Are you in need of a campground near Thorp, WA? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Thorp campgrounds just for you. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.
"This is right off I90 very convenient but close to freeway so some road noise. I90 is the main east west freeway in Washington. It is right on the river and there's a pool."
"Convenient location, close to town. Nice amount of activities but a busy location. If you’re looking for isolation this isn’t the place but kids had a great time."
"**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."
"We weren’t sure as to our ability to get in, as when we pulled up there was a ranger driving a UTE on the other side of the fence, and we thought for sure he’d tell us that we couldn’t get it."
"There are walk in (50 to 100 feet walk) sites as well as horse camping sites. Pit toilets are clean, don’t smell, and have TP. Road in campground is in good condition with pretty new gravel."
"I was able to come stay here in the fall, and hike Lake Ingalls. It was absolutely gorgeous! Hands down the best decision my friends and I have made. The campground was actually somewhat busy."
$38 - $270 / night
"Easy to pop into Cle Elem or surrounding area to explore. I needed an Eastern Washington fix so I really enjoyed it."
"The site was In a good place, just a walk away from the river. We did have like 2 hornets make their way into our tent. I used the showers behind the dog park, which had 2 shower stalls."
$38 / night
"My husband and I don't really ever make our way around the Yakima area, only because the hiking there is more "desert" feel and in the summer the rattlesnakes are out and about."
"Many deer in the area, even walking through the campsite at times. The park does get pretty busy for day use, like hiking and fishing but nothing too crazy. The suspension bridge is awesome!"
$125 / night
"Very pretty area outside of Thorp. Campground is primative, pit toilets, but does have water and garbage. Unfortunately, the site is closed from Labor Day through Memorial Day. "
"I’ve encountered an array of wildlife (grouse, beavers, elk) around Taneum Campground and love it. Higher up in the hills can get pretty windy but the area is beautiful to explore."
"Lots of off roads and hiking trails to explore."
"Stumbled on this by just exploring the backroads near the BLM campground down the road. Technically this is USDA Forest Service land, but it is RIGHT next to BLM land. "
"Stayed here for a week, had a great time near the creek with our dogs! Attempted some fly fishing after seeing some others give it a shot with no luck. Tons of dispersed camping up and down the road!"
ScoutLots of pull offs spots on FS Rd 73 but this spot is very open and it’s the one the GPS guided me to from The Dyrt site.
ScoutThe GPS coordinates told me I arrived and there was nothing around me.
TravelerBasically it's an empty lot, a lot of space. Great for one night if you want to be close to sunrise entrance. It's a bit close to the road but in the evening it's very quite. We parked with our RV. It's not perfectly leveled, but will do the trick. There is a sign saying pack out your trash, and that you cannot stay here more than 14 days, meaning it's a legitimate site.
TravelerRight off the interstate and easy for any size rig to get in. Quite a few spots, we were the only ones here. Unfortunately, there’s a bit of trash we are going to pick up tomorrow. Please pack in and pack out everything you bring or find.
ScoutSpent the night here, was awesome. A few other people camped as well.
LegendHad a reservation. Pulled up around 3:30 to the park entrance booth with instructions to check in over the phone. After a short while on hold, was able to complete our check-in. Facilities were clean and fine, but only 1 shower stall in the women's and 1 in the men's for the whole campground. Reviews aren't kidding about the I-90 road noise. This spot was okay for a quick overnight while traveling through the area... but I wouldn't personally make a destination of this place.
GuideLoved this. Beautiful, secluded and right off the freeway Strange it is gated, I felt like we were trespassing or something. It’s fine just like everyone says.. lock it behind you. We went straight ahead up the hill. Initially very narrow and overgrown but opens up after a bit. Very steep and Rocky! We car camp in a Wagoneer and it was fine.
LegendLots of dispersed camping opportunities leading up to the Rachel Lake Trailhead and the Box Canyon Creek Site on NF-4930. Also many spots on the NF-118 spur, which is where we stayed. Some sites are cleaner than others, but most had garbage left behind by previous boneheads. Please pick up after your stay! Spotty cell service--a cell phone booster helped a lot. About half the sites along NF-4930 were occupied on our way to find camp on a Tuesday. We hiked to Rachel and Lila Lakes on a Wednesday morning and a few other cars were already at the trailhead. By the time we were done hiking in the afternoon, the lot was full. Popular area!
GuideThis park is bounded on three sides by Lake Easton State Park. They were full, so I booked this place. It's a large park, gravel roads and pads, underneath a canopy of firs and some pine trees. The fourth side of the park is along the frontage road and I-90. During the day, I-90 is loud, evening not so much but can still hear it. This park has an agreement with the State Park which allows access through a small gate in the chain link fence, right into the park (no vehicles allowed through this access). Access to the State Park, and Lake Easton by vehicle by driving the frontage road for about 1,000 feet, to the entrance. Lake Kachess is right across the freeway and down a Forest Service road for a mile or two. Roslyn is close, with all its history and charm. Cle Elum is also close for any supplies. T-Mobile works, Starlink worked. Laundry, pool, playground, game/TV room, showers, restrooms all available. Open all year.
Camping near Thorp, Washington, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.
Camping near Thorp, Washington, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How difficult is the hike to Thorp Lake?
The hike to Thorp Lake is relatively easy, covering approximately 1.5 miles uphill from the end of Forest Service Road 4312. While the official trailhead path can be somewhat overgrown, most hikers park where the road terminates and follow the well-established trail to the lake. The moderate incline makes it suitable for most experience levels, though you'll want sturdy footwear as the terrain can be uneven in places. For comparison, the nearby Pete Lake Backcountry Camping trail offers a similarly accessible hiking experience, with a dusty trail covered in berry bushes and beautiful wildflowers in season.
Is camping available at Thorp Lake in Washington?
Yes, camping is available at Thorp Lake in Washington. The lake features fairly basic dispersed camping spots that accommodate tents. These sites are reached by hiking approximately 1.5 miles uphill from where Forest Service Road 4312 ends. The camping area offers a true wilderness experience with beautiful lake views. For those seeking alternatives in the general region, Granite Lake Dispersed Camping Area provides similar lakeside camping opportunities with crystal clear water, though it's in a different location within the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest. Both options follow first-come, first-served availability.
What permits are required for camping at Thorp Lake?
For camping at Thorp Lake, you'll need a Northwest Forest Pass for parking at the trailhead. This serves as your recreation pass for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. No specific camping permit is required beyond this parking pass, as it's a dispersed camping area. For comparison, when camping at Chumstick Mountain Dispersed Camping in another section of the same national forest, the same Northwest Forest Pass requirements apply. During fire season (typically summer months), you may also need a free campfire permit depending on current restrictions. Always check with the local ranger district for the most current regulations before your trip.
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