Teanaway Community Forest offers camping opportunities in ponderosa pine stands and grassy valleys at 2,100-2,600 feet elevation. The area sits on the eastern slope of the Cascade Range, creating drier conditions than western Washington. Summer daytime temperatures often reach 80-90°F with cool nights dropping to 45-55°F, making it ideal for camping from May through October.
What to do
Hiking with mountain views: The Teanaway area connects to multiple trail networks for day hikes. At Teanaway Campground, "Lake Ingalls is a must hike if you are staying here. It was incredible. We saw some mountain goats and the colors were beautiful this time of year. Hike was 9 miles round trip and does require some path finding to the lake," shares Shaelyn B.
Mountain biking from camp: Trails suitable for various skill levels branch directly from some campgrounds. "If you are a mountain biker, this spot will not disappoint with the trail system right out of camp," notes Silas about Teanaway Campground.
Fishing local waters: Cooper Lake offers good fishing opportunities. "Rainbow trout are available to catch for the crafty fisherman," according to visitors at Owhi Campground. Donald C. adds, "Pristine waters, state fish stocked lake, bring drinking water."
What campers like
Star-filled nights: The area offers exceptional stargazing due to minimal light pollution. Cassiey K. recommends at Teanaway: "Get there a little early to get a good spot so you can see those brilliant stars at night, and maybe have a nice fire in the designated spaces."
River access: Many campsites offer water access for cooling off. At South Fork Snoqualmie River Dispersed Site, Jon H. notes, "This spot was truly beautiful. Green as far as the eye can see, with a creek by that provides the perfect white noise to fall asleep to."
Peaceful atmosphere: When timing is right, campers enjoy the quiet setting. "By Sunday evening 90% of the crowd had left and it was heavenly! The toilets were well maintained, honestly very clean for the location etc. i was impressed," shares Callie C. about Teanaway Campground.
What you should know
Early arrival recommended: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially on weekends. Megan C. advises about Owhi Campground: "Arrive early to snag a piece of this lakeside paradise! We arrived on a Thursday early afternoon and there were only 4 sites left of the 22 available first-come-first-served sites."
Road conditions vary: Access roads to dispersed camping can be challenging. At Kachess Hidden Camp, visitors note burn bans and restrictions to protect endangered Bull Trout spawning grounds. Parker C. warns about South Fork Snoqualmie: "Access road is right off the highway and unpaved, has a TON of holes so I wouldn't recommend driving down it without good ground clearance."
Phone service available: Unlike many remote camping areas, cellular coverage exists at several sites. "I travel and work remotely so I'm always looking for free places that have cell reception and this place hits the jackpot. I have Verizon and have 2-3 bars of service," reports Austin R. about South Fork Snoqualmie River.
Tips for camping with families
Look for water play options: Kids enjoy accessible water features. At Bumping Lake Campground, Becky R. shares, "Our campsite was right on the water side which made swimming and playing in the water so easy. The camp also has boats to rent."
Pack wildlife guides: The area offers wildlife viewing opportunities. "We saw some mountain goats" on the Lake Ingalls hike from Teanaway, notes one camper, while others mention chipmunks and birds around camp.
Choose sites with natural play areas: Some sites offer kid-friendly terrain. Kristina H. found at Bumping Lake that "There was a woodsy area behind the site where kids could play. The lot was mostly sandy and the tent area was very flat."
Tips for RVers
Measure clearance for dispersed sites: Many forest road campsites require high clearance. Parker C. notes about South Fork Snoqualmie River, "There are a number of established sites where you can pull off the road and drive back into the woods a bit."
Consider Silver Ridge for full hookups: For equestrian campers with RVs, Silver Ridge Ranch provides extensive facilities. "There is a large recent renovated cabin that fits up to 20 people you can stay as well. There is a bar & cafe open as well on the weekend with amazing views," according to Evan M.
Plan for variable camping surfaces: Most dispersed and many established sites lack paved pads. Multiple reviews mention dust and dirt, with Jon H. noting that at South Fork Snoqualmie "the road could become muddy after raining."
