Thursday, July 18, 2013

Raser State Park

State Park
Potable water/Flush toilets/Showers
Travel Time:  3hrs.

This park used to be an old homestead.  The land was donated by the family.  The upper area is where the CG is located on a pine forested plateau.  There is a playground for the kiddos.  The lower field is still farmed with alfalfa.  Its fun to get lost in the tall grasses, or let your dog go nuts (state parks require leashes but we were never smited for letting our well trained dog fetch) The lowest tier is riverside with poplar, alder and cottonwood trees.  There is a large, deep, clean sandbar to soak up the rays next to the Snohomish river.  the kids can play in the sand/water but the river is extremely swift so have caution.  The area is well known for its eagle viewing in the fall.  So amazing.
The RV spots are fairly close to one another in this newer state park.  This park is one of our favorites for easy car camping.  The walk in sites are private and two have adirondack shelters that are fun to sleep in.  This place is clean and well maintained.  Plenty of easy hiking trails and open fields for frisbee, ect.  Lots to do keep you occupied.

Site 42- Walk in.  Private with an adirondack shelter.  *our favorite
Site 43- Walk in site.  Good Privacy

*Make reservations early.  This place books up...especially on weekends.



http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=Rasarhttp://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=Rasar

Larabee State Park

State Park
Potable water/Flush toilets/Showers
Travel Time: 2.5-3hrs

This state park is right on the sound.  There is a playground and amphitheater.  All hook up sites are close together and not so private.  The walk in sites are better with increased privacy.  He train runs adjacent to the campground so there is frequent train related noise.  Not so bothersome to us.
There is good tide pool exploring so grab a tide table.  Great sunsets.

*beach access has been closed due to egress issues
Boat launch access still open
http://www.parks.wa.gov/parks/?selectedpark=Larrabee


Iron Creek CG-Gifford-Pinchot NF

NF CG
Travel Time:  3-4 hrs
Potable water/Vault toilets

This is a gorgeous large CG on the confluence of Iron Creek and the Cispus river.  Old growth forest surround private level sites.  Firewood available from host at $5 per bundle.   Close to the NW viewpoint of Mt. St. Helens.  The road to the viewpoint is usually closed until early July.  A short drive will take you to a stocked pond.  A sweet couple run this RV facility.  They will help teach the kids to fish, provide all the gear, clean the fish you catch, and pack it on ice for you.  The gentleman taught my daughter how to clean the fish.  Good first fishing experience.  Fish hooked within the first 15 minutes.

Site 10-  Private large site.  Adjacent to bathrooms, water and Old Growth trail/Picnic area.
Site 12-  Private large site.  *favorite site* Very close to the vault toilet, but they are clean and have no odor at site.  It was helpful as we were potty training at the time of our stay.  This site backs up to the hiking trail behind the loop so there was ample room for the kids to run, play and enjoy.


http://www.recreation.gov/campgroundMap.do?page=map&contractCode=NRSO&parkId=71638&camparea=MAIN&mapSwitch=Y

Salmon La Sac CG-Okanogan-Wenachee NF

FS CG
Potable Water/Vault Toilets

Beautiful updated, larger CG on the river.  Views, swimming, fishing, hiking abundant.  Cool little ovens in some sites.  Group sites are large.  All sites paved and generally level.  Sites are spaced nicely and have good privacy.

Sites 2, 3 & 6-  Riverside group sites.  6 is first choice
Site 30-Forested
Site 36-  Creekside/private
Site 37-  Creekside.  Semi-private.  Better for PUP.
Site 39, 41, & 42-  Creekside and very private.
Sites 43 & 44-  Creekside.  Adjacent to each other.  Would be good for multiple site reservation.  Private and together.
Site 46-  Creekside and very private.
Sites 59 & 60-  Adjacent to each other.  Would be good for multiple site reservation.  Very private and together.


http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/okawen/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=57755&actid=29

Owhi CG-Okanogan-Wenachee NF

FS CG
Potable water/vault toilets
Walk in CG adjacent to Cooper River and Cooper Lake.
Boat launch for non motorized boats only.
Amazing views of alpine ridge and surrounding forrest. Cold, clear lake and river. Perfect for kids and day swimming/paddling.  Warm, sunny summer weather.  No skeeters when we visited in early July.

http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/okawen/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=57755&actid=29

Red Mountain CG-Okanogan-Wenachee NF

Travel Time: 2.5hrs

Small riverside CG adjacent to many day use areas up FS Road # 4600.  On the way to Cooper Lake/River. 
Close to road

French CG-Okanogan-Wenachee NF

No. Of Cle Elum Lake on 903
No fee/Public
Travel Time:  2hrs.
No facilities
Off most maps.
This riverside public land camp area is right on the river.  Tons of opportunity for swimming and fishing.  Great for kids.  Most spots are private and separated.  Some cleanup may be needed as previous occupants aren't always enviornmentally conscientious. :-(

http://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3gDfxMDT8MwRydLA1cj72BTJw8jAwjQL8h2VAQAzHJMsQ!!/?ss=110617&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=110130000000000&pnavid=110000000000000&recid=57515&actid=34&ttype=recarea&pname=Okanogan-Wenatchee%20National%20Forest%20-%20French%20Cabin%20Creek%20Camping%20Area