Ken Wilcox Campground At Haney Meadows
05 reviewsForest Rt. 9712, Cle Elum, Washington
Ken Wilcox Campground At Haney Meadows
$5.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Single sites cost $10/night with a digital payment system available through the recreation.gov app. Additional vehicles cost $5/night with a two-vehicle limit per site. Discounts for Interagency Senior, Access, Golden Age, or Golden Access passes are available (50% off single site fee).
About this campground
Escape to Ken Wilcox Campground, where 19 secluded sites await those seeking authentic wilderness adventure with their equine companions. This high-country horse camp embraces the raw beauty of backcountry camping—bring everything you need and leave only hoofprints. While the 2012 Table Mountain Fire has left its mark with fallen giants scattered throughout the forest, the campground continues to offer an unfiltered connection to nature. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with sturdy hitching rails for your horses and fire rings for evening gatherings under star-filled skies. Fresh stock water flows for your animals, though riders should pack their own drinking water for this true pack-it-in, pack-it-out experience.
Ken Wilcox Campground is primarily designed as a primitive, equestrian camping area with tent sites that can accommodate horse trailers.
Historical SignificanceThe landscape here tells a powerful story of nature's cycles of destruction and renewal. The 2012 Table Mountain Fire swept through these forests, leaving behind a haunting gallery of standing deadwood—silver sentinels that serve as monuments to the forest's resilience. Today, new growth pushes through the ash-enriched soil, while the fire-sculpted terrain offers unique perspectives on how wilderness adapts and thrives after natural disasters.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal shifts of high-altitude camping, where summer mornings can greet you with crisp 30°F temperatures before warming to a comfortable 70°F by afternoon. Winter transforms this landscape into a snow-laden wonderland, with pristine white blankets persisting well into early June. Plan your adventure accordingly—this is a place where mountain weather writes its own rules, rewarding the prepared with unforgettable experiences in every season.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 5,600 feet, Ken Wilcox Campground places you firmly in alpine territory where the air is thin, the views are endless, and every breath reminds you just how far you've climbed from the valleys below. This elevation brings its own rewards and challenges—spectacular vistas, cooler temperatures, and that distinctive mountain atmosphere that makes everything feel just a little more wild and wonderful.
Natural Features and SceneryNestled at the edge of pristine Haney Meadow, this 5,600-foot sanctuary offers a front-row seat to nature's alpine theater. Towering Lodgepole pines stand alongside stately Engelmann spruce and aromatic White fir, creating a diverse conifer tapestry that frames sweeping mountain vistas. The adjacent meadow bursts with wildflowers in summer, while the surrounding forest provides both shade and shelter. Here, where meadow meets forest at the roof of the world, every sunrise paints the landscape in golden hues and every sunset transforms the sky into a canvas of fire and ice.
Geological RegionDeep within the magnificent Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Ken Wilcox Campground occupies a special corner where Haney Meadow's gentle grasslands meet the protective embrace of ancient conifers. This unique positioning creates a diverse ecosystem where Lodgepole pine, Engelmann spruce, and White fir thrive in the mineral-rich soils of the Cascade foothills. The surrounding national forest spans millions of acres of varied terrain, but this particular spot offers an ideal blend of open meadow vistas and sheltering forest that has drawn outdoor enthusiasts and their horses for generations.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no information indicating specific accessibility features at the campground.
Sites SizeSites are described as large and spacious to accommodate any size of horse trailer.
Sites PrivacyThe privacy level of the sites is not explicitly described.
Total Campsites19 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are spacious and suitable for large horse trailers.
Best CampsitesNo specific site numbers mentioned.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
- Maximum of 2 vehicles allowed
- guest capacity not specified.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout19 spacious sites designed for equestrian use with hitching rails and fire rings.
Open and Closed SeasonSeasonally open from early June to late October. Open July 4 through November 1, weather dependent.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations are available at this campground.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up only; no reservations accepted.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system in place.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Ken Wilcox Campground offers recreational activities focused on equestrian use and exploration of the surrounding trails. Hiking and horseback riding are the primary attractions, with access to several trails in the Wenatchee National Forest.
Hiking
The campground provides access to multiple trails, including the Table Mountain Trail #1209 (1.9 miles), Old Ellensburg Trail #1373 (3.6 miles), and Grass Camp Trail #1219.1 (3.8 miles). These trails support foot, horse, and mountain bike use and connect to a broader network of 150 miles of trails.Biking
Some trails accessing the campground, such as the Table Mountain Trail, are open to mountain biking.Wildlife viewing
User reviews mention elk sightings as a highlight of the area, making it an excellent spot for wildlife enthusiasts.Winter Activities
During early June, snow and snowy trails can be a challenge for access, but no winter-specific recreational opportunities (e.g., skiing, snowshoeing) were explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports opportunities are available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Each site includes a fire ring, but no grill. Firewood availability not mentioned.
- Quiet hours not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsDowned trees across trails and within the campground (from Table Mountain Fire). Roads are rocky and steep with dangerous drop-offs, as noted in user reviews.
Active alertsNone stated, but ongoing impact from fire-damaged areas.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 23%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services are centered in Cle Elum, including police and medical facilities.
Good to know
Peak season datesJuly to early August based on weather trends from user reviews.
Trash and recyclingThe campground operates on a pack-it-in, pack-it-out basis, meaning campers must carry out all waste and dispose of it elsewhere.
Proximity to water featuresNo lakes or swimming areas nearby; only stock water is available onsite.
Common complaintsRoad quality is a recurring issue in user reviews, with mentions of deep potholes, narrow shoulders, and steep drop-offs. Campground remains primitive and affected by fire damage.
HostNo campground host information provided.
Campground Map
Forest Rt. 9712, Cle Elum, Washington
Driving directionsFrom Cle Elum, take State Rt. 903, which becomes State Rt. 970 East, then U.S. Rt. 97 North. Go 19.9 miles to Forest Rt. 9711 sign, turn right onto Forest Rt. 9711 (gravel) and go 6.4 miles to a 'T' intersection. Turn left onto Forest Rt. 9712 (gravel), and go 4.7 miles to the campground on the left.
Road access is rough and rocky for the last 4.7 miles. Forest Rt. 9711 and 9712 are gravel roads not recommended for RVs. High clearance vehicles are recommended. User reviews indicate deep potholes and steep drop-offs; roads are challenging for larger trailers.Nearby places
Cle Elum (approximately 24 miles northeast, 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Cle Elum provides the nearest grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel stations within approximately 30 minutes of travel.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Ken Wilcox Campground At Haney Meadows has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Ken Wilcox Campground present a mixed sentiment. While the natural beauty, spacious sites, and suitability for horseback riding are praised, several users expressed concerns about the difficult road conditions and post-fire challenges.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the campground's scenic views, abundant wildlife (notably elk), and its access to extensive hiking and riding trails. One user stated, 'The campsite itself is very nice and...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints involve poor road conditions with potholes and steep drop-offs, making access difficult for larger trailers. Additionally, the aftermath of the Table Mountain Fire (e.g., downed...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend using a high-clearance vehicle due to rough roads. It is also advised to bring all essentials, including water, given the lack of potable water on-site.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Early June may still present challenges due to snowed-in trails and roads, while late summer and early fall offer the most favorable conditions for camping and trail riding.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'The campsite itself is very nice and quiet.' - 'Great views along Forest Rt. 9712.' - 'The road from 97 is a well-maintained gravel road with some spectacular views.' - 'Taking a truck/camper or...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
There are no specific site numbers mentioned in user reviews, but the general recommendation is to avoid visiting during early June due to snow and debris on trails.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
There were no specific reviews addressing accessibility features.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews about pet policies or pet-related experiences were provided.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025