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.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 4:33PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies: Washington Department of Ecology Colville Confederated Tribes Environmental Protection Agency Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency An Air Quality Alert has been issued for Adams, Asotin, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman Counties until further notice due to current and expected smoke from regional fires. Particulate matter (PM2.5) may reach Very Unhealthy levels for areas directly downwind from active wildfires. Other areas may reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or worse. Intermittent clearing may occur due to windy conditions, but smoke production continues to be significant. When air quality is Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air. When air quality is Very Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Stay inside and filter indoor air to keep it cleaner. Go elsewhere for cleaner air, if needed.
Air Quality Alert issued August 10 at 11:25AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies: Washington Department of Ecology Colville Confederated Tribes Environmental Protection Agency Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency An Air Quality Alert has been issued for Adams, Asotin, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Lincoln, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane, Stevens, and Whitman Counties until further notice due to current and expected smoke from regional fires. Critical fire weather this weekend will produce significant smoke from ongoing and emerging fires. Particulate matter (PM2.5) may reach Very Unhealthy levels for areas directly downwind from active wildfires. Other areas may reach Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or worse. Intermittent clearing may occur due to windy conditions, but smoke production continues to be significant. When air quality is Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air. When air quality is Very Unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Stay inside and filter indoor air to keep it cleaner. Go elsewhere for cleaner air, if needed.
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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