Rustic camping near Beverly, Washington provides access to the Columbia Basin's unique landscape at around 600 feet of elevation. The region features stark basalt formations, desert ecology, and temperatures that can range from below freezing to over 100°F depending on the season. Multiple dispersed camping areas across Bureau of Land Management and Department of Fish and Wildlife lands require different permits and have varying access conditions.
What to do
Rock climbing: Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping attracts climbers with its basalt formations. "Very nice and quiet spot (at least while I was here mid march). Few people rock climbing, tall waterfall across the valley. Very quiet. Can hear birds fly by," reports Jeremy M.
Fishing: Anglers frequent Vernita Bridge for Columbia River access. Kevin C. notes, "Stayed two nights in April. Very isolated and the river gave off a very mellow vibe. We saw many ducks and some geese floating down the river at high speeds. Also saw coyotes and friendly bees."
Bird watching: Long Lake offers excellent wildlife viewing. Trenton G. shares, "Great place for camping right next to the lake. Water did not look that great for swimming but plenty of big fish in the lake, pelicans and weasels."
Hiking: The trails around Ancient Lakes provide desert landscape exploration. Zach A. recommends, "The lakes are safe for swimming in my opinion (there's even a rock to jump off on the closest lake!) But do carry your own water in, it is irrigation runoff and has plenty of yummy pesticides that you cannot filter out."
What campers like
Solitude: The L.T. Murray Wildlife Area provides escape from crowds. Courtney P. reports, "This was a great hidden spot and we did not see anyone else the whole time. After going through the gate (and closing it) we head down the gravel road directly in front of us."
Convenient location: Martha Lake Dispersed Camping offers easy access for travelers. James B. notes, "Stopped while traveling through for an overnight stay. Camping areas are big gravel lots next to the lake. Had no problem with level. There is some noise from I90, but not really that bad."
Stargazing: Clear desert skies make primitive camping near Beverly ideal for astronomical viewing. Steve K. from L.T. Murray Wildlife Area shares, "We drove about 20 minutes and started to see pull offs for camping, and finally decided on on with the most amazing view of the cascade mountains."
Wildlife encounters: Primitive camps around Beverly offer chances to see native animals. Laura M. at Perch Point says, "We watched a sea plane practice takeoff and landing in the reservoir, that was fun. Lots of people come here to fish and it gets busy on weekends (but quiet during the week)."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Many dispersed sites require appropriate vehicles. Abraham from Frenchman Coulee advises, "Restrooms and ample spots close to climbing. Lower sites can be reached with normal vics, higher sights would benefit from clearance."
Water contamination: Several lakes in the area contain agricultural runoff. Emma A. warns about Ancient Lakes, "Only catch is that the lakes are polluted with agricultural runoff so that water should not be used for drinking not even if filtered. Pack all the water you will need."
Wind conditions: Open desert areas experience significant wind. Tim H. at Frenchman Coulee Overland Overlook notes, "Beautiful overlook site. Perfect for Overland type vehicles. The entrance to the site is rough. Scouting is a good idea before attempting entry with a trailer."
Cell service: Connectivity varies by location. Josh W. from L.T. Murray reports, "This spot is about 2 hrs from us. We like it because it's quiet and there aren't a lot of people here. And bonus, it doesn't really cost anything."
Tips for camping with families
Seasonal timing: For family primitive camping near Beverly, avoid summer heat. Emma A. suggests, "Camped here in February and November and in generally recommend it for fall and spring. Avoid summer when it gets too hot and ticks and rattlesnakes are around."
Swimming options: Some lakes offer recreation despite appearance. Zach A. from Ancient Lakes mentions, "The lakes are safe for swimming in my opinion (there's even a rock to jump off on the closest lake!)"
Educational opportunities: Desert ecosystems provide learning experiences. Heather C. shares, "This is a good early season hike while its still rainy in Seattle it can easily be sunny and warm on the other side of the mountains. This is a very pretty hike full of sage brush and interesting geological features, also several waterfalls."
Wildlife viewing: Plan activities around animal sightings. Kevin C. describes seeing "many ducks and some geese floating down the river at high speeds. Also saw coyotes and friendly bees" at Vernita Bridge.
Tips from RVers
Overnight parking: L.T. Murray Wildlife Area works well for self-contained campers. Pamela R. notes, "After figuring out which gate to go through (make sure and shut the gate behind you), I took a road to the right with my truck and 19 ft. epro. We drove up a rocky dirt road, single lane with pull outs, for about 20 mins."
Level sites: Finding flat parking for larger rigs requires scouting. Katie C. from Frenchman Coulee Overland Overlook advises, "Dispersed camping area with a lot of places to pull off the road and camp. We were able to find a spot with our 32ft camper."
Road conditions: Access roads may challenge larger rigs. Jennifer B. from Martha Lake warns, "Right off the interstate and easy for any size rig to get in. Quite a few spots, we were the only ones here. Unfortunately, there's a bit of trash we are going to pick up tomorrow."
Seasonal accessibility: Road quality changes with weather. Robert C. cautions, "Easy access from I 90. I camped at a location 2.1 miles from the gate up the extremely bumpy gravel road. there are other good campsites another .5 miles further up the dirt road."
