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Mystery Campground is open from April - October. Maximum stay is 14 days. Maximum length of campsites is 30 feet. No water or trash receptacles are available.
Turn west off State Highway 20 onto paved Okanogan County road #9114 (Twisp River road), that turns into forest road #44 for 18 miles Northwest of Twisp
This has been my favorite hike this year. Did a day hike up big Quilcene trail, and back. About 13 miles with the extra detours.
I’m not the best in shape, it was about 4.7 miles and with our pack it took about 5hours to get there (with multiple rest for human and dog) dog friendly trail/camp ground. After you pass the first campground on the trail you don’t see too many water spots so if you have furry friend make sure to have enough water for them as well. Trail is constant uphill and some rocky terrain in last mile but the view is spectacular.
I couldn’t research much on this campground beforehand and I didn’t see the signs either. Once you go the distance it will come up to your right. There were multiple sites some spread out. I don’t think there is a fee for the use. we didn’t see toilets there so find a spot/ bring a shovel. Also please pack out your trash. Camp site is right by a river so if you have mean to filter the water you can replenish here.
Had cloudy sky in the evening so not much stars were visible but moon looked nice with clear air. Weather forecast said it was going to be around 38degrees but out quilt rated for 0degree and fur ball sleeping in the tent kept us warm thru out the night.
We were pretty beat from the hike and slept most the morning when it rained. Our tents did ok in the rain but could’ve been better. We were packing out when it was sprinkling but many people seemed to got up when the rain stopped completely. Couldn’t see much so didn’t go up to the pass and headed down.
Took 4hrs getting down with stop to eat lunch.
Overall pretty good trip up and back.
It's conveniently near the pass, but the main trail passes through the middle of camp. There is a water source, at least in early summer, and plenty of shade from the sun. Very popular on the weekends for day and thru hikers.
Camp Mystery is a beautiful campsite that runs along a small creek on the Quilcene Trail. It is a fair hike, mostly just an uphill battle, but it is a refreshing stop with shaft from the trees and normally a cool breeze. If you are looking to make it to the top of Mt. Buckhorn then make camp here and head up to Marmot Pass without your packs (makes it much easier learned this by experience). There are many sites and you will most likely have neighbors. Overall it is one of my favorite campsites in the Olympics.
