Cowiche, WA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Cowiche. Find the best campgrounds near Cowiche, WA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.
"Totally off grid. No amenities but worth the stay."
"No toilets or water, but you can get s spot right next to the river! right in the forest so lots of shade, and great for dogs as well!"
"The sites on the peninsula are pretty great, great distance between each other, fire pits, the basics.. the trash is rampant. Some shady looking individuals, too."
$8 / night
"There is great fishing here, however you can’t fish in the river, you have to fish either in the lake/reservoir or further upstream because the camping area is a breading zone for an endangered fish."
"**Ranger Review: Camp Fare Premium Meals at LT Murray Wildlife Area **
Camping Review: The LT Murray Wildlife Area is located in Thorp, between Cle Elum and Ellensburg."
"After figuring out which gate to go through (make sure and shut the gate behind you), I took a road to the right with my truck and 19 ft. epro."
"If you come during the week, you're going to enjoy quiet, gorgeous dispersed camping. Big spaces, big trees, big lake."
"Has toilets around area, didnt check them as my rig is self sufficient. No other service though but out here it doesnt matter. Pack in pack out. Has fire rings all over!"
". #1 rule is to leave no trace. Extremely grateful we get to explore and camp on land that is free. We should all do our part and take care of it. "
"Right outside the entrance to Mt."
"If you come here you must leave no trace."
"I made it up to the lake in July. There were too many ppl for the small campground on this weekend. "
"Plenty of campsites around the small lake that are right up next to the water, but to get the good spots, It's first come first serve."
"We had high hopes for this USFS campground, having read that it’s on an airstrip, it sounded neat. But we decided not to stay here after we checked it out."
"We had high hopes for this USFS campground, having read that it’s on an airstrip, it sounded neat. But we decided not to stay here after we checked it out."
"Best to have high clearance as there are some good size rock outcroppings. Few people rock climbing, tall waterfall across the valley. Very quiet. Can hear birds fly by."
"There is a pit toilet and there were some people climbing. No accessible water. Only a couple miles from the highway. It was windy, as this whole area is. But well worth it!"
TravelerPlenty of sites along the river with multiple ingress/egress options from the road. Right outside the entrance to Mt. Rainier National Park and the access road to Crystal Mountain.
4x4 / high clearance vehicles recommended - saw some subarus trying to navigate into a cleared area and it was pretty scrape-y.
Great place to stay if you can't get a spot at White River / Ohanapecosh.
Leave no trace.
RangerDog wasn’t feeling well so took a chance and went up this USFS mostly paved road. There are lovely views on the trip up and a few roadside areas you could car or van camp in a pinch. Towards the top a couple private roads break off, and just above the now dirt USFS road continues. Here is 1 large, not terribly level, high clearance needed, site with fire ring and lots of parking options.
LegendWe had high hopes for this USFS campground, having read that it’s on an airstrip, it sounded neat. But we decided not to stay here after we checked it out. There were lots and lots of other campers there, lots of camo, lots of large pickup trucks that don’t slow down on gravel roads, lots of “don’t tread on me” flags.
We drove to the end where the bathroom is and decided to turn around, though it seems that the camp spots do continue after that point. This was on a Saturday, in all fairness, so the vibe might be different during the week.
It’s a 14 day stay limit, and other than the toilets there are no other amenities, so please pack out your trash. At the entrance it says that the following passes are honored: Annual Northwest Forest Pass, Golden Eagle Passport, and Washington and Oregon Recreation Pass. However, at the bathrooms, there’s another sign that says a $5 day use fee required. Doesn’t make sense that camping is free with certain passes but for day use it’s a $5 fee, but since we weren’t staying we didn’t look much into it. No ATV or off road riding here.
Cell signal was very weak for Verizon and non-existent for ATT. Giving it 4 stars instead of 3 because it wasn't so bad that I wouldn't be willing to check it out again the next time we're in the area.
LegendWe had high hopes for this USFS campground, having read that it’s on an airstrip, it sounded neat. But we decided not to stay here after we checked it out. There were lots and lots of other campers there, lots of camo, lots of large pickup trucks that don’t slow down on gravel roads, lots of “don’t tread on me” flags. We drove to the end where the bathroom is and decided to turn around, though it seems that the camp spots do continue after that point. This was on a Saturday, in all fairness, so the vibe might be different during the week.
It’s a 14 day stay limit, and other than the toilets there are no other amenities, so please pack out your trash. At the entrance it says that the following passes are honored: Annual Northwest Forest Pass, Golden Eagle Passport, and Washington and Oregon Recreation Pass. However, at the bathrooms, there’s another sign that says a $5 day use fee required. Doesn’t make sense that camping is free with certain passes but for day use it’s a $5 fee, but since we weren’t staying we didn’t look much into it. No ATV or off road riding here.
Cell signal was very weak for Verizon and non-existent for ATT. Giving it 4 stars instead of 3 because it wasn't so bad that I wouldn't be willing to check it out again the next time we're in the area.
Legend**Ranger Review: Camp Fare Premium Meals at LT Murray Wildlife Area **
Camping Review: The LT Murray Wildlife Area is located in Thorp, between Cle Elum and Ellensburg. It is often referred to as Elk Heights or Joe Watt Canyon. This is primarily an ORV and horseback riding area in the summer. Hunting and elk feeding/wintering grounds area in the winter. This is also a great area to find elk sheds once wintering season is over. There are plenty of dispersed camping sites along the Forest Service roads. All you need is a Discover Pass and a high clearance, capable vehicle.
We were looking for a close by, no reservation, free place to camp for a weekend. I remember riding horses up here as a kid but have not been up to this area for many years. Once you arrive to the Wildlife Area, you must let yourself in the gate and close it after you pass through. From the gate we drove down a rough, rocky road and passed a wide-open meadow where there we a couple other trailers camping, maybe living, along the road. We passed through some very narrow, brush lined roads. It was also steep and rutted with water wash out spots. The rocks that made the road are sharp, large, and loose. We did not go too far as we were not sure what shape the road would be in and did not want to get in a situation with our trailer that we could not get out of. Plug for our Airstream Basecamp. It's advertised as being "built for adventure and tough enough to go anywhere." I think I really believe it now.
The spot we chose turned out to be beautiful. We had a view of the Thorp valley and the forested gully and ridge across from us. The stars were out and the comet NEOWISE was visible. We saw large elk, deer, many birds, and were visited by some wild turkeys in the night. It can get very windy in this area. Fires are not allowed due to red flag conditions. There is nothing out here. You must bring everything you need. Food, water, TP, lights. The best part was we saw two other cars, a couple ORV's, and a couple horseback riders total for the 2 days we were there. You can't get any quieter and more unplugged than that!
Product Review: Camp Fare Beef Burgundy with Field Vegetables and Chicken Tikka Masala with French Green Lentils
I ordered these meals a bit short of our last trip and was unable to make them. I was happy I had them saved for our trip up to LT Murray given we traveled quick and light. Camp Fare https://campfare.com/ advertises their food as high quality, delicious, chef-crafted, and ready to eat- no refrigeration required. All you have to do is submerge in hot water for 2-3 minutes, tear open the pouch, and enjoy. Selection is limited but covers all the bases. Beef Burgundy, Chicken Tikka Masala, Wild Alaskan Salmon, and Brown Rice and Red Quinoa with Pink Beans. They all sound great! We had our camp stove and a pot of water but you could probably stuff the pouch into a larger Jet Boil for backpacking too. I chose the Beef and had my partner eat the Chicken.
Preparation was as quick and easy as promised. The meals may not look amazing, especially on a plate instead of the pouch or in a bowl, but they really are delicious. The Beef Burgundy was flavorful and tender. The Chicken Tikka Masala was Indian restaurant good, seriously. I would way rather eat these meals than something dehydrated ever again. Looking forward to trying the Salmon and maybe getting the Chicken again for future trips.
TravelerAfter figuring out which gate to go through (make sure and shut the gate behind you), I took a road to the right with my truck and 19 ft. epro. We drove up a rocky dirt road, single lane with pull outs, for about 20 mins. Passing only a few other campers along the way. Sites are very spread out and private. Wildflowers were amazing!
ScoutThis road was pretty hard to find but we’ll worth it. Spot was secluded even though there seemed to be two other groups camping at the site. There was an obnoxious amount of used toilet paper in the area but it was avoidable. If you come here you must leave no trace.
Scout100+ sites. $5/night. Can always find a spot. Dry camp only. 3 pit toilets spread out across the area. Can get a little loud depending on your neighbors. I avoid the big holidays.
LegendWe stayed here 2 nights and will definitely be coming back. Tons of open sites to choose from right along the river. Designated fire rings but currently there's a burn ban. No vault toilets or picnic tables. Pack it in, pack it out! When we first arrived we spent about 20 minutes cleaning the site we chose after the people whom were here before us. Not such a big deal just a little saddening. #1 rule is to leave no trace. Extremely grateful we get to explore and camp on land that is free. We should all do our part and take care of it.
A little surprising that we had cell phone reception with sprint!
Near this area there are a lot or activities. Biking, hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking.. to name a few!
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Cowiche, Washington, where nature lovers can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations to choose from, you can enjoy the great outdoors while embracing the freedom of camping without the confines of traditional campgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Cowiche, WA is Rimrock - South Fork Bay Dispersed Camp with a 4-star rating from 3 reviews.
TheDyrt.com has all 35 dispersed camping locations near Cowiche, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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