Tiffany Springs Campground

For Washington locals who truly appreciate the rugged beauty of the Okanogan Highlands and the serenity of a more primitive camping experience, Tiffany Springs Campground is an exceptional find. Tucked away within the vast Colville National Forest near Loomis, this campground offers a direct connection to nature, particularly for those passionate about hiking and exploring the wilderness. It's a place where the sounds of the forest prevail, and the sense of being truly "away from it all" is palpable. If your idea of a perfect getaway involves lacing up your hiking boots and discovering breathtaking views right from your campsite, Tiffany Springs is undoubtedly a prime destination in our diverse state.

What makes Tiffany Springs Campground particularly appealing to seasoned outdoor enthusiasts in Washington is its immediate access to fantastic hiking trails. Reviewers consistently highlight the presence of "nice hiking trails right next to your campsite," including a "nice casual trail down to Tiffany Lake" where you can "relax and just take in the beauty." For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the trails extend further into the scenic high country, offering longer hikes and incredible vistas, even if some sections of the trail traverse areas affected by past fires, which now provide unique open views and opportunities to observe forest regeneration. While it offers a more rustic experience without amenities like potable water or garbage service, the well-maintained sites and peaceful atmosphere solidify its reputation as a cherished spot for those who know and love Washington's wild places. This article will provide a detailed look into the offerings of Tiffany Springs Campground, outlining its location, services, features, and why it's a perfect fit for our local community's adventurous spirit.

Tiffany Springs Campground is located on NF-39, Loomis, WA 98827, USA, within the sprawling Colville National Forest in Okanogan County. This places it in the high-elevation Okanogan Highlands, an area known for its subalpine forests, open meadows, and panoramic mountain views. Access to the campground typically involves driving on Forest Service Roads. From Conconully, for instance, you would take County Road #2017 southwest around Conconully Reservoir for approximately 3 miles to the junction with Forest Service Road #37. Travel on FS Road #37 for about 21 miles to the junction with Forest Service Road #39. Then, turn right onto FS Road #39 and travel north 8 miles to the entrance of Tiffany Springs Campground on the left. It's important to note that while these roads are generally gravel and can be driven by most vehicles, Forest Service Road #39 has not been graded recently and is not recommended for low-clearance passenger vehicles. Trailers are prohibited due to road conditions, emphasizing that this is a destination for those comfortable with more rugged travel.

The campground is situated at a high elevation (around 6,800 feet), which means it's usually accessible from late June through September, as most of the year the roads are buried under snow, making the area accessible only by foot or snowmobile. This seasonal access contributes to its remote and unspoiled feel, attracting those who crave genuine wilderness. The layout of the six campsites is designed to provide space and privacy, making it a quiet and contemplative spot for campers to enjoy the natural surroundings.

Services Offered:

• Primitive Campsites: Tiffany Springs Campground features six individual campsites, designed for tent camping and small vehicles. Trailers are explicitly prohibited due to road conditions.
• Picnic Tables: Each of the six campsites is equipped with its own picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation and outdoor dining.
• Fire Rings with Grills: Every campsite includes a fire pit with a grate, allowing for campfires (when conditions permit) and cooking over an open flame.
• Vault Toilet: The campground has one toilet facility, a vault toilet, which is generally well-maintained, though it's always advisable for campers to bring their own toilet paper.
• No Potable Water: There is no potable water available at this site, so campers must pack in all their drinking water.
• No Garbage Service: Visitors are required to pack out all their garbage, adhering to Leave No Trace principles to keep the wilderness pristine.
• First-Come, First-Served: All campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis; no reservations are accepted.
• Free Camping: Tiffany Springs Campground is a fee-free campground.

Features / Highlights:

• Immediate Trail Access: A major highlight is the direct access to hiking trails right from the campground. The Tiffany Lake Trail #373 begins just across Forest Service Road #39, leading down to Tiffany Lake.
• Beautiful Tiffany Lake: Tiffany Lake is about a 2.5-mile one-way hike from the campground, offering a serene spot to relax, take in the beauty, and enjoy fishing.
• Extensive Hiking Opportunities: Beyond Tiffany Lake, the trail continues, offering longer and more challenging hikes, including routes to Honeymoon Pass and even up to Tiffany Mountain, providing outstanding views and wildflower displays (in season).
• Spacious Campsites: The six campsites are described as spacious, ensuring a good degree of privacy and room for campers. Some sites might not be perfectly level, which is typical for primitive campgrounds.
• Stunning Views: The higher elevation and open areas (some due to past fires) provide great views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
• Bird Watching: The Tiffany Mountain area, including around the campground, is notable for unique high-elevation resident birds like the Boreal Owl and Boreal Chickadee, making it a prime spot for birdwatchers. Other species like Spruce Grouse, American Three-toed Woodpecker, and various finches can also be found.
• Peaceful and Quiet Environment: Given its remote location and limited number of sites, the campground offers a quiet and relaxing atmosphere, ideal for those seeking solitude.
• Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to see deer, elk, and other forest wildlife are present.
• Year-Round Operation (seasonal access): While the campground itself is technically open year-round, vehicular access is generally limited to late June through September due to snow.
• No Fees: As a free campground, it offers an economical way to experience Washington's wilderness.

Contact Information:

Address: NF-39, Loomis, WA 98827, USA

Phone: (509) 486-2186 (This number is for the Tonasket Ranger District, which oversees this area of the Colville National Forest)

Mobile Phone: +1 509-486-2186

For the most current information regarding Tiffany Springs Campground, including road conditions, potential closures (especially due to snow or fire danger), and any alerts or warnings, it is highly recommended to contact the Colville National Forest's Tonasket Ranger District office directly using the provided phone numbers. As a primitive, first-come, first-served site, direct site-specific information for immediate availability is not typically provided, but the Ranger District can offer invaluable guidance on accessing the area and current conditions.

Tiffany Springs Campground is particularly suitable for Washington locals who cherish genuine wilderness experiences and prioritize hiking and natural beauty over extensive amenities. For many of us in Washington, the opportunity to truly escape the hustle and bustle and immerse ourselves in a remote, quiet setting is a highly valued aspect of outdoor recreation. This campground, with its limited number of well-spaced sites and direct access to challenging and scenic trails, perfectly fits that desire.

Its status as a free campground is a significant advantage for locals, making it an accessible option for frequent and affordable wilderness excursions. The ability to simply drive up (with an appropriate vehicle, of course) and find a serene spot provides a sense of freedom that many larger, reservable campgrounds cannot offer. While the lack of potable water and garbage service requires careful planning and adherence to Leave No Trace principles, this is often embraced by experienced Washington campers who are accustomed to self-sufficiency in the backcountry.

For birdwatchers and hikers, the unique ecosystems of the Okanogan Highlands and the promise of encountering specialized wildlife make Tiffany Springs an exciting destination. It's a place where you can disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature, all while exploring some of Washington's most stunning and less-traveled high-elevation landscapes. Tiffany Springs Campground truly offers an authentic slice of Washington wilderness, making it a perfect spot for locals to unwind and create lasting outdoor memories.

Tiffany Springs Campground

NF-39, Loomis, WA 98827, USA