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!"
TravelerVery busy campground on the weekend, but found one of the last first come, first serve sites on Friday around noon. Pit toilets were clean but stronger than normal smell. Good family oriented campground with swimming hole at bottom of loop.
TravelerLower Johnny had nice sites, #15 felt pretty private and you could hear and see Icicle Creek about 30 feet below the site. Toilet was very clean. Area did not seem as packed in as Eightmile Campground down the road. If being near the water is not a priority, Upper Johnny had lots of very nice looking sites with more availability than the other nearby campgrounds.
TravelerBeautiful view, but very dirty, dusty and noisy, dirt bikes are everywhere.
ScoutRoad getting into the campground was horrendous their was alot of road noise but the camp sites were big and clean. And at $32.00 a night with no electric was kind of pricey. The camp host was nice.
TravelerCoordinates woulda taken us down a dirt road with a lotta potholes so we just pulled a bit off the road and car camped. It was next to some farmland after a Dave Matthews concert @ the Gorge. No amenities where we were, but quite beautiful.
TravelerMultiple spots surrounding the airstrip. Im working remote so having enough of a clearing that I can access the internet was important. Starlink gets the job done but my t mobile service was basically non-existent.
I stayed on the east side of the strip and there is plenty of space and locations to settle. I explored the loop to the south west of the strip and there were some large campgrounds that looked made for groups. Plenty of trails to explore as well. This section had rocks blocking vehicles from driving into the campground, so tents only. There is also an incredibly steep hill near the end of the loop that is absolutely not safe in winter.
There are two vault toilets on ends of the east side. The southern one was out of tp, so bring your own septic safe stuff just in case.
ScoutWe stayed two nights. Everything is very clean and the staff is extremely friendly. Right on the river. They have Ice for sale on site. 50 amp service and sewer and water are all in available.
ScoutCame here on a Monday night and plenty of spots. Spots by the river looked kind of close together, so we drove a little further in and found a large secluded spot in the woods. Road gets a bit worse as you drive further, but it was manageable. A little road noise but it’s drowned out by the sound of the creek. Bugs weren’t too bad. Love this spot :)
TravelerThis campground is a hidden treasure in a very busy National Park!! It is quiet and many of the sites are well spread out. Some of them are very close but if you are looking for just a place to camp for the night close to Sunrise to be able to be up early to see ‘THE SUNRISE’ on the mountain, these sites will do! The bathrooms—both pit and fully functional—were very clean and well kept. Water sources were easy to access and the sites were all clean and orderly. Even late in the day there were FCFS sites available!
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.
Keep Exploring
