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Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites

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Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites, near Quincy, Washington, is a prime spot for those who love rock climbing and the great outdoors. This location offers a rugged, primitive camping experience with stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and the Columbia River, making it a favorite among climbers and adventurers alike.

The area is known for its bouldering and lead climbing opportunities, with easy access to various climbing routes just a short walk from your campsite. Visitors have noted that the scenic vistas are breathtaking, especially during sunset, and the wildlife adds to the natural charm of the place. As one camper put it, “The view can’t be beat,” highlighting the beauty that surrounds you here.

Facilities are basic, with pit toilets available but no running water or designated sites, so you'll need to be self-sufficient. Campers often share the space, especially on weekends, but the atmosphere remains friendly and welcoming. Just remember to bring your own supplies, including toilet paper and trash bags, as there’s no trash service. If you're looking for a place to connect with nature and enjoy some climbing, Frenchman Coulee is definitely worth a visit.

Description

National Recreation Area

The free camp sites - There is a designated areas located near the main parking area. There are no designated sites but you can drive in on rough dirt trail. Portable toilets are nearby but there is no running water, no picnic tables and no fires are allowed. The area can become quite busy during long weekends or when there are big concerts held at the nearby amphitheater in George.

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Location

Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites is located in Washington

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

47.0256122 N
119.97193797 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Fair
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • WiFi
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


Reviews

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4.0

out of 5

8 Reviews

Reviewed Jun. 30, 2024

Good for climbing, OK for camping

Overall it's not great nor is it terrible. It's always busy and often a bit crowded in the main portion but the people are usually not too rowdy. The scenic views are killer, the wildlife is active, and the mini trails around the place feel adventurous. The climbing is bang on but it's bouldering or lead climbing only. BE WARNED, THE BATHROOMS ARE STANKY (hot tip: bring a citronella candle and your own TP)

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites by Fish .., June 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites by Fish .., June 30, 2024
  • Review photo of Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites by Fish .., June 30, 2024
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Nov. 3, 2023

The view can’t be beat

Mid week in fall, we have the place to ourselves! Surrounded by gorgeous cliffs with hikes and scrambles, if you are not a rock climber. Drive down to the end of the road for gorgeous access to the Columbia.

It’s very primitive, with two pit toilets and no other services. Sites are not designated, just find a spot you like.

Siteno site numbers
Month of VisitNovember
  • Review photo of Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites by Annie B., November 3, 2023
Reviewed Mar. 21, 2021

Always a great spot to camp when climbing

This is a well-known primitive camping area for rock climbers and other outdoor recreation folks (there are also hiking, biking and boating opportunities in the Frenchman Coulee recreation area). Lots of vans, tents and trucks. Small camper trailers can work in some areas but the roads leading to campsites are very rocky and some are steep. Two pit toilets by the main parking lot. No water or any other services. Great AT&T cell coverage.

  • Review photo of Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites by Emma A., March 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites by Emma A., March 21, 2021
  • Review photo of Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites by Emma A., March 21, 2021
Reviewed Nov. 23, 2019

Camp on the "Canyon" Edge

Just off I90 in Eastern WA at Vantage. This is primarily a rock climbers base camp, but also serves well for a great overnight stop where you can camp right on the edge of the canyon, get in some nice vista views,& a short hike to a"falls". You will share this spot with other campers, busy even in winter. One note about access, the entrance to this camping area has some pitch to it. Better suited for high clearance vehicles, and brave souls in truck campers......

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites by Dawn G., November 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites by Dawn G., November 23, 2019
  • Review photo of Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites by Dawn G., November 23, 2019
  • (5) View All
Reviewed Jul. 15, 2018

Beautiful Everything

This is my favorite place to be, but only in the summer. I‘m not a fan during the Spring due to mud, foxtails, and mosquitos, though I did find a frog and that’s pretty neat. As soon as it heats up for summer it’s perfect. The landscape is gorgeous, there’s a sand dune right around the corner, and the sunsets are breathtaking. Be careful with dogs around the cliffs—there are rabbits and marmots around and your dog should be contained.

  • Review photo of Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites by Brit B., July 15, 2018
  • Review photo of Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites by Brit B., July 15, 2018
  • Review photo of Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites by Brit B., July 15, 2018
  • (13) View All
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2017

Packed but Beautiful

There is not a lot of room for big rigs so I would not suggest staying here If you're 20 + feet long. Plenty of car camping and is a popular spot for rock climbing. There's a trail down to the waterfall and one toilet but no tp so be prepared. Dog friendly and there's a boat launch at the very end of the drive.

Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2017

Great for climbers

Free (if you have the WA rec pass $30). Pit toilet is available, no water.

Exposed and hot.

BUT AMAZING access to climbing. We have been here 2 x now... staying for about 5 days in a row. It is a 4 minute approach to the nice moderate area called the Feathers and about 15 minutes from other climbs. A short drive down the road brings you to the Columbia River if you're lookiung to take a swim.

Weekends get busy. Lots of rowdy Seattle climbers come out to party.

Please take your trash. There is no trash service.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites by Leah W., July 9, 2017
  • Review photo of Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites by Leah W., July 9, 2017
  • Review photo of Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites by Leah W., July 9, 2017
  • (6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are fires allowed at Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites have wifi?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites does have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is fair, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is good.