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 90Ā°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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
