Midway Campground

For Washington locals seeking a true escape into the wild, Midway Campground near Dayton offers an unparalleled primitive camping experience. Nestled high in the Umatilla National Forest at an elevation of 6,000 feet, this campground is a perfect haven for those who appreciate stunning natural beauty and a quieter, more rustic outdoor adventure. Unlike bustling, amenity-rich parks, Midway provides a back-to-basics approach that allows you to truly immerse yourself in the serene Washington wilderness. This detailed guide is designed to provide you with all the essential information about Midway Campground, helping you plan your next unforgettable trip into the heart of Washington's natural landscapes.

Washington State is a treasure trove of diverse natural environments, from its rugged coastlines to its majestic mountain ranges. For residents across the state, the call of the wild often leads to discoveries of secluded spots like Midway Campground. We understand that for many Washingtonians, camping is more than just a leisure activity; it's a cherished tradition, an opportunity to decompress, explore, and forge lasting memories with family and friends. Our goal here is to equip you with all the necessary details about Midway Campground, empowering you to make informed decisions and prepare for an exceptional outdoor experience right here in your home state. From understanding its primitive nature to anticipating the breathtaking views and wildlife, this guide aims to be your comprehensive resource for planning your visit.

The allure of a primitive campground lies in its ability to offer a genuine disconnection from modern conveniences, pushing you to embrace the simplicity and raw beauty of nature. Midway Campground excels in this regard, offering a truly rustic yet profoundly rewarding camping experience. We believe that an outstanding camping trip extends beyond just a place to pitch a tent; it encompasses the entire environment, from the cleanliness of basic facilities to the abundant wildlife and panoramic vistas that surround the site. Join us as we delve into the specifics of Midway Campground, highlighting why it stands out as a premier destination for Washington locals eager to embrace the unadulterated grandeur of the great outdoors.

Midway Campground promises an authentic Washington camping experience, inviting visitors to unplug, unwind, and enjoy the profound tranquility of nature. Its strategic location within the Umatilla National Forest, coupled with its basic but well-maintained facilities, makes it a popular choice for those seeking a true wilderness retreat. We are confident that after learning more about Midway Campground, you will understand why it is consistently praised by local campers as a fantastic place to create cherished outdoor memories and truly experience the best of Washington's wild side.

Midway Campground is strategically located at NF-100, Dayton, WA 99328, USA, deep within the Umatilla National Forest. This high-elevation campground, sitting at approximately 6,000 feet, offers a sense of seclusion and immersion in the mountain environment. While it feels remote, its accessibility is quite manageable for most vehicles, making it a feasible destination for many Washington residents.

The drive to Midway Campground is an integral part of the experience, taking you through scenic forest roads. For those traveling from areas like Walla Walla, the drive is approximately 1 hour and 47 minutes. From Kennewick, it's about 2 hours and 22 minutes, and from Spokane, expect a drive of around 3 hours and 15 minutes. These drive times indicate that while it's a journey, it's well within reach for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation for residents across Eastern Washington. The main access road, NF-100, is generally well-maintained, though conditions can vary with weather, especially at this high elevation where snowpack levels can be significant earlier in the season.

Being part of the Pomeroy Ranger District of the Umatilla National Forest, the campground's location provides direct access to opportune hiking trails, allowing for immediate exploration of the surrounding wilderness. The relatively easy drive-in access, combined with its remote feel, strikes an excellent balance for campers seeking both convenience and a genuine escape into Washington's natural beauty. It's a place where you can quickly transition from city life to the tranquility of the forest, making it a highly desirable spot for locals.

Midway Campground, living up to its "primitive campground" designation, offers essential services designed to facilitate a rustic yet comfortable camping experience. While it forgoes modern conveniences, it ensures the basics are well-maintained:

• Pit toilets: The campground provides clean pit toilets, a crucial amenity for any primitive site, ensuring basic sanitation for campers.
• Fire pits: Each campsite is equipped with a fire pit, allowing for campfires, cooking, and warmth during your stay.
• Picnic tables: Campsites also include picnic tables, offering a convenient surface for meal preparation and outdoor dining.
• Parking: Designated parking areas are available for campers.
• No water: It is important to note that the campground does not have potable water. Campers must bring their own water supply for drinking, cooking, and washing.
• No showers: As a primitive campground, showers are not available on-site.
• No garbage service: Midway Campground operates on a "Leave No Trace" principle; campers are responsible for packing out all their trash.
• No hookups: There are no electric, water, or sewer hookups for RVs or trailers, emphasizing the primitive nature of the site.
• Fee charged: A camping fee of $8.00 per night for the first two vehicles is charged from April 1st through November 30th, with an additional $5.00 per vehicle thereafter.
• First-come, first-served: Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis; no reservations are accepted.

Midway Campground offers several compelling features and highlights that draw Washington locals seeking a genuine outdoor adventure:

• Stunning Views: As a high-elevation campground (6,000 feet), Midway boasts "amazing" views of the surrounding Umatilla National Forest and the Blue Mountains. These panoramic vistas are a significant draw for landscape enthusiasts and photographers.
• Abundant Wildlife: The area is rich in wildlife, offering excellent opportunities for observation. Visitors frequently report seeing white-tailed deer and mule deer. While elk sightings might be rarer, signs of their presence are often noted, adding to the wild appeal of the location.
• Primitive Camping Experience: For those who prefer a less developed and more natural setting, Midway Campground delivers. Its primitive nature, with basic amenities, caters to campers who enjoy a true wilderness immersion.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Despite its primitive nature, the campground is noted as a "great place to play as a family," suggesting a safe and enjoyable environment for children to explore and connect with nature.
• Connected Hiking Trails: The campground offers convenient access to opportune hiking trails, allowing campers to easily venture out and explore the rugged terrain and breathtaking views of the Umatilla National Forest.
• Light Usage: The campground generally experiences light usage, especially outside of holiday weekends, contributing to a quiet, secluded atmosphere perfect for relaxation.
• Proximity to Logging Trails: The surrounding area includes numerous logging trails, which can be explored for additional hiking or off-road adventures, offering more opportunities for exploration beyond the immediate campground.

For inquiries or to obtain current information about Midway Campground, including operational status and specific regulations, please use the following contact details for the managing Forest Service office:

Address: NF-100, Dayton, WA 99328, USA (within the Umatilla National Forest)

Phone: (541) 278-3716

Mobile Phone: +1 541-278-3716 (This number is for the Supervisor's Office in Pendleton, OR, which oversees this district of the Umatilla National Forest. They are the best point of contact for accurate information.)

For more specific local information or alerts, checking the Umatilla National Forest website or contacting the Pomeroy Ranger District directly at (509) 843-1891 can also be beneficial, especially concerning snowpack levels or road conditions given its high elevation.

Midway Campground stands as an excellent choice for Washington locals who cherish a primitive, high-elevation camping experience. Its location within the Umatilla National Forest provides stunning views and abundant opportunities for wildlife observation, including white-tailed deer, mule deer, and signs of elk. While offering basic amenities such as pit toilets, fire pits, and picnic tables, its lack of potable water and hookups reinforces its rustic appeal, catering to those who truly want to unplug and embrace the wilderness. The campground's reputation as a "great place to play as a family" suggests a welcoming environment for all ages, making it suitable for creating cherished outdoor memories. Despite the potential for snow in the earlier part of its season (June to November), its serene atmosphere, combined with accessible hiking trails and a modest nightly fee, makes Midway Campground an ideal and authentic escape into Washington's natural beauty, right in the backyard for many local residents.

Midway Campground

NF-100, Dayton, WA 99328, USA