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Dispersed camping opportunities around Electric City, Washington include free sites at Trail Lake Dispersed and Jameson Lake. Several primitive locations can accommodate both tent and drive-in camping, with most sites offering no amenities. The region features multiple undeveloped camping areas positioned near lakes and waterways, providing options for boondockers and those seeking backcountry experiences without fees or reservations.
Unpaved access roads require careful navigation, particularly at Trail Lake Dispersed where entry points are unmarked. A Washington Discover Pass ($30 annually) is required at Jameson Lake, though camping itself remains free. Most areas lack basic facilities—no drinking water, toilets, or trash service exists at primitive sites. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with some locations prohibiting fires entirely. Camping duration limits typically follow standard public land guidelines of 14 days, though specific site rules may differ.
The lakeside settings provide scenic camping environments with opportunities for fishing, swimming, and paddling. A camper at Trail Lake noted, "Beautiful view of the lake and hillsides" with "sandy dirt that is pretty firm." Mosquitoes and other insects are frequently mentioned in reviews, with one visitor describing "literally the most mosquitos I've ever seen." Weather conditions can include strong winds at Jameson Lake, while limited shade exists at Trail Lake. Most sites feature adequate separation between campers, offering relative privacy despite occasional road noise. Cell reception varies by carrier and specific location, with T-Mobile reported as having strong coverage at Trail Lake.
"This place usually is where us teens back then would party, there was a shooting range just further down the access road, a burnt down trailer in the middle of the field, and all the way at the end you'll"
"Just be patient, it’s about a mile or so to get back in there. Our weather was dry so no muddy road issues. There were several others camping, with lots of room between camps."
"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"
"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"
"Next to Hwy and behind tall bushes. Vault bathrooms 1/4 mile down the road. Pretty quiet spot even though 300 yards from highway."
RangerNot my favorite place. Too much trash and bugs and the lakeside had an odd odor. But, keep the doors closed and the bug spray handy and you'll be in for a pleasant and quiet night's sleep. No services. And, it is a pretty spot. I wouldn't take anything big in here, it's really a van-lifer or small TT area.
ScoutI lived in Grand Coulee all my life. This place usually is where us teens back then would party, there was a shooting range just further down the access road, a burnt down trailer in the middle of the field, and all the way at the end you'll touch some of the coolest beach/fishing areas and dispersed designated campsites! I'm literally out here right now testing out my Champion 75531i generator to see how long it last... ...I think I'm gonna need a bigger generator🤣
TravelerRV and tent camping. Can be windy during season change. Boat accessible. Gravel and dirt. Very beautiful night, great for star gazing. Great fishing spot, has split season and is only open during fishing season. There is a private camping location close by with restaurant and store for supplies. Lots of trout, caught limit every time. Witnessed someone pull a 18" trout last visit.
Traveler25’ RV. No problems getting in, road was a little rough. Just be patient, it’s about a mile or so to get back in there. Our weather was dry so no muddy road issues. There were several others camping, with lots of room between camps. Had one camp that looked long term. And they ran their generator well into the evening. And sound does travel a long way across water.
RangerWe arrived here on a Sunday night in May and the place was empty...... only one other camper and it was really far away. 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 everywhere, it looked totally booked. Then you cross over the line into the campground where a$30 annual pass is required, yet the per night cost is$0 as of 2017, and there was nobody around! The campground is like a big open parking area with a boat launch and toilets and then there is also a little more dispersed sites where random fire pits have been built. We had our choice of sites so we picked one that sat away from others and was right above the water making the launch of the kayaks pretty easy.
TravelerEnjoyed 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😁
LegendWe camped here because my grandparents used to fish here long ago. The camping is free and dispersed. There is a large gravel parking lot suitable for large RVs plus those towing a trailer or boat. We chose to find a more secluded site away from the strong winds. The views of the lake were beautiful especially in the fall.
Below the gravel area was a large paved area for boat trailers. A discover pass is needed ($30/year) but we always get one and use it extensively.
You access this area via long wide well graded gravel road. There are no site numbers; you just find a spot and stay.
GuideGreat 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. Also close the cow gate.
ScoutBeautiful 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.
Primitive camping near Electric City, Washington concentrates in undeveloped areas around Banks Lake, Lake Roosevelt, and several smaller waterways. The region's high desert climate features hot, dry summers with temperatures regularly reaching 90°F and cold winters that often drop below freezing. Sites typically sit on rocky or sandy soil without developed infrastructure, requiring self-sufficiency for essential camping needs.
Fishing at multiple lakes: Jameson Lake supports an active fishing community, particularly during split seasons. "Lots of trout, caught limit every time. Witnessed someone pull a 18" trout last visit," notes Robert, who frequently visits the area.
Stargazing after sunset: The remote location provides excellent night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. A Jameson Lake camper mentioned the area offers a "Very beautiful night, great for star gazing" due to distance from urban centers.
Water activities beyond fishing: Crab Creek Camp provides water access in a field clearing. Though basic, this site offers direct water entry points. As one camper noted, it's simply a "clearing in a field next to water" but functional for water-based recreation.
Lake proximity: Dispersed campers appreciate the direct water access at Secret Camping Spot #1, where you can "set up tent on the elevated ridge you see as you drive in off the pull-off from the hwy," according to Alan-Mark I., though he warns to "be mindful of the cactuses, these are small but quite sharp."
Solitude and separation: Campers value the privacy between sites at many locations. As Shay S. describes, "Different pull outs felt secluded enough... Felt safe" at their camping spot, highlighting the balance of security and isolation.
Convenience for overnight travelers: Some sites work well for passing through the area. Mark S. describes Secret Camping Spot #1 as a "Free Overnight Stay" that's "Next to Hwy and behind tall bushes. Vault bathrooms 1/4 mile down the road. Pretty quiet spot even though 300 yards from highway."
Variable site conditions: Trail Lake Dispersed offers multiple camping spots, but they require inspection before setting up. One camper warns about finding "about 5 campsites here and each was covered in trash. One even had a full black garbage bag."
Weather considerations: Strong winds affect many lakeside camping areas, particularly during seasonal transitions. According to a reviewer, Jameson Lake "Can be windy during season change," which might affect tent stability and comfort levels.
Insects can be overwhelming: Multiple reports mention significant insect presence at water-adjacent sites. One Trail Lake camper stated they had to abandon their site because there were "so many mosquitos" despite being able to "deal with basically any conditions."
Scout tent locations carefully: At Trail Lake, a camper noted 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."
Bring insect protection: Maui F. recommends preparing for "Lots of bugs and spiders" when camping near lakes. Their advice for families includes bringing proper repellent and considering timing visits when bug populations might be lower.
Water activities require preparation: Lakes in the region offer swimming and boating opportunities. One visitor recommended bringing "floaties for the lake" to enhance water recreation, particularly for children who might enjoy shallow water play.
Parking area evaluation: For larger vehicles, check available space before committing to a site. At Jameson Lake, one camper described "a large gravel parking lot suitable for large RVs plus those towing a trailer or boat" with additional space below consisting of "a large paved area for boat trailers."
Consider resort alternatives: When primitive camping proves too basic, nearby resorts offer amenities. A camper suggests, "Skip this dirt field and stay at Jack's Resort" which is "extremely well maintained" with "immaculate bathrooms and even a few cabins" plus a cafe for those seeking more comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Electric City, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Electric City, WA is Osbourne Bay Public Access with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Electric City, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 7 dispersed camping locations near Electric City, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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