Lost Meadow OHV Campground

For Washington residents who live for the thrill of off-highway vehicle (OHV) adventures and the peace of a forested campsite, Lost Meadow OHV Campground in Yakima County is an absolute must-visit. This isn't just a place to park your rig; it's a dedicated hub for motorized recreation, offering direct access to an extensive network of trails within the Ahtanum State Forest. It’s a place where the roar of an engine blends with the rustle of leaves, providing a unique outdoor experience tailored to ATV, dirt bike, and snowmobile enthusiasts.

Lost Meadow OHV Campground provides a foundational camping experience, designed to serve as a convenient base for your daily excursions onto the trails. While it focuses on essential amenities rather than luxury, it delivers on the promise of unfettered access to some of Washington's most exciting OHV terrain. Imagine spending your days exploring miles of diverse trails, then returning to a peaceful, treed campsite where you can unwind and share stories of your adventures. For Washington locals passionate about motorized recreation, Lost Meadow offers the perfect combination of adrenaline-pumping activity and serene forest camping.

Lost Meadow OHV Campground is strategically located within Yakima County, WA 98937, USA, placing it directly within the heart of the Ahtanum State Forest. This prime location is approximately 30 miles west of Yakima, making it a relatively accessible destination for many Washington residents, especially those in Central and Eastern Washington.

Access to the campground typically involves navigating forest service roads, which are generally gravel or unpaved, consistent with a true outdoor recreation area. From Yakima, you would generally travel south on I-82, then west on Ahtanum Road towards Tampico, and further west on the A-2000 (Middle Fork Rd). While the exact turn-offs and distances might vary, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure, leading you deeper into the natural landscape. It's important for visitors to note that cell phone coverage can be limited in remote forest areas, so having downloaded maps or physical maps is highly recommended. Despite its somewhat rugged approach, the accessibility of Lost Meadow OHV Campground for those with appropriate vehicles ensures that Washington locals can easily reach this exciting off-road paradise. It serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the vast Ahtanum State Forest and its extensive green dot road system.

Lost Meadow OHV Campground, as a state forest campground managed by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), provides a practical and functional base for off-road enthusiasts. It focuses on providing necessary amenities for a comfortable, though not luxurious, stay. While specific details can vary by site and seasonal conditions, here are the typical services you can expect:

• Campsites: Designated campsites are available, designed to accommodate both tent campers and those with RVs (some sources suggest sites can accommodate trailers up to 32 feet, though sizes may vary by specific site). The campground is often first-come, first-served, so planning ahead is wise, especially during peak seasons.
• Fire Rings: Each campsite is generally equipped with a fire ring, allowing for campfires (always check for current burn bans and restrictions, as these are common in Washington's forests, especially during dry seasons).
• Picnic Tables: Picnic tables are typically provided at individual campsites for outdoor dining and convenience.
• Toilets: Basic restroom facilities, such as vault toilets, are usually available within the campground.
• No Potable Water: It is generally understood that state forest campgrounds like Lost Meadow OHV Campground do not offer potable (drinking) water. Campers should plan to bring their own sufficient supply of water for their entire stay.
• No Hookups: Utility hookups (electric, water, sewer) for RVs are typically not available at this type of DNR-managed campground, promoting a more rustic experience.
• Trash Disposal: Campers are generally expected to "pack it in, pack it out," meaning they should take all their garbage with them when they leave, as garbage services are often not provided in these more remote campgrounds.
• Quiet Hours: Like most campgrounds, quiet hours (typically from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.) are expected to be observed, ensuring a peaceful experience for all visitors.

Lost Meadow OHV Campground's key highlights revolve around its primary purpose: providing exceptional access to motorized recreation within a beautiful forest setting. It’s a perfect convergence of adventure and natural beauty.

• Extensive OHV Trail System: The most significant feature is its direct access to the vast network of motorized trails within the Ahtanum State Forest. This includes the extensive "Green Dot Road" system, offering miles of routes for ATVs, dirt bikes, and other off-highway vehicles, catering to various skill levels.
• Year-Round Recreation (Seasonal Variation): The Ahtanum State Forest offers a wide range of activities throughout the year. While summer is perfect for OHV riding, hiking, and camping, the area transforms into a winter recreation paradise with groomed snowmobile trails (typically from December 15 - April 1), allowing for snowmobiling and other winter activities.
• Diverse Forest Environment: The campground is set within a forested landscape, providing shade and a natural ambiance. The Ahtanum State Forest itself boasts a variety of terrain, from open areas to dense woods, and offers opportunities for sightseeing across its diverse landscapes.
• Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: As a part of a large state forest, the area around Lost Meadow OHV Campground is home to various wildlife species, providing opportunities for observation while exploring the trails or relaxing at your campsite.
• Dispersed Camping Opportunities (Nearby): While Lost Meadow is a designated campground, the broader Ahtanum State Forest also allows for dispersed camping in many areas, providing additional options for those seeking a more isolated experience.
• Family and Group Friendly: The nature of OHV riding often lends itself to group activities, and the campground serves as an excellent base for families and friends to enjoy motorized recreation together.
• Proximity to Scenic Vistas: The Ahtanum State Forest contains areas with dramatic views, such as Eagle's Nest Vista, offering panoramic scenes of the North Fork Ahtanum drainage, Dome Peak, and the Goat Rocks Wilderness Area, accessible via forest roads.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Lost Meadow OHV Campground, including current conditions, any burn bans, trail statuses, and regulations, it is best to contact the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) office responsible for the Ahtanum State Forest.

Address: Yakima County, WA 98937, USA (within the Ahtanum State Forest)

Phone: (509) 653-1401

Mobile Phone: +1 509-653-1401

(Note: This phone number likely connects to a DNR office that manages the Ahtanum State Forest and can provide information on Lost Meadow OHV Campground.)

For Washington locals with a passion for off-highway vehicle recreation, Lost Meadow OHV Campground stands out as the quintessential basecamp. Its strategic location within Yakima County's Ahtanum State Forest provides direct, unhindered access to an expansive network of motorized trails, making it a dream destination for ATV, dirt bike, and snowmobile enthusiasts. This campground isn't about luxury; it's about functionality, providing the essential amenities you need to fuel your adventures and unwind after a day of exploring.

The unique blend of thrilling OHV opportunities, combined with the peaceful setting of a Washington state forest, makes Lost Meadow perfectly suitable for locals seeking an active and immersive outdoor experience. Whether you're hitting the trails in the summer, snowmobiling in the winter, or simply enjoying the natural beauty and wildlife of the Ahtanum, this campground offers a genuine slice of Washington's wild side. Embrace the freedom of the open trails and the tranquility of a forest campsite – Lost Meadow OHV Campground is your go-to spot for creating unforgettable off-road memories right here in your home state.