Anatone sits at approximately 3,800 feet elevation in Washington's southeastern corner, where the terrain transitions from forests to rolling prairies. This rural community experiences distinct seasons with snowy winters and warm, dry summers. Camping sites near Anatone, Washington offer diverse terrain from riverside locations to high-elevation forest settings, with temperature swings that can exceed 40 degrees between day and night even in summer.
What to do
Hiking and trails access: Fields Spring State Park provides multiple trails including a 2+ mile roundtrip hike to Puffer Butte. "The 2+ mile roundtrip hike to the Puffer Butte is a must as the three state view (WA, ID, OR) is sweeping and gorgeous," notes a camper at Fields Spring State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: The Snake River corridor offers diverse fishing spots. "Awesome camp ground right on the river. We saw lots of different wild life. The only down side is a out of state fishing license is kind of expensive," reports a visitor to Hells Gate State Park Campground.
Water recreation: Chief Timothy Park provides direct water access for swimming and boating. A reviewer shares: "Chief Timothy is a great campground about 7 Miles outside of Clarkston, WA. Perfect location for swimming, kayaking, and fishing! There is also a trail all the way around the island for hiking/walking with great views!"
Winter activities: When snow covers the ground, some camping areas transform for cold-weather recreation. "I absolutely adore this park! camping and hiking in the summer, tubing in the winter, mushrooming in the spring. There is no time of year that is bad for this park."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campsites maintain well-kept restrooms and common areas. At Winchester Lake State Park, a camper noted: "The bathrooms are pit but are kept very clean!" Another mentioned, "The space between sites are not as generously spaced as with other Idaho SP we have stayed in. There are vault toilets throughout the campground with one building that houses flush toilets and 2 shower stalls. They are older but squeaky clean."
Riverfront views: Camping along the Snake River provides scenic landscapes and recreation. At Hells Canyon Resort, a visitor shared: "We pulled in here a few nights ago and are LOVING it!!! This place is very clean, well maintained, the office gals are so friendly and full of information. The banquet room, game room, pool, laundry and bathrooms are clean and beautiful. It is close to town but on the outskirts away from the hustle and bustle. It is nestled near the marina and has gorgeous views of the river!"
Wildlife encounters: The natural setting provides opportunities to observe local fauna. A camper at Winchester Lake State Park Campground remarked: "Wonderful fishing, trout, bass, catfish, and even tiger musky. This isn't a great lake for swimming, as it's loaded with thick algae. It is great for boating a small boat or getting lost in the thick pines around it."
Private camping spots: Some campgrounds offer better site separation than others. "Sites are stacked on top of each other, need quarters for showers that are ice cold," cautioned one camper about Fields Spring, while another noted: "The tent sites are nice and there is A lot of privacy between tent site."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. At Red Bird Creek Trailhead, a visitor reported: "Great spot to camp out. Owls calling throughout the evening. Great cell service." Meanwhile at Premier RV Resort at Granite Lake, a camper noted: "We checked in late and there were specific, thorough directions and information waiting for us. The management was very helpful and friendly. Our spot was by the water and walking path along the lake. The spot was paved with lawn surrounding. The whole park is clean and well taken care of. Good cell service and WiFi too!"
Seasonal limitations: Weather and facility operations change throughout the year. "This campground was developed in the 1980's and has wonderful facilities including showers, store, laundry, many full hookup sites and plenty of space between pull through sites. Chief Timothy Park sits on a 282-acre island on Lower Granite Lake in the Snake River."
Water conditions: Water bodies near Anatone have varying conditions. "We caught: blue gill, trout, bass, crappie, perch, cat fish and had a small Tiger Muskie on the line but lost it," described a visitor to Winchester Lake, while another warned: "This isn't a great lake for swimming, as it's loaded with thick algae."
Reservation requirements: Some sites require advance booking. "There are 46 water and electric sites and 22 standard sites. Most sites are wooded and private. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The lake is perfect for kayaking and fishing."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "The Kids loved this park, we just spent the day hanging out fishing and playing at the park when we went to Lewiston to Visit our daughter. Was perfect because it's on the Washington side so my husbands fishing license was valid. Was perfect mix of shade tree's and open space."
Educational opportunities: Rangers at some parks provide informative programs. "Took my nephews here. The rangers were amazing and full of info that my boys just soaked right up! It really is full of green serene… bathrooms are clean as well as the whole campground," shared a visitor to Fields Spring State Park.
Swimming areas: Designated swimming zones provide safer water access. A camper at Chief Timothy noted: "They have a designated swimming area and a boat launch if you have a boat. My family always loves camping here."
Bug preparation: Some locations have significant insect activity. A camper at Chief Timothy Park warned: "Overall a good and clean stay on the water. Lots of bugs and very dry. Cute little gift shop!" Another shared: "My wife and family were freaked out about the bugs… wanted to boondocks after 1 night."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV services vary widely between campgrounds. At Winchester Lake State Park, a camper shared: "We pulled our 40ft RV up here and had a great time! Not full hookups but lots of fishing we caught: blue gill, trout, bass, crappie, perch, cat fish and had a small Tiger Muskie on the line but lost it. We were there for two weeks and they did have electricity and water hookups just no dump so we showered and used the bathroom facilities which were very well kept!"
Level sites: Many campgrounds provide developed parking. "Pull through site was paved and level. You do need a water pressure regulator. Office does suggest the route to take for easier pull in. Some of the long term campers have multiple cars and large add-ons, so was tricky getting out."
Dump station access: Not all parks offer on-site dumping. "Not full hookups... We were there for two weeks and they did have electricity and water hookups just no dump so we showered and used the bathroom facilities which were very well kept! So we didn't mind. There is a dump station just in town at the gas station there."
Campsite spacing: Site proximity varies between parks. "The space between sites are not as generously spaced as with other Idaho SP we have stayed in." Another camper noted: "The sites are somewhat level. Easily adjusted to make them work."
