Twentynine Pines Campground

For those of us who call Washington State home, the call of the wild is never far. We are blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, from towering mountain peaks to serene river valleys, offering countless opportunities to escape the everyday hustle. If you're a local seeking a truly immersive outdoor experience, Twentynine Pines Campground, nestled near Cle Elum, offers a unique blend of rugged charm and accessibility to some of Washington's most stunning landscapes. This isn't your average amenity-rich RV park; it’s a dispersed camping haven designed for those who appreciate self-reliance and raw natural beauty.

Twentynine Pines Campground provides a genuine wilderness experience, characterized by its tall pine and fir trees, peaceful meadow-like areas, and intriguing rock formations. It’s a place where the air is crisp, the nights are quiet (save for the sounds of nature), and the stars shine brighter than you might imagine. Whether you're a seasoned backpacker, a family looking for a simpler camping trip, or an RVer seeking a spacious site, Twentynine Pines has something to offer. This guide aims to give you an in-depth look at what makes this campground a fantastic choice for your next Washington outdoor adventure, ensuring you arrive prepared and ready to make the most of your stay.

Twentynine Pines Campground is conveniently located at 20831 Teanaway Rd North Fork, Cle Elum, WA 98922, USA. This places it along the North Fork of the Teanaway River, a picturesque area known for its natural beauty and proximity to the vast recreational opportunities of the Teanaway Community Forest.

Access to the campground is quite straightforward, making it a viable option for a wide range of vehicles. The main road leading to the campground is paved, which means you won't have to contend with dusty or rough conditions on your approach. However, once you enter the campground itself, expect the internal roads to be "full of potholes and rough." This necessitates a slow pace, making "abiding the 5 MPH speed limit very easy!" Despite the internal road conditions, large vehicles, including "35+ foot fifth wheels and very large Class A motorhomes," have been comfortably parked here, alongside smaller trailers, Class C motorhomes, tents, and truck campers. The key is to "go slow on the campground road" for a successful entry and exit. While the campground is near a river, direct riverside access from all sites might require a short walk to reach the "babbling water."

• Dispersed Camping: Twentynine Pines is a dispersed campground, meaning it operates with minimal services. This is important to note: there is "no garbage service or water." Visitors are expected to adhere to a "pack it in, pack it out" philosophy, taking all their garbage home with them.
• Porta-Potties: The campground provides "Porta-potties" for restroom facilities. While functional, reviews suggest that their maintenance can vary, with some noting they "REALLY needed to be pumped out" during their stay. It's advisable to bring your own hand sanitizer and any personal necessities.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, offering a designated area for preparing meals and dining outdoors. Some tables may be "older but adequate," with a few potentially "in need of repairs."
• No Fires Permitted: Due to ongoing fire danger and the remote location, campfires are generally "no fires permitted." This is a crucial rule to adhere to for safety and environmental protection. Always check current fire restrictions before your visit.
• No Washrooms or Showers: In line with its dispersed camping nature, the campground does not offer traditional washroom facilities with running water or showers. Be prepared for a rustic experience.
• Washington State Discover Pass Required: To stay at Twentynine Pines Campground, you will need a Washington State Discover Pass. There is no additional charge for camping beyond the purchase of this pass, which is valid at many other state recreation lands across Washington.

• Natural Beauty: The campground is situated in a "beautiful natural area" with "tall pine trees, fir trees, some meadow-like areas, neat rocks to look at as you meander around the roads or paths." This offers a serene and picturesque backdrop for your camping trip.
• Spacious and Well-Separated Sites: The campsites at Twentynine Pines are known for being "well separated and quite large." This provides a greater sense of privacy and space compared to more conventional campgrounds, accommodating various setups from tents to large RVs comfortably.
• Proximity to Hiking Trails: One of the biggest draws of this campground is its closeness to a "wide variety of excellent hiking." There is direct "hiking access to the Alpine Lakes area." Specific trails like the Esmeralda Basin trail are highlighted for "amazing wildflowers when in season" and "terrific views year round." Hikers also have the possibility of seeing "mountain goats at the higher elevations."
• River Access (Nearby): While not directly on every site, the campground is "near a river." A short walk will lead you to the "babbling water" of the Teanaway River, offering opportunities for enjoyment of the water. Some specific sites may even offer direct access.
• No Cell Service: For those truly looking to disconnect, the lack of cell phone service at Twentynine Pines can be a significant highlight. This ensures a genuine escape from digital distractions, allowing for full immersion in the natural surroundings.
• Dispersed Camping Experience: This campground is ideal for those who prefer a more primitive, self-sufficient camping style. The "dispersed camping" nature means fewer crowds and a more independent outdoor adventure.

Address: 20831 Teanaway Rd North Fork, Cle Elum, WA 98922, USA

As a dispersed campground managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), direct phone numbers for Twentynine Pines Campground itself are not typically provided for individual site inquiries. For general information about the Teanaway Community Forest and its recreational sites, or for details regarding the Discover Pass, you may contact the Washington State DNR. Specific inquiries about conditions or regulations might be directed to the DNR's general contact line for the region or by checking their official website for the Teanaway Community Forest.

Twentynine Pines Campground is an excellent choice for Washington locals who cherish the state's natural beauty and seek an authentic, self-reliant camping experience. Its location near Cle Elum provides relatively easy access from major population centers, making it a convenient weekend getaway or a basecamp for longer explorations into the Cascades. For residents who already possess a Washington State Discover Pass, the fact that there's no additional camping fee beyond this makes Twentynine Pines an incredibly cost-effective option for extended stays, up to the seven-day limit within a 30-day period.

What truly sets Twentynine Pines apart for locals is its unique blend of dispersed camping with robust accessibility for various vehicle types, including large RVs. This means you don't need a specialized off-road vehicle to reach a genuine wilderness setting. The large, well-separated sites offer a level of privacy that can be hard to find in more commercial campgrounds, allowing families and groups to truly spread out and enjoy their space.

The proximity to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and the wide array of hiking trails, including the Esmeralda Basin, is a major draw for Washington's avid outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're aiming for challenging mountain ascents or gentle riverside strolls, the opportunities for exploration are immense. The presence of wildlife, like mountain goats at higher elevations, adds to the allure of this natural retreat.

While the lack of services like potable water, garbage collection, and traditional restrooms requires careful planning and a commitment to Leave No Trace principles, this is precisely what appeals to many Washingtonians looking for a less developed, more connected experience with nature. It fosters self-sufficiency and an appreciation for the raw beauty of our state. The absence of cell service further reinforces this disconnect, providing a much-needed digital detox. For locals ready to embrace a truly natural camping adventure, with stunning scenery and unparalleled access to some of Washington's best hiking, Twentynine Pines Campground stands out as a prime destination.

Twentynine Pines Campground

20831 Teanaway Rd North Fork, Cle Elum, WA 98922, USA