Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park
Rich S.
Reviewed Oct. 3, 2020

Nice little place to get away to close to home

We come out to Starkey all the time, for the hiking and for the on and off road biking. We came out here with a group and did some backcountry camping (just one night) at Primitive 1. The reservations can be made online through the Pasco Parks website. There are 3 primitive campsites scattered throughout the park, one and 3 are within about 3.2 miles from the corral trailhead, and 2 is about 5 miles out. The trails are well marked until you get to the 4 mile mark, then the signage is poor and you need to use maps or a GPS route. They have some incorrectly marked trails out there, and it is easy to get lost finding the last primitive site. Primitive 1 is a heavily shaded and flat site with plenty of room and privacy. There is a picnic bench and a carved out tree for sitting, as well as a fire pit. You have to bring in your own water or a filter system, since thanks to COVID the park stopped putting water along the paved trail, which you could hike out to in a pinch and use. Now your only sources are stagnant ponds if you need some. This park has a lot to offer, and is a great little spot.

SitePrimitive 1
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park by Rich S., October 3, 2020
  • Review photo of Jay B. Starkey Wilderness Park by Rich S., October 3, 2020