Tumwater Group Site
Closed indefinitely since September 2014 due to debris flow and flooding hazards from the Chiwaukum Fire. Infrastructure has deteriorated during the closure. No reopening date has been announced.
Fire Weather Watch issued July 30 at 11:22PM PDT until August 1 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
...FIRE WEATHER WATCH FOR STRONG WINDS AND LOW HUMIDITY SATURDAY ACROSS THE INLAND NORTHWEST... * Affected Area: Northern and Central Idaho Panhandle (Zone 101), East Washington Central Cascades (Zone 696), East Portion of North Cascades National Park/Lake Chelan National Recreation Area (Zone 697), East Washington North Cascades (Zone 698), Okanogan Highlands and Kettle Mountains (Zone 699), Selkirk Mountains of Northeast Washington (Zone 700), Foothills of Northeast Washington (Zone 701), Colville Reservation (Zone 702), Okanogan Valley (Zone 703), Methow Valley (Zone 704), Foothills of Central Washington Cascades (Zone 705), Waterville Plateau (Zone 706), Western Columbia Basin (Zone 707), Eastern Columbia Basin -Palouse -Spokane Area (Zone 708) and Lower Palouse -Snake River (Zone 709). * Winds: West/Southwest winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts of 30 to 50 mph. Highest wind speeds over the Waterville Plateau, Columbia Basin, West Plains, Blue Mountains, and Lewiston-Clarkston Valley. * Relative Humidities: 15 to 25 percent, except 30 to 45 percent near the Cascade crest. * Impacts: Strong winds, warm temperatures, and low humidity may result in extreme fire behavior and rapid fire growth.
Air Quality Alert issued July 30 at 11:57AM PDT by NWS Spokane WA
An Air Quality Alert has been issued by the following agencies: Washington Department of Ecology Colville Confederated Tribes An Air Quality Alert has been issued for Asotin, Chelan, Douglas, Ferry, Okanogan, and Stevens Counties until further notice due to current and expected wildfire smoke from regional fires. Areas immediately downwind of active and emerging fires in Washington and Oregon may reach Unhealthy levels of particulate matter (PM2.5). When air quality is unhealthy, everyone should reduce exposure. Limit time outside, avoid strenuous outdoor activity, and follow tips for cleaner indoor air.
About
Tumwater Group Site sits along Highway 2 in scenic Tumwater Canyon, at the confluence of Chiwaukum Creek and the Wenatchee River in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. The area offered access to fishing for trout and salmon, hiking, and winter activities including skiing, snowmobiling, and tubing at nearby Sno-Parks. The group site could accommodate up to 70 people and 40 vehicles, with a maximum trailer length of 50 feet. Facilities included a group shelter with fireplace, basketball court, flush toilets, and potable water. The group site fee was $100 per night when operational. The campground was closed in September 2014 due to safety concerns from debris flows and flooding caused by the Chiwaukum Fire. During the extended closure, the sewage treatment system became inoperable, hazard trees accumulated, and other infrastructure deteriorated. As of January 2026, the closure remains in effect indefinitely while the Forest Service evaluates redesign and repair options.
Directions
From Leavenworth, take US-2 West for about 10 miles. The campground is on the right side of the highway. From the west, take Highway 2 east through Monroe and over Stevens Pass; the campground is approximately 20 miles east of the summit on the left.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $100 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 25ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 25ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (509) 548-2550 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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