Are you in need of a campground near Ephrata, WA? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Ephrata, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
Located just two hours’ drive east of Seattle, this campground lies at the edge of central Washington’s high desert scablands. These small recreation areas along the shore of Wanapum Lake, on the mighty Columbia River, showcase the area’s dramatic landscape, and preserve the fossilized remains of a prehistoric forest buried by an ancient lava flow. Some of the many activities available at these two locations include hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, camping and wildlife watching.
The campground at Wanapum offers 50 large, full-hookup sites for RV and tent campers. Sites are mostly open and grassy, with a few spare trees for shade and wind protection; all are equipped with picnic tables and cooking grills. The camp area has two vault toilets, a boat ramp, a shaded picnic area, and a sandy beach. This area is susceptible to high winds, so tents and awnings should be firmly secured. Dogs are permitted, but should remain leashed, as there are rattlesnakes in the area. The campground is open from March through October. Sites are first-come, first-served, but reservations are recommended in the summer season. Seasonal rates are $30–$50/night.
Just a few miles north of the recreation area, Ginkgo Petrified Forest preserves a unique fossil discovery that was revealed during highway construction in the 1930s: the remains of an ancient forest turned to stone. The park features an air-conditioned visitor center, restrooms, picnic areas, a boat launch, and lake viewpoints. Nearby, the 1-mile Trees of Stone interpretive trail winds through the fossilized forest, where visitors can see more than 20 specimens of petrified trees, in addition to erratic boulders deposited by ancient glacial floods. Common wildlife seen in the area include deer, elk, bighorn sheep and coyotes. Check park website for operating seasons and hours.
Our waterfront resort is a place where you can bring your family outdoor experience through camping, glamping, RVIng, cabins, domes and event venue. Its a small park operating from 1938 with modernized facilities owned by the same family for 40 years. Please feel welcome to check out our website at www.bluelakeresortwashington.com
If rest and relaxation are your idea of a perfect vacation, Crescent Bar RV Resort may well be the Washington RV campground you are looking for. More then 300 days of sunshine per year provide the opportunity to enjoy spectacular vistas of the Columbia River and the Cascade mountains that surround this Wenatchee RV campground in Washington. Spectacular Columbia River vistas from a Wenatchee RV resort Whether you're planning a retreat for the whole family, a group of friends or a getaway for two, there's no shortage of unique activities to explore at Crescent Bar RV Resort. Plan activities upon arrival or visit this page before your departure to plan ahead. Looking for more? Our friendly staff can fill you in on all of the great ways to make your stay a memorable experience.
$144 / night
For the adventurous kinds who prefer to camp on site and enjoy the experience, The Gorge camping is accessible from 3:00pm the day before the show in most cases, this can vary so please check www.gorgecamping.com for show by show information. Fans camping at the campground will have to adhere to the quiet time rules from 2.00 AM to 8.00 AM. Prices can vary, refer to www.ticketmaster.com/venue/122913 for details.
Spaces are set aside by the staff on a first come, first serve basis and one car and one tent or an RV can be parked/placed in this space.
$20 - $50 / night
New ownership! Come check out our new updates! Newly renovated back bathrooms, playground, and pool. A short drive from both Moses Lake and The Gorge Amphitheatre, you’ll find the friendly and welcoming city of Ephrata, WA. Whether you’re looking for fun activities or simply a place to relax, our convenient location offers a wide range of attractions to suit all interests. Easy access off Hwy 28. 10 minutes to the city of Ephrata, WA with gas, groceries and restaurants. 20 minutes to the unique mineral lake, Soap Lake, WA.
Located on the tranquil shores of Soap Lake, Washington, Smokiam RV Resort is the perfect setting for your next vacation. A family-friendly and big rig friendly resort with adventures and activities for all ages. Choose from our luxurious cabin rentals, large RV sites, campsites, or a unique adventure in a Teepee. Soap Lake is a unique mineral lake, world-renowned as “nature’s spa”. One of only two similar lakes in the world, its waters have the most diverse mineral content of any body of water on earth and have long been believed to have healing properties. Our visitors travel from around the world to soak in its mineral waters. Smokiam RV Resort has an assortment of exciting amenities including the cleanest restroom and shower facilities around, a playground area, luxurious cabin rentals, teepee rentals, an beverage bar in our office area, and a miniature golf course. Smokiam RV Resort offers 43 full hook up sites. Most of our RV sites offer level pads, private grass areas, large shade trees, cable TV, Wi-Fi, and are pet friendly (aggressive dog breeds are not allowed) and are just steps to the lake. All sites come equipped with a fire pit and picnic table. Just steps to the lake, our cabins feature fully appointed kitchens, full bathrooms, luxury bedding and linens, cable TV and Wi-Fi.
$10 - $55 / night
Located just two hours’ drive east of Seattle, this campground lies at the edge of central Washington’s high desert scablands. These small recreation areas along the shore of Wanapum Lake, on the mighty Columbia River, showcase the area’s dramatic landscape, and preserve the fossilized remains of a prehistoric forest buried by an ancient lava flow. Some of the many activities available at these two locations include hiking, swimming, boating, fishing, camping and wildlife watching.
The campground at Wanapum offers 50 large, full-hookup sites for RV and tent campers. Sites are mostly open and grassy, with a few spare trees for shade and wind protection; all are equipped with picnic tables and cooking grills. The camp area has two vault toilets, a boat ramp, a shaded picnic area, and a sandy beach. This area is susceptible to high winds, so tents and awnings should be firmly secured. Dogs are permitted, but should remain leashed, as there are rattlesnakes in the area. The campground is open from March through October. Sites are first-come, first-served, but reservations are recommended in the summer season. Seasonal rates are $30–$50/night.
Just a few miles north of the recreation area, Ginkgo Petrified Forest preserves a unique fossil discovery that was revealed during highway construction in the 1930s: the remains of an ancient forest turned to stone. The park features an air-conditioned visitor center, restrooms, picnic areas, a boat launch, and lake viewpoints. Nearby, the 1-mile Trees of Stone interpretive trail winds through the fossilized forest, where visitors can see more than 20 specimens of petrified trees, in addition to erratic boulders deposited by ancient glacial floods. Common wildlife seen in the area include deer, elk, bighorn sheep and coyotes. Check park website for operating seasons and hours.
Our waterfront resort is a place where you can bring your family outdoor experience through camping, glamping, RVIng, cabins, domes and event venue. Its a small park operating from 1938 with modernized facilities owned by the same family for 40 years. Please feel welcome to check out our website at www.bluelakeresortwashington.com
If rest and relaxation are your idea of a perfect vacation, Crescent Bar RV Resort may well be the Washington RV campground you are looking for. More then 300 days of sunshine per year provide the opportunity to enjoy spectacular vistas of the Columbia River and the Cascade mountains that surround this Wenatchee RV campground in Washington. Spectacular Columbia River vistas from a Wenatchee RV resort Whether you're planning a retreat for the whole family, a group of friends or a getaway for two, there's no shortage of unique activities to explore at Crescent Bar RV Resort. Plan activities upon arrival or visit this page before your departure to plan ahead. Looking for more? Our friendly staff can fill you in on all of the great ways to make your stay a memorable experience.
Guide
Nice spacious sites. Lots of privacy between sites. No dog park. Great view of the lake from your door. We took a 4 mile, one-way, bike ride to the town of Vantage and then to the Ginkgo Petrified Forest. The town of vantage is very small with a lot of closed shops. Has a gas station and convenience store. That’s about it. Very scenic area and quiet and relaxing.
GuideArrived on a Sunday without reservations and had several spots to choose from for our 3 night stay. Easy Lake access. The grounds are immaculately kept up - sites are very spacious - bathrooms and showers super clean. Road our e-bikes into Vantage - only a gas station/convenience store - very expensive - but it is the only game in town as everything else is closed. Continued our e-bike ride to Ginkgo Petrified forest - nice little 3 mile hike. The town is 2.5 miles from camp and another 2 to get to the petrified forest. Would stop here again. Had a relaxing time.
Scout
Only reason for 4 stars is because people have left trash here. Otherwise, it’s a great spot. Very private and spread out. There’s a handful of sites, each with make shift fire pits and none super close to each other. No fee other than discover pass. There’s an outhouse but we didn’t use it. We have Verizon and AT&T and had decent service.
Ranger
Note: Lake needs Washington Discover Pass
Stopped while traveling through for an overnight stay.
Camping areas are big gravel lots next to the lake.
Had no problem with level.
There is some noise from I90, but not really that bad.
Nobody else was at the lake when we stayed.
Great overnight stop with a lake view out our back door.
Legend
T mobile 5G. Dead fish and algae in the lake- green speckles. The water is green. The picnic tables are partially buried in the sand. The discovery pass including the processing fee was $13. The sites are big and well spaced along the reservoir shoreline. Saw about 3 Pit toilets equally spaced along the shore line. Nice old trees providing shade. Nice breeze to close the day. Can't see any flies.
Traveler
I travel for work and I stay here almost every week to save money on hotels. I’ve also taken my family here over the summer for camping and hiking. We all love it. Very quiet. Weekends can get kinda busy due to hikers and rock climbing enthusiasts. I suggest coming up early if you plan to stay the weekend. Many beautiful views. There is even a waterfall I sleep across from. On clear nights you can see all the stars. Which is my favorite! There are lots of sites to camp. In car/tent/RV it’s pretty accessible. There are some rougher spots where you probably should have four-wheel-drive or at least a higher stance vehicle.
TravelerBeautiful lakes. I was one of only 3 campers in and around long lake. Lots of privacy.
TravelerGreat location so close to 90 but tucked away - will be staying here often
Guide
We chose a spot in the rv tent area which was not very clean and very loud. Stay in the outer ring if you have an RV.
GuideThe place is pretty good! Except the wifi that is overused and make it difficult to even connect. In terms of outdoor activities and amenities it's a good stop
TravelerThe views are amazing, plenty of open campsites and nobody was around us when we camped. A perfect quiet getaway.
Guide
We visited in late June of 2024. Crescent Bar is a nice little community and the PUD park is beautiful. T.T. RV park was not in great shape. Sprinklers were busted in most of the park which created unpleasant dust storms. There are porta potties for the pool area and down the hill at the bathroom/shower you will find rotting interior walls and valves held together with copious layers of silicone. Fortunately for us this was just a stop over location while crossing Washington.
GuidePopular rock climbing area that gets many people through the day. Dispearsed camping in 2 areas. The first spot as you come from the road is much smaller and doesn't have any pit toilets. I prefer to park here when its not busy as the "Feathers" basalt columns are really pretty to camp up next to. The second open site down the road has pit toilets and is a much larger area. Both are nice but also there are many cars, campers, tents and becomes a much more lively area in the evening depending on the crowds.
I think this is a great spot but I move on during the day when the rock climbing crowds start to swarm and park near you. There are some nice trails that take you up above the climbing area and you can get to the backside to get some nice views and away from the crowds. Can get pretty hot here in the warmer months but a beautiful spot to camp if you can avoid the busy/peak times.
Scout
M
ScoutJ
Traveler
Easy to get to. Different pull outs felt secluded enough. Lots of bugs. Felt safe
Traveler
This, like the other spots in Frenchman Coulee, is seldom empty, but it's much less packed than the areas closer to the climbing. This spot offers the best views, sunrises, and sunsets, at the cost of no shade and a healthy dose of wind. If you're going for the rugged feel, this'll do it. OF NOTE: The vault toilets are about a mile away from here.
Traveler
Overall it's not great nor is it terrible. It's always busy and often a bit crowded in the main portion but the people are usually not too rowdy. The scenic views are killer, the wildlife is active, and the mini trails around the place feel adventurous. The climbing is bang on but it's bouldering or lead climbing only. BE WARNED, THE BATHROOMS ARE STANKY (hot tip: bring a citronella candle and your own TP)
TravelerI love this state park, the landscape of glacial-carved coulees and sagebrush covered shrubsteppe is gorgeous and unique. The park is truly a geological wonder. As campgrounds go, this one is very windy! Keep that in mind if you are tent camping, as you could easily lose your tent!
If camping here I cannot suggest campsite 88 in campground D unless you are in an RV. It's just a very basic, gravel site with little shade, right by the road entering the campground, and not private at all. It is right across from a nice beach though so could be a good spot for an RV. Campsite 118 looked much better and I plan on choosing that site instead next time.
I do not suggest the Sun Lakes Resort campsite that is not managed by Washington State Parks unless you like being packed in like sardines. Camping at the state park managed campsite is far better.
Traveler
If you disregard the rough old permanent stayers, unclean, weeds and parked cars,, the lake view at sunset was beautiful
GuideThe score is more for the abundance of things to do in the area than for the campground itself.
I was there for a trail run race that went deep in the Sun Lakes back country and the floor of the Dry Falls area. Just stunning scenery. While I didn't get to partake on my trip, the lakes offer fishing, boating, and swimming.
The camping itself is the standard state park experience, sites close together, not much for privacy. But they are nice spots, and well maintained.
Guide
There are multiple pull outs and established dispersed camping opportunities all along the entire road through the Ancient Lakes area. The specific spot marked on the dyrt map is just one spot. But consider this a review for the whole area.
The whole area is very unique, and the highlight is definitely hiking down into the canyon and Dusty Lake area. Spider web of trails down there open for hikers, mountain bikers, and horses. Overnight backpacking is allowed down there as well.
The upper lakes offer fishing and boating, paddle boarding as well if you are confident in your skill to stay on the board. I would not recommend swimming, or getting in the water at all, as it's all agricultural runoff.
The spot I stayed is south of the marker on the map, right on the north west bank of the Evergreen Reservoir. This was early April, on a Saturday, very late afternoon after hiking all day. Most spots were already taken, and I snagged one of the last established spots I could find. More of a pull off, pretty close to the road, and on the smaller side. But there are other, larger, spots if you can grab one.
Essentially no shade, very exposed, spring and fall would be the best time here.
Guide
The negative review is strictly for the camping, the park itself overall is nice. But the majority of the camping is surrounding a large open grass area, with all the spots very close to each other. Sitting next to the fire pit in my spot, the neighbors vehicle next to me was less than 25 feet away. Just no privacy whatsoever.
To be fair, I expected that, I didn't come here for a see no people experience. Was just part of a personal mission to visit every state park in WA. But I want to share the experience for others who may be considering camping here, so they are prepared.
The park itself is nice, right on a large lake (a dammed portion of the Columbia River) with opportunities to swim, fish, boat, paddle board, etc. And I recommend taking a hike or bike ride along the nicely paved path down to see the dam (just be on the look out for rattlesnakes).
TravelerBeautiful overlook site. Perfect for Overland type vehicles. The entrance to the site is rough. Scouting is a good idea before attempting entry with a trailer.
Traveler
We loved this campground. The grounds were well maintained, and bathrooms were clean. There was a good amount of space between sites, which was great. Most spots were very nice, and many were right next to the water. My guess is that it's a busy park during peak season, but our shoulder season timing was perfect for peace and quiet. There are a couple of good hikes nearby, and I hiked the Steamboat Rock hike. The first 1/3 of the hike was more moderate with steep trails and scree, but it gets easier once you're past that.
TravelerPros: good fishing, good amenities (shower, bathroom, etc), price, cleanliness, availability. Cons: Typical designated camping stacked right next to each other so barking dogs, crying kids, or drunks are highly likely to be a nuisance. Overall it's really well maintained and accessible. There's a little grocery store/market/gas across from the park on 262 if you need anything.
Legend
We spent Thanksgiving weekend camping this year. The campground was partially open but very empty. The bathroom was open and warm, which was lovely. We hung out, hiked, fished, and enjoyed the deer, pheasant and wild turkeys wandering the grounds.
Camping near Ephrata, Washington, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.
Camping near Ephrata, Washington, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Ephrata, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ephrata, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 128 campgrounds and RV parks near Ephrata, WA and 19 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Ephrata, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ephrata, WA is Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park with a 4.2-star rating from 20 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ephrata, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 free dispersed camping spots near Ephrata, WA.
What parks are near Ephrata, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Ephrata, WA that allow camping, notably Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and Lake Sacajawea.
