Camping near Bennington Lake
The Walla Walla region surrounding Bennington Lake encompasses several established campgrounds including Blue Valley RV Park and Lewis & Clark Trail State Park. The area provides a mix of RV-friendly developed campgrounds and tent camping opportunities, with both private and public facilities available. Most developed campgrounds in the vicinity offer amenities such as water hookups, toilet facilities, and designated fire pits. McDougall Dispersed Camping, located approximately 20 miles to the south in Oregon, represents one of the few free dispersed camping options in the region, while Godman Guard Station offers a unique cabin accommodation within Umatilla National Forest.
Camping season in the Walla Walla area generally runs from April through October, with Lewis & Clark Trail State Park and Harris Park operating during this timeframe. Summer temperatures regularly reach 85-90°F, creating ideal conditions for river access but potentially uncomfortable tent camping without shade. Mosquitoes can be problematic at certain campgrounds, particularly those near water sources like the Touchet River. Many established campgrounds in the area require reservations, with RV parks tending to fill quickly during wine country tourism season. Several campgrounds were affected by flooding in recent years, impacting facility availability. A camper noted, "The river at this site is extremely low and has a rocky river bed/beach. If you sit in the river you can get wet up to your waist but other than that it isn't great for swimming or fishing this time of year."
Proximity to water represents a significant draw for campers in the Bennington Lake region, though access quality varies by location. Lewis & Clark Trail State Park provides river access that campers appreciate despite limited swimming opportunities. Reviews consistently mention the privacy between campsites at state park facilities, with one visitor describing Lewis & Clark as having "nice and private sites" while another highlighted that "spaces are fairly close, enough to hear neighbors conversations... but generally everyone was quiet and considerate." RV parks in the area receive mixed reviews, with some praised for level concrete pads and clean facilities while others are criticized for tight corners and challenging maneuverability. Several reviewers mentioned proximity to Walla Walla's wine country as a significant advantage for private RV parks, with Blue Valley RV Park noted for being within walking distance to downtown wineries and restaurants.
