Thorp, Washington provides a blend of established and dispersed camping options within proximity to the Cascade Mountains. The L.T. Murray Wildlife Area offers free dispersed camping with significant privacy between sites, while established campgrounds like Ellensburg KOA provide amenities including electric hookups, showers, and cabins. Taneum Cabin, located near Thorp, offers a rustic cabin experience during the summer months. The region includes a mix of tent and RV-accessible sites along with glamping options at places like The Cottonwood Retreat, giving campers various accommodation choices depending on their preference for amenities or solitude.
Rough roads with steep, rocky terrain characterize much of the dispersed camping area, particularly in L.T. Murray Wildlife Area. As one camper noted, "Very steep and Rocky! We car camp in a Wagoneer and it was fine." Many dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles, though several visitors successfully navigate with small trailers. The Discover Pass is required for camping in wildlife management areas, and gates must be closed after entry at certain locations. Most developed campgrounds operate seasonally, with Ellensburg KOA open from February through mid-November and Taneum Cabin available only from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with surprisingly strong signals reported at many L.T. Murray sites despite their remote feel.
Campers consistently highlight the solitude available at dispersed sites in the wildlife area. "Not another soul in site, and only the sounds of nature around us," reported one visitor to L.T. Murray. The area delivers significant privacy between camping spots, with many reviewers noting they drove 10-20 minutes on forest roads before finding their ideal location. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with visitors reporting sightings of elk, deer, wild turkeys, and various birds. Developed campgrounds offer different advantages - river access is particularly valued at Ellensburg KOA, where sites backing up to the Yakima River receive positive mentions despite some road noise from nearby highways. Seasonal considerations affect the camping experience, with summer heat impacting exposed sites and wildflowers creating spectacular scenery in spring and early summer.
"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."
"Murray Wildlife Area is a great option if you’re looking for a quiet, spacious spot surrounded by nature. Entrance is through a large metal gate—be sure to close it behind you."
"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!"
GuideCouldn't have loved this campground more. Stayed for two nights in late August 2025. Serene, even though it was busy. Spots are roomy. Whole place smelled like Christmas trees! Clean, calm, simply lovely. Really close to the park too!
TravelerVery spacious and sometimes crowded Campground right on the river, lots of wading and enjoying the water fire rings and tables plus value out houses.
TravelerThe road is a little rough and slow once you pull in, but it's right on the water, clean and cozy. There are Porta POTTIES, other than that no amenities. First come first serve.
TravelerThis is a rest stop just off the freeway. It has clean restrooms and water. Lots of freeway noise. It’s a great place to get some sleep and be on your way.
RangerDispersed camping at L.T. Murray Wildlife Area is a great option if you’re looking for a quiet, spacious spot surrounded by nature. Entrance is through a large metal gate—be sure to close it behind you. There are lots of available spaces with spread-out campsites, so it never feels crowded. The area is peaceful and tucked among the trees, making it ideal for a low-key camping experience. Roads can be a bit rough in places, so higher vehicle clearance is recommended. Overall, a solid spot for secluded, no-frills camping.
ScoutThe people here are helpful but somewhat nosy at times they can be bossy but nice at the same time the only rule is you can only stay 10days at a time leave for 20 days then come back another 20days but can only stay in the parks no more than 90 days in a year time stupid rules I think if we are laying every day why can't we stay more days just don't under stand especially in the winter months when no one is here are around that's the only thing I dont like it's stupid I think they are lazy here too
TravelerIt was very cold 🥶 But it was also Dec 4th lol
ScoutGreat views of the canyon and climbing area
ScoutBeen here loads of times! We’ve never not gotten a spot! It never feels crowded as the spots are spaced apart really well. Picnic tables and fire rings all provided. Secluded and safe. The air strip is awesome in the summer time!
Camping sites near Thorp, Washington offer a mix of national forest and wildlife management lands at elevations ranging from 1,600-2,500 feet. The area experiences dry, hot summers with temperatures frequently reaching 90°F, while winter conditions can make many dispersed camping areas inaccessible from November through April. Vehicle requirements vary significantly between locations, with some roads passable in passenger cars while others demand high-clearance 4WD.
Hiking from basecamp: Liberty Recreation Site provides access to numerous hiking trails. "Lots of off roads and hiking trails to explore," notes one camper who enjoyed a "family weekend getaway" at this established yet primitive campground.
Fishing opportunities: Umtanum Campground offers excellent river access for anglers. "The park does get pretty busy for day use, like hiking and fishing but nothing too crazy," explains a reviewer who appreciated the "nice, clean campground" along the Yakima River.
Wildlife viewing: Taneum Cabin serves as a good base for wildlife spotting. One visitor reported "an array of wildlife (grouse, beavers, elk) around Taneum Campground" and mentioned the "beautiful area to explore" despite sometimes windy conditions in the higher elevations.
Creekside solitude: At Liberty Town/Williams Creek dispersed camping, visitors appreciate the waterside sites. One camper shared: "Came for the Ellensburg rodeo! 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."
Star visibility: The Cottonwood Retreat offers exceptional night sky viewing. A visitor mentioned it's the "Perfect spot for privacy and a great night's sleep" and noted "Wind can be high here, but that made for nice sleeping weather in August."
Cell connectivity: Despite the remote feeling, several dispersed sites maintain usable signals. At L.T. Murray Wildlife Area, one camper reported they "drove about 10-15 minutes before pulling off into a nice private area with good enough cell signal" despite the "very rocky at times but tolerable" roads.
Access challenges: Many dispersed sites require careful navigation. At L.T. Murray Wildlife Area, one visitor advised: "After going through the gate (and closing it) we head down the gravel road directly in front of us (more to the right). We initially tried the road to the left but it ran into an overgrown area."
Gate protocols: Several wildlife areas have specific entry requirements. A visitor to L.T. Murray mentioned, "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," though they were allowed entry with instructions to close the gate.
Discovery Pass requirement: Most wildlife management areas require this permit. At Liberty Town/Williams Creek, a camper noted these are "technically USDA Forest Service land, but it is RIGHT next to BLM land" which affects which passes are required.
Kid-friendly playgrounds: Whispering Pines RV Campground offers excellent facilities for children. A visitor called it "one of the nicest we have every been to" and specifically mentioned "tons of things for the kids to do."
Swimming opportunities: Several campgrounds provide river access for cooling off. At Ellensburg KOA, one family appreciated that "my littles were able to search for rocks and fish in the shallow areas" of the Yakima River, and they "loved the heated pool."
Wildlife education: Many sites offer chances to observe animals safely. At Umtanum Campground, one visitor observed that "Many deer in the area, even walking through the campsite at times," providing natural learning opportunities.
Site selection strategy: At Whispering Pines RV Campground, positioning matters. One RVer advised: "They have some brand new dry camp sites set up by a pond down the road that we spent a couple of nights at and thoroughly enjoyed the privacy."
Hookup limitations: Some campgrounds have specific utility restrictions. At Teanaway Campground, visitors should be aware the facilities are "very basic" with "no hook ups, no drinking water" according to campers who've visited.
Alternative options: For those seeking established sites with amenities, Ellensburg KOA offers more services. A visitor appreciated that "They allow you to run a tab at the store" and noted they have "a very good selection of beer/cider/wine" compared to other camp stores.
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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