Winthrop / N. Cascades National Park KOA Holiday Blog
Spend the 4th of July camping with family and friends!
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
Whether you’re exploring the local area or hanging out at the campground, KOA Holidays are an ideal place to relax and play. There’s plenty to do, with amenities and services to make your stay memorable. Plus, you’ll enjoy the outdoor experience with upgraded RV Sites with KOA Patio® and Deluxe Cabins with full baths for camping in comfort. Bring your family, bring your friends, or bring the whole group – there’s plenty of ways to stay and explore.
1 mile east of Winthrop on SR 20/Cascade Loop Scenic Hwy.
From SR 20 W: Turn right at stop sign in Winthrop, continue 1.2 miles.
From east on 20: Pass through town of Twisp, continue approximately 8 miles. Look for the Large KOA sign on the east side of the road.
If you've ever pitched a tent or parked your RV under the stars in Washington's North Cascades, you know how wild and untouched this region feels. Towering peaks, deep forests, winding rivers—and a silence so complete it makes every crack of a twig feel mysterious. It's the kind of place where legends are born, and none loom larger than the myth of Bigfoot.
At Winthrop / N. Cascades National Park KOA Holiday, we’re located right in the heart of Bigfoot country. Whether you’re relaxing in a cozy cabin, roasting marshmallows at your tent site, or winding down in your RV after a day of adventure, you’re camping in one of the most active Bigfoot sighting areas in the Pacific Northwest.
A Local Legend With Deep Roots
The creature known as Bigfoot—or Sasquatch—has been part of Indigenous storytelling for centuries. The Okanogan, Salish, and other Native tribes of the region described large, hairy beings that lived deep in the forest and avoided human contact. These were not monsters, but powerful, elusive guardians of the wilderness.
Fast forward to the modern era, and the legend continues. In fact, Okanogan County ranks among the top counties in Washington state for reported Bigfoot sightings, and several of those have happened just a short drive—or hike—from our campground.
Where the Sightings Happened: Real Reports, Real Close
Here are some of the most well-known Bigfoot hotspots near Winthrop, and how far they are from our campground:
Harts Pass & Slate Peak – 38 miles from camp
Located north of Mazama, Harts Pass is the highest drivable point in Washington and a favorite for off-grid campers and backpackers. At just under 40 miles from our campground, it’s well worth the scenic drive. Visitors here have spotted large footprints in the snow, heard unexplained wood knocks, and even caught brief glimpses of something tall and fast moving through the alpine trees.
Twisp River Road – 17 miles from camp
A more accessible spot for a half-day outing, the Twisp River Road area has been the source of several odd reports—strange vocalizations, distant figures along ridgelines, and massive prints in soft ground. Campers and RV travelers driving through the area often report a deep sense of quiet and isolation, perfect for wildlife…and maybe something else.
Chewuch River Valley – 8 miles from camp
This is one of the closest hotspots to the campground and a great option for families or campers who want a quick Bigfoot-themed outing. Campers in this valley have reported hearing heavy footsteps near campsites at night, accompanied by the eerie feeling of being watched. Some locals believe Bigfoot uses the Chewuch River corridor as a travel route through the Methow Valley.
Goat Peak Lookout – 20 miles from camp
A popular day hike with sweeping views, Goat Peak is also the site of one of the area’s most intriguing stories. A fire lookout worker in the 1990s reported seeing a large, upright figure walking along a ridge at dusk. The remote location and limited access make it a great spot for those seeking solitude—and mystery.
Bigfoot & Camping: A Natural Pairing
Camping in Winthrop is already a special experience, but the chance to camp in Bigfoot territory adds an extra layer of excitement for families, adventurers, and cryptid enthusiasts alike.
Planning Your Own Bigfoot Adventure
Want to take your camping trip to the next level? Here are a few tips for turning your stay into a full-on Sasquatch search:
Final Thoughts: Is Bigfoot Real?
We’ll let you decide that for yourself. But when you’re camping under a moonlit sky, surrounded by the towering pines of the North Cascades, it’s easy to believe that something ancient and mysterious could still be out there.
So pack your gear, grab your marshmallows, and come stay with us at Winthrop / N. Cascades National Park KOA Holiday—where adventure meets legend, and every rustle in the woods might be something more.
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