Best Dispersed Camping near Coulee City, WA

The landscape surrounding Coulee City, Washington features numerous dispersed camping options centered around lakes and reservoirs. Trail Lake Dispersed, rated highly by visitors, provides free lakeside camping with opportunities for swimming and fishing. Jameson Lake in nearby Waterville offers both dispersed sites and a resort with amenities, making it popular among anglers seeking trout. Ancient and Dusty Lake Trailhead provides a unique desert camping experience with a short hike to established sites. Long Lake, Martha Lake, and several other water-access points provide additional options for campers seeking primitive experiences within an hour's drive of Coulee City.

Most dispersed camping areas in the region require a Washington Discover Pass ($10/day or $30/year), which rangers actively check. Many sites lack basic amenities, with campers noting "no water and no trash service here, please help keep the area clean and take your trash with you." Roads to popular sites like Long Lake can be rough but are generally passable in standard vehicles. Weather conditions vary dramatically by season, with campers recommending spring and fall visits to avoid summer heat when "it gets too hot and ticks and rattlesnakes are around." Fire restrictions are common during dry months, with complete bans typically in effect from May through October.

Fishing opportunities rank among the top attractions for campers in the area. At Jameson Lake, one visitor reported "great fishing spot, has split season and is only open during fishing season... caught limit every time." Many sites offer excellent stargazing conditions due to minimal light pollution. Water quality varies significantly between locations, with several reviewers cautioning that some lakes contain agricultural runoff and "should not be used for drinking not even if filtered." Privacy and seclusion are consistently mentioned as benefits, with one camper noting they were "one of only 3 campers in and around Long Lake. Lots of privacy." Wildlife sightings commonly include birds, fish, and occasionally cattle that "come down to the lake in the morning and greet you."

Best Dispersed Sites Near Coulee City, Washington (15)

    1. Trail Lake Dispersed

    4 Reviews
    Coulee City, WA
    5 miles
    +1 (509) 633-9265

    "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."

    "Felt safe"

    2. Jameson Lake

    6 Reviews
    Coulee City, WA
    16 miles
    Website

    "RV and tent camping. Can be windy during season change. Boat accessible. Gravel and dirt. Very beautiful night, great for star gazing."

    "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"

    5. Crab Creek Camp

    1 Review
    Moses Lake, WA
    26 miles

    6. Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead

    5 Reviews
    Quincy, WA
    45 miles
    Website

    "Avoid summer when it gets too hot and ticks and rattlesnakes are around. It gets cold at night so come prepared."

    "This place is where I go when I want to disconnect and get away from the stress of school in Ellensburg."

    7. Long Lake

    5 Reviews
    Warden, WA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 754-4624

    "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"

    "Great place for camping right next to the lake. A little broken glass here and there but mostly pretty natural."

    8. Martha Lake Dispersed Camping

    3 Reviews
    Quincy, WA
    44 miles
    Website

    "Martha Lake was a pleasant surprise. We stayed overnight on the 4th of July in our Sprinter van to give our dogs a break from the fireworks."

    9. Secret Camping Spot #1

    2 Reviews
    Pateros, WA
    42 miles

    "Next to Hwy and behind tall bushes.  Vault bathrooms 1/4 mile down the road.  Pretty quiet spot even though 300 yards from highway."

    10. Chelan Lookout - NF 8410 Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Manson, WA
    50 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 682-4900

    "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."

    "Passed a park ranger on the way and he never said anything. There is also paid for camping on the way up here."

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Showing results 1-10 of 15 campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Coulee City, WA

27 Reviews of 15 Coulee City Campgrounds



Guide to Coulee City

Dispersed camping near Coulee City, Washington, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the freedom of choosing your own campsite. With stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities, this area is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Dispersed campers should check out Jameson Lake

  • This location features free dispersed camping with beautiful views of the lake, especially stunning during the fall season.
  • Access is easy via a well-graded gravel road, making it suitable for both RVs and those towing boats.
  • The area allows for campfires and has amenities like toilets and drinking water, enhancing the camping experience.

Fishing and kayaking while free camping near Coulee City

  • Trail Lake is a fantastic spot for fishing and kayaking, with plenty of secluded areas to set up camp.
  • The lake is known for its tranquility, making it ideal for a peaceful day on the water or a night under the stars.
  • Be prepared for some bugs, but the stunning scenery and recreational opportunities make it worth it.

Scenic views and wildlife at Long Lake

  • This area is well-reviewed for its beautiful landscapes and the chance to see wildlife, including pelicans and weasels.
  • Campers can enjoy a private experience with several makeshift fire pits spread out along the lakeshore.
  • While there are no designated picnic tables, the natural setting provides a perfect backdrop for outdoor meals and relaxation.

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 Trail Lake Dispersed with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 15 dispersed camping locations near Coulee City, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.