Best Campgrounds near Coulee Dam, WA

Camping options around Coulee Dam, Washington range from developed state park facilities to waterfront national recreation areas. Steamboat Rock State Park offers multiple campgrounds, including Bay Loop, Dune Loop, and Cove Loop, providing a mix of RV hookups, tent sites, and cabins. Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area operates Spring Canyon Campground and Spring Canyon Group Site, both offering water access with amenities suitable for tents and RVs. Most established campgrounds provide basic facilities such as toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, while some like Sunbanks Resort and Coulee Playland Resort add amenities including showers, electric hookups, and boat rentals.

Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with Spring Canyon Campground typically open from May through September. Summer brings high temperatures, often exceeding 100°F in August. "The water here is amazing, felt fresh after swimming in it! Campground is pretty basic, not much shade at any spot and there's pretty much no privacy," noted one visitor about Spring Canyon Campground. Reservation requirements vary by location, with national recreation areas and state parks generally requiring advance booking during peak season. Cell service is generally available throughout the area, though signal strength may vary at more remote sites. Many campgrounds feature boat launches, making them popular bases for fishing and water recreation on Banks Lake and Lake Roosevelt.

Waterfront access represents a significant draw for campers in the Coulee Dam area. Spring Canyon Campground receives positive reviews for its beach access and lake views, despite limited privacy between sites. According to feedback on The Dyrt, "Nice campground overlooking the waters of Lake Roosevelt, created by Grand Coulee Dam. Nice vistas of lake in the high desert." Visitors frequently mention the opportunity to view the evening laser light show projected on Grand Coulee Dam during summer months. Tent sites on grassy areas near the water prove popular at Coulee Playland Resort, though road noise can be an issue due to proximity to highways. Campers seeking more seclusion might consider the primitive portion of Steamboat Rock State Park along the Columbia River, which offers fewer amenities but typically less crowding, particularly in shoulder seasons.

Best Camping Sites Near Coulee Dam, Washington (123)

    1. Spring Canyon Campground — Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area

    10 Reviews
    Coulee Dam, WA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 754-7889

    $30 / night

    "The views were beautiful especially of the Grand Coulee Dam."

    "Nice campground overlooking the waters of Lake Roosevelt, created by Grand Coulee Dam. A reviewer stated that there are pit toilets only but there are flush toilets also."

    2. Bay Loop Campground — Steamboat Rock State Park

    11 Reviews
    Electric City, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 633-1304

    "While you will need to drive there it also makes it a nice base from which you visit Grand Coulee Dam. We went there at the beginning of October and the weather was quite nice."

    "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."

    3. Dune Loop Campground — Steamboat Rock State Park

    7 Reviews
    Electric City, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 633-1304

    "Most spots were very nice, and many were right next to the water. My guess is that it's a busy park during peak season, but our shoulder season timing was perfect for peace and quiet."

    "Nice and close to the water. Great for swimming boating hiking you name it! New favorite nearby place!!"

    4. Cove Loop Campground — Steamboat Rock State Park

    6 Reviews
    Electric City, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 633-1304

    "Wonderful swimming, boating, fishing and hiking all within walking distance of all campsites.

    Sites are spacious and very well cared for, but not private."

    "Each site has access to nicely manicured lawn. The lake is a lot of fun and great walleye fishing. The bathrooms are starting to get a little old but bring your own camper for full hook ups!"

    5. Sage Loop Campground — Steamboat Rock State Park

    6 Reviews
    Electric City, WA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 633-1304

    "The entrance will be on the right with a sign.

    The whole area was very interesting, orchards, rocks and water. Worth a visit!

    We stayed for an overnight."

    "Nice clean well maintained park with lots of access to the water. Kinda pricey for full hookup. We booked late in the year so we had to move twice within a 5 day stay."

    6. Coulee Playland Resort

    4 Reviews
    Electric City, WA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 633-2671

    $22 - $99 / night

    "Close to grand Coulee dam and all the attractions and right on banks lake."

    "The whole area revolves around the store. They sell everything from ice cream cones to any type of fishing tackle you could possibly need."

    7. Spring Canyon Group Site — Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area

    3 Reviews
    Coulee Dam, WA
    3 miles
    +1 (509) 754-7889

    $65 / night

    "Pros: Beautiful views and lake access. Tent only section is closest to the waterfront.

    RV sites are two vehicles wide and very short."

    8. Sunbanks Resort

    4 Reviews
    Electric City, WA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 633-3786

    9. Barker Canyon

    4 Reviews
    Electric City, WA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 754-4624

    "Four were taken and we got one with some big cottonwoods and nice lake access. Lovely setting."

    "There was so much room and we weren't anywhere near other people. Had a lovely view of the water. Close enough to town to run and grab things we forgot. Will return!"

    10. Jones Bay Campground — Steamboat Rock State Park

    3 Reviews
    Electric City, WA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (509) 633-1304

    $12 / night

    "The walk in is maybe 50 yards and we brought our own water but you could filter. Camp is right on Banks lake and has a table and fire pit."

    "There’s some awesome hikes near by. Right on the lake and a great play ground. Great for bike riding. Great for pets!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 123 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Coulee Dam, WA

268 Reviews of 123 Coulee Dam Campgrounds


  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2025

    Goose Creek RV Park & Campground

    Nice, Green, Quiet, Enjoyable Stay!

    This is a really nice park, a gem in the middle of wheat and ancient lava flow fields. Great staff, well maintained and green, lush grass. Restrooms, showers and laundry are available, full hookups for all sized rigs (30/50). Small, quaint town, great burgers at Billy's Burgers, a really great spot for a stopover or as a base to Lake Roosevelt. Long and short-term stays are here, but nothing seems run-down or questionable. Sites are large. I'd stay again, for sure. The park store was really well-stocked with RV essentials, impressive for how small the space is. Another gem in town was steps away, a hardware store, where I purchased everything I needed for some cabinet repairs to my trailer; good prices, nice people.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Jameson Lake

    Peaceful

    Peaceful and quiet, but can imagine right time of year it could get really busy because there’s a lot of space for camping. Minus one because you need to pay/need a pass to stay.

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 5, 2025

    Trail Lake Dispersed

    Trash Everywhere

    We checked out about 5 campsites here and each was covered in trash. One even had a full black garbage bag. Looks like a place for people to go and party. It was a shame because the views were beautiful and I would’ve loved to stay and paddle-board.

  • Mark M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Alta Lake State Park Campground

    Lovely Campground

    Two Loops. Loop off the lake has larger sites with more privacy and view of the cliffs. The loop in the lake has lake views but the sites are on top of each other with no privacy. There are concessions for the kids on a large grass beach area with floats you can use. The view is amazing.

  • bThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 9, 2025

    Trail Lake Dispersed

    Nice Lake, bugs are very friendly 😁

    Enjoyed our time here. The entrance is not marked that I can see. Follow the directions to a Bob wire fence where you turn in. There is a turn off not too far in on the right. I assume there are more campsites. Unfortunately, when we went, there was a sizable mud puddle that I didn't feel like driving through. I'll explore that next time. But further ahead it opens up to the beautiful lake. The campsite(s) are surrounded by the lake. Kinda like a peninsula. It's a large area with room for a good size group or maybe up to 5 individual sites. There were remnants of a few fire rings. Only one other small family camping when we were there. The water is nice and cool. Good for cooling down on a hot day. Saw a few people fishing from small boats. There are no trees for shade. But there are lots of very friendly bugs that want to say hi. When we first arrived, it was pretty breezy. As soon as it died down the welcoming community came out in full effect. Which just happened to correspond with when we were making dinner for the night. They, of course, invited themselves. It got so bad that as soon as we were done cooking, we each took our plates, and scurried away to our tents to eat and turn in for the night. There was a good variety of bugs. Mosquitoes, small flies, no see'ems. They probably wouldn't bother you too much if you had a fire going and maybe some bug repellent. But bugs are to be expected when you're next to water. And since there were lots of bugs there were also lots of birds to watch. As far as the actual camping, it's kind of a chore to set up tents just because the ground is so rocky. But if you have a good mallet and sharp tent steaks as well as some patients you'll be fine. It got pretty cool during the evening, even chilly overnight. So it was pretty comfortable overall. There is a noise factor to deal with though there are some roads nearby so you do hear cars throughout the night. But overall, it's a pretty nice place with a beautiful lake. The cell reception for T-Mobile was great. It seems to be a first come camp. I believe it is free. We have a Discovery Pass. But we saw zero signs to say either way and there was no pay station. We would definitely come back. Just with better bug protection and floaties for the lake😁

  • Laura B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 2, 2025

    Trail Lake Dispersed

    So many mosquitos!!

    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.

  • Hiroshi
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Blue Lake

    Not a good place

    This is a soft gravel parking lot and on a slope. One pit toilet and used by people that care less about others using it. A real pit.

  • Leona  B.
    Jul. 27, 2025

    Fort Spokane Campground — Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area

    Don’tRecommend

    Campground itself is fine, aside from not having potable water and being a mile away from the water access .  The problem is the Rangers/camp management don’t enforce any of the campground rules.  We stayed 2 nights and both nights there was a raging party.  Out of control adults, drunk and yelling, blasting their music till well past 2am.  There were men physically fighting at one point, and a truck peeled out complete with screeching tires and racing through the campground around 1am.


Guide to Coulee Dam

Camping options near Coulee Dam, Washington include a mix of primitive and developed sites positioned across three primary water bodies: Banks Lake, Lake Roosevelt, and the Columbia River. Summer temperatures in this high desert region can reach 100°F with minimal rainfall, while spring and fall bring milder conditions between 60-80°F. Most campgrounds in the area sit at elevations between 1,200-1,600 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping comfort throughout the season.

What to do

Water sports on Banks Lake: Rent equipment at Coulee Playland Resort where visitors can access pontoon boats, jet skis, and fishing boats directly from the campground. "You can rent a boat and go out and see the miles and miles of banks lake. Maybe fish, or just enjoy the sun," notes Craig L., who adds that the resort "revolves around the store" where anglers gather to discuss their catches.

Hiking at Steamboat Rock: The trail to the top provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Lisa B. reports from Dune Loop Campground: "I hiked the Steamboat Rock hike. The first 1/3 of the hike was more moderate with steep trails and scree, but it gets easier once you're past that." The trail is typically open year-round but may close during extreme fire danger periods.

Grand Coulee Dam laser show: Located just 3 miles from some campgrounds, the evening light show runs from spring through fall. Andrew K. mentions that camping at Coulee Playland Resort puts you "3 miles from the dam" making it convenient to attend the nightly show.

What campers like

Clear water swimming: The water quality at Banks Lake and Lake Roosevelt provides exceptional swimming conditions. According to Emily S. at Spring Canyon Campground, the area has "beach access with clear water and it's all nestled between canyons. Very quiet but doesn't feel isolated."

Wildlife viewing: Multiple campgrounds report regular wildlife sightings. Terrie M. from Cove Loop mentions "the stars were absolutely incredible to see at night when all the lights were out!" while Steve H. notes "deer and quail about" at Spring Canyon Campground.

Off-season camping: Late spring and early fall offer fewer crowds and more moderate temperatures. Shay F. from Bay Loop Campground reports: "We spent Thanksgiving weekend camping this year. The campground was partially open but very empty. The bathroom was open and warm, which was lovely. We hung out, hiked, fished, and enjoyed the deer, pheasant and wild turkeys wandering the grounds."

What you should know

Reservation requirements vary seasonally: At Spring Canyon Campground, Emily S. notes confusion around enforcement: "It says online reservation required but no one is here enforcing anything. Maybe it's different pre-Labor Day."

Campfire regulations change frequently: Fire bans are common during summer months. Robert D. from Barker Canyon mentions finding "cut firewood but a no fires sign, probably seasonal," indicating the need to check current restrictions before arrival.

Shoulder season facility limitations: After peak season, some amenities close. Judy T. reports: "After October 1, the water was off, no garbage, and flush toilet restrooms were closed. Clean vault toilet" at Spring Canyon Campground.

Primitive camping lacks basic services: Todd J. warns about conditions at Barker Canyon: "Unfortunately previous campers left actual piles of trash, there was a lot of broken glass around the fire ring and many, many old nails... We cleaned the site up enough to use but not able to haul the trash out."

Tips for camping with families

Beach access considerations: Jones Bay Campground offers quieter beach access than main park areas. David C. recommends: "We camped at the end one which you must carry into, but you have your own bathroom and lots of privacy. The walk in is maybe 50 yards and we brought our own water but you could filter. Camp is right on Banks Lake."

Lawn sprinkler schedules: Several campgrounds maintain irrigated grass areas that follow regular watering schedules. Christi R. advises: "Make sure your stuff is put away before the sprinklers start" at Dune Loop Campground.

Playground facilities: Heather H. points out that Steamboat Rock State Park "has everything... Nestled at the base of steamboat rock which provides trails for hiking. The top provides some amazing views."

Swimming conditions vary by location: Zachary S. found at Spring Canyon that "The beach and park were great! Lots of amenities—showers, sand beach, docks, volleyball, seating, grills, etc. However, the volleyball court sand was incredibly shallow and hard. Avoid diving to the ground while playing."

Tips from RVers

Site leveling challenges: Pay attention to campground topography when selecting sites. Shelly S. describes Sage Loop Campground as "a nice open campground with some shade. Green grass and a sprinkler schedule to keep it green."

Limited RV length at some locations: Susan C. warns about Spring Canyon Group Site: "RV sites are two vehicles wide and very short. My 24' tongue-to-tail trailer was fine but anything over 30' is a no go. Must unhitch and park tow vehicle next to rig or the road would be completely blocked."

Dump station availability varies: According to Joy A., some campgrounds may advertise dump stations that aren't actually available, making it important to verify before arrival if you need this service.

Partial hookup options: Most developed campgrounds offer water and electric, with fewer providing sewer connections. Doug notes at Spring Canyon: "There are no hookups at this location. First time boon docking, so we were not sure what to expect. This allowed us to test out our travel trailer and it passed."

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Grand Coulee Dam camping areas?

Coulee Playland Resort offers full hookup sites for RVs, grass sites for tents, and a store selling essentials from ice cream to fishing supplies. Located on Banks Lake, it features a playground for kids and excellent service. At Steamboat Rock State Park, the Sage Loop Campground provides full hookups, clean restrooms with hot showers, and picnic tables. Many campgrounds in the area feature basic amenities like picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets, while larger facilities may include boat launches, swimming areas, dump stations, and potable water.

Where are the best campgrounds near Grand Coulee Dam?

Several excellent campgrounds are located near Grand Coulee Dam. Spring Canyon Campground offers beautiful views of the dam and Lake Roosevelt with both flush toilets and a dump station. It's particularly quiet and scenic. Plum Point is another good option just a few miles from the dam, making it convenient after viewing the laser light show. For those interested in water activities, campgrounds at Steamboat Rock State Park provide access to Banks Lake, while Lake Roosevelt's shoreline offers numerous camping opportunities with views of the dam and surrounding landscape.

Is camping at Grand Coulee Dam seasonal or available year-round?

Camping availability around Grand Coulee Dam is primarily seasonal. Most campgrounds in the area, including those in Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, typically open from spring through fall, with peak season being summer months. The region experiences hot summers and cold winters with occasional snow, making off-season camping challenging. Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park operates seasonally with most facilities closing during winter months. Check specific campground websites for exact opening dates, as they vary based on weather conditions and maintenance schedules. Some private RV parks may offer limited year-round options with reduced services during winter.