A two-mile washboard dirt road leads into Palouse Falls State Park, and the rough approach sets the tone for what campers find on the other side: an exposed high-desert canyon with a 200-foot waterfall, pit toilets, and 12 unnumbered tent sites spread across an open grassy field. No shade, no hookups, no privacy between neighbors. Pets are not permitted.
The camping area itself sits apart from the falls overlook, and as Justin S. notes, "sites are exposed, no views of the falls." Day visitors move through the same general area, which means the campground functions more like a staging ground than a destination in its own right. First come, first served with no reservations. Sites are numbered by picnic table only. The $12 nightly fee requires a Washington Discover Pass.
What draws people here is the falls and the terrain surrounding them. A fenced overlook provides direct sightlines down into the canyon. For those willing to push further, a trail drops through the ravine to the river below, where there are swimming holes and boulder scrambling. The hike involves loose rock and significant exposure. Rattlesnakes are present and worth watching for, particularly on sun-warmed stones. Sunset from the canyon rim gets consistent mention from reviewers. Spring visits tend to offer higher water volume in the falls. Summer days run hot with little relief from shade, though evenings cool quickly.
The road in is navigable by standard passenger cars at low speed. There are no services nearby, so arriving with a full tank and all supplies is necessary. The park sits in a remote stretch of eastern Washington, well outside any town with a gas station or store. Campers who want more developed facilities nearby can look at Lyons Ferry Park, Starbuck-Lyons Ferry Marina KOA, or other campgrounds near Palouse Falls State Park along the Snake River corridor to the south.
Palouse Falls works best as a one-night stop for tent campers who are primarily there to see the waterfall and explore the canyon, and who don't mind close quarters with other visitors.
Description
Previously camping allowed - now it's Day Use Only
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy for sensitive groups.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPalouse Falls State Park is located in Washington near Washtucna
Directions
Located 23 miles Southeast of Washtucna Wash in Franklin County. From SR 261 Washtucna: Drive southwest 5.8 miles to the State Route 261/260 junction, and turn left at the grain elevator. Follow SR 261 southeast for 8.7 miles to Palouse Falls Road. Turn left, and follow the road to the end (approximately 2.5 miles)
Coordinates
46.66399496 N
118.22859255 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/20/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/20/26
Access
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
Drive Time
- 1 hr from Walla Walla, WA
- 1 hr 9 min from Kennewick, WA
- 1 hr 21 min from Lewiston, ID
- 1 hr 33 min from Spokane, WA





























