Rex Trail Campground

For Washington residents seeking a diverse and engaging outdoor experience, Pearrygin Lake State Park, home to the renowned Rex Derr Trail, offers an exceptional array of camping, recreation, and relaxation opportunities. Located just a stone's throw from the charming Western-themed town of Winthrop, this expansive park is a jewel in the Methow Valley, providing a perfect blend of natural beauty and well-maintained facilities. While the name "Rex Trail Campground" might refer specifically to the camping areas associated with the famous trail, it's more accurately understood as a key feature within the larger Pearrygin Lake State Park, which offers various camping options designed to suit every type of outdoor enthusiast.

Pearrygin Lake State Park boasts 1,186 acres with an impressive 11,000 feet of waterfront on the spring-fed Pearrygin Lake. This makes it a primary destination for water-based activities, from swimming and boating to fishing and water skiing. Beyond the lake, the park's varied landscape includes expansive green lawns, old willows and ash trees providing shade, and vibrant wildflowers in spring and summer. The 3.1-mile Rex Derr Trail, named after a former director of the State Parks and Recreation Commission, is a popular year-round multi-use trail that skirts the lake and offers stunning views, making it a highlight for hikers, snowshoers, and fat-tire bikers alike.

This guide will provide a detailed overview of what makes Pearrygin Lake State Park and its camping opportunities, including those near the Rex Derr Trail, such a suitable and appealing destination for Washington locals. We'll cover its strategic location, the extensive range of services and features available, and why it consistently draws visitors looking for both active adventure and peaceful tranquility.

Pearrygin Lake State Park, which encompasses the area around the Rex Derr Trail, is ideally situated approximately two miles east of the picturesque town of Winthrop, WA 98862, USA. This proximity to Winthrop is a significant advantage, allowing campers easy access to the town's unique shops, restaurants, and amenities, providing a perfect balance between wilderness immersion and convenience.

The park's address is 625 Bear Creek Rd, Winthrop, WA 98862. Access to the park has been consolidated into a new, single entrance at this address, replacing older east and west entrances. This streamlined entry point makes navigating to the park straightforward for visitors arriving from various directions.

For Washington residents, the drive to Pearrygin Lake State Park offers scenic beauty. From larger population centers like Seattle, the journey typically takes around 4-5 hours, winding through mountain passes and offering spectacular views of the North Cascades. From closer cities like Wenatchee, the drive is considerably shorter, around 2-3 hours. The roads leading to the park are generally well-maintained and suitable for all vehicle types, including RVs up to 60 feet in length, as the park features sites that can accommodate larger rigs.

The park's setting in the Methow Valley means it benefits from the region's generally sunny climate, often providing a pleasant escape when the west side of the Cascades is shrouded in clouds. The lake itself is central to the park's location, offering extensive shoreline access and beautiful views of the surrounding shrub-steppe landscape and distant mountains. This combination of accessibility, scenic beauty, and proximity to a charming town makes Pearrygin Lake State Park a highly desirable and convenient destination for Washingtonians seeking diverse outdoor recreation.

Pearrygin Lake State Park offers a comprehensive range of services and facilities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay for all visitors, from tent campers to RV enthusiasts, and even those looking for a touch of home comfort.

• Campsites: The park provides a variety of camping options, including 92 standard campsites and 71 utility sites with hookups (water, electricity, and sometimes sewer) that can accommodate RVs up to 60 feet long. There are also two group camps for larger gatherings.
• Cabins: For those seeking more comfort, Pearrygin Lake offers two cabins equipped with kitchenettes (microwave, coffee pot, two-burner cooktop, sink, under-counter refrigerator), electric heat, lights, and a private bathroom with a toilet. Showers are nearby.
• Vacation House: A larger one-bedroom, one-bath vacation house is also available, sleeping four and coming with linens, cookware, and utensils, and is accessible to people with disabilities.
• Restrooms and Showers: Modern restrooms with hot showers are available throughout the park, including a bathhouse in the day-use area, enhancing visitor comfort.
• Potable Water: Potable water spigots are located throughout the campgrounds, ensuring easy access to drinking water.
• Trailer Dump Station: A convenient trailer dump station is available for RV users.
• Boat Launch and Dock: The park features a watercraft launch and 60 feet of dock space, providing excellent access to Pearrygin Lake for various boating activities.
• Picnic Areas: Over 30 picnic tables are available, some on a first-come, first-served basis, providing ample space for day-use visitors and campers alike.
• Park Store: Camp stores in each campground sell supplies, groceries, and even locally roasted artisan coffee, ensuring that basic necessities and treats are readily available.
• Reservations: Individual campsites and cabins can be reserved online via the Washington State Parks website (www.parks.state.wa.us) or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688. Group camp reservations are exclusively by phone.
• Day-Use Area: A dedicated day-use area offers a marked swimming beach and barbecue stands, perfect for a sunny day out.

These extensive services make Pearrygin Lake State Park a highly convenient and accommodating destination for a wide range of camping preferences, from traditional tent camping to RV excursions and cabin stays.

Pearrygin Lake State Park, with its central Rex Derr Trail, is packed with features and highlights that ensure a memorable experience for Washington locals.

• Pearrygin Lake: The crown jewel of the park, this spring-fed lake offers 11,000 feet of waterfront. It's excellent for swimming (with a marked beach), boating (including water skiing and personal watercraft use during specific hours), and is regularly stocked for fishing.
• Rex Derr Trail: A 3.1-mile multi-use trail named for a former State Parks director, this trail is a year-round attraction. It winds along the hillside, offering spectacular mountain views, glimpses of wildlife (like mule deer), and the opportunity to hike through shrub-steppe landscapes and past old homestead remnants. In winter, it's groomed for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and fat-tire biking.
• Diverse Recreation: Beyond the lake and trail, the park offers a wide array of activities including volleyball, horseshoe pits, and general snow play in winter, ensuring there's something for everyone regardless of the season.
• Scenic Beauty: The park's landscape is visually stunning, with expansive green lawns, old willows and ash trees providing shade, and a vibrant display of wildflowers in spring and summer. The backdrop of the shrub-steppe and mountains creates a picturesque setting.
• Wildlife Viewing: Visitors often spot red-winged and yellow-headed blackbirds, marmots, and mule deer, particularly along the Rex Derr Trail, offering opportunities for nature observation and photography.
• Year-Round Accessibility: Unlike many seasonal campgrounds, Pearrygin Lake State Park offers activities and access throughout the year, from water sports in summer to groomed trails for winter recreation.
• Family-Friendly Environment: With diverse camping options, designated swimming areas, and a wide range of activities, the park is highly suited for families with children.
• Proximal to Winthrop: The charm of the Western-themed town of Winthrop is just a few miles away, offering unique dining, shopping, and cultural experiences to complement your outdoor adventure.

These highlights underscore Pearrygin Lake State Park's status as a premier destination for comprehensive outdoor recreation and relaxation within Washington State.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Pearrygin Lake State Park, its camping facilities, current conditions, and to make reservations, it is best to contact the park directly or use the official state park reservation system.

Address:

Pearrygin Lake State Park

625 Bear Creek Rd

Winthrop, WA 98862, USA

Phone Numbers:

Park Information: (509) 996-2370

Reservations (Individual Campsites & Cabins): (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688

Reservations (Group Camps): (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688 (Note: Group camp reservations are generally only available by phone.)

Website:

Official Washington State Parks Website: www.parks.wa.gov (Look for Pearrygin Lake State Park)

Online Reservations: www.parks.state.wa.us or directly through their reservation portal (often linked from the main parks site).

It is highly recommended to check the official Washington State Parks website for Pearrygin Lake before your visit. This will provide current information on park alerts, burn bans, seasonal hours, fee changes, and any other pertinent details that could affect your trip. Given the popularity of the park, especially during peak seasons, making reservations well in advance is advisable to secure your preferred campsite or cabin.

Pearrygin Lake State Park, with its array of camping options and the inviting Rex Derr Trail, is an exceptionally suitable destination for Washington locals seeking a complete and fulfilling outdoor experience. It offers a unique combination of amenities, activities, and natural beauty that caters to a diverse range of preferences, making it a true gem within the state's park system.

For families, the park is a dream. The availability of modern restrooms, hot showers, and a park store means a comfortable and convenient stay, even for those new to camping. The designated swimming beach on Pearrygin Lake provides a safe and enjoyable environment for children, while the cabins offer a "glamping" option for those who prefer more home-like comforts. The varied camping options, from standard sites to full hook-up RV sites, accommodate different camping styles and equipment, making it easy for any local to find their perfect spot.

Beyond the comfort, the sheer breadth of activities makes Pearrygin Lake State Park a local favorite. The lake itself is a hub for water sports, appealing to everything from leisurely paddling to exhilarating water skiing. For land-based adventurers, the Rex Derr Trail provides a fantastic opportunity for year-round exploration, whether it's a brisk hike in the summer or a tranquil snowshoe in the winter. This multi-season appeal means Washingtonians can revisit the park throughout the year and always discover something new.

Furthermore, the park's proximity to Winthrop adds a layer of cultural enrichment to the outdoor adventure. Locals can easily pop into town for a meal, explore the Western-themed streets, or resupply, blending their wilderness retreat with a taste of local charm. This convenience reduces travel planning complexities, making it an ideal destination for weekend getaways or even longer vacations without venturing too far from home.

In essence, Pearrygin Lake State Park and its associated camping areas offer Washington residents a comprehensive outdoor playground. It balances rustic natural beauty with thoughtful amenities, active recreation with peaceful relaxation, and remote feeling with local accessibility. For anyone in Washington looking to truly experience the diverse landscapes and recreational opportunities their state has to offer, Pearrygin Lake State Park stands as a top-tier choice.

Rex Trail Campground

Winthrop, WA 98862, USA