A property owner has applied to Okanogan County to create Stoneywilde, a rustic retreat and campground on Twisp River Road, about 1 mile outside town.
Virginia Tinkey proposes developing 13 campsites on 37 acres with multiple support buildings and amenities such as bathrooms, offices, sauna, a hot/cold plunge, a communal kitchen and shade structures. She would also construct one residential house.
Tinkey plans “a think-tank for adults” that will be “a peaceful, Zen experience that fosters engaging conversations, delicious food, and interesting people.” She expects 12 to 15 people per session.
The property, at 77 Twisp River Road, is on the south side of the road, just beyond the Twisp Ponds. The parcel currently has several outbuildings and sheds.
The water source for Stoneywilde is to be determined. The application proposes using two existing exempt wells for residential and commercial use with a maximum total withdrawal of 5,000 gallons per day. Otherwise, water would be provided by an outside source, according to the application.
Parking would be at individual campsites. There would also be parking for about 40 cars in a meadow for events. The facilities would be serviced by septic systems, according to the application.
Stoneywilde would be constructed in phases. In phase 1, Tinkey would create two activity areas. One would contain five to seven campsites without hook-ups. Each campsite would have a walled tent platform and fire pit. The fire pits would ultimately be converted to propane.
The second area would have ADA-compliant bathrooms and a hot/cold plunge or sauna and steam room, plus a shade structure for gathering with an outdoor kitchen.
In phase 2, she would install a second septic system for a second communal kitchen. She would add six more campsites and possibly upgrade the existing campsites to “rustic rooms.” She would also build another bathroom.
In phase 3, she would build a house and office. She would consider enclosing the shade structure for year-round use and making up to three campsites “wet” for visiting speakers and chefs.
Maximum buildout could include a greenhouse, garage, locker room and showers. Lighting would be shielded.
Plans are dependent on funding, according to Tinkey’s application.
Okanogan County Planning has issued a threshold mitigated determination of nonsignificance, finding that the proposal would not have a significant environmental impact as long as mitigations are imposed. Stoneywilde would require a conditional-use permit.
There will be a public hearing on Thursday, Oct. 20, at 10 a.m. in the commissioner’s hearing room in Okanogan. A link to attend remotely will be available on the Planning Department website at https://www.okanogancounty.org/government/planning/index.php.
People can comment on the Stoneywilde proposal through Thursday, Oct. 6, to Planner Rocky Robbins at rrobbins@co.okanogan.wa.us, or at the hearing. For more information, contact Robbins by email or at (509) 422-7094.
