Top Free Dispersed Camping near Coulee City, WA

Looking for dispersed camping near Coulee City? The Dyrt can help you find the best dispersed campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Washington excursion.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Coulee City, WA (14)

Showing results 1-10 of 14 campgrounds

Recent Dispersed Reviews In Coulee City

20 Reviews of 14 Coulee City Campgrounds


  • Charlotte F.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Lake
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Long Lake

    8/10 recommend!

    Only reason for 4 stars is because people have left trash here. Otherwise, it’s a great spot. Very private and spread out. There’s a handful of sites, each with make shift fire pits and none super close to each other. No fee other than discover pass. There’s an outhouse but we didn’t use it. We have Verizon and AT&T and had decent service.

  • Luther R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Lake
    Sep. 21, 2024

    Long Lake

    A Gem

    Beautiful lakes. I was one of only 3 campers in and around long lake. Lots of privacy.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed
    Sep. 11, 2024

    Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed

    Awesome View from the Top of the Ridge

    Great campsite with an awesome view. Sandy dirt camping site near the USGS sensor station. No fires today due to high fire danger, but there was a pit in the camp. Tent right on the ridge. Dirt road was 12 miles up the mountain. Lots of switchbacks, but passible in a sedan. Takes 45 mins to get up. Take shady pass road to the top.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Lake
    Jul. 29, 2023

    Long Lake

    Beautiful landscape

    Great place for camping right next to the lake. A little broken glass here and there but mostly pretty natural. Water did not look that great for swimming but plenty of big fish in the lake, pelicans and weasels. No fires may through Oct. A few other people fishing but everyone was a ways away.

  • Maui F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Trail Lake
    May. 20, 2023

    Trail Lake

    Great spot

    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. Also close the cow gate.

  • Alan-Mark I.
    Camper-submitted photo from Secret Camping Spot #1
    Aug. 16, 2022

    Secret Camping Spot #1

    Bare Necessities

    A place to sleep. You can set up tent on the elevated ridge you see as you drive in off the pull-off from the hwy. But be mindful of the cactuses, these are small but quite sharp.

  • Judy T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Jameson Lake
    Oct. 17, 2021

    Jameson Lake

    Free dispersed campsites on a fishing lake

    We camped here because my grandparents used to fish here long ago. The camping is free and dispersed. There is a large gravel parking lot suitable for large RVs plus those towing a trailer or boat. We chose to find a more secluded site away from the strong winds. The views of the lake were beautiful especially in the fall.

    Below the gravel area was a large paved area for boat trailers. A discover pass is needed ($30/year) but we always get one and use it extensively.

    You access this area via long wide well graded gravel road. There are no site numbers; you just find a spot and stay.

  • Dakota T.
    Camper-submitted photo from Long Lake
    Sep. 11, 2021

    Long Lake

    Pretty decent if it's not busy

    I love heading here to tent camp out of my car, I own a sedan and it's easy to get to on gravel roads, they have outhouses nearby that are regularly stocked and you can camp feet from long lake and enjoy the open air. during some months their is cattle in the area and they come down to the lake in the morning and greet you, I've been here 3 times as of this post, love it

  • Emma A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead
    Apr. 30, 2021

    Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

    Great dispersed camping on the East side of the Cascades

    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. It gets cold at night so come prepared.

    There are several established sites near Ancient Lakes and Dusty Lakes that can be accessed from the lower trailhead hiking or biking in.

    Ancient Lakes sites are only 2 miles from the trailhead on flat terrain which makes it for an ideal first backpacking experience.

    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.

    No facilities at the lakes. Port-a-potty at the trailhead.

    Need Discover Pass to park here.

  • B
    Camper-submitted photo from Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead
    Apr. 3, 2020

    Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

    This place is awesome.

    Really easy straight on hike. It is definitely dusty but a really nice change of pace from the trees and mountains. Several waterfalls that you can get super close to. We have not camped there yet but it looked super fun.

  • Dawn G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Jameson Lake
    Dec. 1, 2019

    Jameson Lake

    Kayaking Fun!

    We arrived here on a Sunday night in May and the place was empty...... only one other camper and it was really far away. It is very remote, no services around and a little odd to get to, in that you have to wind past a lakeside"resort" with a little store and campsites that didn't look really very nice, yet there were people everywhere, it looked totally booked. Then you cross over the line into the campground where a$30 annual pass is required, yet the per night cost is$0 as of 2017, and there was nobody around! The campground is like a big open parking area with a boat launch and toilets and then there is also a little more dispersed sites where random fire pits have been built. We had our choice of sites so we picked one that sat away from others and was right above the water making the launch of the kayaks pretty easy.

  • David V.
    Camper-submitted photo from Jameson Lake
    Jun. 5, 2019

    Jameson Lake

    Jameson Lake Resort on N. Jameson Lake Rd

    Amazing time and the hosts of the resort are great. I can’t wait to come back next year!

  • Cheese H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Jameson Lake
    May. 6, 2019

    Jameson Lake

    Gramping

    Skip this dirt field and stay at Jack’s Resort. My grandparents invited me out and, be it not my dispersed style (hence the two stars), I enjoyed the beautiful lake. Jack’s Resort is extremely well maintained. It has a little cafe. Immaculate bathrooms and even a few cabins for those who would rather. Lots of fishing if that’s your thing. Take a little boat and an ice chest of cold beverages and enjoy a day on the lake.

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Jameson Lake
    Oct. 20, 2018

    Jameson Lake

    Great Fishing

    RV and tent camping. Can be windy during season change. Boat accessible. Gravel and dirt. Very beautiful night, great for star gazing. Great fishing spot, has split season and is only open during fishing season. There is a private camping location close by with restaurant and store for supplies. Lots of trout, caught limit every time. Witnessed someone pull a 18" trout last visit.

  • Katie W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead
    Jun. 17, 2018

    Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

    Gorgeous desert oasis

    Lots of campgrounds to choose from. Some are dustier than others. Plenty of space between campsites. Fire pits available for use but check for burn bans.

  • Zach A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead
    Aug. 3, 2017

    Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

    Hidden Gem

    This place is where I go when I want to disconnect and get away from the stress of school in Ellensburg. I've been here a handful of times and there's never been more than a dozen people spread out over the entire coulee valley. The previous directions are good and the one on WTA will take you right to the parking lot where it's an easy 1.5 mile hike down into the coulee. I've heard other people say they walked in from ancient lakes road and it took three times as long to make it to the camping spots.

    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. Other than that enjoy the lakes, waterfalls and killer sunsets that happen on a nightly basis out here!

  • Heather C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead
    Jul. 8, 2017

    Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

    Great Early Season Hike

    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. There are at least 5 good campsites at the lakes that will each hold multiple tents no problem. Some people do light fires but I’d like to discourage it, fire danger is pretty real in these scrublands. This is a very pretty hike full of sage brush and interesting geological features, also several waterfalls. Past the lakes you can go out to the Columbia River Gorge. Check out the WTA description for more details. Note that there is no potable water, you have to haul it it. The lakes are contaminated by irrigation run off. 

    WTA Ancient Lakes

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead
    May. 21, 2017

    Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

    Amazing Geology!!

    2 mile backpack into box canyon and 2 night campout. Surrounded on three sides by tall basalt column cliff walls. Small water fall at northeastern corner. Incredible hiking up to top of rim and around to secondary canyon with a larger lake. You can also hike down towards the Columbia river where there is some additional camping available. Go in early spring for the green and cooler temps. You will want to bring a sleeping pad and tarp since ground is rough. Make sure you bring your own water! Even though there are lakes in the canyon, none of the water is safe for drinking due to the agricultural run off. Filtering will not work.



Guide to Coulee City

Camping near Coulee City, Washington, offers a mix of stunning landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just relaxing by the water, there’s something for every type of camper.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park. One reviewer mentioned, "The landscape of glacial-carved coulees and sagebrush covered shrubsteppe is gorgeous and unique."
  • Fishing and Boating: The lakes in the area are perfect for fishing and boating. A camper shared, "The lakes offer fishing, boating, and swimming," highlighting the variety of water activities available.
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One visitor noted, "We enjoyed the deer, pheasant, and wild turkeys wandering the grounds" at Bay Loop Campground — Steamboat Rock State Park.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Dune Loop Campground — Steamboat Rock State Park stated, "The grounds were well maintained, and bathrooms were clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campers enjoy the space between sites. One camper at Cove Loop Campground — Steamboat Rock State Park said, "The spaces are quite large so your neighbors are not within earshot."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families love the variety of activities available. A reviewer at Smokiam RV Resort mentioned, "Great playground for kids, nice store in case you forget anything."

What you should know:

  • Windy Conditions: If you're tent camping, be prepared for strong winds. A camper warned, "This campground is very windy! Keep that in mind if you are tent camping."
  • Limited Privacy: Some campgrounds have sites that are close together. A visitor at Spring Canyon Campground — Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area noted, "The campsites were hard, small, and lacked privacy."
  • Seasonal Access: Many campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park is open from March 30 to October 15.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Blue Lake Resort, where one family said, "Kids enjoyed the kayaks and paddle boards."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Beebe Bridge Park mentioned, "The beach and playground were clean and the tent spot was perfect to put our toddlers kiddy pool."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. One reviewer at Smokiam RV Resort appreciated the "nice store in case you forget anything."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Bay Loop Campground — Steamboat Rock State Park noted, "The drives are paved and can accommodate large RVs."
  • Be Prepared for Heat: Some RVers recommend visiting in the spring or fall to avoid the summer heat. One camper at Dune Loop Campground — Steamboat Rock State Park said, "It would probably be too hot for us during the summer."
  • Bring Your Own Water Toys: Many campgrounds have water access, but you might need your own gear. A visitor at Douglas Creek mentioned, "You have to bring your own toys!"

Camping near Coulee City, Washington, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Coulee City, WA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Coulee City, WA is Jameson Lake with a 3.8-star rating from 5 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Coulee City, WA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 14 dispersed camping locations near Coulee City, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.