Riders Camp
01 reviewRiders Camp
$5.00 - $5.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$5.00
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
The campground charges a flat rate of $5 per night for a single site. Each additional vehicle is $5 per night, with a maximum of 2 vehicles per site. Digital payments are accepted through the Recreation.gov mobile app, which must be downloaded prior to arrival. Visitors with certain passes (Interagency Senior, Interagency Access, Golden Age, Golden Access) receive a 50% discount.
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About this campground
Nestled deep in the Manastash Ridge wilderness of Central Washington, Riders Camp beckons adventure seekers with its untamed spirit and rugged charm. This remote haven serves as basecamp for thrill-seekers who crave the roar of engines on challenging dirt trails and the quiet satisfaction of conquering mountain paths on horseback. By day, explore miles of winding routes that twist through ancient forests and climb rocky ridgelines. As evening falls, cast a line in nearby waters or simply lose yourself in the profound silence of the backcountry. Here, where the Cascade Mountains paint the horizon with jagged peaks, camping means embracing the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest—no frills, just pure wilderness immersion.
Riders Camp caters to campers with diverse needs, including those with off-road vehicles or horses. The campground is noted for OHV camping and horse camping, making it a hub for motorized and equestrian adventurers.
Historical SignificanceWhile the written history of this particular campground may be brief, the surrounding Manastash Ridge carries the whispers of countless generations who have traversed these ancient paths. Today's riders follow routes once used by indigenous peoples, early settlers, and logging crews, adding their own stories to this rugged landscape.
Weather and SeasonsFrom early June through late October, Riders Camp awakens from its winter slumber to welcome adventurers during the region's most spectacular months. Summer brings warm days perfect for dusty trail rides and cool mountain evenings around the campfire. As autumn approaches, crisp air and golden light transform the landscape, creating ideal conditions for those final adventures before the snow returns. The camping season captures Central Washington at its finest—when wildflowers bloom, wildlife emerges, and every trail promises discovery.
ElevationPerched at 4,200 feet above sea level, Riders Camp offers a true mountain experience where the air feels lighter and the stars shine brighter. This elevation brings refreshingly cool nights even during summer's peak, with temperatures often dropping 15-20 degrees from the valley floor. Morning mist frequently blankets the camp, burning off to reveal breathtaking vistas as the sun climbs higher. The altitude adds an extra dimension to every adventure—engines work harder, hearts pump faster, and the sense of accomplishment soars even higher.
Natural Features and SceneryAncient Douglas firs and ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral around Riders Camp, their towering forms filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The rugged terrain tells a story written in stone and soil—steep ravines carved by centuries of snowmelt, ridgelines sculpted by wind and weather, and meadows that burst with wildflowers each spring. To the west, the mighty Cascade Range dominates the skyline, its snow-capped peaks serving as both compass and inspiration. This is landscape that demands respect and rewards exploration, where every turn reveals another postcard-worthy vista and every trail leads deeper into the wild heart of Washington.
Geological RegionThe Manastash Ridge represents millions of years of geological drama, where volcanic forces and tectonic shifts created this rugged playground in Central Washington's backcountry. Part of the greater Cascade Range ecosystem, this area showcases the raw power of mountain building—basalt flows, uplifted sediments, and erosion-carved valleys that make every ride an adventure through Earth's history. The dense forests that cloak these ancient rocks tell their own story of resilience and renewal, creating a living tapestry that changes with each season yet remains timelessly wild.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility options are not detailed in the available information.
Sites SizeThe size of campsites is not mentioned.
Sites PrivacyDetails about campsite privacy are not provided.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesThere is no specific guidance on selecting a campsite within the campground.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsite numbers or mentions of particularly desirable sites are not included.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Information on maximum stay limits is not specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to two vehicles are allowed per site, but information on guest limits is not specified.
Groups
Information about group sites is not provided.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutNo description of the site layout or campground loops is offered.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open from early June through late October.
Reservation PlatformsReservations and payments can be facilitated via the Recreation.gov mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityInformation on walk-up availability is not provided.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy is mentioned in the source material.
Activities you can enjoy
Riders Camp provides a range of outdoor activities ideal for adventure enthusiasts. The campground serves as a base for off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, horseback riding, hunting, and more. The surrounding area offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, and hiking.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available, but no specific trail details, such as length or difficulty, are provided.Fishing
Fishing is listed as an activity available near the campground, but the types of fish or fishing conditions are not detailed.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is highlighted as an activity, but specific species or viewing locations are not described.Winter Activities
The campground's off-season weather conditions suggest it is not suitable for winter activities, with heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures being common.Water Sports
Water sports are not mentioned in the provided materials.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies are stated in the source material.
- Quiet hours are Information regarding quiet hours is not available.
Hazards
General hazardsThe source does not provide specific information regarding hazards, but potential risks may include wildlife encounters and the rugged terrain typical of off-road environments.
Active alertsNo active alerts are mentioned.
Weather forecast
86
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 20%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 4.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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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
The closest emergency services are located in Ellensburg, approximately 20 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesEarly June to late October corresponds to the primary operational season.
Trash and recyclingNo information about trash and recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresNo mention of proximity to lakes, rivers, or other water bodies is provided.
Common complaintsThere are no recurring complaints or concerns noted in the sources.
HostNo information about on-site hosts is provided.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom I-90 Exit 101, northwest of Ellensburg, travel south and southeast onto Thorp Highway for 2 miles. Turn right onto Miller Road and follow it to the junction with Robinson Canyon Road, where Miller changes to Cove Road. Follow Cove Road to the junction with Manastash Road and turn right and follow Manastash Road to the end of the pavement. Continue on Forest Road 3100 to spur road 114 and follow it to the trailhead.
Access to the campground involves both paved and unpaved roads as stated: "Follow Manastash Road to the end of the pavement. Continue on Forest Road 3100 to spur road 114." The road conditions and the transition from paved to unpaved roads could be challenging for certain vehicles.Nearby places
Ellensburg is the nearest city, located approximately 20 miles away from the campground (travel time unspecified).
Nearby supplies
The nearest supplies, including groceries and fuel, are available in Ellensburg, 20 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Riders Camp has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The limited user review available describes this as the 'best place to camp,' indicating a positive sentiment towards the campground.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
The camp's location in the scenic Manastash Ridge area and its suitability for off-road enthusiasts and hunters are likely appreciated.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
No specific complaints are documented in the materials provided.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
As digital payment is required, campers are advised to download the recreation.gov app in advance.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is heavily used by hunters in the fall, indicating its popularity during hunting season.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Best place to camp' - Jeff Taylor (User Review).
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
There is no specific feedback on individual sites within the campground.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility-related reviews are available.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are not addressed in the source materials.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025