Alta Lake State Park
Region
North Central
Acres
181
Camping
32 sites
Pass Required
Discover Pass
Season
April through October
Max RV
38 feet
Alta Lake State Park: Desert Oasis Where Mountain Forests Meet Crystal Waters
Alta Lake State Park transforms the high desert landscape near Pateros into an unexpected aquatic playground, where mountainous pine forests meet the desert in a 181-acre camping paradise. Named in 1900 by jeweler Alta Heinz after his daughter, this lake, about a mile long and half a mile wide, offers a refreshing contrast to the surrounding arid terrain, delivering warm-water recreation in Washington’s dramatic interior landscape.
Alta Lake State Park Fast Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Pateros, Okanogan County, Washington |
| Address | 1B Otto Road, Pateros, WA 98846 |
| Size | 181 acres |
| Established | 1951 |
| Lake Size | About 1 mile long, 0.5 miles wide |
| Primary Activities | Swimming, boating, fishing, camping, hiking |
| Camping Sites | 125 sites (32 with partial hookups) |
| Maximum RV Length | 38 feet |
| Seasonal Operation | April through October |
| Entry Fees | Discover Pass required |
| Reservations | Recommended, especially peak season |
| Contact | (509) 923-2473 |
Park Overview
Alta Lake State Park delivers an unexpected aquatic experience where towering stone cliffs rise 1,000 feet above the valley floor, formed by ancient glaciation that carved this dramatic landscape beneath Old Goat Mountain. The park’s positioning as a desert oasis becomes immediately apparent, with pristine waters offering swimming, boating, and fishing against a backdrop of mountainous pine forests that create mesmerizing scenic views. The park’s proximity to State Route 153 along the Methow River makes it accessible while maintaining its secluded character, with a two-mile access road leading visitors into this hidden valley paradise.
52 Things to Do at Washington State ParksA free printable checklist: one adventure per week for a full year.
Get the Free ChecklistThis unique ecosystem supports warm-water recreation during summer months, with the lake heating to comfortable swimming temperatures that make it particularly appealing for families and water sports enthusiasts. The 2014 Carlton Complex Fire severely damaged the park, forcing a five-week closure, but ongoing recovery efforts have restored this beloved destination to its full recreational potential.
Activities & Recreation
| Activity | Details | Season | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swimming | Designated beach area with warm water | June-September | Easy |
| Boating | Waterskiing and personal watercraft 9 AM-6 PM only | April-October | Easy |
| Fishing | Trout fishing, particularly abundant during summer months | April-October | Easy |
| Hiking | Alta Lake Trail, 1.0 mile with 721 ft elevation gain | April-October | Moderate |
| Camping | 125 sites including hookup options | April-October | Easy |
| Wildlife Viewing | Black bear sightings on lake outskirts, diverse birdwatching | Spring-Fall | Easy |
Alta Lake State Park excels at delivering warm-water recreation with activities including fishing, swimming, hiking, volleyball, horseshoe pits and picnicking, while spring months bring spectacular wildflower displays alongside excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Facilities & Amenities
The park features 125 campsites with 32 offering partial hookups, accommodating RVs up to 38 feet alongside tent camping options, with each site including a table, fire ring and grill. Essential amenities include drinking water, flush toilets, hot-water showers, trash collection and a dump station, plus free high-speed Wi-Fi in limited coverage areas. Concessions on the Lake provides snacks, beverages, grilled items, ice cream, espresso, camping supplies, grocery items, firewood, and bagged ice, operating weekends only April through May, then daily Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day with hours 8 AM-7 PM Monday-Thursday and 8 AM-8 PM Friday-Sunday.
Camping & Accommodations
Alta Lake State Park offers 125 campsites positioned next to the lake in a high-desert mountain setting, with 32 sites providing partial hookups and two group campsites available for larger gatherings. The campground operates early April through October with 2:30 PM check-in and 1:00 PM check-out times, accommodating tents, trailers and RVs up to 38 feet. Many campsites offer stunning lake views, allowing visitors to wake up to tranquil waters and picturesque landscapes surrounded by the park’s natural beauty.
Find more campgrounds like Alta Lake State Park in our guide to camping in Washington State
Planning Your Visit
Alta Lake State Park operates April through October with summer hours from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM, closing November 1 through March 30 for winter. Kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are available for rent through the concession services, perfect for exploring the lake’s crystal-clear waters. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure preferred camping spots and ensure availability for this popular destination. The park requires a Washington State Discover Pass for entry. Located just 30 minutes from Lake Chelan with its extensive recreational opportunities, Alta Lake State Park serves as an ideal base for exploring the greater North Central Washington region. If you are a golfer Alta Lake Golf Course is adjacent to the park.
What to Bring & Know
- Wildlife awareness is essential, as black bear sightings occur on the lake outskirts and throughout nearby wildlife areas
- Spring visitors should prepare for wildflower season, bringing cameras for spectacular botanical displays and optimal birdwatching conditions
- Water sports enthusiasts must observe Okanogan County Safety Ordinance restricting waterskiing and personal watercraft to 9:00 AM-6:00 PM hours
- Hikers should prepare for the moderately challenging Alta Lake Trail with its 721-foot elevation gain over one mile, rewarding visitors with panoramic views
- Summer temperatures can reach over 100°F, making early morning and evening the most comfortable times for hiking and camping setup
The park’s own brochure points visitors to the two closest state parks, Bridgeport State Park and Lake Chelan State Park. For more places to camp and swim, see our Washington state parks guide.
Final Word
Alta Lake State Park delivers an exceptional desert oasis experience where warm lake waters, towering cliffs, and pine forest beauty create lasting memories for outdoor enthusiasts seeking Washington’s diverse recreational landscapes.
What to Do
Activities
Facilities
Amenities
Overnight
Camping
| Site Type | Count | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Utility Hookup Sites | 32 | Electric and/or water hookups. Reserve in advance. |
| Max RV Length | 38 feet | |
Best Sites:
The campground has three loops. Loop 1 (Sites 1 to 46) sits by the park entrance and welcome station. Loop 2 (Sites 47 to 90) runs along the lake side of the county road, closest to the water. Loop 3 (Sites 91 to 125) is on the hillside across the road. One standard and one utility site are set aside for people with disabilities.
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Insider Tips
The park is open April through October and closed November 1 to March 30. In summer, day use runs 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Check in is 2:30 p.m. and check out is 1 p.m. One camping party per site, no more than eight people including children, and sites cannot be held for other parties.
An extra vehicle overnight is $10 a night in the designated area. A vehicle towed behind an RV does not count.
Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6:30 a.m., and generators can only run from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Waterskiing and personal watercraft are only allowed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., under an Okanogan County safety ordinance.
There are two watercraft launches with 60 feet of dock space, and all day use facilities are first come, first served.
Bringing a group? The Wooded Group Camp takes 20 to 65 guests and the Field Group Camp 20 to 85. RVs are allowed at the group camps, but there are no hookups.
Concessions on the Lake sells food, espresso, firewood, ice and some camping supplies, and rents kayaks and paddleboards.
Pets must be leashed and under control everywhere in the park, including trails and campsites.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alta Lake State Park?
Alta Lake State Park is a 181 acre park near Pateros in Okanogan County, where pine forested hills meet the high desert around a warm lake about a mile long. It is a popular summer spot for swimming, boating, and fishing, with a campground and a golf course next door.
Does Alta Lake State Park have camping?
Yes. The park has 125 campsites, including 32 with partial hookups, and can fit RVs up to about 38 feet. It operates seasonally, roughly April through October, so plan around the warmer months and reserve through Washington State Parks.
Do you need a Discover Pass for Alta Lake State Park?
Yes. A Washington State Discover Pass is required for day use parking at Alta Lake State Park. If you are camping, your camping fee covers your vehicle, so a separate day pass is not needed during your stay.
What is there to do at Alta Lake State Park?
The warm lake is the main draw, with swimming, boating, water skiing, and fishing for trout in spring and early summer. There are hiking trails into the surrounding hills and a golf course right next to the park.
When is Alta Lake State Park open?
Alta Lake is a seasonal park, generally open from April through October. Summer is peak season for the lake, while the shoulder months are quieter and cooler. The park closes for winter, so check current dates before planning a late season trip.
Trip Planning
What to Pack
Required Pass
Required for parking at all Washington State Parks. One pass covers your vehicle for a full year.
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Kayak & Paddle Gear
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Washington State Parks Directory
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