Early Winters Campground
Open for the season. The campground is typically accessible April through November. The eastern portion of Highway 20 reopened April 30, 2026, providing access from Winthrop and the Methow Valley.
Heat Advisory issued July 21 at 11:44AM PDT until July 23 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
* WHAT...Hot temperatures with daytime highs in the 90s Tuesday and mid 90s to near 100 Wednesday and Thursday. This will pose a moderate to major risk of heat-related illness. * WHERE...Portions of North and North Central Idaho and Central, East Central, North Central, Northeast, and Southeast Washington. * WHEN...Until 9 PM PDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Wednesday will likely be the hottest day with widespread moderate and major HeatRisk. Limited overnight relief expected across the lower elevations Wednesday and Thursday mornings with low temperatures in the mid 60s to mid 70s.
Air Quality Alert issued July 21 at 12:16PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies: Washington Department of Ecology Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency An Air Quality Alert continues for Spokane, Ferry, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, and Stevens Counties, effective immediately through Wednesday, July 22nd at 9 AM, due to current and expected wildfire smoke from regional fires. Particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are expected to range in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups and Unhealthy categories. In Eastern Okanogan County near active wildfires, air quality may reach Very Unhealthy to Hazardous levels. When air quality is Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air.
Air Quality Alert issued July 20 at 12:03PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies: Washington Department of Ecology Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency An Air Quality Alert has been issued for Spokane, Ferry, Lincoln, Okanogan, Grant, Pend Oreille, and Stevens Counties, effective immediately through Wednesday, July 22nd at 9 AM, due to current and expected wildfire smoke from regional fires. Particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are expected to range in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups and Unhealthy categories. In Eastern Okanogan County near active wildfires, air quality may reach Very Unhealthy to Hazardous levels. When air quality is Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air.
About
Early Winters Campground sits in a forested setting along Early Winters Creek, near its confluence with the Methow River. The campground is split by State Route 20 (North Cascades National Scenic Highway), with campsites available on both sides of the road. This is a heavily used site from spring through late fall, drawing visitors for its convenient access to the scenic highway corridor and nearby trails. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis only with no advance reservations. Visitors must physically arrive to claim and pay for a site, though on-site QR code payment via the Recreation.gov app is available. Two trails are within 4 miles: Cedar Creek Trail #476 and Driveway Butte Trail #481. The Methow Community Trail connects to Mazama for biking or walking. Note that Early Winters Creek is closed to fishing. The maximum stay is 14 days. Senior and Access pass holders receive a 50% discount on single site fees.
Directions
From Winthrop, drive west on Highway 20 for 15 miles to Early Winters Campground. Campsites are available on both the north and south sides of the highway.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $15 - $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (509) 996-4003 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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