Big Hill Campsite

For Washington locals who truly seek solitude and a raw, untamed outdoor experience, Big Hill Campsite near Entiat offers a unique and memorable escape. This isn't your typical developed campground with amenities galore; instead, it's a rustic warming cabin nestled deep within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, promising a remote and peaceful retreat for those willing to venture off the beaten path. It's the kind of place that resonates with adventurers who appreciate self-sufficiency and the quiet grandeur of our state's wilderness.

Big Hill Campsite stands out as a destination for those who prioritize isolation and a genuine backcountry feel. As one recent visitor recounted, "The place is remote and peaceful." This quality is highly valued by Washingtonians looking to disconnect from the digital world and immerse themselves fully in nature. The site itself, described as a "cool warming cabin located in the mountains south of Lake Chelan," evokes images of cozy evenings by a fire after a day of exploring the rugged terrain.

Access is a key consideration, and honest reviews provide invaluable insight for local users. "The road may not be accessible for regular car like Toyota. However, my Subaru Outback was able to make it. Besides that, people just drive cars like Toyota Tacoma to get there." This clearly indicates that a high-clearance vehicle, and potentially one with all-wheel or four-wheel drive, is highly recommended. For many Washingtonians accustomed to navigating mountain roads, this level of access isn't a deterrent but rather an exciting part of the adventure, ensuring that only those truly prepared make it to this secluded gem.

Inside the cabin, visitors can expect a basic but functional setup: "you can see fire stove made of barrel and 4 beds." While acknowledging that "The place needs restoration but people try to keep it nice," this speaks to the communal effort in maintaining these backcountry shelters. The discovery of "spare tampons left by visitors and some firewood nearby" further highlights the informal, shared-resource nature of such remote sites, where past visitors contribute to the comfort of future ones.

It's essential to set expectations regarding amenities. As confirmed by reviews, there is "No water," "No electricity," and "Poor cell reception." This lack of modern conveniences is precisely what makes Big Hill Campsite an ideal destination for an off-grid experience. It forces visitors to embrace self-reliance and fully appreciate the tranquility of being truly disconnected. For Washington locals seeking a genuine wilderness experience far from the crowds, Big Hill Campsite offers a unique and authentic opportunity to reconnect with nature on its own terms.

Location and Accessibility

Big Hill Campsite is nestled in a remote section of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, specifically located at NF-112, Entiat, WA 98822, USA. This places it in the mountainous terrain south of Lake Chelan, a renowned recreational area in Central Washington. Its location offers a deep sense of seclusion and immersion in the vast wilderness of the Cascades.

Accessibility to Big Hill Campsite is a defining characteristic, catering to adventurous Washington locals with appropriate vehicles. The primary access route involves forest roads, which can be challenging. As user reviews explicitly state, "The road may not be accessible for regular car like Toyota." This is a crucial piece of information for anyone planning a visit. Vehicles such as a "Subaru Outback" have been successful, but the road is more suited for "Toyota Tacoma" type vehicles, implying that high ground clearance and potentially all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive capabilities are highly recommended, if not essential, especially during less favorable weather conditions.

The reference to "NF-112" indicates it's located on a National Forest System Road, which can vary greatly in condition from well-maintained gravel to rough, rocky, and rutted tracks. Given the description of needing higher clearance vehicles, it's likely closer to the latter. Visitors should be prepared for slow travel, potential obstacles, and the need for careful driving.

Because of its remote location and high elevation, Big Hill Campsite is subject to seasonal access. Forest roads in this part of Washington typically close due to snow during late fall and winter, reopening in late spring or early summer depending on snowmelt. Therefore, planning a visit during the warmer months, roughly from late May through early October, is advisable. It's always best practice for locals to check with the Entiat Ranger District or the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest website for current road conditions and any closures before heading out.

The very nature of its challenging access contributes to its "remote and peaceful" character. Those who make the effort to reach Big Hill Campsite are rewarded with a truly off-grid experience, far from the crowds and noise of more accessible recreational areas, offering an unparalleled sense of wilderness solitude.

Services Offered

• Warming Cabin/Shelter: The core service offered is access to a rustic warming cabin. This cabin provides a basic, enclosed shelter, often equipped with a fire stove. It serves as a base for overnight stays or a refuge from inclement weather.
• Barrel Fire Stove: Inside the cabin, a "fire stove made of barrel" is available for heating, which is crucial for comfort, especially during cooler nights in the mountains. Visitors should bring their own firewood, though some "firewood nearby" might be found from previous visitors.
• Sleeping Spaces: The cabin is noted to contain "4 beds," indicating designated sleeping areas, likely bunks or platforms, allowing for a more comfortable rest than tent camping.
• Primitive Restroom (Likely): While not explicitly stated as a vault toilet, many remote warming cabins or shelters in National Forests have some form of basic, unmaintained pit toilet nearby. Visitors should be prepared for very primitive facilities or plan to dig catholes away from water sources.
• No Potable Water: As clearly stated, there is "No water" available at the campsite. Visitors must pack in all their own drinking water for the entire duration of their stay.
• No Electricity: There is "No electricity" at Big Hill Campsite, meaning no lights, outlets, or charging stations. Campers should bring headlamps, lanterns, and power banks.
• Poor Cell Reception: Visitors should expect "Poor cell reception," indicating little to no mobile phone service. This contributes to the off-grid experience but means communication for emergencies or navigation needs to be planned for (e.g., satellite messenger, downloaded maps).
• "Pack It In, Pack It Out" Policy: As with most remote, primitive sites in National Forests, visitors are expected to adhere to Leave No Trace principles, which includes packing out all trash and waste.
• First-Come, First-Served Access: Such remote cabins are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis; no reservations are possible.

Features / Highlights

• Extreme Seclusion and Peace: The foremost highlight is its "remote and peaceful" nature. For those truly seeking to escape crowds and urban noise, Big Hill Campsite offers an unparalleled level of solitude in the Washington wilderness.
• Rustic Warming Cabin: The presence of a "cool warming cabin" with a barrel stove is a significant feature, providing a more comfortable and protected shelter than tent camping, especially in a mountainous environment where temperatures can drop.
• Off-Grid Experience: With no water, electricity, or reliable cell reception, the campsite offers a genuine off-grid experience, allowing visitors to fully disconnect and embrace self-reliance.
• Suitable for High-Clearance Vehicles: While a challenge for some, the requirement of a high-clearance vehicle (like a Subaru Outback or Toyota Tacoma) is a highlight for off-road enthusiasts who enjoy navigating challenging forest roads to reach remote destinations.
• Communal Stewardship: The mention of visitors trying to "keep it nice" and leaving "spare tampons" or "firewood" suggests a community of users who contribute to the maintenance and usability of the shared shelter.
• Location South of Lake Chelan: Its position in the mountains south of Lake Chelan offers proximity to this popular recreational area, potentially allowing for combined trips or alternative routes for exploration.
• Star-Gazing Potential: Due to the lack of light pollution in such a remote area, Big Hill Campsite likely offers exceptional opportunities for stargazing on clear nights.

Contact Information

Address: NF-112, Entiat, WA 98822, USA

Phone: (509) 784-4700 (This number likely connects to the Entiat Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, which manages the area.)

Mobile Phone: +1 509-784-4700

For the most current and accurate information regarding road conditions to Big Hill Campsite, seasonal accessibility, and any alerts or regulations concerning the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, it is highly recommended that locals contact the Entiat Ranger District directly or consult the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest before planning their trip.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Washington locals, Big Hill Campsite embodies the very essence of a true wilderness escape, making it an exceptionally suitable destination for those who seek deep solitude, challenging adventure, and an authentic off-grid experience. Its unique characteristics align perfectly with the preferences of many Pacific Northwest outdoor enthusiasts.

Firstly, the promise of a "remote and peaceful" environment is a major draw. In a state with rapidly growing population and increasingly crowded popular outdoor spots, finding a place like Big Hill Campsite that truly offers isolation is invaluable. It provides a rare opportunity to disconnect from digital distractions and truly immerse oneself in the sounds, sights, and silence of the vast Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This deep sense of tranquility is a powerful draw for locals seeking mental rejuvenation.

Secondly, the access requirements, while challenging for some, are actually a highlight for many Washingtonians. The need for a "Subaru Outback" or "Toyota Tacoma" to navigate NF-112 isn't a barrier but rather an invitation for those who possess or are comfortable driving high-clearance vehicles on unpaved, sometimes rough, forest roads. This self-selection process helps to preserve the remote nature of the site, ensuring that those who arrive are typically prepared, respectful, and appreciative of such primitive settings. It fosters a sense of shared adventure among those who make the journey.

The rustic warming cabin itself is a significant advantage. Even without water or electricity, the presence of a shelter with a "fire stove made of barrel" and "4 beds" offers a level of comfort and protection from the elements that tent camping alone cannot provide in a mountain environment. This enables longer stays or more comfortable trips, particularly during cooler shoulder seasons. The communal effort in keeping the place functional, with visitors leaving spare firewood or essentials, also resonates with the strong sense of community and stewardship often found among Washington's outdoor enthusiasts.

Ultimately, Big Hill Campsite offers a quintessential Washington backcountry experience. It appeals to the independent spirit of locals who are ready to pack in all their necessities, embrace poor cell reception, and disconnect to truly reconnect with nature. It's a testament to the fact that some of the most rewarding adventures in our state require a little effort to reach, but the peace, beauty, and authentic wilderness found at Big Hill Campsite are truly worth the drive for any local seeking a profound outdoor escape.

Big Hill Campsite

NF-112, Entiat, WA 98822, USA