141 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options in the Coulee City area of Washington range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites surrounding the region's lakes. Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park provides developed campgrounds with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations, operating seasonally from late March through mid-October. Trail Lake Dispersed Camping offers free primitive camping approximately 6 miles east of Coulee City, while Coulee City Community Park features lakefront sites with electrical hookups and amenities for both tent and RV camping.
The camping season in this region generally runs from April through October, with most developed facilities closing during winter months. Access roads to dispersed sites may become difficult in wet or snowy conditions. Many campgrounds near Coulee City experience significant wind, which can affect camping comfort. A visitor commented, "The wind was brutal and nearly blew away half of our party's tents. The ground is super dry which made getting tent stakes in very challenging." Discover Passes are required at some locations like Ankeny #1, while other sites like Trail Lake Dispersed are free to access. Temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night, particularly in spring and fall, requiring appropriate gear for comfortable camping.
Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers visiting the Coulee City area, with most campgrounds situated near Banks Lake, Park Lake, or smaller bodies of water. Several visitors report excellent fishing opportunities, particularly at Deep Lake where one camper noted "phenomenal" kokanee fishing. Mosquitoes pose a common challenge at lakeside camping areas, with multiple reviews mentioning heavy insect activity, especially at Trail Lake Dispersed camping. The geological features surrounding the camping areas add scenic value, with the glacial-carved coulees and Dry Falls formation creating a unique landscape. Developed campgrounds typically offer amenities including showers, flush toilets, and hookups, while dispersed sites provide more privacy but lack facilities. Weekend noise levels at popular areas like Sun Lakes State Park can be problematic during summer months according to several reviews.
"Located near / within Dry Falls and Sun Lakes State Park this camping resort has it all."
"Mini golf for $5. 9 hole public course within walking distance. ($19 for 9, club rental for $8) Laundry ($3/$2) Alot to offer for $53."
"We hit this site very early season for a Northern Washington trip. All facilities were open and clean and the site was super quiet and beautiful."
"I do not suggest the Sun Lakes Resort campsite that is not managed by Washington State Parks unless you like being packed in like sardines. Camping at the state park managed campsite is far better."
from $43 - $70 / night
Check Availability"We have been to the Blue Lake Resort during June 2021. The location is awesome, quiet and peaceful for a relaxing vacation. The breeze is welcoming& gentle enough to get fresh air."
"Very nice walkable paths and waterfront. Keep your eyes open for the Blue Lake Resort. Great place to bring the family and pets. kayaking and fishing was Fun for the kids. Enjoy your time..."
"Great spot to disperse camp, no toilets , great for swimming fishing kayaking paddle boarding and disperse camping, sunken boat at edge of water cool feature. Lots of bugs and spiders."
"The lake is large and a beautiful clear blue."
"Its a great family campground there is a park to play plus your right by the lake so kids and adults are wading in and swimming all day."
"Great location to so much fantastic outdoor activity. Fall is definitely my favorite time to go."
"The lake is absolutely beautiful and was perfect for water activities, cliff jumping, and great spots for swimming. Very affordable and I will be looking forward to my trip back in a few months."
"The employees also walk the sites frequently. Downside - the lake by the resort is very muddy so we had to go elsewhere to swim (but there are plenty of local spots)."
"The sites are pretty close together, but not too close to be uncomfortable. Nice big area for dogs by the store and pool."
"The location is great, you can walk right from the camp area up the mesa which has incredible views, or go swimming in the lake or any other water based activity."
"Great camping spot at a state park with trails and lake access. This is a big park with lots of amenities and lots of people in the summer time."
from $56 - $87 / night
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ScoutThis is perfect for a road trip overnight rest, but I would not want to spend the day here. It is a gravel pullout with a raised ledge. There was some trash and old barbed wire where someone might pitch a tent, so inspect with some good light.
There is an old road that is part of the pullout that dead ends. We parked there and raised the rooftop tent. For our purposes this place is perfect and we will probably stay here again.
TravelerThe road starts as gravel then turns into gravel and large stones. Not an easy road definite 4x4 with good tires, not a Subaru Outback track. Eventually it starts gaining altitude toward the Wild Horse Wind Farm and the road turns to broken basalt rock and volcanic stone and gets pretty sharp. We made it about a mile past the wind farm where the road starts to drop again, and a shard of basalt tore through the sidewall flattening a tire.
We managed to change a tire and decided that with no spare, continuing would be stupid. We turned back and spent the night near the wind farm and drive out the following day.
This area is prone to grass fires and getting stuck would be pretty serious. Areas with no cell service, one lane road, grass scab land, volcanic rock and occasional sage brush.
Not a trail I’d advise for a single vehicle.
Staying at the wind farm there is awesome star viewing, near constant wind and you can hear the wind generators in the background.
TravelerThis is a small pull off right off the highway. You need s discover pass to use it. Pulling in there is a single toilet, we didn’t check it out. The gravel parking area along the small lake allows for some privacy, but you are in a gravel parking area near a highway. No water and the bathroom looked dodgy, but there used to be ample parking close enough to hear the highway. The lake is nice, the water is clear, and some locals swim in it. We camped from afternoon until afternoon the following day. A few people cans and went but by nightfall there was one other car and a motorhome all distant from one another. If you listen you can hear the highway. At about 2am when the breeze stopped the mosquitoes came out with a vengeance and stayed until about 8am when a breeze picked up again.
Not a destination, but a welcome rest spot.
GuideA little bumpy of a road getting into our spot. The initial road wasn’t bad. We took the first road on the left. Some spots on the road were a tight squeeze fitting through with overgrown shrubs. Some mosquitoes, but we were next to a lake, so to be expected. Beautiful sunset though!
TravelerWhat a beautiful spot! We went to the left once we got in to the lot and it was perfect. There is a put toilet and it was very quiet.
RangerHonestly absolutely stunning view. Very windy at night and a bunch of weird looking bugs got into the van as it got darker. But it was a great uneventful night. a few pit toilets but I didnt use them. Also a few dead fish along the shore.
RangerJust a few gravel spots. Could probably post up for a quick rest. Nothing to write home about
ScoutMy wife is a traveler. We have been staying here at the Suncrest RV Park very enjoyable good amenities good people.
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.
Camping sites near Coulee City, Washington typically remain open from April through October, with temperatures varying drastically between seasons. The region sits within the Channeled Scablands, created by massive ice age floods that carved the dramatic coulees and lake basins. Summer temperatures can exceed 100°F during the day while dropping to the 50s at night, requiring campers to prepare for significant temperature swings.
Hiking at Steamboat Rock State Park: Access trails directly from Bay Loop Campground where hiking options vary from easy lakeside paths to challenging climbs. "We hiked part of the ways up but didnt go all the way," notes one visitor, while another shares that "the Steamboat Rock trail was closed when we were there due to fire danger."
Kayaking on Banks Lake: Many Coulee City camping areas provide water access with varying facilities. "We kayaked to a boat in campsite with my friend and made camp on a sandy beach beneath the boat," reports a camper at Steamboat Rock State Park. Boat-in sites offer more seclusion and unique perspectives of the landscape.
Fishing opportunities: Trout fishing at Jameson Lake draws anglers throughout the season. "Great fishing spot, has split season and is only open during fishing season. Lots of trout, caught limit every time. Witnessed someone pull a 18" trout last visit," says one satisfied angler. Most fishing spots require a Washington fishing license and some need a Discover Pass for parking.
Lake swimming access: Blue Lake Resort offers swimming options with designated swimming areas. According to a visitor, "The lake is absolutely beautiful and was perfect for water activities, cliff jumping, and great spots for swimming." Swimmers should note that water temperatures can remain cool through early summer.
Unique geological features: The landscape surrounding camping areas provides unusual scenery not found elsewhere. At Steamboat Rock State Park, a camper notes, "The landscape of glacial-carved coulees and sagebrush covered shrubsteppe is gorgeous and unique. The park is truly a geological wonder."
Camping variety: From primitive dispersed sites to full-service resorts, the area accommodates different camping preferences. At Trail Lake Dispersed, "We stayed on a side access trail right before this pin drop and it was just as nice, if not better. A few other campers spread out around the lake but very separated from each other."
Wind conditions: Strong winds affect several campgrounds around Coulee City. "It got very windy at night even though it was completely calm when we went to bed. Just a warning to be sure to stake your tent out if you are tenting it like we were. Our tent tried to make a break for it when we were unpacking in the morning," reports a camper at Ankeny #1.
Insect activity: Mosquitoes are particularly problematic at many sites, especially near water. A camper at Trail Lake Dispersed stated, "Beautiful spot, but literally the most mosquitos I've ever seen (and I used to work in the woods of northern Maine). My family can deal with basically any conditions and we bailed to drive into the night after 30 minutes of painful tent set up."
Temperature fluctuations: Prepare for significant temperature changes between day and night. An overnight camper at Smokiam RV Resort recommends: "Sites have full hookups 30/50 amp and heated coils to prevent any water freeze. Extremely impress, already one of my favorite off season spots."
Child-friendly amenities: Some resorts offer extensive activities for children. "A beautiful oasis in the middle of a dry area of the state. Located near / within Dry Falls and Sun Lakes State Park this camping resort has it all. A beautiful golf course, a great mini golf course, pool, water wars, grocery, awesome super cute gift shop," notes a visitor about Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds to keep children entertained. "Very clean campground. Nice amenities for families. Put put golf swimming pool hot tubs basketball and volleyball court and nice playground," reports a visitor to Smokiam RV Resort.
Wildlife viewing: Kids often enjoy seeing local wildlife at Coulee City Community Park. "This place has many spots. We were here memorial day weekend last year. If the weather is crazy there is barely anyone... its right by the lake so kids and adults are wading in and swimming all day. Its lots of fun the spaces are big and nice, you can go fishing."
Site selection: Choose sites carefully based on your needs and weather conditions. "We chose a spot in the rv tent area which was not very clean and very loud. Stay in the outer ring if you have an RV," advises a visitor to Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park.
Electrical considerations: Check the condition of electrical hookups before plugging in. "The 30 amp plug I plugged into was kind of sketchy. The terminals were melted pretty bad. I wish I had taken the time to hook up the water filter," warns a camper at Blue Lake Resort.
Water quality varies: Several campgrounds near mineral-rich lakes have distinct water properties. "Soap Lake is interesting with a very soft muddy bottom on the CG side of the lake," notes a visitor to Smokiam RV Resort, indicating the importance of bringing sufficient drinking water to camping locations throughout the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What amenities are available at Coulee City campgrounds?
Coulee City camping areas offer a range of amenities to enhance your stay. The Coulee Lodge Resort provides reservable sites with water and toilet facilities that accommodate various camping setups. For those seeking more facilities, nearby Blue Lake Resort offers boat-in access, water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Most campgrounds in the area provide basic necessities like picnic tables and fire rings, while some feature showers, dump stations, and boat launches. The surrounding area offers recreational opportunities including fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking trails that showcase the region's unique geological features.
Where is the Coulee City campground located?
Coulee City camping options are located in Eastern Washington along Banks Lake, part of the stunning Columbia River basin. The Coulee City Community Park sits directly on Banks Lake, offering easy water access and scenic views of the surrounding coulee landscape. This area is known for its dramatic geological features created by ancient ice age floods. The park's location provides convenient access to nearby attractions including Dry Falls and the Grand Coulee Dam, making it a strategic base for exploring the entire Grand Coulee region.
What are the best nearby alternatives to Coulee City camping?
The Grand Coulee area offers excellent alternatives to Coulee City camping. Steamboat Rock State Park is a standout option with stunning rock formations, water access, and well-maintained facilities. The Sage Loop campground there provides clean sites and interesting surroundings with orchards, rocks, and water. For a quieter experience, Martha Lake Dispersed Camping offers peaceful lakeside camping with spacious gravel lots (requires a Washington Discover Pass). Other highly-rated options include Alta Lake State Park Campground with its beautiful lake and surrounding hills, and Lincoln Rock State Park Campground which features scenic views, trails, and clean facilities.
Is there RV camping available in Coulee City, WA?
Yes, Coulee City offers several options for RV camping. Smokiam RV Resort provides full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections, along with amenities specifically designed for RV campers. Ankeny #1 is another option that accommodates big rigs and offers basic facilities like toilets. Many sites in the area are reasonably level, making setup easy. For those who prefer state park camping with their RV, several nearby parks offer RV-friendly sites with varying hookup options. Be sure to check seasonal availability as some facilities may have limited operations during off-peak months.
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