Public Campground
1-2 tents
Winthrop, Washington
Campground in Washington.
Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.
About McAlester Lake Camp
Campground in Washington.
McAlester Lake Camp offers RV travelers a serene escape into the natural beauty of Washington state, where crystal-clear waters and towering evergreens create an unforgettable camping experience. Nestled in a region known for its pristine wilderness and outdoor recreation opportunities, this public campground welcomes visitors seeking both relaxation and adventure in equal measure.
The lake itself is the heart of the experience here. Whether you're an angler hoping to test your skills, a kayaker wanting to paddle peaceful waters, or simply someone who loves waking up to lakeside views, McAlester Lake provides the perfect setting. The water's clarity invites exploration, and many visitors find themselves spending entire days enjoying its recreational possibilities. Swimming, boating, and fishing are popular activities that draw outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.
The surrounding landscape showcases the Pacific Northwest at its finest. Dense forests of Douglas fir and hemlock provide natural windbreaks and shade for campsites, while the elevation ensures cooler temperatures during warmer months. Early mornings often bring wildlife viewing opportunities, with deer and various bird species frequently spotted around the grounds. The fresh mountain air and absence of urban light pollution make this an ideal spot for stargazing on clear nights.
For those exploring the broader region, McAlester Lake Camp serves as an excellent home base. The surrounding area offers hiking trails suitable for various skill levels, scenic drives through forest-lined roads, and access to other outdoor attractions that showcase Washington's diverse landscapes. The campground's convenient location means you're not isolated from civilization, yet you feel genuinely removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
This public campground appeals to families looking for affordable outdoor adventures, serious anglers seeking quality fishing, couples wanting a peaceful retreat, and solo travelers desiring solitude in nature. The 4.6-star rating from nearly 300 visitors speaks to the consistently positive experiences people have here. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, McAlester Lake Camp delivers authentic Pacific Northwest camping with the kind of natural beauty that makes memories.
The lake itself is the heart of the experience here. Whether you're an angler hoping to test your skills, a kayaker wanting to paddle peaceful waters, or simply someone who loves waking up to lakeside views, McAlester Lake provides the perfect setting. The water's clarity invites exploration, and many visitors find themselves spending entire days enjoying its recreational possibilities. Swimming, boating, and fishing are popular activities that draw outdoor enthusiasts throughout the year.
The surrounding landscape showcases the Pacific Northwest at its finest. Dense forests of Douglas fir and hemlock provide natural windbreaks and shade for campsites, while the elevation ensures cooler temperatures during warmer months. Early mornings often bring wildlife viewing opportunities, with deer and various bird species frequently spotted around the grounds. The fresh mountain air and absence of urban light pollution make this an ideal spot for stargazing on clear nights.
For those exploring the broader region, McAlester Lake Camp serves as an excellent home base. The surrounding area offers hiking trails suitable for various skill levels, scenic drives through forest-lined roads, and access to other outdoor attractions that showcase Washington's diverse landscapes. The campground's convenient location means you're not isolated from civilization, yet you feel genuinely removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
This public campground appeals to families looking for affordable outdoor adventures, serious anglers seeking quality fishing, couples wanting a peaceful retreat, and solo travelers desiring solitude in nature. The 4.6-star rating from nearly 300 visitors speaks to the consistently positive experiences people have here. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended stay, McAlester Lake Camp delivers authentic Pacific Northwest camping with the kind of natural beauty that makes memories.
4.6
Rating
283
Reviews
Park Details
Tips & Tricks
Book Early
Stehekin is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.
Check-in Time
Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.
Local Weather
Washington weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Stehekin.
Explore the Area
Don't miss local attractions near Stehekin. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.
McAlester Lake Camp Reviews
Sign in to Review
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Francesc Vilariño Güell
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by Francesc Vilariño Güell
Pretty nice campground to enjoy water activities on the lake, as well as some nearby hiking. The Diablo Lake trailhead is only 10 minutes driving and has good views of the lake and the dam. The campground has plenty of spots, but they vary significantly on size, some can only accommodate one small tent, while others have room for both a large tent and a small one. All spots have a dining table and... Pretty nice campground to enjoy water activities on the lake, as well as some nearby hiking. The Diablo Lake trailhead is only 10 minutes driving and has good views of the lake and the dam. The campground has plenty of spots, but they vary significantly on size, some can only accommodate one small tent, while others have room for both a large tent and a small one. All spots have a dining table and fire pit, though fires are no longer allowed. The restroom is top notch, has running water and flushing toilets, magical! All in all, a great campground to relax and enjoy nature.
G
Francesc Vilariño Güell
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by Francesc Vilariño Güell
Pretty nice campground to enjoy water activities on the lake, as well as some nearby hiking. The Diablo Lake trailhead is only 10 minutes driving and has good views of the lake and the dam. The campground has plenty of spots, but they vary significantly on size, some can only accommodate one small tent, while others have room for both a large tent and a small one. All spots have a dining table and... Pretty nice campground to enjoy water activities on the lake, as well as some nearby hiking. The Diablo Lake trailhead is only 10 minutes driving and has good views of the lake and the dam. The campground has plenty of spots, but they vary significantly on size, some can only accommodate one small tent, while others have room for both a large tent and a small one. All spots have a dining table and fire pit, though fires are no longer allowed. The restroom is top notch, has running water and flushing toilets, magical! All in all, a great campground to relax and enjoy nature.
G
Francesc Vilariño Güell
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by Francesc Vilariño Güell
Pretty nice campground to enjoy water activities on the lake, as well as some nearby hiking. The Diablo Lake trailhead is only 10 minutes driving and has good views of the lake and the dam. The campground has plenty of spots, but they vary significantly on size, some can only accommodate one small tent, while others have room for both a large tent and a small one. All spots have a dining table and... Pretty nice campground to enjoy water activities on the lake, as well as some nearby hiking. The Diablo Lake trailhead is only 10 minutes driving and has good views of the lake and the dam. The campground has plenty of spots, but they vary significantly on size, some can only accommodate one small tent, while others have room for both a large tent and a small one. All spots have a dining table and fire pit, though fires are no longer allowed. The restroom is top notch, has running water and flushing toilets, magical! All in all, a great campground to relax and enjoy nature.
G
Anna
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Anna
This campsite is amazing! We had no reservations and were relying on cancellations. We were blessed that weekend. Moved 3 times to different campsites that became available for that day. Rangers Wendy and Christine were awesome as well as the gentleman that opened up the camp for the day. No fees if you grab a cancelled site for the night. Please keep your food locked up either in your car or in s... This campsite is amazing! We had no reservations and were relying on cancellations. We were blessed that weekend. Moved 3 times to different campsites that became available for that day. Rangers Wendy and Christine were awesome as well as the gentleman that opened up the camp for the day. No fees if you grab a cancelled site for the night. Please keep your food locked up either in your car or in storage that is provided at each site. Bears do come by and they recently had to put one down:/
G
Anna
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Anna
This campsite is amazing! We had no reservations and were relying on cancellations. We were blessed that weekend. Moved 3 times to different campsites that became available for that day. Rangers Wendy and Christine were awesome as well as the gentleman that opened up the camp for the day. No fees if you grab a cancelled site for the night. Please keep your food locked up either in your car or in s... This campsite is amazing! We had no reservations and were relying on cancellations. We were blessed that weekend. Moved 3 times to different campsites that became available for that day. Rangers Wendy and Christine were awesome as well as the gentleman that opened up the camp for the day. No fees if you grab a cancelled site for the night. Please keep your food locked up either in your car or in storage that is provided at each site. Bears do come by and they recently had to put one down:/
G
Anna
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Anna
This campsite is amazing! We had no reservations and were relying on cancellations. We were blessed that weekend. Moved 3 times to different campsites that became available for that day. Rangers Wendy and Christine were awesome as well as the gentleman that opened up the camp for the day. No fees if you grab a cancelled site for the night. Please keep your food locked up either in your car or in s... This campsite is amazing! We had no reservations and were relying on cancellations. We were blessed that weekend. Moved 3 times to different campsites that became available for that day. Rangers Wendy and Christine were awesome as well as the gentleman that opened up the camp for the day. No fees if you grab a cancelled site for the night. Please keep your food locked up either in your car or in storage that is provided at each site. Bears do come by and they recently had to put one down:/
G
daniel robinson
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by daniel robinson
Beautiful camp ground with a gorgeous lake. This place is by far one of my favorite places. The sites are all sorts of sizes so please check in advance with recreation.gov to make sure your site will be what you need. The trails here are very well maintained and so is the beach. The water is very cold, gets deep quickly and has some very strong currents so please wear a life jacket at all times. K... Beautiful camp ground with a gorgeous lake. This place is by far one of my favorite places. The sites are all sorts of sizes so please check in advance with recreation.gov to make sure your site will be what you need. The trails here are very well maintained and so is the beach. The water is very cold, gets deep quickly and has some very strong currents so please wear a life jacket at all times. Kayak and sup users be aware of the wind it picks up quick and tends to blow hard.
G
daniel robinson
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by daniel robinson
Beautiful camp ground with a gorgeous lake. This place is by far one of my favorite places. The sites are all sorts of sizes so please check in advance with recreation.gov to make sure your site will be what you need. The trails here are very well maintained and so is the beach. The water is very cold, gets deep quickly and has some very strong currents so please wear a life jacket at all times. K... Beautiful camp ground with a gorgeous lake. This place is by far one of my favorite places. The sites are all sorts of sizes so please check in advance with recreation.gov to make sure your site will be what you need. The trails here are very well maintained and so is the beach. The water is very cold, gets deep quickly and has some very strong currents so please wear a life jacket at all times. Kayak and sup users be aware of the wind it picks up quick and tends to blow hard.
G
daniel robinson
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by daniel robinson
Beautiful camp ground with a gorgeous lake. This place is by far one of my favorite places. The sites are all sorts of sizes so please check in advance with recreation.gov to make sure your site will be what you need. The trails here are very well maintained and so is the beach. The water is very cold, gets deep quickly and has some very strong currents so please wear a life jacket at all times. K... Beautiful camp ground with a gorgeous lake. This place is by far one of my favorite places. The sites are all sorts of sizes so please check in advance with recreation.gov to make sure your site will be what you need. The trails here are very well maintained and so is the beach. The water is very cold, gets deep quickly and has some very strong currents so please wear a life jacket at all times. Kayak and sup users be aware of the wind it picks up quick and tends to blow hard.
G
pacificnorthwestlandrover
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by pacificnorthwestlandrover
love this location to stop at and take beautiful photos of Diablo and surroundings. camping spots with gorgeous views right on the water. i have yet to camp here, but looks like a great spot if you dont mind camping right next to a lot of people. restrooms, i hear have running water. each spot has lockable bear proof bins for your food
G
pacificnorthwestlandrover
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by pacificnorthwestlandrover
love this location to stop at and take beautiful photos of Diablo and surroundings. camping spots with gorgeous views right on the water. i have yet to camp here, but looks like a great spot if you dont mind camping right next to a lot of people. restrooms, i hear have running water. each spot has lockable bear proof bins for your food
G
pacificnorthwestlandrover
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by pacificnorthwestlandrover
love this location to stop at and take beautiful photos of Diablo and surroundings. camping spots with gorgeous views right on the water. i have yet to camp here, but looks like a great spot if you dont mind camping right next to a lot of people. restrooms, i hear have running water. each spot has lockable bear proof bins for your food
G
Sepehr Zolfaghari
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Sepehr Zolfaghari
A very beautiful place, calm, and gem place to camp. This camp ground has a long trail to enjoy between the woods and water. If you have plan to stay, just heads up, no internet and phone reception and might you meet bear!
G
Sepehr Zolfaghari
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Sepehr Zolfaghari
A very beautiful place, calm, and gem place to camp. This camp ground has a long trail to enjoy between the woods and water. If you have plan to stay, just heads up, no internet and phone reception and might you meet bear!
G
Sepehr Zolfaghari
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Sepehr Zolfaghari
A very beautiful place, calm, and gem place to camp. This camp ground has a long trail to enjoy between the woods and water. If you have plan to stay, just heads up, no internet and phone reception and might you meet bear!
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