By:
Submission
Great views. Alpine meadows. Access to Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail. This campground is located in the Hart's Pass Area. No trailers allowed on Forest Road 5400 (very narrow road). Guard station at Hart's Pass.
From Winthrop, Washington drive west on Highway 20 for 15 miles, turn right onto Lost River Road 9140 for 7.5 miles. Paved road turns into gravel forest service Hart's Pass Road 5400. Follow gravel road for 13 miles then turn left onto forest road #5400-500,and drive one mile turn left into Meadows Campground. Hart's Pass Road 5400 is a narrow, windy mountain road with steep side cliffs in places. Yield to trucks. Trailers not allowed on Hart's Pass #5400 Road or on Chancelor Road 5400-700 from June 1st to December 31 except snowmobile trailers are allowed November 1 to December 31.
This is a pretty amazing campground surrounded by prairie dogs who aren't shy to come out. Gets very cool at night, come prepared. Reaching the campground is quite a drive, much easier with an SUV or all wheel drive. The alpine meadows are being affected by a destructive beetle and thousands of trees are dying. Because of that, I would recommend visiting it sooner rather than later.
Beautiful, peaceful and not crowded. Outhouses clean and supplies available.
Got to spend two nights here in the early Fall.
On one of them, was a crazy wind storm ready to blow us right off the mountain, the howling of the winds going through the naked trees really made it hard to sleep. Additionally, due to increased fire danger fires were not allowed. However, that really didn't matter. At night we're able to see the stars and deep into the Milky Way. It was awesome 👍
The next day, we took a trek up to Slate Peak and when we came back, it was nice and clear, perfect for doing some fpv flying and just exploring the woods general.
It's definitely worth the drive, but be prepared, bring water, pack out your trash and dress warm. You are over a mile high after all!
