Fishtrap Recreation Area, near Sprague, Washington, is a straightforward spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle without breaking the bank. This area is free to use and offers a large gravel lot for parking, making it a convenient stop for travelers or a place to settle in for a night.

Visitors have noted the clean facilities, including a vault toilet, which is a plus in this more rustic setting. While there are no picnic tables or firewood available, campers can enjoy the freedom of having fires and bringing their pets along. The surrounding landscape features open fields and some shady spots, perfect for soaking in those beautiful sunsets.

If you're planning to camp here, be prepared for a bit of a rugged experience. Some campers have mentioned that the ground can be rocky and dry, making it easier for RVs or vans than for tents. As one reviewer pointed out, “A nice location! I will advise tent campers it is tent accessible but not the easiest spot in a tent.” 

For those who enjoy a bit of solitude, this area can be a peaceful retreat, especially on quieter nights. Just keep in mind that it’s close to the highway, so you might hear the occasional train in the distance. Whether you're just passing through or looking for a simple place to unwind, Fishtrap Recreation Area offers a no-frills camping experience that gets you back to nature.

The Fishtrap Area offers 9,000 acres of beautiful landscapes and an old farmstead, with habitats ranging from forest to shrub-steppe, grassland, and wetlands. Fishtrap is home to two scenic fishing lakes and numerous species of birds and other wildlife. The historic Folsom Farm Recreation Site demonstrates how the landscape was converted into small farms, ranches, and communities beginning in the late 1800’s. Enjoy the chance to explore, view and study nature, picnic, backpack, horseback ride, mountain bike, or hunt throughout the entire Fishtrap area. Fishing for stocked rainbow trout is popular at Fishtrap Lake, and during the winter season at Hog Canyon Lake. Know Before You Go: Fishtrap Recreation Area is open year-round has no developed campsites. The South Loop Trailhead parking lot has substantial space for vehicle and RV parking/camping. Additional minimal space is available at the Folsom Farm, and Hog Lake Loop Trailhead parking lots. See the Fishtrap Area map. vehicle and RV parking/camping is limited to existing parking areas and camping pull-outs. Dispersed (tent) camping is allowed. Please practice the seven Leave No Trace principles when recreating on Public Lands. Check Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) fishing regulations for fishing seasons at Hog Canyon Lake and Fishtrap Lake. Both lakes have concrete boat launches maintained by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (a paid in advance parking permit from WDFW is required.)

Fishtrap Recreation Area

Sprague, WA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Sprague. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Sprague and user-submitted reviews.

Sprague

The Best Camping Near Sprague, Washington

This site has a very strange energy about it...though we were here on a hot weekend so perhaps the discomfort with the heat colored our experience. Campsites are equipped with rings and there is a restroom

Uncomfortable

Stayed for a night to breakup a long drive. Arrived Monday evening and was the only one here. It’s just a large gravel parking lot with a single vault toilet, no other services. The road getting into here is very bumpy the last half mile so take it slow. Close to the interstate so easy to get to. Surrounded by fields and beautiful sunsets. Definitely would stay again and it’s free!

Great for the night 

Stopped here to sleep midway through a long drive. The main site is a large gravel lot with a vault toilet at the trailhead. We arrived after dark so it took some trial &amp; error to find. Exit 254 off I-90 then travel east on Sprague Highway Rd E for at least 2 miles then left on Miller Ranch Rd then take the next right. About  a half mile on the left will be the parking lot, trailhead &amp; toilet. There’s other spots to camp but I think it would be hard to find them in the dark if you’ve never been before. Heard the train a few times off in the distance but it wasn’t too loud. We were the only ones there on a Monday night.

Quick & Quiet Overnight 

Love it! Some shady spots. Not a ton of traffic. Easy gravel road to come and go from. There’s even an outhouse. 2-3 bars of Verizon service.

Nice spacious camping near the highway

Pulled in, hoped out and immediately got stung.

Lasted a minute

A nice location!  I will advise tent campers it is tent accessible but not the easiest spot in a tent. The soil is very dry and a couple of the spots were hard rocks and not accessible for tents. We did end up finding a spot in our tent, but this is site is much easier with an RV or van. Would recommend a backup plan ahead of time in case the sites available here are not compatible. 

Tent Camping meets dust 

Quiet campsite in Fishtrap Recreation Area.

Pros:  

Very quiet open sites.
Plenty of opportunity for solar
3 bar 5g Tmobile
Open mostly level sites 
Not very busy
Some larger sites able to accommodate bigger rigs (25' at least)

Cons: 

No amenities (where we are, maybe further in they have them)
Dusty and dry
Fire restrictions in place
Sites have some trash in them.

Overall we enjoyed it for a layover stay.  It's very quiet, open skies were good to recharge solar and stargaze and it was a nice break from some of the more crowded campsites.

Quiet Prairie Camping

One of my favorite day spots. Lots of fire rings and beautiful sunsets. 

Photos of Fishtrap Recreation Area

Real photos from real campers