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Camping areas around Moses Lake, Washington range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites across the Columbia Basin. Potholes State Park Campground offers tent, RV, cabin, and yurt accommodations with full hookups, while Moses Lake Mud Flats and Sand Dunes provides more primitive camping options for both tents and RVs. The region includes several waterfront camping locations like Mardon Resort and Pier 4 RV Resort that feature boat-in access. Many campgrounds in this area sit along the shores of Moses Lake itself or nearby Potholes Reservoir, providing water recreation opportunities within a high desert landscape. Campers exploring Moses Lake will find diverse camping options suited for every preference, from lakeside sites perfect for fishing to desert landscapes ideal for off-road adventures.
The eastern Washington climate creates distinct camping conditions with hot, dry summers and cool nights. A visitor commented, "Central Washington gets dry and hot in the summer so come prepared." Most campgrounds remain open year-round, though peak season runs May through September when temperatures regularly exceed 80°F. Several sites require a Washington State Discovery Pass for access, particularly at dispersed locations like Long Lake near Warden. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better coverage near Moses Lake proper and limited connectivity in outlying areas. Campers should be aware of potential wildlife encounters, including rattlesnakes, as one reviewer noted after finding a baby rattlesnake at their campsite in Potholes State Park.
Public lands near Moses Lake attract diverse outdoor enthusiasts, from anglers to off-road vehicle users. The sand dunes area receives consistent use for recreational vehicles, with one camper describing it as "a perfect weekend getaway for bringing all of your motor toys." Waterfront sites at Cascade Campground and Mardon Resort fill quickly during summer weekends, particularly among boaters. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers appreciate the fishing opportunities at Potholes Reservoir, with multiple reviewers mentioning the quality of walleye and bass fishing. Sites with shade are highly valued due to the region's intense summer sun, though many campgrounds feature minimal tree cover. Mixed-use campground options accommodate various camping styles, from primitive tent sites to full-service RV resorts with amenities like swimming pools, golf courses, and on-site restaurants.
"As others have said, this campground is on the reservoir at Moses Lake, but it is maybe 20-30 minutes from town."
"Campground Review: Potholes State Park is located in Central Washington, a bit south of Moses Lake. The climate is arid desert so expect hot days, cool nights, and occasional gusty winds. "
from $12 - $87 / night
Check Availability"We visited a cousin in Moses Lake and discovered this city park campground for an overnight stay."
"We hiked Blue Lake and Diablo Lake, which both were incredible. Diablo Lake is a beautiful blue color."
from $32 - $40 / night
Check Availability"Get over to Moses Lake, WA where you will find Mud Flats and Sand Dunes! Open Camping directly on the Flats, you and your whole crew can set up base just off the gravel road and right on the water."
"With gas prices out of control this was a perfect weekend getaway right off highway 17. Immaculately kept RV sites and 20 yards from teeing off. Full hookups, propane refill and a pool."
"Sage Hills Golf & RV Resort in Warden, WA (near Moses Lake) is located right off WA-17, and arriving from the south we turned at the golf course sign and followed the dead-end road up to the campground"
from $46 - $51 / night
Check Availability"Tucked in right on Moses Lake. Good fishing & a beach with sand. Fully stocked store and friendly staff."
"This place is a staple in eastern Washington."
"Would have been 5 stars if not for the garbage & toilet locations. Burn ban currently in effect. Very dry - embers would not be good. Even next to the lake. Would stay again"
"Great place for camping right next to the lake. A little broken glass here and there but mostly pretty natural."
from $35 - $40 / night
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TravelerWe enjoyed our 1 night stay at Potholes. It’s a bit hard to get to coming from the west, but the park is well kept. It was early June, and the park was not at all crowded. We liked the layout of the loops for RVA camping, which felt like there was a decent amount of space. We did not fish or otherwise use the lake, but it is very scenic. Shower facilities were also well-maintained.
GuideBeautiful little oasis. First come first serve camping with level blacktop pads with gravel tent spot fire ring and picnic table. Boat launch and fishing. There are flushable pottys and water fill sites, a coupled picnic areas and grills. We came in late June. It was a cool evening. Great for sleeping. The park was about 1/3 full. Easy to find a site.
GuideStayed here for one night (Wednesday). It was easy to access. Well maintained BLM access road — a car could easily make it. There was no one else there. There was a bag of garbage and sprawled garbage here & there as well as glass & butts. We picked up our area of any of the garbage & packed it out. The bull frogs & LARGE fish jumping/splashing all night was so soothing. The stars were amazing. Slept with the rain cover off the tent. Would have been 5 stars if not for the garbage & toilet locations. Burn ban currently in effect. Very dry - embers would not be good. Even next to the lake. Would stay again
GuideAs others have mentioned, there’s lots of trash in the area. However, you can’t hear the noise from the highway and I had great cell reception
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.
TravelerVery pretty spot diff need to be here before sunset waterfall was amazing surprise for me and we found a car over the edge not sure how long it’s been there
ScoutIt use to be the most beautiful, well kept campground in Moses Lake. Sunrise Resort company owns it and they have neglected to take care of this property. It shameful what has happened. Maybe if enough people complain they will do something about it.
Broken restroom
Dirt sites no grass (the pictures are from long ago)
Broken washer/dryer
Broken water hook-up
TravelerWould be 5 stars but the wind tonight is at about 19mph so check wind forecast beforehand especially if your including a tent
Scout20 minutes from the gorge amphitheater which is nice! Shower and flushing toilets. Sites are close together and real close to the road. This is for concert vibes for true camping camping for sure
Camping spots near Moses Lake, Washington sit in a landscape dominated by channeled scablands, carved by ancient floods during the last ice age. Summer temperatures regularly climb into the 90s with evening temperatures dipping into the 50s. This desert environment creates habitat for unique wildlife including coyotes, mule deer, and numerous birds that can be spotted around the camping areas.
Fishing opportunities: Potholes State Park Campground is known for excellent fishing. "The bird sounds are incredible. I wish I would have made a recording. Mourning doves, quail, robins, and red wing blackbirds among the many. Deer walked through the campground and beavers and otters were swimming in the reservoir while we did some fishing from the group camping area," reports one camper.
Water sports: Mardon Resort provides direct access to Potholes Reservoir for boating and swimming. "There is a playground for the kids along with a nice sandy beach. Tons of sites with and without full hookups. Fully stocked store, a great restaurant and matina with gas," notes a visitor who has been camping there since childhood.
Sand dunes exploration: The area's unique landscape includes expansive sand dunes where vehicles can be driven. A visitor to the area mentions, "Easy to get to near residential area. Good place to have some off road fun," when describing the Moses Lake Mud Flats and Sand Dunes.
Privacy at dispersed sites: For campers seeking solitude, Long Lake offers secluded camping. "I was one of only 3 campers in and around long lake. Lots of privacy," shares a recent visitor. The sites are spread out with makeshift fire pits and require only a Washington Discover Pass.
Sunset views: Moses Lake's position in the Columbia Basin creates dramatic evening skies. "Hard packed sandy road takes you out here. We arrived way after dark. Beware of soft sand on the shoulders but overall 40+ foot rigs can make it as the road is very wide. Woke up to an amazing sun rise and were able to let the dogs hang off leash before everyone started getting on their ATVs," describes a camper about their experience at the sand dunes.
Wildlife viewing: The lakes and reservoirs attract numerous bird species and other wildlife. "We did not encounter too many bugs, but the season is still early. We did see two snakes. One swimming towards us while we were fishing on the boat, the other in our camp site," explains a visitor to Potholes State Park, highlighting the diverse wildlife in the area.
Heat preparation: The desert climate requires proper planning. "Beautiful trees surrounded the sites provide much need shade during hot summer. However, mosquitoes are leaving you alone every time you are outside," notes a visitor to Potholes State Park, emphasizing the importance of finding shaded sites.
Cell service: Connection varies throughout the camping areas. At Whimsy Rock Homestead, campers report adequate service for both Verizon and AT&T users. One camper at Long Lake mentioned, "We have Verizon and AT&T and had decent service."
Road conditions: Access to some dispersed camping areas requires driving on unmaintained roads. A visitor to Long Lake noted, "The road is washboarded out. Your teeth will rattle out of your head. It is passable by car, though. I am sure it will get fixed further into the season."
Playground access: Cascade Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "There is a nice playground. The bathrooms were reasonably clean and there are showers available for a fee based on how long of a shower you want," explains a visitor who stayed there with family.
Swimming options: Several campsites offer swimming areas for children. At Mardon Resort, a visitor mentions the "nice sandy beach" that's perfect for families with children wanting to cool off from the summer heat.
Wildlife awareness: Teach children about potential wildlife encounters. "Just be aware especially if you have little kids running around. I want to be clear, this is not anything against the park. You are in snake country and this is that animals home," advises a camper who spotted a rattlesnake at Potholes State Park.
Site spacing: Many RV parks in the area have varying space between sites. "T mobile 5G. Dead fish and algae in the lake- green speckles. The water is green. The picnic tables are partially buried in the sand. The sites are big and well spaced along the reservoir shoreline," reports an RVer at Potholes State Park.
Full hookup options: Numerous campgrounds offer complete RV services. "We stayed for four nights. Arrived on Friday and it's a busy, fun place over the weekend. Emptied out on Sunday and only a few campers left Monday and Tuesday. Electric and water hookups. Dumping for gray and black water on site," notes a camper about their experience at Cascade Campground.
Traffic noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience road noise. "We spent an overnight here, but it was sadly not a great stay. The site was backed up against the highway and was not only was it so loud we couldn't sleep—it literally shook the rig despite stabilizers," warns a reviewer about Pier 4 RV Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there free camping available at Moses Lake?
Yes, free camping is available in the Moses Lake area. Moses Lake Mud Flats and Sand Dunes offers open camping directly on the flats where you can set up base just off the gravel road and right on the water. This area is especially popular for those bringing recreational vehicles and motor toys. For a more secluded free camping experience, Vernita Bridge provides dispersed camping options in the greater region. When using these free camping areas, practice Leave No Trace principles, pack out all trash, and be aware that facilities are minimal or non-existent.
Where are the best campgrounds in Moses Lake, WA?
Moses Lake offers several excellent camping options. Mardon Resort provides waterfront camping with beach access, a fishing dock, and a fully stocked store. Camp directly on the water or choose higher sites. For state park amenities, Potholes State Park Campground offers a beautiful setting on the reservoir about 20-30 minutes from town with excellent fishing opportunities and multiple camping sections to choose from. Other notable options include Cascade Campground for boaters and Warden Lake RV Resort for trout fishing enthusiasts. The area's diverse camping options cater to various preferences from resort-style amenities to more secluded experiences.
What are popular camping activities around Moses Lake, Washington?
Moses Lake offers diverse recreational activities for campers. Fishing is extremely popular, with Warden Lake RV Resort known particularly for excellent trout fishing. Water sports dominate summer activities—swimming, boating, and watercraft recreation are available at many lakeside campgrounds. For off-road enthusiasts, the Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park offers hiking trails and fascinating petrified wood viewing. The area's expansive sand dunes provide opportunities for ATV riding and dune exploration. Wildlife watching is excellent, particularly in the Potholes area. Golf is another popular activity with courses adjacent to some RV parks. The Columbia River's breathtaking views add to the scenic appeal, making photography and sightseeing rewarding pursuits in this diverse landscape.
What RV camping facilities are available near Moses Lake?
Moses Lake offers several well-equipped RV camping facilities. Sage Hills Golf Club & RV Resort features immaculately kept RV sites just off Highway 17 with full hookups, propane refill, a pool, and the unique perk of being just 20 yards from golf tee-offs. The clubhouse serves food and has a full-service bar during golfing hours. Pier 4 RV Resort provides convenient access to nearby recreation areas with water access, picnic tables, and a frisbee golf course. Other options include Thousand Trails Crescent Bar with beautiful sites near the river and Suncrest Resort offering big-rig-friendly spaces with toilet facilities.
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