Several free dispersed camping areas surround Thorp, Washington, with L.T. Murray Wildlife Area offering some of the most accessible options. Access requires entering through a gated entrance that must be closed after passing through. The area features rocky, steep dirt roads that demand high-clearance vehicles. According to one visitor, "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."
North Fork Teanaway Road provides additional primitive camping spots with proximity to water. These sites typically have fire rings but no other amenities, with burn bans common during summer months. Liberty Town/Williams Creek offers creek-side dispersed camping on Forest Service land with stone fire pits and natural privacy barriers between sites. Old Bluett Pass Road contains high-elevation sites with mountain views. Most areas require a Discover Pass, and campers should prepare to be entirely self-sufficient. One camper noted that "there are a handful of dispersed sites in this area. We found one nestled right next to the creek. It was great, very peaceful for the most part."
"**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."
"It’s a beautiful drive up with lots of pockets to find camping. The only downside is there is no running water anywhere nearby, so be sure to bring a surplus of water!"
"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!"
"This place has around 20 spots. Some of the spots are on one road right as you enter with a vault toilet."
"Was a perfect Weeknd to Disperse camp, really quite, no toilets no water, Verizon coverage good."
"There are Porta POTTIES, other than that no amenities. First come first serve."
"Great boondocking. We made it fine in our 26ft class c, but the big sharp-edged rocks were concerning to drive over."
"Dispersed camping , plenty space but some times overcrowded if temperature is above 80."
"For dispersed camping you gotta get out of the main "campground". Tons of options just off the beaten path."
"Ranger Review: GCI Waterside Pod Rocker with Sunshade at French Cabin Creek Dispersed Camping Camping Review: 5 stars
We have nothing but love for French Cabin Creek (F.C.C.) dispersed camping"
"Right outside the entrance to Mt."
"If you come here you must leave no trace."
ScoutIt was fairly easy to get to this area however despite our best efforts we only found one established campsite with a fire ring. Road getting here was mostly paved with some debris on the roadway. We lost GPS signal just before arriving and passed NF200. I gave 3 stars because we were unable to locate other sites. Maybe it was just me but we drove quite a while on NF200 and only found the one right at the entrance.
RangerIt was MAGICAL- mushrooms, fall leaves, and moss everywhere. Keep in mind that there’s no signal, Starlink nor cell.. we also were freezing at night (35 degrees) in early October and the spots were tricky for our bigger rig. But if you have a smaller rig there’s tons of places off of road 73 for dispersed camping. Bumpy road to get there but keep on driving and you’ll find places with even firepits.
ScoutDriving here from Graham washington, I passed so many camp spots I was shook lol. Amazing camp site for free, I believe u need discover pass. the water is beautiful not many people here so many spots by the water Amazing, where i am u definitely need high clearance to even be close to water, Unless u tent camp away from your vehicle which is not far there are a lot of spots everywhere. The water moves fast and your up high bring your hammocks.
RangerNot far off main road, and gravel road not bad at all. Absolutely no cell coverage, a few designated spots.
ScoutLots of camper trailers, basically a cow field. If you want a private spot you have to traverse a sketchy road that if you don't have awd and decent tires and ground clearance you'll be screwed.
LegendThe reviews here seem to be from two different places
Parking lot up by the logging operation is fine
Down the road by the creek is a bunch of permanent trailers
Be nice if people reviewed the proper spots
LegendAmazing but a bit dirty and lots of other campers. We stopped for a river visit but didn’t stay the night
ScoutWe attempted to go here. We followed "the dyrt" and then clicked on recreation dot gov link for driving directions which told us to take HWY 12 to SR1200 then SR1000. We even looked it up on google maps and it seemed totally do-able. We'll we made it about 7 miles on SR1000 and came to the top of a very very steep incline. Sent a scout vehicle ahead and they couldn't make it across a big gulley. Saw another small Ford truck attempting to cross towards us at the same area, and they bottomed out and had to turn around. We also had to turn back down SR1000 and go all the way back to HWY 12. We were trying to haul a 24ft travel trailer. Its completely impossible as of 9/2026. Find alternate route, because that SR1000 is dangerous trying to haul a trailer or a camper. Not to mention, the beginning of SR1200 was super narrow and sketchy.
ScoutWe left someone left trash everywhere
Dispersed camping near Thorp, Washington provides accessible wilderness experiences in the eastern foothills of the Cascades at elevations ranging from 1,700 to 4,000 feet. The area features predominantly Ponderosa pine forests interspersed with high meadows and seasonal creeks. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing with snow accumulation common from November through March, making most dispersed sites accessible only from late spring to early fall.
Fishing opportunities: The North Fork Teanaway River offers fishing spots within walking distance of several camping areas. According to one camper at North Fork Teanaway River - Dispersed, "We had a nice short walk through a secluded walk in site that led to a rocky river bed. We also had a horse trail across the road that we walked. Lots of wild flowers to enjoy."
ATV and dirt bike riding: Multiple areas permit motorized recreation, particularly near Kachess Lake. One visitor noted, "Great spot off the lake to camp for the night. The rangers were putting out a fire when we arrived. Seems to have been successful. There is a burn ban in effect for this reason. If you are looking for solitude, this is not the spot. It's popular for large groups with ATVs but people were respectful."
Wildlife viewing: The L.T. Murray Wildlife Area provides opportunities to observe native wildlife. A camper shared, "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."
River proximity: Many campers value water access for cooling off during summer months. At White River Dispersed Camping, one visitor reported, "The campsites are absolutely beautiful—tucked among the trees with stunning views and the soothing, constant sound of the roaring White River nearby. The river noise also does a great job of masking any sounds from the nearby road."
Privacy between sites: Most dispersed camping areas offer good separation between camping spots. A visitor to Liberty Town / Williams Creek Dispersed Camping noted, "Tons of dispersed camping up and down the road! Spots are far enough away to give you good privacy."
Mountain views: High-elevation sites provide scenic vistas. A camper at Old Bluett Pass Dispersed Site reported, "Was a perfect Weekend to Disperse camp, really quite, no toilets no water, Verizon coverage good."
Cell service varies widely: Signal strength depends on precise location and carrier. In some areas, connectivity can be surprisingly good despite the remote setting. One camper at Kachess Lake Lakebed shared, "Cell service was good for both ATT and Verizon. Even though the area looks so remote, it's right next to the road, so you have road noise that's fairly loud."
Pack out all waste: No garbage services exist in these areas, creating environmental concerns. A concerned visitor warned, "People are destroying this lake. Mountains of garbage around due to no garbage services, and human feces everywhere. PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT."
Vehicle requirements differ: Some sites require specific vehicles for safe access. A reviewer at North Fork Teanaway River - Dispersed explained, "I think this site has the best river access, but a couple of others have better distance from the main road. It's plenty large for tenting, or a truck camper. I wouldn't bring a trailer, other than a very small one."
Check seasonal conditions: Water levels and access vary dramatically by season. One family noted, "But the lake level was really low when we stayed there, so there was plenty of available space for camping. A van or two, a truck camper, tent campers, a little scamp, and lots and lots of day time ATV users shared this space with us."
Safety with river access: Rivers can be swift but offer play opportunities. A camper observed, "The water was clear and cold. Very pretty. No fishing allowed, but the river is shallow so I don't think there would be anything to catch anyway. On a hot day, this would be a nice spot to park a chair in the river and soak up some sun!"
Bug preparedness: Insects can be problematic in certain areas and seasons. A visitor to Liberty Town / Williams Creek Dispersed Camping advised, "If you do get a spot, bring a citronella candle, the mosquitos are thick."
Road condition awareness: Many forest roads deteriorate farther from main roads. An RV camper noted, "We drove about 20 minutes and started to see pull offs for camping, and finally decided on on with the most amazing view of the cascade mountains. Dirt rocky road, steep in areas, and 4x4 not necessary, but a higher clearance sure seems as if it is."
Clearance considerations: Sharp rocks can damage vehicle undercarriages and tires. An RVer at White River Dispersed Camping cautioned, "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."
Limited turnout spaces: RVers should scout ahead or research thoroughly. A camper with a trailer explained, "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find dispersed camping near Thorp, Washington?
The L.T. Murray Wildlife Area offers excellent dispersed camping options near Thorp. Located between Cle Elum and Ellensburg, it's sometimes referred to as Elk Heights or Joe Watt Canyon. The area features spread-out sites accessible via rocky dirt roads with single lanes and pull-outs. Another option is the North Fork Teanaway River - Dispersed, which provides free camping opportunities within reasonable driving distance from Thorp. These sites offer privacy and natural settings without developed facilities.
What are the dispersed camping rules in Thorp, WA?
When dispersed camping near Thorp, you must follow several important regulations. At Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Dispersed Camping on Derby Rd NF7400, be mindful of burn restrictions, especially later in the season. Respect private property boundaries, which are marked in some areas. At Dispersed Camping North Fork Teanaway Road, standard dispersed camping rules apply: pack out all trash, properly dispose of human waste (bury at least 6 inches deep, 200 feet from water sources), and camp at least 100 feet from water sources. Typically, the 14-day stay limit applies in most national forest areas around Thorp.
Is there year-round dispersed camping available near Thorp?
Year-round dispersed camping near Thorp varies seasonally with weather conditions. The Silver Springs Sno Park offers winter accessibility as it's right off the highway with a large gravel parking area, though you'll encounter potholes and need to drive slowly. Winter access to many dispersed sites is limited by snow, especially at higher elevations. Reecer Creek Road Camp may offer lower-elevation options that remain accessible longer into shoulder seasons. For winter camping, be prepared for no services, potential road closures, and pack extra supplies for cold weather conditions.
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