CAMPING CHOICES FOR TENTS, CAMPERS AND RVS ABOUND THROUGHOUT

The Valley

BY ASHLEY LODATO

Camping is not for everyone, and many people shudder at the thought of sleeping on an air mattress on the ground.

But you’re not one of those people. Give you a starry night sky, the rustle of wind in the pine trees, and the orange glow of sunrise filtering through your tent walls and you’re happier than you’d be just about anywhere else.

You want to pitch a tent or pull up a camper? The Methow Valley has you covered, depending on whether you’re seeking a tranquil, solitary experience, or a bustling hub of recreation. So throw up that tent, park that camper, or string up that hammock and simply surrender to the outside world as it unfolds around you.

■ D OWN-VALLEY (TWISP TO PATEROS)

These campgrounds are all located on or near Highway 20 and Highway 153 between Twisp and Pateros. There are no U.S. Forest Service campgrounds located immediately off Highway 153 in the Twisp-to-Pateros area; however, numerous Forest Service campgrounds like Black Pine Lake can be found just a few miles from the highways. For a complete listing of US Forest Service campgrounds in the down-valley area, visit www.fs.usda.gov/activity/okawen/recreation/ camping-cabins.

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U P-VALLEY (CASCADES TO WINTHROP)

These campgrounds are all located right off Highway 20 in the mountains between Winthrop and Washington Pass. Ballard, Road’s End, Meadows and Harts

Pass campgrounds are situated on Lost River Road and in the Harts Pass area. For a complete listing of U.S. Forest Service campgrounds in this area, visit www.fs.usda. gov/activity/okawen/recreation/ camping-cabins.

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M ID-VALLEY (WINTHROP TO TWISP)

These campgrounds are all located on or near Highway 20 between Winthrop and Twisp. There are no U.S. Forest Service campgrounds located immediately off Highway 20 in the Winthrop-to-Twisp area; however, numerous Forest Service campgrounds like 8-Mile, Falls Creek, and Chewuch are just a few miles outside Winthrop along the Chewuch River, while others like South Creek, War Creek and Roads End are easily accessible up Twisp River Road. For a complete listing of Forest Service campgrounds in the mid-valley area, visit www.fs.usda. gov/activity/okawen/recreation/ camping-cabins.

For updated information on Washington State Parks campgrounds, v isit: https://parks.state.wa.us/1181/ Parks-opening. For updated information on U.S. Forest Service campgrounds, visit www.fs.usda. gov/activity/okawen/recreation/ camping-cabins. Many popular trailheads (such as Early Winters in Mazama and Chickadee at Sun Mountain) are day-use only and are never open for camping or overnight parking, even for self-contained vehicles; please observe restrictions posted onsite.