback riding. You can also simply relax within Lake Wenatchee State Park. If you’re camping, wake up early to watch the fog roll across the glass-like surface of the lake.

If you’re looking for Lake Wenatchee info to come visit—and honestly, why wouldn’t you?—keep on reading. Below, you’ll learn about Lake Wenatchee camping, hiking, and the best ways to spend your time in the lake’s state park.

Lake Wenatchee camping

Ask pretty much anyone and they’ll agree: Washington is straight-up beautiful.

Camping is one of my favorite ways to explore the Evergreen State. Whether you go by RV, tent or backpacking, you’ll find plenty of Washington camping options.

What’s more, you can save a bundle (and stay among incredible scenery) if you’re open to camping near Leavenworth, WA. These campgrounds are just a half-hour from Leavenworth.

Lake Wenatchee Campground

Lake Wenatchee State Park includes two different campgrounds: North and South.

The South Campground offers about 100 campsites, including RV spots with hookups, near the lake’s beach. These campsites aren’t private. You’ll be able to spot what your neighbors are grilling for dinner, since there aren’t a lot of barriers that break up sight lines. Some campsites are also right off the main road that passes Lake Wenatchee.

Pay close attention to which campsite you choose so you don’t feel like you’re camping on the road (or in some stranger’s site).

The South Campground sites do have quite a bit of tree cover, so you’ll be shaded during hot days.

The North Campground at Lake Wenatchee is more remote. It also includes about 100 campsites but is tucked away from the day use area, so it feels less busy.

These North Campground sites are also off the road, so the crickets won’t compete with the sounds of passing cars.

Camping starts at $25 per night. You can make reservations here.

Nason Creek Campground

Right next to Lake Wenatchee State Park, you’ll find Nason Creek Campground. Actually, you’ll find three separate campgrounds under the same name.

(I know, confusing!)

As you turn onto Cedar Brae Road from Highway 207, you’ll first pass the North Loop on your right. You’ll find sites 29-49 here. South Loop is next, this time on your left. A little ways farther down Cedar Brae, you’ll spot West Loop on your right.

On a recent camping trip, we stayed at a first come first served campsite in the West Loop (sites 50-73). We had plenty of level ground to pitch tents and room to park two cars. It’s also an easy walk to the Lake Wenatchee State Park day use area.

The next time I’m camping near Lake Wenatchee, I’ll try to snag a spot in the South Loop (sites 1-28). This area seemed to have the prime access to Nason Creek, a chilly stream just begging to be splashed in.

Throughout Nason Creek Campground, you’ll find restrooms with running water, flush toilets and electrical outlets. (This last amenity came in handy when my sister realized she didn’t have the adapter needed to blow up her air mattress!)

Glacier View Campground

If you’re looking for a small, remote campground, drive a bit farther to Glacier View Campground.

The tricky part: All 23 sites are first come, first serve, so you are never 100% sure to snag a spot here.

But what Glacier View Campground lacks in reliability, it makes up in beauty. Most of the sites are right on the south shore of Lake Wenatchee. The campground has potable water, vault toilets and picnic tables. Keep in mind that parking is tight—most spots are just on the shoulder of the road—so I wouldn’t bring a trailer or any other kind of rig.

Sites cost $18/night.

Things to do on Lake Wenatchee

Water fun

If you’ve read much of this travel blog, you know I’m a huge fan of paddle boarding. So you won’t be surprised to learn that my favorite thing to do on Lake Wenatchee is to SUP!

The glacier- and snowmelt-fed lake is also popular to kayak.

Motorized boats are welcome on the lake, but speed restrictions are strictly enforced. Speed limits of 3mph in no-wake zones—within 100 feet of shore—protect the shoreline, docks, swimmers, kayakers and fragile habitat.

The water on Lake Wenatchee is cold but not as frigid as you might expect, at least on a hot day. Folks splash in the water, especially near the beach in the Lake Wenatchee State Park day use area.

If you have a kayak, stand up paddle board or even a tube, float over to Emerald Island near the day use beach. Explore this small island, build a fort with driftwood and hunt for sparkling rocks. (I don’t know the name of these—comment below if you do!)

State park day use

In addition to swimming, boating, kayaking and SUPing, you’ll find plenty to do in the state park day use area. Try your hand at horseshoes or pass-set-spike your way to victory on the sand volleyball court.

Hike or bike along 7 miles of trail, and check out an interpretive trail short enough for even little kidlets.

The facilities in the park day use area are much nicer than most. Flush toilets, running water and even showers are available near the beach. And during non-COVID times, you can even buy snacks and rent watercraft at the concession stand.

(Don’t forget that you need a Discover Pass to park at and use the Lake Wenatchee State Park day use area. You can buy one from an automated kiosk in the parking lot. You can buy a one-day pass for $10 or an annual pass for $30.)

Winter recreation

Much of Lake Wenatchee camping is closed during the winter, but you’ll find plenty to do during the day.

Lake Wenatchee commonly gets 100-150 inches of snow each winter, and even more than 200 inches on occasion. First snowfall varies but typically comes in November.

Within the park, you’ll find 25 miles of trails for cross-country skiing, plus designated snowshoe trails. A sled hill keeps littles entertained, too.

Hiking near Lake Wenatchee + Leavenworth

If you’re looking for great hiking trails in Washington, you’ve come to the right place. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest’s 4 million acres of land are crisscrossed with hikes.

These are my two favorite hikes near Lake Wenatchee and Leavenworth, WA.

Hidden Lake Trail

About 4 miles past Lake Wenatchee State Park, you’ll find an easy hike to Hidden Lake. This trail takes you through a quiet forest of cedars and ponderosa pines.

The easy grade makes this an excellent trail for kids and folks with mobility limitations.

After less than a mile, you’ll reach Hidden Lake—a small lake of stunning blue. Keep an eye out for herons and frogs. Bring snacks for a picnic on the enormous rocks, balance as you cross the logs bridging a small creek or explore the shoreline along a rough trail.

Icicle Ridge Trail

In nearby Leavenworth, WA, hike Icicle Ridge Trail for stunning views of the Wenatchee River and town below.

This trail is steep but quite popular. On weekends, the trail fills—especially in the afternoon—so aim to set out in the morning.

After 3 miles and 1,800 feet elevation gain, you’ll reach the top of Icicle Ridge. Eat a snack and catch your breath as you take in the gorgeous vistas.

Things to do in nearby Leavenworth, WA

Lake Wenatchee is just a half-hour’s drive from Leavenworth, WA, the town with a Bavarian theme. There, everything—from the restaurants and hotels to shops and even Starbucks—is designed to look like a little German town.

Leavenworth, Washington is know for its beer halls, sausage restaurants and cute shopping district.

You’ll also find an open-air plaza where, during nice weather, artisans set up booths to sell photography, jewelry and souvenirs.

Lake Wenatchee info

The first people to live on and around Lake Wenatchee were the Wenatchi. This semi-nomadic tribe settled here as early as 4,000 years ago.

Centuries before that, advancing glaciers carved the basin of what is now Lake Wenatchee. The remnants of those glaciers continue to feed this chilly lake.

On clear days, look for the area’s peaks: Labyrinth Mountain and Dirtyface Mountain, which was named after the dirty snow on its incline.

The 5-mile-long lake now allows motorized boats, but you can safely paddle and swim along the shoreline.

Pets are allowed but must be kept on leash at all times.

So are you convinced? Are you ready to see if Lake Wenatchee lives up to your imaginings? Go ahead and take the trip—then come back and comment. I want to hear all about your experience!