Community Forums

Fushux · 05-05-2022, 08:41 AM

Any one disperse camp at the Methow Wildlife Refuge or off the Mountain Loop Highway? How is it? Plenty of spots? How secluded from the highway are you? 35ft motorhome pulling a Jeep.

We had planned on staying two nights in Seattle to watch my nephew play semi-pro baseball but he tore his ACL in a game the other day and is out for a long time. We have reservations for Newhalem Campground after Seattle but they don't have any availability to add a day or two but I'd still like to get in that general area to explore and get some fishing in.

Thanks

profdan · 05-09-2022, 07:31 PM

Sorry about the ACL!! There is very limited big-rig friendly boondocking in the North Cascades area -- don't know about Methow area. But because the whole North Cascade area is so mountainous, the campsites tend to be very tight -- not much level ground. And the forest roads are very narrow -- hard to find turnaround spots.

I wish I had better news for you.

East of Rainy Pass, things tend to spread out more. I'd recommend downloading the MVUM maps from the national forest website -- that will give you some idea where to look. Good luck!

Alpine36 · 05-09-2022, 08:42 PM

Not a whole lot of dispersed camping between Newhalem and Methow (that I'm aware of) but once you get to Winthrop I might suggest Pearrygin Lake State Park. Great fishing and a nice state park. Also plenty to explore in the immediate area in your Jeep, and, as I recall, some dispersed spots around the Pearrygin Lake area. Winthrop is a fun town for the day. As an alternate, the KOA in Winthrop is so so, but an option that's close to town. Enjoy Newhalem, I retired from SCL and spent plenty of time up there. The Diablo lake boat tour is awesome and shouldn't be missed. I was blessed to be involved in the design/spec building of the new Alice Ross IV tour boat before retirement.
Happy Trails.

Fushux · 05-12-2022, 04:32 PM

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately the state park is booked up. Figured that would happen so early to trip departure. Thinking about trying Sauk Park Campground but worried coming in on a Friday would be a bit of a problem. I guess if all else fails, I could end up in the Concrete KOA. That'll most likely have spots available same day.

RedneckExpress · 05-12-2022, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fushux

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately the state park is booked up. Figured that would happen so early to trip departure. Thinking about trying Sauk Park Campground but worried coming in on a Friday would be a bit of a problem. I guess if all else fails, I could end up in the Concrete KOA. That'll most likely have spots available same day.

When we still had a NATCOA rally out that way, we stayed at Silverline Resort.

astrnmrtom · 05-12-2022, 06:24 PM

Howard Miller Steelhead park East of Concrete, you have to call to reserve a spot. Weekends will be booked though. Just east of there is the Sutter Creek Rest area right along the river.

There are some wide pull outs along 20 and I have seen people spend the night at them. Some are very wide so you aren't near the road. Most of the campgrounds along 20 are not suited for larger rigs.

Iceclimber · 05-14-2022, 12:55 PM

https://www.campendium.com/washington/methow
https://www.campendium.com/washingto...rice-range=0-0

Make sure to filter by "always show free" this is my go to site as lots of helpful reviews for whatever you are driving. Have you also looked at Discover Pass DNR sites ? Those are quite dependable.