The Electric City region features RV parks situated near the Columbia River and Banks Lake, offering access to diverse water recreation opportunities in this eastern Washington destination. Seasonal weather variations are significant, with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F while winter brings occasional snow and below-freezing conditions. Most RV facilities in the area remain open year-round, though amenities may be limited during winter months.
What to do
Boating access: Conklin Landing RV Park provides convenient Columbia River proximity with boat launch facilities nearby. "Columbia River and launches, great staff, beautiful views, lots to see and do from wineries, fishing, biking, motorcycling, etc. 1 day lead to 5 days," notes a visitor at this Conklin Landing RV Park.
Swimming options: Multiple RV parks offer swimming access during summer months. At Smokiam RV Resort, visitors enjoy lake swimming with minimal motorized boat traffic. One reviewer mentions: "Very little to no motor boat activity on the lake makes for great swimming. Sites are very clean and green! Nice grass to relax in."
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds cater specifically to anglers with boat launches and river access. As one Marina RV Park visitor explains: "This is a nice little campground by the river with a boat launch, a lot of fishermen use it. Also very nice swimming Cove around the corner and playground for the kids."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Multiple reviewers highlight well-maintained grounds and facilities at Smokiam RV Resort. "Very clean campground. Nice amenities for families. Put put golf swimming pool hot tubs basketball and volleyball court and nice playground. Paddle board kayak and paddle boat rentals as well."
Reliable hookups: Full-service connections at most parks receive positive feedback from visitors. At Bridgeport Marina RV Park, one camper notes: "It's a small campground but we'll kept. Bathrooms clean hot showers and free Wi-Fi even if it's a bit spotty depending on your service."
Shade and greenery: Several parks feature mature trees and maintained grass areas. "A comfortable park on the banks of the Okanagan River at the stampede grounds... Well maintained with large shade trees. And, a great dog park for your pups," comments a visitor at Carl Precht RV Park.
What you should know
Connectivity challenges: Cell service and internet quality varies widely between parks. At Goose Creek RV Park, one reviewer reports: "RV park wi-fi was pretty bad. AT&T cell service worked great when 5G was shut off and used LTE instead."
Site spacing considerations: Some parks have tighter site layouts than others. A Smokiam visitor notes: "The sites are pretty close together, but not too close to be uncomfortable. Nice big area for dogs by the store and pool."
Local terrain: The Electric City area sits within wheat fields and ancient lava flow landscapes. "This is a really nice park, a gem in the middle of wheat and ancient lava flow fields. Great staff, well maintained and green, lush grass," writes one Goose Creek visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Recreation amenities: Several RV parks near Electric City offer family-friendly features. "Lots of activities for kids, and a large fireworks display/live band. Really nice people," mentions a Smokiam visitor describing their July 4th experience.
Swimming safety: Lake access points may have varied conditions. "The lake is great, once you get past the first 6 feet of muck. It's warm, shallow, but appropriately named," cautions a Columbia Cove RV Park reviewer about water entry conditions.
Playground access: Multiple parks include play areas for children. "Swimming pool, hot tub and clubhouse are immaculate. If you're tent camping, no worry - bathrooms have showers and are extremely clean," notes a Smokiam visitor highlighting amenities beyond playgrounds.
Tips from RVers
Seasonal timing: Some RV parks operate with reduced services during shoulder seasons. "We visited during off-season but the swimming pool that is attached is not open on weekends. So that's a bummer," advises a Columbia Cove visitor.
Site selection: Upper level sites often offer different experiences than lower areas. At Grand Coulee RV Park, visitors note the differences between areas: "10 drive-thru sites are on the upper level. Lower levels seem to be more permanent sites. All upper sites have 30/50 amp, water and 2 septic dumps per site."
Big rig access: Several parks accommodate larger vehicles with appropriate sites. "Gorgeous 2 parks 1/2 mile apart. The Marina Park and this one. Pull throughs are nice for Big Rigs," comments a Conklin Landing visitor about the 60-foot pull-through sites available.
