Campgrounds in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest are gradually opening their gates as the season kicks off. With warmer weather and the snow melt-off, lower elevation sites are now accessible to outdoor enthusiasts.
Robin DeMario, spokesperson for the National Forest, reports that maintenance crews have been hard at work preparing the campgrounds for visitors. Among the campgrounds that have already opened are the seven Forest Service sites along Icicle Creek Road, located southwest of Leavenworth. Additionally, Glacier View and Nason Creek campgrounds at Lake Wenatchee are now available for campers. However, higher elevation sites will remain closed until the snow melts completely and the dirt roads become more stable. DeMario emphasized, "We monitor the snow line as it recedes in elevation, allowing us to conduct any necessary repairs and updates in order to open those campgrounds for visitors." As Memorial Day draws nearer, more campgrounds are expected to open their gates. Notably, Eightmile Campground, the first Forest Service campground along Icicle Road, will introduce bear-resistant garbage receptacles this year. Most of the campgrounds within the National Forest are situated on dirt roads, although some can be accessed via paved roadways. Icicle Creek Road, which stretches 8 miles from Leavenworth, is paved up to the Eightmile Campgrounds.
The largest campground along Icicle Creek is Johnny Creek, boasting 56 single sites and 9 double sites. It also has ample space to accommodate RVs up to 50 feet long. Meanwhile, Eightmile Campgrounds offer 41 single sites, 4 double sites, and 1 group site, with the capacity to handle RVs up to 50 feet long.
