Early Winters Campground

Closed — Closed for the winter season. Highway 20 closed December 4, 2025, with the closure point typically moving to Early Winters gate (milepost 178) later in winter. The highway generally reopens between April and June depending on conditions.

About

Early Winters Campground is a well-established forested campground situated along Early Winters Creek in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The campground is divided by State Route 20, with campsites available on both the north and south sides of the highway. This location serves as an excellent base for exploring the North Cascades Highway corridor and is a popular destination from spring through late fall. The campground offers convenient access to Mazama and connects to the Methow Community Trail for biking or walking. Two nearby trails within 4 miles include Cedar Creek Trail 476 and Driveway Butte Trail 481. The setting provides a forested environment with mountain views, though Early Winters Creek is closed to fishing per Washington State regulations. The site experiences heavy usage during peak season and operates on a first-come, first-served basis with a 14-day maximum stay limit.

Directions

From Winthrop, drive west on Highway 20 for 15 miles to Early Winters Campground. There are campsites on both the south side of Highway 20 and on the north side of Highway 20.

Nearby Campgrounds