Multiple campgrounds, trails, and forest roads around Leavenworth, Washington, will be closed for three days beginning Sunday morning. The U.S. Forest Service said the closure is “to allow the FBI to conduct an ongoing investigation.” RVers planning camping trips near Leavenworth should note that the closures affect some popular destinations and access points in the Icicle Canyon corridor. It’s not the first time recreational areas have been closed for this manhunt.
RVers planning camping trips near Leavenworth may see change of plans
The affected area starts along Icicle Road at Ida Creek Campground, about four miles east of where Travis Decker’s three young daughters were found dead. While Ida Creek Campground will remain open, other sites will not. Rock Island, Blackpine Horse, and Chatter Creek campgrounds will all be closed. Additionally, the Jack Pine, Icicle Gorge, Icicle Gorge Upper Loop, and Icicle Gorge Upper Loop Tie trailheads will be off-limits. Several forest roads leading deeper into the upper Icicle Canyon will also be closed during this period.
The closure will run from 6 a.m. Sunday to 6 a.m. Wednesday. For RVers, this means adjusting routes, booking alternative campgrounds, or delaying trips to avoid areas now inaccessible due to law enforcement activity. Leavenworth RV camping and boondocking near Icicle Canyon will be limited temporarily. Late summer is a popular time for camping, hiking, and fishing in the Leavenworth area, and these temporary restrictions will impact both overnight stays and day-use activities.
Closures “ensure investigation moves without interference”
Authorities have been searching for Travis Decker, a former soldier accused of killing his three young daughters, for more than two months. Decker disappeared from Rock Island Campground, the same location tied to the triple homicide. The FBI and U.S. Forest Service have coordinated these closures to ensure the investigation proceeds safely and without interference. Recently, officials from the Washington State Crime Lab completed an analysis of DNA found at the crime scene that matched Decker’s, confirming him as the only suspect.
For RVers planning trips, it’s important to recognize that the closure affects scenic spots and trailheads often used as bases for exploring the Cascades. Washington state RV parks and campgrounds near hiking trails will see limited access. Campers relying on these areas for overnight stays or access to hiking trails will need to make alternative plans. While the Forest Service has kept Ida Creek Campground open, travelers should anticipate more limited access to surrounding roads and backcountry sites. Family-friendly RV camping in Leavenworth will be impacted, so checking current closures before departure is critical.
Once the FBI concludes its work, these sites are expected to reopen. Until then, RVers will need to consider safer, open options for mountain RV camping, Cascades scenic drives, and outdoor adventure with RVs. By staying aware of these temporary restrictions, RVers can continue to enjoy the outdoors while respecting the ongoing investigation and ensuring their own safety in the Leavenworth area.
Sources include The Seattle Times
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RVT1223b
Well I am currently headed in that general direction. I’ll keep the bear spray unlocked. Just visited Alta Lake SP and Curlew Lake SP in eastern Washington. Both were excellent.
Thank you, Russ and Tina! Well! Still “at large” after more than two months?!? I guess this must be a pretty rugged and remote area, huh? Good luck to law enforcement in their search! Have a great week and safe travels!
Personally, I think he sneaked over into Canada. I hope they get him soon. Such a terrible tragedy for those three beautiful little girls, and their mom and rest of the family and friends. Have a good night, Neal. 🙂 –Diane
His appearance could have drastically changed in the last 2 months. Clean shaven, short hair, or the opposite. Long hair and long beard. Plenty of unkept people that look just like him. I bet he could walk by a lot of people including myself, and not even be recognized.