h22 E.
Scout
ScoutNorth Elgin Dispersed Camp
Nice quite place
Great free place to camp 4x4 is advised and not really car accessible. Down side no water near by, not even a creek.
Dispersed Camping near Dixie, WA
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Several dispersed camping areas exist within driving distance of Dixie, Washington. Riparia offers primitive camping along the Snake River with basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets but no running water or electricity. McDougall Dispersed Camping provides free sites in the Blue Mountains with varying road conditions and limited facilities. The Devil's Bench Recreation Area and East Snake River on Hastings Hill Road also provide dispersed camping options, though permits may be required at some locations.
Road conditions to these sites vary considerably. McDougall's access road contains potholes and rough sections where high-clearance vehicles are recommended. The road to Riparia involves a gravel route with dust that can affect vehicles and equipment. Fire restrictions are common, particularly at Riparia where wood fires are prohibited from June 10 through October 10. Most sites lack amenities such as drinking water, trash service, or hookups. Cell service is typically limited or nonexistent, especially at Riparia where signal is only available at the top of Hammer Grade road.
These primitive camping areas provide seclusion and natural experiences. McDougall offers mushroom hunting opportunities in spring, particularly for morels, and access to meadows with mountain views. Riparia provides river access and swimming spots during hot summer months. One camper noted that Riparia "is a tiny forest tucked away along the river" with "a few little coves that are nice for kids to play in." Another visitor emphasized preparation: "Come prepared for the whole trip. Washtucna is the closest town and they have limited supplies." Weather conditions can limit accessibility, with one camper reporting "several feet of snow" blocking McDougall's access road during winter months.
Best Dispersed Campgrounds near Dixie (11)
1. Dayton Pullout
2. McDougall Dispersed Camping
"Either these are not the correct coordinates, or the trail has been overgrown. We’re car camping here for one night and it’s a lovely spot!"
"Primitive location, nothing there, but maybe a fire ring and a spot to park your vehicle. Go about 2 miles on the dirt road and watch out for the dirt pot holes."
3. Riparia
"You can get service if you absolutely need it at the top of Hammer Grade road, it’s steep. 4. Limited sites have shade all day."
"No water or power. Tables and fire rings at each site. The Little Goose Dam entry point is open in the daytime from 7:30 to 4:30."
4. Little Goose Landing
5. ice harbor dam
"Lots of flat open space below the dam. Nice river view, lots of pelicans. Quiet and uncrowded."
"It is a large flat open area downstream from the dam. As advertised, quiet + there are no other people here. Actually, the only noise is a gentle roar from the spillway of the dam."
6. North Elgin Dispersed Camp
7. Devil's Bench Recreation Area
"Large spot, with paved access right near the Dam, toilet, no service, 4 tables"
8. East Snake River on Hastings Hill Road
"This is a large asphalt parking lot boat launch where you are allowed to camp in grass covered sites around the periphery. Army Corp of Engineers camp along the Snake River, Lake Bryant."
9. BLM Wallowa and Grande Ronde Wild and Scenic Rivers
10. Umatilla National Forest
Drive Time
- 12 min from Walla Walla, WA
- 1 hr 1 min from Kennewick, WA
- 1 hr 35 min from Lewiston, ID
- 2 hrs 24 min from Spokane, WA
Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Dixie, WA
5 Photos of 11 Dixie Campgrounds
Dispersed Camping Reviews near Dixie, WA
13 Reviews of 11 Dixie Campgrounds
- NNick E.
TravelerRiparia
Great hidden spot
This is a great mostly unknown little campground. Fun fact: This is the least used campsite maintained by the Lower Granite Natural Resources Management team.
Let’s get to the bad/good, depending on how you look at it.
1. There is NO running water available, unless you want to get some from the river(NOT suggested)
2. Absolutely no electricity here, not even for park lights. This makes for AMAZING star gazing.
3. ZERO cell service at the campsite. You can get service if you absolutely need it at the top of Hammer Grade road, it’s steep.
4. Limited sites have shade all day. Get there early to get one of these prime spots.
5.Summer time is HOT here but, you have the river right there to cool off.
6. There is a boat launch here though it is not maintained, use at your own discretion.
7. There are fire/BBQ pits at each site as well as a picnic table. Wood fires are NOT allowed from June 10th through October 10th. It gets very dry out here.
8. Bring bug spray! Day time the bugs aren’t bad but, when the sun starts going down, the mosquitoes are coming out. Also, spring into early summer, there are ticks. Summer through the rest of the year you should be tick free.
9. This campsite is open year round and it’s FREE!
10. There are no trash cans or dumpsters. So keep that in mind and take out EVERYTHING you bring in.
11. No dumpsites nearby. Closest I found is right off highway 395 at the rest area.
12. You can cross the dam Monday-Thursday excluding holidays and only during daytime hours.
13. Your trailer, tow vehicle and anything in the bed is going to get dusty getting here and leaving. It’s a decent trek down a gravel road. Speed limit is 45MPH. Good luck to you if you try to go that fast.
14. Come prepared for the whole trip. Washtucna is the closest town and they have limited supplies. No alcohol is available at the “Store” there.
15. If hunting season is coming up, get there as early as possible.
We stayed here in the most shaded part of the campground with our Travel Trailer with a 50 gallon fresh water tank. It lasted the 4 of us the 5 day weekend. It was a hot weekend and we did end up having to run the generator for a few hours during the day to keep the newborn cool.
I followed my GPS which took me off of Highway 26 and onto Old Highway 26. DON’T do this. Take Hay rd. Old HWY 26 will take you onto Hammer Grade Rd. This is NOT a fun road with a trailer. It has some very steep grades and you’ll be HAMMERING the brakes or exhaust brake.
All in all, this was a GREAT trip at a great, hidden and secluded area. We will definitely be revisiting this site.
lauren C.
GuideMcDougall Dispersed Camping
Cute place in the woods
Either these are not the correct coordinates, or the trail has been overgrown. We’re car camping here for one night and it’s a lovely spot! Could not find the trail and just pulled off to camp on the side of the road. Dispersed & free & very wooded area!
- PPhil D.Scout
Riparia
Small Army Corps of Engineers campground along the Snake River
Quiet primitive campsites on the lower Snake River - at least, in late November, when there was only one other campsite in use. I suspect it's a bit busier in the warmer weather.
Clean, frequently checked toilet. No water or power. Tables and fire rings at each site.
The Little Goose Dam entry point is open in the daytime from 7:30 to 4:30. Signs state that crossing is only open once an hour on the half hour, but the security guard opened up right when we got there both entering and leaving. There are also campsites along the river before the Riparia campground entry. Easy gravel road into the campground.
Open all year. No wood fires allowed from June 10 through October 10.
https://www.nww.usace.army.mil/Missions/Recreation/Lower-Monumental-Dam-Lake-West/Riparia/
- ChrisGuide
McDougall Dispersed Camping
McDougall camping
Primitive location, nothing there, but maybe a fire ring and a spot to park your vehicle. Go about 2 miles on the dirt road and watch out for the dirt pot holes. At my site, you could fit 2 vehicles comfortably, but 3 is a little crowded. Flying insects during the day. There are many so take appropriate action. Mostly flies and a couple different types of bees. By sunset, the insects went to sleep.
- MMatthew S.Guide
McDougall Dispersed Camping
Over grown and no place to park without working about a grass fire
Drove to the location based on GPS. It was over grown and not well cleared. I decide to go to the NP campground. Glad I did.
Grant M.
Rangerice harbor dam
Decent Overnight
Good enough as a simple overnight pull-off, nothing more, nothing less.
We were just passing through looking for a place to sleep for the night. At first, the amount of cars right near the dam made me uneasy — it felt crowded and I wasn’t expecting that at all. But it turned out most of them were fishermen and day users, not campers.
Once we drove a bit farther downriver, the whole situation changed. You can follow the river and find miles of open pull-offs. There’s so much space that you can easily get your own spot without feeling on top of anyone else. Not secluded in the traditional sense — no trees, wide open terrain — but you’re not sitting right off a main road either.
We ended up in a spot where the sound of the water made for a really solid night of sleep. Flat ground, easy parking, and simple access for any vehicle. Starlink had good reception the whole time, which was a plus.
A few practical notes:
- No bathrooms or facilities at all
- No real privacy, just open spacing
- Very easy driving and pull-offs
- Not a destination campsite — strictly a pass-through or overnight stop
We felt safe and slept well, but it’s not somewhere I’d call a “vacation spot.” It works for what it is: a quiet, functional place to crash for the night while on the road.
Angela P.ScoutRiparia
Always Fun
We used to frequent this park quite often. It is a tiny forest tucked away along the river.... when I say tiny, I mean fairy like.
You can easily set up a tent and float along the river's edge. There are a few little coves that are nice for kids to play in and great to stay out of the river current. Just a fun location!
Brandon K.GuideMcDougall Dispersed Camping
McDougall Mushroom Wonderland
McDougall is a small mountain community located in the blue mountains above Weston, Oregon. There is a small neighborhood consisting of permanent RVs, cabins and shanties. There are a number of mountain man type locals that call this area home.
Just past the village you get into the woodland where the Morels are plentiful. This is an ideal location to go mushrooming. The camping is unrestricted, just be respectful and careful. This is not RV camping, but tent and bag only.
Tall pines and firs shade the eastern Oregon forest floor provided a nice region to explore, continuing up the forest road you’ll reach a large meadow the rolls for miles downhill into the valley. The views here are breathtaking - this is an amazing location to bring your family.
You’ll see many types of wildlife here are hundreds of varieties of meadow wildflowers.
Spend a few days in the blues and shake off those blues.
Guide to Dixie
Primitive camping near Dixie, Washington offers overnight options within the rugged terrain of eastern Washington and the Blue Mountains of Oregon. Summer temperatures in this region regularly exceed 90°F with minimal shade at many sites, while winter access becomes limited due to snow accumulation. Several campgrounds in this region lack cell service, requiring advance planning for navigation and emergency communication.
What to do
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Devil's Bench Recreation Area provides excellent bird watching, particularly for pelicans. According to a camper, you can expect "lots of pelicans" along with a "quiet and uncrowded" environment with "nice river view" for wildlife spotting.
Mushroom foraging: McDougall Dispersed Camping in the Blue Mountains is known for seasonal fungi. A camper explains, "McDougall is a small mountain community located in the blue mountains above Weston, Oregon... Just past the village you get into the woodland where the Morels are plentiful. This is an ideal location to go mushrooming."
Swimming during summer months: Several sites offer water access for cooling off during hot days. Sites along the Snake River provide natural swimming areas, though visitors should be aware of currents. At North Elgin Dispersed Camp, however, a visitor notes the "downside no water near by, not even a creek," requiring campers to bring sufficient drinking water.
What campers like
Accessible river spots: Devil's Bench Recreation Area offers straightforward river access with convenient facilities. A visitor notes it's a "large spot, with paved access right near the Dam, toilet, no service, 4 tables," making it suitable for day use or overnight stays.
Dark skies for stargazing: The absence of light pollution creates exceptional viewing conditions. At Riparia, a camper notes "Absolutely no electricity here, not even for park lights. This makes for AMAZING star gazing." The primitive nature of these sites preserves natural darkness.
Winter solitude: Off-season camping provides a different experience with significantly fewer visitors. A Riparia visitor reported that during "late November, there was only one other campsite in use. I suspect it's a bit busier in the warmer weather."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to some sites requires high-clearance vehicles. At North Elgin Dispersed Camp, a camper advises "4x4 is advised and not really car accessible," while another reports the McDougall area had "many nice places to camp" but cautions about access.
Seasonal closures affect accessibility: Ice Harbor Dam and other areas maintain regular hours and seasonal restrictions. At Riparia, a visitor notes "The Little Goose Dam entry point is open in the daytime from 7:30 to 4:30. Signs state that crossing is only open once an hour on the half hour."
Weather impacts: Snow accumulation blocks roads to higher elevation sites during winter. A McDougall visitor reported, "The road to the site was not plowed. Several feet of snow. Not many alternatives in the area so plan accordingly if you hope to stay here."
Campsite conditions vary: Some areas experience maintenance issues or seasonal overgrowth. A McDougall visitor found the location was "over grown and not well cleared. I decide to go to the NP campground. Glad I did."
Tips for camping with families
Protected swimming areas: Some river locations feature calmer water suitable for children. At McDougall Dispersed Camping, a visitor recommends the meadow area, noting "you'll reach a large meadow the rolls for miles downhill into the valley. The views here are breathtaking - this is an amazing location to bring your family."
Wildlife education opportunities: Multiple campsites offer wildlife viewing for educational opportunities. One McDougall camper reports, "You'll see many types of wildlife here are hundreds of varieties of meadow wildflowers."
Camp selection timing: Arriving early secures better sites, particularly those with shade. For Riparia, a camper advises, "Limited sites have shade all day. Get there early to get one of these prime spots."
Tips from RVers
Water management: Without hookups, plan water usage carefully at dispersed sites. A Riparia visitor shared, "We stayed here in the most shaded part of the campground with our Travel Trailer with a 50 gallon fresh water tank. It lasted the 4 of us the 5 day weekend."
Route selection for trailers: Some access roads have challenging grades unsuitable for towed vehicles. At Riparia, an RVer warns, "I followed my GPS which took me off of Highway 26 and onto Old Highway 26. DON'T do this. Take Hay rd. Old HWY 26 will take you onto Hammer Grade Rd. This is NOT a fun road with a trailer."
Dust protection: Prepare for dusty conditions on gravel access roads. A camper notes that at Riparia, "Your trailer, tow vehicle and anything in the bed is going to get dusty getting here and leaving. It's a decent trek down a gravel road."
Frequently Asked Questions
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Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Dixie, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Dixie, WA is Dayton Pullout with a 3-star rating from 1 review.
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What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Dixie, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 dispersed camping locations near Dixie, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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