Rustic camping near Endicott, Washington offers primitive sites across the channeled scablands, a unique geological area formed by massive Ice Age floods. Summer temperatures often exceed 90°F with minimal rainfall, while spring brings cooler conditions and abundant wildflowers. Campsites typically sit at elevations between 1,500-2,300 feet, with exposure to persistent winds that can intensify camping conditions.
What to do
Stargazing adventures: The dark skies at Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area provide excellent astronomy opportunities. A camper described it as an "Astro Photographer's Dream" noting that "during a new moon which was perfect for star gazing and astro photography."
Wildlife observation: Early mornings offer chances to spot native species. At Cow Lake, campers report seeing various birds and animals in this "beautiful and secluded oasis tucked away in the scablands of Eastern Washington."
Hiking historical sites: Explore old ranch structures and trails through the scablands. One visitor to Escure Ranch mentioned "it's fun to poke around the old structures" while another noted "a three mile hike/horseback ride takes you through Washington's Channeled Scablands to Towell Falls."
Paddling opportunities: Spring through early summer offers the best water levels for kayaking and canoeing. For boat-in camping, Bonnie Lake Island requires "paddling up Rock Creek about a mile and another 1/2 mile paddle up the lake," with the caveat that "the creek can be seasonally shallow and you'll have to portage across at least one beaver dam."
What campers like
Unobstructed night skies: The absence of light pollution creates memorable stargazing. At Hog Lake Campground, visitors enjoy "beautiful night sky" views, with one camper noting it has "the perfect break in our drive from North Cascades to Glacier."
Geological features: The unique channeled scabland formations attract photographers and geology enthusiasts. A camper at Fishtrap Recreation Area mentioned they "experience wild turkeys, a variety of birds, the sound of coyotes not far, field squirrels and snakes" during their visit.
Solitude opportunities: Weekdays and off-season periods provide quiet camping experiences. One visitor at Hog Lake noted, "Sunday was calmer" compared to a busy Saturday night, while another at Fishtrap described it as "a nice campsite with a decent amount of space."
River access: Several sites offer water recreation. At Riparia, campers enjoy "a tiny forest tucked away along the river" where "you can easily set up a tent and float along the river's edge."
What you should know
Limited water sources: No potable water exists at most sites. Bring adequate supplies for your entire stay. A camper at Escure Ranch noted there's "No portable water for humans, so bring your own."
Extreme weather conditions: Summer heat can be intense with limited shade. A visitor to Little Goose Landing commented, "Heat of summer is no joke," while another at Fishtrap mentioned it was "too hot for us to hang around. Not many spots with shade."
Rattlesnake awareness: Snakes become active as temperatures rise, particularly from late spring through fall. Multiple campers mention rattlesnakes in the area, with one noting "watch out for rattle snakes! We didn't see any at the campground but they are known for being in the area in spades!"
Road conditions: Rough access roads can challenge some vehicles. A visitor to Escure Ranch mentioned "the last 1-2 miles can be rough" while another at Riparia warned, "It's a decent trek down a gravel road. Speed limit is 45MPH. Good luck to you if you try to go that fast."
Limited facilities: Most sites have minimal or no facilities. A camper at Cow Lake reported "There are no services, facilities or potable water but cell service was good."
Tips for camping with families
Shallow water play areas: Look for protected coves for safer water activities. At Riparia, "There are a few little coves that are nice for kids to play in and great to stay out of the river current."
Early season timing: Spring brings milder temperatures and fewer pests. One visitor noted, "The best time to visit is in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom and before the rattlesnakes get populous."
Accessibility considerations: Some sites offer easier access for those with mobility needs. A camper at Escure Ranch observed it is "very flat and would be reasonably accessible for someone using a wheelchair or with other mobility restrictions. The picnic tables are even accessible!"
Noise awareness: Some locations experience weekend crowds and evening activity. At Cow Lake, a visitor reported "by evening there were over a dozen boisterous people fishing along the shore. Sound travels well over water and it was very noisy."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Arrive early for level, shaded spots. At Fishtrap Recreation Area, campers note "The spaces are all different some more level and others."
Power management: No hookups means planning for generator use. A camper at Riparia mentioned, "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."
Road navigation caution: Consider routes carefully when towing. One RVer warned, "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."
Water conservation: Plan for dry camping without resupply options. A visitor to Riparia mentioned, "We stayed here with our Travel Trailer with a 50 gallon fresh water tank. It lasted the 4 of us the 5 day weekend."
