T
Theresa W.
Scout
ScoutConklin Landing RV Park
Beautiful site on the river
Very 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.
Camping near Ephrata, WA
136 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
The Ephrata area in Eastern Washington provides a mix of developed campgrounds and RV parks catering to travelers exploring the Columbia Basin region. Several established campgrounds dot the landscape, including Smokiam RV Resort on Soap Lake and Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park approximately 30 miles north. Most campgrounds feature multiple accommodation types with cabins available at sites like Ephrata RV Park & Campground, Blue Lake Resort, and Smokiam Campground. The region's campgrounds typically include tent sites alongside RV hookups, with many offering waterfront locations on area lakes.
Road access throughout the region generally follows paved highways with most campgrounds situated near major routes like Highway 28 and Highway 17. Most developed sites operate seasonally, with Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park open from late March through mid-October, though several RV parks like Oasis RV Park & Golf Course remain open year-round. "This campsite is a throwback to a different era. The staff is amiable. The tent spots are spacious and green, and the amenities are great," notes one visitor about Oasis RV Park. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F, with minimal rainfall and low humidity characterizing the arid climate. Cell service varies by location but remains generally reliable near established campgrounds.
Campground amenities tend to be comprehensive at developed sites, with most locations offering electric hookups, drinking water, showers, and restrooms. Swimming pools appear at several campgrounds, providing relief from summer heat when area lakes might be less appealing. A camper at Smokiam RV Resort mentioned, "The lake is great, though, once you get past the first 6 feet of muck. It's warm, shallow, but appropriately named. The water tastes soap and has a film, but that's the 'healing' part, right?" Noise levels vary by location, with campgrounds closer to highways experiencing more traffic sounds. Family-friendly amenities feature prominently, including mini-golf, playgrounds, and fishing opportunities at locations like Oasis RV Park. Pet policies generally permit animals at most campgrounds, though specific restrictions may apply.
Best Campgrounds near Ephrata (136)
1. Smokiam RV Resort
"The employees also walk the sites frequently. Downside - the lake by the resort is very muddy so we had to go elsewhere to swim (but there are plenty of local spots)."
"The sites are pretty close together, but not too close to be uncomfortable. Nice big area for dogs by the store and pool."
2. Ephrata RV Park & Campground
"If I could give everyone at Ephrata RV Park more than 5 stars I would! We stayed at the campground last weekend for a weekend-long concert at the Gorge Amphitheater."
"Has shaded camping sites my children love swimming in the pool to cool off after warm day easy access to the campground they also had a play area"
3. Blue Lake Resort
"We have been to the Blue Lake Resort during June 2021. The location is awesome, quiet and peaceful for a relaxing vacation. The breeze is welcoming& gentle enough to get fresh air."
"Very nice walkable paths and waterfront. Keep your eyes open for the Blue Lake Resort. Great place to bring the family and pets. kayaking and fishing was Fun for the kids. Enjoy your time..."
4. Smokiam Campground & Kampers Korner
"Where it gets weird, phone on Dyrt goes to the city of Soap Lake, closed. (It’s 430). All signs say this belongs to Soap Lake Resort & Spa. No answer on phone, yet open until 6."
"This lake is purported to have healing powers, so why not stop for a night and take a dip? There were just a few sites, right up on the lake with power and water. The shower house was a bit grungy."
from $7 - $25 / night
Check Availability5. Whimsy Rock Homestead
from $35 - $40 / night
Check Availability6. Oasis RV Park & Golf Course
"The only drawback is it is close to a heavily traveled road, and the traffic noise can be loud at night."
7. The Oasis
8. Potholes State Park Campground
"Campground Review: Potholes State Park is located in Central Washington, a bit south of Moses Lake. The climate is arid desert so expect hot days, cool nights, and occasional gusty winds. "
"Close to a major town, store and restaurant across the road, giant sites with a good layout to still feel somewhat secluded and if you’re an angler, you’re 100 yards away from the boat launch."
from $12 - $93 / night
Check Availability9. Sun Lakes Park Resort Campground
"Located near / within Dry Falls and Sun Lakes State Park this camping resort has it all."
"Mini golf for $5. 9 hole public course within walking distance. ($19 for 9, club rental for $8) Laundry ($3/$2) Alot to offer for $53."
10. Cascade Campground
"We hiked Blue Lake and Diablo Lake, which both were incredible. Diablo Lake is a beautiful blue color."
"Lot of opportunities for water activities except while we were there the lake had a toxic algae problem so we didn’t go in."
from $32 - $40 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 51 min from Wenatchee, WA
- 1 hr 29 min from Yakima, WA
- 1 hr 35 min from Kennewick, WA
- 1 hr 47 min from Spokane, WA
Recent Camping Photos near Ephrata, WA
161 Photos of 136 Ephrata Campgrounds
Cinco D.
Oasis RV Park & Golf Course
Brooke M.
Ephrata RV Park & Campground
Brooke M.
Smokiam Campground & Kampers Korner
Ryan
The Oasis
Horizon M.
Smokiam RV Resort
Christine O.
Whimsy Rock Homestead
emma O.
Winchester Lake #1
Lee D.
Cascade Campground
r G.
Blue Lake Resort
billie J.
Trail Lake Dispersed
Joshua
Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park Campground
Marielle M.
Sun Lakes Park Resort Campground
Recent Reviews near Ephrata, WA
515 Reviews of 136 Ephrata Campgrounds
Tony F.
GuideOsbourne Bay Public Access
Sweet spot
Fairly nicely maintained gravel road extends back about a mile. There are potholes and dips along the way, but not too bad for any vehicle with a little extra lift. The end of the road is an open area with several spots along the water. We camped about halfway down the road. 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.
Christopher G.
TravelerDry Gulch on Columbia River
Road of bones
The road starts as gravel then turns into gravel and large stones. Not an easy road definite 4x4 with good tires, not a Subaru Outback track. Eventually it starts gaining altitude toward the Wild Horse Wind Farm and the road turns to broken basalt rock and volcanic stone and gets pretty sharp. We made it about a mile past the wind farm where the road starts to drop again, and a shard of basalt tore through the sidewall flattening a tire.
We managed to change a tire and decided that with no spare, continuing would be stupid. We turned back and spent the night near the wind farm and drive out the following day.
This area is prone to grass fires and getting stuck would be pretty serious. Areas with no cell service, one lane road, grass scab land, volcanic rock and occasional sage brush.
Not a trail I’d advise for a single vehicle.
Staying at the wind farm there is awesome star viewing, near constant wind and you can hear the wind generators in the background.
- Christopher G.Traveler
Martha Lake Dispersed Camping
Overnight @ Martha Lake
This is a small pull off right off the highway. You need s discover pass to use it. Pulling in there is a single toilet, we didn’t check it out. The gravel parking area along the small lake allows for some privacy, but you are in a gravel parking area near a highway. No water and the bathroom looked dodgy, but there used to be ample parking close enough to hear the highway. The lake is nice, the water is clear, and some locals swim in it. We camped from afternoon until afternoon the following day. A few people cans and went but by nightfall there was one other car and a motorhome all distant from one another. If you listen you can hear the highway. At about 2am when the breeze stopped the mosquitoes came out with a vengeance and stayed until about 8am when a breeze picked up again.
Not a destination, but a welcome rest spot.
Kasey B.GuideOsbourne Bay Public Access
Nice spot by the bay
A little bumpy of a road getting into our spot. The initial road wasn’t bad. We took the first road on the left. Some spots on the road were a tight squeeze fitting through with overgrown shrubs. Some mosquitoes, but we were next to a lake, so to be expected. Beautiful sunset though!
- DDawn G.Traveler
Million Dollar Boat Launch Dry Camp
Great!
What a beautiful spot! We went to the left once we got in to the lot and it was perfect. There is a put toilet and it was very quiet.
- AAndrea H.Scout
Wanapum State Park Campground
Generous spaces
This camp ground has very vgenerous spaces --unlike many I've seen. You aren't packed in like sardines. What's the point in camping, if you don't get any space.
It's right next to the Columbia River.
It's also right next to a public Park that has a sandy beach and plenty of picnic tables.
The one draw back is the wind. It can be pretty gusty at times. One night it even rocked my van. But if i the wind isn't blowing ,
t's an ideal place to get away.
https://youtu.be/ZcbPyXDHWkg?is=QiJBEMzU64IWl02m
The Gingko Petrified Forest is near by. Just on the other side of I90
Amy W.
RangerPerch Point Wild Camping Area
Beautiful sunset location
Honestly absolutely stunning view. Very windy at night and a bunch of weird looking bugs got into the van as it got darker. But it was a great uneventful night. a few pit toilets but I didnt use them. Also a few dead fish along the shore.
- JJordan G.Guide
Frenchman Coulee Dispersed Camping
Weekend Trip
Went out for a little weekend trip saw the spot a hot minute ago and decided to finally pull the trigger on. It got some great views along the ridgeline trail was very car accessible, and it was Wellesly quiet we had one neighbor to our left and another one down the road fairly slow, but also wasn’t festival or concert evening so that was expected
Guide to Ephrata
Camping near Ephrata, Washington centers on a dry, sagebrush steppe climate with summer highs regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September. The surrounding Columbia Basin terrain features coulee formations carved by ancient Ice Age floods, creating distinctive geology. Campers should prepare for windy conditions, particularly when tent camping at lakeside sites.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Blue Lake Resort offers multiple fishing options with minimal motorboat traffic. "Very little to no motor boat activity on the lake makes for great swimming," notes a visitor about the relaxed fishing environment at Blue Lake.
Golf activities: Oasis RV Park & Golf Course combines camping with a par-three golf course. The park includes additional recreational amenities like "a fishing pond, miniature golf, par-three golf, and a swimming pool."
Geological exploration: Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park showcases unique Ice Age geology. One camper explains, "The landscape of glacial-carved coulees and sagebrush covered shrubsteppe is gorgeous and unique. The park is truly a geological wonder."
What campers like
Lake activities: Smokiam RV Resort offers water-based recreation despite challenging conditions. A camper notes, "The lake is great, though, once you get past the first 6 feet of muck. It's warm, shallow, but appropriately named. The water tastes soap and has a film, but that's the 'healing' part, right?"
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained facilities at regional campgrounds. At Smokiam RV Resort, a visitor observed staff "constantly buzzing around on golf carts to be sure there is no litter."
Off-season camping: Regional camping extends beyond summer months at some locations. One camper at Smokiam RV Resort noted, "Granted we are here off season but the swimming pool, hot tub and clubhouse are immaculate. If you're tent camping, no worry - bathrooms have showers and are extremely clean."
What you should know
Weather conditions: The Ephrata region experiences significant wind, which can impact camping comfort. At Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park, a camper warns: "Keep that in mind if you are tent camping, as you could easily lose your tent!"
Campsite proximity: Many campgrounds feature closely spaced sites. At Cascade Campground, "Tent sites are super close together, only about 15ft from firepit to firepit. With so little of space between site beware."
Water conditions: Lake access varies significantly between campgrounds, with some lakes having challenging conditions. One visitor to Blue Lake Resort described their experience: "The lake access is choked with weeds and muck except in the designated swimming area which was clear."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Potholes State Park offers family-friendly amenities. A camper reports, "There is a good playground for kids and a short walking trail. The lower campground was mainly tents and the sites are smaller, but there are lots of trees."
Wildlife viewing: Regional campgrounds offer wildlife spotting opportunities. A visitor to The Oasis mentioned, "They have farm animals that the kids could see. The baby rabbits are so cute!"
Water safety: Be cautious about water quality when planning swimming activities. One camper at Potholes State Park noted, "The shore is mud so swimming also isn't ideal either."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Ephrata RV Park & Campground offers varied site quality. One RVer warns, "The park maintains front sites much better than back, cabins are not that great and not worth what they charge for them."
Hookup options: Most established campgrounds near Ephrata provide full hookups for RVs. Smokiam RV Resort offers "full hookups 30/50 amp and heated coils to prevent any water freeze."
Temperature management: Summer heat requires planning for RV comfort. The region's arid climate means daytime temperatures regularly exceed 90°F in summer months with evening temperatures dropping significantly, making climate control important for comfortable RV camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Ephrata, WA?
What camping is available near Ephrata, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ephrata, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 136 campgrounds and RV parks near Ephrata, WA and 22 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Ephrata, WA?
Which is the most popular campground near Ephrata, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ephrata, WA is Smokiam RV Resort with a 4.2-star rating from 9 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ephrata, WA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ephrata, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Ephrata, WA.
Keep Exploring