Best Dispersed Camping near White Swan, WA

**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.

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!

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.

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.

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. 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.