Dispersed camping can be found along the Columbia and Snake Rivers near Burbank, Washington, primarily on public lands managed by the Army Corps of Engineers and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Several primitive sites exist, including Ringold Springs near Mesa, Ice Harbor Dam, Vernita Bridge, and Riparia. These areas typically offer minimal amenities with basic access to riverfront locations. Most sites require a Washington Discover Pass ($30 annually) but remain otherwise free to use.
Access to these primitive camping areas ranges from paved to rough gravel roads. Many sites have flat, open terrain suitable for tents and some RVs, though dedicated RV hookups are not available. The region experiences seasonal fire restrictions, with complete bans typically in effect from June through October at most locations. Roads to Riparia include steep grades that may challenge larger vehicles or trailers. Campers should bring all necessary supplies including drinking water, as potable water is not available at these dispersed sites. Toilet facilities vary by location, with some areas offering vault toilets or portable units while others have no facilities.
These riverside camping areas attract primarily fishing enthusiasts and boaters. Wildlife viewing opportunities include pelicans, waterfowl, and occasional coyote sightings. The camping experience varies significantly between locations, with some offering more amenities than others. Reviews indicate that usage levels fluctuate throughout the year. "This is a great mostly unknown little campground," noted one camper about Riparia, while another mentioned that Vernita Bridge "has its good points: easy access to highway, quiet, wide open space." Most sites offer minimal privacy but compensate with direct river access and uncrowded conditions outside peak fishing seasons.
"Lots of flat open space below the dam. Nice river view, lots of pelicans. Quiet and uncrowded."
"It is a large flat open area downstream from the dam. As advertised, quiet + there are no other people here. Actually, the only noise is a gentle roar from the spillway of the dam."
"I camped on a Friday evening and was the only one there camping except for an RV boondocking in a different section. Has a boat ramp and a spot you can fish from. No campfires."
"It’s well off the beaten path, in the middle of farms. There is a river & boat launch that plenty of people occupied but unless you go that way, you’d never know they are there."
"Large spot, with paved access right near the Dam, toilet, no service, 4 tables"
"I just love this spot, no amenities, isolation, river front view, and a boat ramp. Bring your own everything!!"
"Either these are not the correct coordinates, or the trail has been overgrown. We’re car camping here for one night and it’s a lovely spot!"
"Primitive location, nothing there, but maybe a fire ring and a spot to park your vehicle. Go about 2 miles on the dirt road and watch out for the dirt pot holes."
"You can get service if you absolutely need it at the top of Hammer Grade road, it’s steep. 4. Limited sites have shade all day."
"No water or power. Tables and fire rings at each site. The Little Goose Dam entry point is open in the daytime from 7:30 to 4:30."
"Off a short dirt path, nice flat area to park for the evening. Secluded, a bit of highway noise running parallel, but nice accessible, private spot."
TravelerBig empty field with plenty of space for campers of any size. They have a vaulted toilet available if needed. The sign says you must register but there is no way to register. Discovery pass required. It’s well off the beaten path, in the middle of farms. There is a river & boat launch that plenty of people occupied but unless you go that way, you’d never know they are there.
ScoutAs another review stated, when you enter the lot, there are a lot of parked vehicles, mostly people coming to check the views and go fishing. We parked a little away from the lot and found an area to park for the night with no other over nighters next to us.
TravelerThought it was a nice campsite but it’s definitely just a dirt parking lot off the highway, very loud traffic and trains pass by often. Lots of garbage everywhere, no actual set up campsite just roughing it.
GuideWhile it does say this is a site for discovery passes, there are signs everywhere that state it is not for overnight like we had thought it was. I'm unsure if this is a recent change made or not but we've changed course and gone elsewhere.
RangerGood enough as a simple overnight pull-off, nothing more, nothing less.
We were just passing through looking for a place to sleep for the night. At first, the amount of cars right near the dam made me uneasy — it felt crowded and I wasn’t expecting that at all. But it turned out most of them were fishermen and day users, not campers.
Once we drove a bit farther downriver, the whole situation changed. You can follow the river and find miles of open pull-offs. There’s so much space that you can easily get your own spot without feeling on top of anyone else. Not secluded in the traditional sense — no trees, wide open terrain — but you’re not sitting right off a main road either.
We ended up in a spot where the sound of the water made for a really solid night of sleep. Flat ground, easy parking, and simple access for any vehicle. Starlink had good reception the whole time, which was a plus.
A few practical notes:
We felt safe and slept well, but it’s not somewhere I’d call a “vacation spot.” It works for what it is: a quiet, functional place to crash for the night while on the road.
ScoutOff a short dirt path, nice flat area to park for the evening. Secluded, a bit of highway noise running parallel, but nice accessible, private spot.
GuideI was in the area, needed a one night stay, read the earlier review, and decided to give it a try. It is a large flat open area downstream from the dam. As advertised, quiet + there are no other people here. Actually, the only noise is a gentle roar from the spillway of the dam. It's really quite soothing. There is a nice Riverview, but otherwise nothing special about the place. Just a good place to hang for a night.
ScoutLots of flat open space below the dam. Nice river view, lots of pelicans. Quiet and uncrowded.
RangerStayed two nights in April. Very isolated and the river gave off a very mellow vibe.
The boat ramp area is great because of the view and the wildlife. We saw many ducks and some geese floating down the river at high speeds. Also saw coyotes and friendly bees.
Rustic camping near Burbank, Washington centers around several primitive sites situated along the Columbia and Snake Rivers at elevations ranging from 340 to 450 feet. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from July through September, and mild winters with occasional freezing temperatures. Wind patterns along the river corridors create challenging conditions for tent campers during spring months when gusts regularly exceed 20mph.
Fishing opportunities year-round: Ice Harbor Dam area provides excellent fishing access with seasonal variations. "Lots of flat open space below the dam. Nice river view, lots of pelicans. Quiet and uncrowded," notes Lloyd M. about Ice Harbor Dam.
Wildlife observation: The riverside camping locations offer chances to spot various animals throughout the year. Kevin C. describes his experience at Vernita Bridge: "We saw many ducks and some geese floating down the river at high speeds. Also saw coyotes and friendly bees."
Boating access: Multiple locations feature boat ramps for water recreation. "Discover Pass required. Not for regular camping. Used for staying overnight and getting up early to hit the water," explains Jennifer R. about the boating focus at Vernita Bridge.
Stargazing: The remote locations with minimal light pollution create ideal conditions for night sky viewing. One camper at Riparia notes the complete absence of electricity means "AMAZING star gazing" conditions.
Uncrowded conditions: Most dispersed sites around Burbank see minimal use, particularly midweek. "This is a great mostly unknown little campground. Fun fact: This is the least used campsite maintained by the Lower Granite Natural Resources Management team," reports Nick E. about Riparia.
River access: Direct water frontage provides cooling opportunities during hot months. Angela P. shares about Riparia: "You can easily set up a tent and float along the river's edge. There are a few little coves that are nice for kids to play in and great to stay out of the river current."
Budget-friendly options: All sites in the area are either free or require only a Discover Pass. Jeremy H. notes about Ringold Springs Camping: "Requires a discover pass, but otherwise, free. Didn't see any park employees. I camped on a Friday evening and was the only one there camping except for an RV boondocking in a different section."
Off-grid experience: The isolation and lack of services appeals to those seeking disconnection. Horace M. enthusiastically shares about Vernita Bridge: "I just love this spot, no amenities, isolation, river front view, and a boat ramp. Bring your own everything!!"
Seasonal fire restrictions: Most sites prohibit wood fires during peak dry periods. "Wood fires are NOT allowed from June 10th through October 10th. It gets very dry out here," cautions a Riparia camper.
Limited facilities: Most locations have minimal or no amenities. At Devil's Bench Recreation Area, Anton reports: "Large spot, with paved access right near the Dam, toilet, no service, 4 tables."
Access challenges: Some roads to camping areas have difficult grades. Nick E. warns about Riparia: "I followed my GPS which took me off of Highway 26 and onto Old Highway 26. DON'T do this. Take Hay rd. Old HWY 26 will take you onto Hammer Grade Rd. This is NOT a fun road with a trailer."
Seasonal crowding: While typically quiet, certain periods bring crowds. A Vernita Bridge camper notes, "If you arrive on the last weekend of October, there is a huge king salmon fishing derby with about 100 entrants so you will have company."
Water safety precautions: The river currents can be dangerous despite calm appearances. "There are a few little coves that are nice for kids to play in and great to stay out of the river current," advises a Riparia camper.
Insect preparation: Bring appropriate protection against seasonal pests. "Day time the bugs aren't bad but, when the sun starts going down, the mosquitoes are coming out. Also, spring into early summer, there are ticks," warns a camper at Riparia.
Shade considerations: Limited tree cover at most sites means preparation for sun exposure. "Limited sites have shade all day. Get there early to get one of these prime spots," suggests Nick E. about securing the best family camping locations.
Supply planning: The remote nature of these locations requires bringing all essentials. One camper at McDougall Dispersed Camping advises: "Primitive location, nothing there, but maybe a fire ring and a spot to park your vehicle."
Water conservation: No hookups means careful usage of onboard resources. An RV camper at Riparia shares: "We stayed here with our Travel Trailer with a 50 gallon fresh water tank. It lasted the 4 of us the 5 day weekend."
Generator needs: Temperature extremes may require power for cooling. "It was a hot weekend and we did end up having to run the generator for a few hours during the day to keep the newborn cool," notes an RVer about summer conditions.
Road conditions: Unpaved access roads affect vehicles and equipment. "Your trailer, tow vehicle and anything in the bed is going to get dusty getting here and leaving. It's a decent trek down a gravel road," warns a Riparia visitor.
Dumping station planning: No facilities exist at the primitive sites. Nicole C. mentions that for Vernita Bridge, "The closest [dumpsite] I found is right off highway 395 at the rest area."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Burbank, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Burbank, WA is ice harbor dam with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Burbank, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Burbank, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
