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Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

A rough access road sets the tone here: high-clearance vehicles handle it best, and anyone towing more than 20 feet should look elsewhere. Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites, managed by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife within the Quincy Lakes unit, requires a Washington Recreation Pass (around $30 annually) but charges no nightly fee. Sites are undesignated, so campers pick their own spot along the canyon rim. There is no water on site, and the two pit toilets near the main parking area draw consistent complaints about odor, especially in summer heat.

Rock climbing is the primary draw. The Feathers climbing area sits about a four-minute walk from camp, and The Feathers — Columbia Basin Wildlife Area is nearby for campers who want to base closer to that specific crag. The coulee cliffs also give non-climbers access to short hikes and scrambles. Driving to the end of the road reaches the Columbia River, where swimming and a boat launch are available. AT&T cell coverage is reported as strong, which is notable for a site this remote.

Weekends bring crowds, particularly from climbers coming out of Seattle. Midweek visits in fall or off-season can mean having the place largely to yourself. Leah W. notes the site is "exposed and hot," which matters in summer: shade is minimal and temperatures in eastern Washington climb fast. Dogs are allowed but should stay leashed near the cliff edges, where rabbits and marmots can cause problems. For campers wanting a more dispersed setup nearby, Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping provides an alternative just to the east.

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Map & DirectionsFrenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites is located in Washington near Vantage

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

47.0256122 N
119.97193797 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 7/30/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 16 users
    Last on 7/30/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 8 users
    Last on 7/30/26

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Excellent Coverage
    Verified by 3 users
    Last on 7/30/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 16 users
    Last on 7/30/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Some Coverage
    Verified by 8 users
    Last on 7/30/26

Access

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

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


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Reviews8 Camper Reviews - Frenchman Coulee Backcountry Campsites

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5 Stars

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1 Star

25%
63%
12%
0%
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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

Is there a fee to camp at Frenchman Coulee?

Camping at Frenchman Coulee is free, but you need a Washington State Discover Pass ($30) to park your vehicle. This recreation pass covers your stay regardless of length. No additional camping fees or permits are required beyond the Discover Pass, making it an economical option for outdoor enthusiasts.

What activities can you do while camping at Frenchman Coulee?

Frenchman Coulee is a paradise for rock climbers, with world-class climbing at formations like The Feathers just a 4-minute approach from camp. Beyond climbing, visitors can enjoy hiking on various trails, including a path to a waterfall. The area offers excellent opportunities for scrambling up rock formations, wildlife viewing, and photography of the dramatic desert landscape. There's a sand dune nearby for exploration, and the Columbia River is accessible at the end of the road for boating, swimming, and fishing. Mountain biking trails are also available in the recreation area. The scenic vistas of the canyon and surrounding basalt cliffs make sunset viewing particularly spectacular.

Where is dispersed camping allowed at Frenchman Coulee?

Dispersed camping at Frenchman Coulee is available throughout the recreation area with numerous undesignated sites scattered across the landscape. Sites are not officially marked, so campers can set up where previous use is evident. The main camping area accommodates tents, vans, and smaller vehicles, while some areas can fit small camper trailers. Larger rigs over 20 feet are not recommended due to limited space and access roads. Many campers prefer spots near the climbing areas or along the canyon edge for scenic views.

What amenities are available for campers at Frenchman Coulee Recreation Area?

Frenchman Coulee offers very primitive camping with minimal amenities. There are two pit toilets available, but no toilet paper is provided, so bring your own. No potable water is available on site, so campers must bring all water needed for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. There are no garbage services, electricity, showers, or other facilities. Sites are undeveloped with no picnic tables, fire rings, or designated parking areas. The area is quite exposed with limited shade, which can make summer camping hot.