Dayton, Washington camping areas sit in the foothills of the Blue Mountains at approximately 1,700 feet elevation. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F and cold winters where snow can affect accessibility at higher elevations. Most campgrounds remain open year-round with varying seasonal amenities and irrigation schedules that keep sites green despite the arid climate.
What to do
Explore Palouse Falls: Located about 40 minutes from Dayton, this 198-foot waterfall offers hiking and photography opportunities. A visitor to Tucannon River RV Park noted, "Super friendly laid back and old-school owners. Very quiet spot to use as a base to visit The Falls and other attractions in the area."
Use riverside bike trails: Several paved trails follow the Snake River, providing opportunities for cycling. A camper at Premier RV Resort at Granite Lake shared, "We fully utilized the bike path along the river each day for nice long rides into Idaho and back to Washington."
Visit local wineries: Walla Walla wine country is accessible from most Dayton area campgrounds. A guest at Blue Valley RV Park remarked, "Small rv park makes visiting Walla Walla wine country east and affordable. Clean and well kept. Sites are typical park size but are well designed paved and level. Nice landscaping. Park full but quiet. Walking distance to downtown wineries and restaurants."
What campers like
Private shower facilities: Many campgrounds offer individual bathroom facilities instead of communal options. One camper at Pataha Creek RV Campground commented, "Nothing fancy, too new for large shade trees but well maintained and clean. Quiet area. Nice clean shower and restrooms."
Level, concrete pads: RV sites near Dayton, Washington typically feature well-maintained, level concrete parking areas. A reviewer at Blue Valley RV Park stated, "Nicely spaced concrete pads. Shower, bathrooms an laundry were clean an well kept."
Peace and quiet: The rural setting provides a noise-free environment at most parks. A camper at Tucannon River RV Park noted, "This is a really lovely RV park, well cared for, nice owners. It's pretty small, and it's got a really peaceful and quiet vibe. The main road is right there but it was surprisingly quiet."
What you should know
Limited or no cell reception: Many rural campgrounds have spotty service. A visitor to Tucannon River RV Park shared, "Awesome park near Dayton and Palouse Falls. Absolutely NOTHING, including cell service nearby, which made this open campground in a winter wheat field absolutely perfect!"
Summer heat: The region regularly experiences temperatures above 90°F in summer months. One camper at RV Resort Four Seasons advised, "I was just traveling thru if I was staying longer go for shade. Its 85-90 this time of year."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds can be challenging. A visitor warned, "Super friendly laid back and old-school owners. Very quiet spot to use as a base to visit The Falls and other attractions in the area. Route 261 coming in from the NW passing by Palouse Falls and the town of Starbuck is EXTREMELY curvy and steep but absolutely beautiful."
Tips for camping with families
Use campground lending libraries: Some parks provide books and entertainment options. At Tucannon River RV Park, a camper noted, "There's a large book & DVD lending library in the office."
Find grassy play areas: Several campgrounds feature open grass spaces for children. A visitor to Coyote Run RV Park shared, "Nice, clean park. Has tent sites, back ins, pull thrus, and has bathrooms and a laundry room onsite. Sometimes you can hear the freeway traffic but not bad."
Look for weekend activities: Some resorts organize regular weekend events. A reviewer at Premier RV Resort mentioned, "The owners have fun with the residents... 'Sweet Saturday' with homemade goodies in the office and then Sunday Sundaes for $1 you can have an ice cream sundae with toppings in the office! The kids LOVED it!"
Tips from RVers
Check utility placement: Some RV sites have utilities positioned inconveniently. A camper at Blue Valley RV Park explained, "The utilities are towards the back of the pad, so I had to use two sewer hoses to get from the main black tank on our Brinklely G model."
Bring leveling equipment: Not all sites are perfectly level despite appearances. One RVer warned about Four Seasons Resort, "The sites are annoyingly un-level. Make sure you have pads and a septic ramp."
Consider road access for big rigs: Some access roads have tight turns. A reviewer cautioned, "Route 261 coming in from the NW passing by Palouse Falls and the town of Starbuck is EXTREMELY curvy and steep but absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend it UNLESS you have a big rig as the turns are very tight."
