Tent campers near Electric City, Washington have several options along Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area and surrounding public lands. Twin Lakes offers primitive tent sites with vault toilets and no running water, requiring a Washington Discover Pass for entry. Sterling Point provides boat-in tent camping with picnic tables and fire pits along the shores of Lake Roosevelt, while Plum Point features boat-in access with basic amenities including vault toilets.
Most tent campgrounds in the Electric City region have minimal facilities. Twin Lakes enforces a 14-day maximum stay and provides vault toilets but no drinking water or cell reception at lakeside sites. The road to lower campsites at Twin Lakes is steep and winding, making it unsuitable for larger vehicles. Rogers Bar offers true primitive camping with only vault toilets and no water source, requiring campers to pack in all supplies. Campsites typically feature cleared areas under trees with fire pits where permitted, though fire restrictions may apply during dry seasons.
Tent camping areas around Electric City provide varied experiences based on location and access type. Sites at Twin Lakes offer fishing opportunities at both upper and lower lakes, with a boat launch available for small watercraft. Sterling Point provides isolation for tent campers, particularly on weekdays when fewer visitors are present. Lake Roosevelt campsites offer swimming in clear water and beach exploration opportunities. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most locations, creating a disconnected experience. A visitor commented, "If you want true primitive camping, this is it. There is a vault toilet but that is it. There is no water so bring your own."
"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."
"The area requires a Washington Discover Pass which is $11.50 a day at the time of this review. Overall really nice spot. Easy to get to and spectacular views."
"Vault toilet, fire pits and picnic tables for 4 sites bioat dock supports up to 8 boats. Overall nice camp spot."
"I always take my boat in because there is a dock, but one time I saw people there with no boat and when they left, they wandered into the woods, so I assume there is some way to hike in and out."
"A Washington Discover Pass is required. 14 day max stay. But once you drive down to the lake/camp sites there is ZERO cell reception."
"Great FREE camping near lakes, fishing. Vault toilets. Limited internet at top of road but none at lake side."
"I love this place no cell service, no power no water just my family and the lake"
"Dirt trails on the water which is a beautiful little cove on lake Roosevelt. Bald eagles, and lots of bugs. Most often in the summer you can hear the big pow wows going on across the river at night."
"Clearest lake I've ever seen !"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $23 / night
GuideIt is basically a gravel lot along soap lake. It has full hookups and costs $52/ Night. Easy to get in. You have to use the QR code box on the board beside the gate. It works easily and you get your gate code by email quickly. The internet is strong but slow. We are using our Verizon with 5g signal. Showers nice and hot.
LegendWe camped here for one night. It’s about a mile down a dirt road that is fairly well maintained. Several gravel campsites. Right next to the lake, although you can’t really see it with all the bushes. But there is a gravel boat ramp that you could launch a kayak or a canoe from. There is a vault toilet, but it’s pretty sketchy. Was nice and quiet. Only one other camper here with us.
GuideDiscovered this CG around dusk...We needed a site for the night...Full hook up...kiosk serviced CG....Decent CG clean, safe,secure...We decided to stay a couple of nights in order to visit Coulee Dam....glad we did! Woke up after nite #2 to find a flat tire on my tow vehicle...picked up a large screw somewhere the night before....Tried to plug it myself to no avail......sought out advice from local mechanic...he recommend Les Schwab Tire shop in either Ephrata or Coulee Dam....We drove to Ephrata(incredibly scenic drive)..arrived at Les Schwab tire shop an hour before they closed....very busy place.....I told the salesman I would like to have the tire pulled off the rim and a patch put on from the inside.....He said well as you can see we're very busy but I'll try and get it done before we close...20 minutes later the salesman calls and tells me my tire is repaired and ready to be picked up....He printed out an invoice...COMPLIMENTARY REPAIR....NO CHARGE....I couldn't believe it....The tire wasn't bought at one of their dealerships as I live on the East coast...So I HIGHLY RECOMMEND EPHRATA Les Schwab Tire Shop should you ever be in the neighborhood.........Coulee City municipal campground saved the day.....I was able to extend the visit long enough to make the necessary repairs...Incredibly scenic area in the high desert.... I saw on one review about prickly little tree droppings...yes indeed all around on the ground....but high desert and you can expect such things....A fair amount of dog droppings ...so watch your step. Overall we were pleased with the campground....price was decent
LegendWe needed an overnight stop between the North Cascades and Spokane. This fit the bill and gave us the bonus of being able to tour the Grand Coulee dam tomorrow. It is the largest hydropower dam in the United States. Campground was empty this time of the season. We have a beautiful view of lake Roosevelt from our site. Upper loop is basically a parking lot for RVs but no one is here so it doesn’t matter. Made a reservation for the site right from the parking lot at recreation.gov. No cash pay available. Glad we had Starlink because poor ATT cell service here. This review is for Spring Canyon. Not the group site
GuideThe park has a long history dating back to construction of nearby Chief Joesph Dam. The area used to be scrubland, and a similar story as Ohme Gardens in Wenatchee, but that is what I am reviewing here.
Many, most of the assortment of tree species ‘grew up’ in this nice grassy park, and the many birds offer pleasant songs and chirps. I wouldn’t call the sites very private, but many have nice spacing. A few sites on the most northern drive thru’s can be an issue in leveling a trailer, just takes a bit more time and effort.
The park has had a large marmot presence, depends on the year and culling by the tribes. Also liked by the Canadian Goose causing ‘poop land’ on the swimming beach lawn.
The last few years has seen a nationally respected golf course on top of a hill, great views with a place for lunch, dinner, or sipping wine in an Adirondack chair enjoying the view. This is close the the main N/S highway connection with the Dam road. Also, just north of Brewster is a new winery with restaurant and wine/beer outside with a gorgeous setting…and they also have a new RV park too.
GuideSteamboat was everything we wanted and more. Unfortunately we only stayed here one night since we were on our way home from another trip. But this is the first public campground that i can 100% say we are coming back to. Lots of hiking, water access, fishing spots, actual sandy beaches and great biking trails. Sites are clean and spacious with space for tents near RVs. Grass is watered everyday and lots of wildlife. The lake itself has a great designated swim area which is good because it provides a safe area away from boats and skis. They have rules against E-bikes and kids which is not a bad thing… water electric and sewer hookups are all right next to each other so plan accordingly. Bathrooms were clean and they even had dumpsters and fish cleaning stations.
TravelerEasy water access just walks from all camp sites. Each site had multiple trees for shade, very pretty site!
ScoutFor a place that an be accessed with any vehicle such a short drive off of US Hwy 2, this is a jewel. Mostly level. Excellent water access. Only noisiest of trucks on highway audible. Gravel open lot with tent spaces in the reeds a few steps from the gravel. Concrete head. FREE no limits. What’s not to like?
ScoutVery clean, large sites, on Columbia River. Extremely friendly and helpful host helped me get situated coming in late. Great stopover. And some Cute restaurants in town.
Tent camping options near Electric City, Washington include several primitive sites on public lands at elevations between 1,200-1,500 feet. The area experiences hot, dry summers with daytime temperatures often exceeding 90°F in July and August, while spring and fall offer milder conditions. Winter access is limited at most locations due to seasonal road closures from November through March.
Fishing opportunities: At Twin Lakes, anglers can target trout in both the upper and lower lakes, with best results reported during early morning hours. "Twin Lakes is a gorgeous camping area. A Washington Discover Pass is required. 14 day max stay," notes Richard M. about this remote fishing location.
Kayaking and canoeing: Lake Roosevelt provides calm waters for paddling exploration, though larger boat traffic can create challenges. "Be careful if in a kayak or canoe as the main channel is popular with skiers and tubers," warns Terrie M. about Rogers Bar.
Wildlife viewing: The shoreline areas attract various bird species including bald eagles. "Bald eagles, and lots of bugs. Most often in the summer you can hear the big pow wows going on across the river at night," reports Justice K. about camping along the water.
Disconnected experience: The lack of connectivity creates a true wilderness experience at many sites. "I love this place no cell service, no power no water just my family and the lake," shares Tonia S. about Green Lake.
Water clarity: Several lakes in the region feature exceptionally clear water for swimming. "The areas are spacious and cleared out under the trees and there is plenty of beach to explore and the water is cool & clear to play in," notes a visitor about the shoreline access.
Stargazing opportunities: Minimal light pollution creates ideal conditions for night sky viewing. "See a universe of stars and enjoy feeling close to nature in this uncommercializad quaint small campground," describes Justice K. at Cloverleaf Campground.
Water availability: Most campgrounds require bringing all water supplies. "If you want true primitive camping, this is it. There is a vault toilet but that is it. There is no water so bring your own," cautions a camper about the limited facilities.
Road conditions: Access to some camping areas involves steep, challenging terrain. "The road that leads down to the lake/camping area is steep and winding. I would not suggest anything over 25 foot length try to go down because you may not get back up," advises Richard M. about access challenges.
Boat-in locations: Several campsites are accessible primarily by water. "Docked here in mid Sept 2020 to camp for the night. Area was well used, so native grasses were well trampled, as it is the first boat-in camp from Grand Coulee Dam," reports Jim P. about Plum Point.
Beach activities: Shoreline areas provide natural playgrounds for children. "Plenty of beach to explore and the water is cool & clear to play in," notes a camper about the family-friendly shoreline options.
Crowding considerations: Weekends can bring increased visitor numbers to accessible sites. "This is a beautifully rugged camping with spots that are clean with fire pit and tables. Dirt trails on the water which is a beautiful little cove on lake Roosevelt," describes Justice K., though adding that "it's ALWAYS full when I've gone there."
Local noise factors: Some locations experience occasional disruptions. "The only downfall is that the local teens like to have big ragers there and when that happens its only USUALLY for one night then they leave but they get loud and obnoxious," warns a visitor about Long Lake.
Size restrictions: Larger vehicles face access limitations at most primitive sites. "I would not suggest anything over 25 foot length try to go down because you may not get back up. If you're pulling a car or trailer you'll want to be mindful," cautions a camper about the road conditions.
Alternative sites: Some locations offer better RV access than others. "There is a second site about 22 minutes away (coffee pot recreation site) that is more accessible friendly for larger rigs and setups and a boat launch to the lower lake," suggests Richard M. for those with larger vehicles.
Shade considerations: Tree cover varies significantly between camping areas. "The campsite is fairly nice, although there is no shade. The pictures that are uploaded must be from a long time ago," notes Shiloh I. about changing conditions at some locations.
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