Campgrounds near Colfax, Washington offer access to the Snake River, wooded areas, and numerous recreation options within the Palouse region. The area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often reaching the 90s, while spring and fall provide milder weather better suited for hiking and outdoor activities. Winter camping options exist but facilities often reduce services during colder months.
What to do
Hiking trails with elevation gain: At Kamiak Butte County Park, visitors can access a small network of trails that showcase the distinctive Palouse landscape. "You could easily set up 2 tents there. There's a little trail at Kamiak Butte and you can access it via a trailhead near the entrance of the campground," notes one camper who stayed in site #4.
Water recreation opportunities: The Snake River provides swimming, boating and fishing at Boyer Park & Marina KOA. "It provides a boat launch and nice sized RV lotes. It is kid friendly and is a 2 minute drive from Lower Granite Dam if you want to take a tour. It is also a 10 minute drive from Illia Dunes for a day trip," explains a visitor.
Nature observation: Robinson County Park features wooded areas perfect for wildlife watching. "This is a great place to take your dog for a walk. The trail is a nice loop through the woods, and there is a nice picnic area, swings, and volleyball court," according to one reviewer who found the park easily accessible on paved roads.
What campers like
Stunning viewpoints: The campsites near Colfax, Washington often feature panoramic vistas, particularly at Redtail Campground. "We stayed here for a night midweek after the Memorial Day weekend and had the whole campground to ourselves. Beautiful unobstructed views to the East, South and West," reports one camper who appreciated the location's scenery.
Clean facilities: Many campsites maintain well-kept restrooms and common areas. Boyer Park & Marina KOA receives praise for its maintenance standards: "Clean bathrooms, green lawns everywhere, nice big campsite, and nice family beach area. Lots of garbage cans everywhere but no recycling."
Quiet weekday camping: Several campgrounds in the area experience different crowding patterns throughout the week. "Quiet during the weekdays. Gets REALLY busy on weekends. A lot of families with a lot of kids. If you are a curmudgeon you won't like it on the weekend," notes one visitor about their experience at Boyer Park.
What you should know
Train noise impacts: Several campsites experience train disruptions due to nearby tracks. At Palouse RV Park, "There are train tracks very very close, but it was not disruptive surprisingly for the time we were there," according to one camper who stayed overnight.
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly between camping locations. At Boyer Park & Marina KOA, a reviewer noted: "Only downside is no Verizon coverage and free wifi is junk. But for $3/day you can get decent wifi."
Seasonal water availability: Water access can change throughout the year. At Redtail Campground, one visitor mentioned: "There was potable water but it was turned off," indicating campers should verify utility status before arrival, especially in shoulder seasons.
Wind exposure: The Palouse region experiences significant wind patterns. One camper at Redtail Campground stated, "Not enough trees for shade from sun," while another at Boyer Park noted, "The winds come through quite a bit which helps with the heat but make sure everything is secured down."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. At Wawawai County Park, families appreciate the recreational options: "There is a day use area with a gravel hike through the hills a canoe launch, fishing areas, tons of covered gazebos with bbqs at each, and a swing set."
Spacious sites: Family campers should look for locations with adequate room. "The spots are roomy and grassy. There are several bathrooms on the property that were maintained daily over the weekend," reports one Wawawai County Park visitor.
Beginner-friendly options: For first-time campers, Scenic Six Park provides a gentle introduction to outdoor experiences. One visitor who brought an international friend noted: "This site has it all if you are an occasional camper. There's lots of on site activities, and the property is well maintained. The restrooms make it feel like your not even camping!"
Tips from RVers
Site access challenges: Some campgrounds have tight entrances that require careful navigation. At Robinson County Park, one RVer with a 35-foot Brinkley noted: "Had to work it to get out...in the largest spot partly clearance from trees and fence posts limiting back and fill efforts. Drive in was a bit concerning with a 13'4" height."
Hookup variations: Electric options differ between campgrounds. At Scenic Six Park, a vehicle camper shared: "I rented a tent site. They gave me a RV site because they were not full, same price as tent site," indicating flexibility during non-peak periods.
Level site availability: Finding flat parking is crucial for RVs. At Redtail Campground, a reviewer noted: "Sites at this campground are reasonably flat and deep but not a lot of room for pop-ups," suggesting it works best for certain RV types.
