Want to go dispersed camping near Wapato? The Dyrt provides you with a diverse selection of places to camp, from dispersed backcountry camping to boondocking, and everything in-between. From secluded to easily reachable, we offer dispersed campsites near Wapato just for you.
Limited camping will continue at Vernita for the 2024 and 2025 fall salmon seasons, but it will look different than in the past:
Camping and day use users will have designated areas.
Camping will be limited to 14 days per user in a 30 day period.
When fall salmon seasons are not underway, camping is prohibited and vehicle access limited to a smaller day use area.
The area will be patrolled by WDFW Enforcement officers for compliance with the new requirements.
Dispersed camping located near Rimrock Lake with RV and tent sites.
Boat launch located on Rimrock Peninsula, north shore of lake just above the dam.
There are many undeveloped camping locations on the forest. Generally there are no amenities available, such as restrooms, water or garbage dumpsters. All trash and waste must be packed out. No toilet available? See How to Go in the Forest. Use existing sites and do not damage vegetation. Campfires are not allowed at these sites during high fire danger. Check Fire Restrictions page.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/alerts-notices/?cid=fsbdev3_053600
$8 / night
Visitors are asked to close gates behind them and avoid driving on roads when soft and wet.
Vehicle camping is prohibited beyond 100 feet of open roads. Campfires prohibited from Apr. 15 through Oct. 15. Woodcutting is not permitted without a landowner permit. Down wood less than 12 inches in diameter may be collected for onsite campwood. Permanent camps or structures are not permitted. All man-made materials must be removed.
Dispersed camping located along the South Fork Tieton River, near Rimrock Lake. RV and tent sites. Jay Hawk, Lower Bake Oven, Upper Bake Oven and Minnie Meadows
Traveler
If you come during the week, you're going to enjoy quiet, gorgeous dispersed camping. Big spaces, big trees, big lake.
But if you come during the weekend, be prepared for the most inconsiderate, noisy, rude neighbors you've ever found. They leave trash everywhere, play music and shoot guns late into the night, and don't respect boundaries whatsoever. I had multiple people drive right into my campsite and park 10 feet from my rig, walk through camp yelling and playing music, you name it.
So, four stars because the place is amazing - but choose your timing wisely.
Legend
**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. It is often referred to as Elk Heights or Joe Watt Canyon. This is primarily an ORV and horseback riding area in the summer. Hunting and elk feeding/wintering grounds area in the winter. This is also a great area to find elk sheds once wintering season is over. There are plenty of dispersed camping sites along the Forest Service roads. All you need is a Discover Pass and a high clearance, capable vehicle.
We were looking for a close by, no reservation, free place to camp for a weekend. I remember riding horses up here as a kid but have not been up to this area for many years. Once you arrive to the Wildlife Area, you must let yourself in the gate and close it after you pass through. From the gate we drove down a rough, rocky road and passed a wide-open meadow where there we a couple other trailers camping, maybe living, along the road. We passed through some very narrow, brush lined roads. It was also steep and rutted with water wash out spots. The rocks that made the road are sharp, large, and loose. 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. Plug for our Airstream Basecamp. It's advertised as being "built for adventure and tough enough to go anywhere." I think I really believe it now.
The spot we chose turned out to be beautiful. We had a view of the Thorp valley and the forested gully and ridge across from us. The stars were out and the comet NEOWISE was visible. 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. Fires are not allowed due to red flag conditions. There is nothing out here. You must bring everything you need. Food, water, TP, lights. The best part was we saw two other cars, a couple ORV's, and a couple horseback riders total for the 2 days we were there. You can't get any quieter and more unplugged than that!
Product Review: Camp Fare Beef Burgundy with Field Vegetables and Chicken Tikka Masala with French Green Lentils
I ordered these meals a bit short of our last trip and was unable to make them. I was happy I had them saved for our trip up to LT Murray given we traveled quick and light. Camp Fare https://campfare.com/ advertises their food as high quality, delicious, chef-crafted, and ready to eat- no refrigeration required. All you have to do is submerge in hot water for 2-3 minutes, tear open the pouch, and enjoy. Selection is limited but covers all the bases. Beef Burgundy, Chicken Tikka Masala, Wild Alaskan Salmon, and Brown Rice and Red Quinoa with Pink Beans. They all sound great! We had our camp stove and a pot of water but you could probably stuff the pouch into a larger Jet Boil for backpacking too. I chose the Beef and had my partner eat the Chicken.
Preparation was as quick and easy as promised. The meals may not look amazing, especially on a plate instead of the pouch or in a bowl, but they really are delicious. The Beef Burgundy was flavorful and tender. The Chicken Tikka Masala was Indian restaurant good, seriously. I would way rather eat these meals than something dehydrated ever again. Looking forward to trying the Salmon and maybe getting the Chicken again for future trips.
Traveler
I just love this spot, no amenities, isolation, river front view, and a boat ramp. Bring your own everything!!
GuideThe main draw here is that there's a boat ramp into the Columbia. If you've got a fishing/camping rig and like to tell fish stories, this is a great spot for you.
If you're looking for a private, secluded or picturesque spot, this isn't for you.
This place does require a Discover Pass, but it's otherwise free. There were portapotties available, but I wouldn't count on them always being available.
Guide
Peninsula Camp is one of 3 designated camp grounds on the East end of Rimrock Lake. From the UPFS air field you will pass the first designated camp - suitable for dispersed RV'ing and the roomiest area. As you travel the One-Way loop, you will pass multiple locations for tent camping just off the road and cars lining the shoulder. You can find a few med sized camp site for RVs especially near the boat launch.
The views were amazing but all the campers made so much noise, we moved. This might be a better review on a less busy weekend.
Bring your own water and the facilities were lacking attention, if they were open at all. Be prepared to rough it.
LegendThis is a Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing access site. It is free with a Washington State Discovery Pass for $30/year. This annual pass will also gain you admission to state parks. There are several boat launch sites here and a number of those Sani Cans. The area is spread out over open land with smooth rocks. It can be a bit bumpy if hauling a trailer unless you stick to the smooth rock roads. No shade except along the shore.
For a free site, it has its good points: easy access to highway 24/243 which will bring you to I-90, quiet, wide open space, near the Vernita Bridge Rest Area for free tank dump site. If you arrive on the last weekend of October, there is a huge king salmon fishing derby with about 100 entrants so you will have company. But, it is usually quiet midweek in the spring and fall. It may be busier in the summer midweek as there are lots of fishing enthusiast ps and boaters who live close by in the Tri Cities area.
If you need a quiet place for one night or are hauling a river fishing boat, this is a good place to stay.
TravelerWe camped specifically at the Indian Creek Dispersed sites. There is a collection of camp grounds in this surrounding area, so I wouldn’t be concerned about finding a spot.
The views are incredible, beautiful grounds. Sadly the sites were covered in trash, people were riding quads and chainsawing until 2am, as well as yelling and loud music.
We did come on a weekend so it got very busy.
Traveler
The views are amazing, plenty of open campsites and nobody was around us when we camped. A perfect quiet getaway.
LegendWaterfall, gorge, amazing scenery! There is a pit toilet and there were some people climbing. No accessible water. Only a couple miles from the highway. It was windy, as this whole area is. But well worth it! Note: some of the rocks on the paths to the campsites were pretty pointy, but the road in is well maintained.
Legend
We stayed here 2 nights and will definitely be coming back. Tons of open sites to choose from right along the river. Designated fire rings but currently there's a burn ban. No vault toilets or picnic tables. Pack it in, pack it out! When we first arrived we spent about 20 minutes cleaning the site we chose after the people whom were here before us. Not such a big deal just a little saddening. #1 rule is to leave no trace. Extremely grateful we get to explore and camp on land that is free. We should all do our part and take care of it.
A little surprising that we had cell phone reception with sprint!
Near this area there are a lot or activities. Biking, hiking, swimming, fishing, kayaking.. to name a few!
TravelerI could let go the dust, wind, noise, crowds of jerks not taking covid precautions (in Yakima County which has one of the highest infection rates in Washington, but one of the lowest pop. density in the state), such as gatherings of 30-50 people with none wearing masks, but I can't get over the poo and toilet paper littering the ground. You can see it just driving down the road. Forestry even posted a sign about the poo poo and TP. No wonder so many people are sick. Can't even go for a walk without dodging mine fields of poo and discarded TP. I drove 4.5 hours to get there. Terribly disappointing, disgusted, and left feeling dirty and possibly exposed to covid. BTW, got tested and was negative.
There was also no internet, calls or texting on Sprint.
Location 46°39'57.3"N 121°06'11.0"W (copy paste)
GuideDiscover Pass required. Not for regular camping. Used for staying overnight and getting up early to hit the water.
ScoutThis site is now gated off.
Guide
This is a really cool spot right on the creek and close to Mt rainier. The coordinates given here do not take you to this campground. Keep going north of these coordinates and very soon you will see a sign that says Rimrock recreation area on the right if you’re headed north (side of the road closest to the creek) turn down there and go a ways until you come to a forest road on your right. It will be pretty obvious it’s a campground when you turn in by the signage (that I have included in my pictures) and there are lots of spots if you go through. The road is very rocky and high clearance does best but we did get our minivan in there fine with some maneuvering.
ScoutTotally off grid. No amenities but worth the stay.
Traveler
I camp here every year and it’s always tough to get the spot you want unless you get there by Thursday. It’s $8 per car and there are several spots to throw up a tent or hammocks. Getting in can be tough as the road is dirt and used for wheeling in the off-season so be careful if your car is low. There is a vaulted toilet and trash cans, but we usually just use the woods as we camp further from the one outhouse. There is one picnic table at the spot, but it moves from site to site. “Whoever gets it first” kind of thing. There is great fishing here, however you can’t fish in the river, you have to fish either in the lake/reservoir or further upstream because the camping area is a breading zone for an endangered fish. There is a boat launch about 1-2 miles away on the other side of the peninsula. There is a bridge we normally jump off, however they have signs up saying it’s not permitted. As long as you’re being safe, nobody cares. As far as drinking water, it’s not available at the site, but there is a natural spring down the road about a mile and a half. It’s clean and drinkable. We normally fill our bottles there before and during. Very few people know about the spring, though it’s just off to the side of the road on the way. This site is relatively close to stores as once you hit Hwy 12, you’re only within 20 minutes either direction of a gas station or general store. I’ll update with more pictures next time we go.
ScoutDriving in pulling up I was taken a back by how beautiful this place was. Then when we finally found a place, I was reminded of how much people suck. There was trash and toilet paper everywhere you look. It got really crowded and there were 2 parties within earshot. People were doing donuts and making huge dust clouds that would cover everything in dust. There were shoes and articles of clothing left everywhere. I suppose if you like that sort of thing, then cool. I was just looking for some peace and quiet.
GuideThe sites on the peninsula are pretty great, great distance between each other, fire pits, the basics.. the trash is rampant. Some shady looking individuals, too. Been camping here several times, and will continue to do so, have had people walk through my site. They have dumpsters by the airstrip upon entering the peninsula, so please carry it out! Facilities remain closed.
Scout
This is used by fly fishermen to access the near by lake.
TravelerPrivacy can be had if you take your time and find a good spot. However, be prepared to clean up behind the hooligans.
If people would just take care of stuff, this could be an awesome place.
ScoutVery beautiful spot. Has toilets around area, didnt check them as my rig is self sufficient. No other service though but out here it doesnt matter. Pack in pack out. Has fire rings all over!
TravelerGreat location so close to 90 but tucked away - will be staying here often
GuidePopular rock climbing area that gets many people through the day. Dispearsed camping in 2 areas. The first spot as you come from the road is much smaller and doesn't have any pit toilets. I prefer to park here when its not busy as the "Feathers" basalt columns are really pretty to camp up next to. The second open site down the road has pit toilets and is a much larger area. Both are nice but also there are many cars, campers, tents and becomes a much more lively area in the evening depending on the crowds.
I think this is a great spot but I move on during the day when the rock climbing crowds start to swarm and park near you. There are some nice trails that take you up above the climbing area and you can get to the backside to get some nice views and away from the crowds. Can get pretty hot here in the warmer months but a beautiful spot to camp if you can avoid the busy/peak times.
TravelerI travel for work and I stay here almost every week to save money on hotels. I’ve also taken my family here over the summer for camping and hiking. We all love it. Very quiet. Weekends can get kinda busy due to hikers and rock climbing enthusiasts. I suggest coming up early if you plan to stay the weekend. Many beautiful views. There is even a waterfall I sleep across from. On clear nights you can see all the stars. Which is my favorite! There are lots of sites to camp. In car/tent/RV it’s pretty accessible. There are some rougher spots where you probably should have four-wheel-drive or at least a higher stance vehicle.
GuideWe 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. But he was so nice, and even told my wife that he’d close the gate behind us after we entered. I’ve read that a parka pass is needed for this place, but we did not have one. The ranger did not look for or question about one, and off we went. Dirt rocky road, steep in areas, and 4x4 not necessary, but a higher clearance sure seems as if it is. 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. Thinking we’d see wildlife, as there was signs of it all over…. Scat, all different kinds, my dog found a lower leg and hoof of maybe a large deer, and a recently killed snake. But as of our first night nothing living and breathing. Att and Verizon were both 3 strong bars, but tv reception was nothing with our little average sized antenna. The trails were thick and lush with greenery and flowers, it being mid June and there has been plenty of rain. Not another soul in site, and only the sounds of nature around us.
TravelerThis was a great hidden spot and we did not see anyone else the whole time. 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. We towed our 24 ft trailer up this road which turned out fine but definitely pushed the limits. We saw multiple places to pull into and drove about 10-15 minutes before pulling off into a nice private area with good enough cell signal. Roads were very rocky at times but tolerable.
TravelerAfter 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. 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. Wildflowers were amazing!
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Wapato, Washington, where nature enthusiasts can find serene spots away from the crowds. With a variety of locations offering unique experiences, you're sure to enjoy the great outdoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Wapato, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Wapato, WA is Vernita Bridge with a 2.8-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Wapato, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 dispersed camping locations near Wapato, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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