camping near Stevens?

I've got a couple months off coming up and am wondering if anyone could suggest some winter camping spots near stevens pass resort.

If there is a good storm system coming in I'd like to avoid the commute and just tent it.

Thanks in advance!

- Jesse

Other than the rv lot at the ski area, the closest legal spot is at Lake Wenatchee state park. They keep a small section of the campground open year round and the bathrooms are toasty warm.

It is still ~20 miles and 30-40 minutes away.

Other, less "official" options may exist, but probably no one will discuss them in a public, eternal forum.

You can park in the lot across from the ski area overnight, but can't legally stay right there at the car (I think?) People camp up towards the ridge above that parking lot. You have some avy exposure up there, and conversely sometimes it is very crowded- one weekend every year the Mountaineers mob the ridge with snow caves.

It is a nice spot to camp, especially since you ski back down to your car. The highway noise can be annoying, see you up there!

It is a nice spot to camp, especially since you ski back down to your car. The highway noise can be annoying, see you up there!

Close your eyes, it sounds like the ocean kids....

<quote>"If there is a good storm system coming in I'd like to avoid the commute and just tent it. </quote>

Verifiably not always a good idea.

My Gf and i camped out new years eve last year, and saw 12" fall over night then raced out to the car at about 7, to avoid further avalanche danger. We woke up at 5 to the bombs of the highways, and knew that things were heating up with danger. I had my midweek pass in hand, and with the pass closed for avi control, I took a few runs on hogsback, with everything else closed, we had a few REALLY deep runs. but generally when the conditions are slabbing in bounds, it's not a good deal, and they closed the lifts at 10:30 for the day due to bad avi danger. So if there's a good storm, I'd recommend building a HUGE igloo, so you can weather some of the worst of the storms if the area closes.

Sadly I think Stevens probably has the worst overnight options of any local ski area. If you end up sleeping in your car in the parking lot whether permitted or not I would recommend bringing earplugs and/or a sleep mask for the noise and lights of the plows. It can defeat the purpose of being there early if you can't sleep much at night.