Starbuck-Lyons Ferry Marina KOA provides riverside glamping close to Dayton, Washington, approximately 35 miles northwest of the city. The Snake River location offers a base for exploring both the Palouse region and Hells Canyon area. Summer temperatures often reach 90°F while spring and fall provide milder conditions for outdoor activities with occasional wind along the river corridor.
What to do
Riverside trails access: Premier RV Resort at Granite Lake features a paved path along the Snake River with regular pet stations. "We fully utilized the bike path along the river each day for nice long rides into Idaho and back to Washington," notes one visitor who appreciated the extensive trail system.
Fishing opportunities: Fishhook Park provides accessible shoreline fishing with dedicated docks. According to a camper, "The catfish were biting!" The park offers both shore fishing and boat launch facilities for anglers seeking different species in Lake Sacajawea.
Dam tours: Boyer Park campers can easily visit Lower Granite Dam, just a short distance away. "It's a 2 minute drive from Lower Granite Dam if you want to take a tour," explains one reviewer. The dam offers scheduled tours that explain the Columbia River system's importance to regional agriculture and power generation.
What campers like
Island camping experience: Chief Timothy Park sits on a 282-acre island in the Snake River. One visitor described, "Chief Timothy Park sits on a 282-acre island on Lower Granite Lake in the Snake River. The Park is known as the gateway to Hells Canyon Recreation Area, the deepest river gorge in North America."
Forest solitude: The Tucannon Campground provides a quiet forest setting away from crowds. A camper noted, "Along Tucannon Rd there are several free state campgrounds, and right where the road turns to dirt there is this USFS campground. It's $8/night, no host on site, no reservations, self pay at the board. Really peaceful and quiet, very beautiful."
Three-state viewpoint: Fields Spring State Park features a relatively short hike with remarkable payoff. A visitor explained, "The 2+ mile roundtrip hike to the Puffer Butte is a must as the three state view (WA, ID, OR) is sweeping and gorgeous."
What you should know
Limited services: Most campgrounds near Dayton have minimal facilities. At Midway Campground, "No water, so bring your own," one reviewer points out. Similarly, Tucannon Campground has "Pit toilets here, no water and no trash, no amenities. Zero cell reception in this entire area."
Weather considerations: Boyer Park experiences seasonal wind that can impact camping. "The winds come through quite a bit which helps with the heat but make sure everything is secured down," advises one camper.
Access challenges: Some remote glamping locations require careful navigation. For Tucannon Campground, a visitor warns: "When looking at directions to get here, heads up that the roads that connect Tucannon Rd to Hwy 12 going east are not suitable for big rigs, so you'll have to drive west all the way to Hwy 12."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Boyer Park & Marina KOA provides safe water access for children. "Grass is immaculate and so is swimming beach," notes one visitor about this family-friendly glamping spot near Dayton, Washington.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Chief Timothy Park offers natural educational experiences. "This campground was developed in the 1980's and has wonderful facilities including showers, store, laundry, many full hookup sites and plenty of space between pull through sites," explains a camper who appreciated the wildlife viewing along the riverside trails.
Winter activities: Fields Spring State Park transforms seasonally. "I absolutely adore this park! camping and hiking in the summer, tubing in the winter, mushrooming in the spring. There is no time of year that is bad for this park," recommends a regular visitor, making it suitable for year-round family trips.
Tips from RVers
Reservation planning: Hells Gate State Park Campground requires advance booking during peak seasons. "This is a large campground for the area and there is plenty to do around the state park. Fishing, hiking, swimming, boating, disc golf, volleyball mountain biking," notes a reviewer about this popular destination.
Site selection guidance: At Fishhook Park, "The back in spots were not too close together. Some spots offer shade, others are full on sun," advises an RVer, highlighting the importance of choosing sites based on seasonal needs.
Connectivity concerns: Boyer Park has connectivity limitations to consider. "Only downside is no Verizon coverage and free wifi is junk. But for $3/day you can get decent wifi," explains a visitor, important information for remote workers considering glamping close to Dayton.
