River Bend Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically accessible May through October depending on snow conditions and road access on Harts Pass Road.

About

River Bend Campground is a small, forested campground located along the West Fork Methow River in the Methow Valley Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Situated at 2,600 feet elevation on gravel Harts Pass Road (Forest Service Road 5400), approximately 22 miles northwest of Winthrop, this rustic campground offers a peaceful setting surrounded by forest. The campground provides excellent access to recreation opportunities in the surrounding area. Nearby trailheads include the West Fork Methow Trail 480 (suitable for mountain biking), Robinson Creek Trail 478, and Monument Creek Trail 484, with the latter two providing entry into the Pasayten Wilderness. The campground also serves as a convenient base camp for scenic drives or hiking at Harts Pass, as well as climbing in the Lost River area. River Bend operates as a first-come, first-served facility with no reservations. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire pit. Visitors should be prepared for primitive conditions: no potable water is available, and vault toilets are provided. The campground follows a pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy with no trash service. The area experiences light use and offers a quiet, backcountry camping experience for those seeking access to wilderness trails and mountain recreation.

Directions

From Winthrop, drive 14 miles west on Highway 20, turn right onto Lost River Road (County Road 9140). Follow Lost River Road through Mazama to the end of the paved road at 7.5 miles. The road becomes gravel on Harts Pass Forest Service Road 5400, 22 miles northwest of Winthrop. Travel about 1.75 miles, stay to left rather than turning right on switchback and following the main Harts Pass 5400 road uphill to the right, continue to River Bend Campground on the left, about 0.10 mile.

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