134 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
"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"
"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..."
"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 Availabilityfrom $35 - $40 / night
Check Availability"The only drawback is it is close to a heavily traveled road, and the traffic noise can be loud at night."
"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."
"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."
"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
ScoutIt use to be the most beautiful, well kept campground in Moses Lake. Sunrise Resort company owns it and they have neglected to take care of this property. It shameful what has happened. Maybe if enough people complain they will do something about it.
Broken restroom
Dirt sites no grass (the pictures are from long ago)
Broken washer/dryer
Broken water hook-up
Traveler25’ RV. No problems getting in, road was a little rough. Just be patient, it’s about a mile or so to get back in there. 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. And they ran their generator well into the evening. And sound does travel a long way across water.
TravelerWould be 5 stars but the wind tonight is at about 19mph so check wind forecast beforehand especially if your including a tent
TravelerEasy booking. Nice directions. Mowed and kept up nicely. Toilets was surprisingly clean as well.
ScoutIt was ok don't like the fact that we had to park our vehicle so far away from campsite because it was a bitch to get to camping area
Scout20 minutes from the gorge amphitheater which is nice! Shower and flushing toilets. Sites are close together and real close to the road. This is for concert vibes for true camping camping for sure
GuideThough early May and the campground only had 6 campers, high season rates are charged ($50 per night) for full hookups. The restrooms are very dirty and need repair. Not a significant issue if you are self-contained. There are also very few trees at the sites which offer some shade. Maintenance issues are all over the park (damaged signage, tagging, & broken picnic tables). Anorher issue was the tiny prickly weeds everywhere which drove our pup crazy. They got into her paws and after her 2nd experience out for a walk, she had had enough. Honestly, not sure I would want to walk bare-footed around here either. We also noticed the honor system for payment was not working so well. We had at least two RVs pull in near us, fill with water, dump their sewage at FHU sites and leave. (Well, people gotta live.) We'd maybe stay here again (in the off & shoulder seasons only). We had solid power for air-conditioning and pricing was not terrible compared to some RV parks with on-site management we've stayed at. One final thought - dust!!!!! Though speed limit is 5 mph, that did not deter a few squirrely young men from racing about. And with no obvious care by the community or park security, they had their fun while others choked on the dust.
GuideBe prepared for four pages of rules to help keep this treasure clean and the air pure (no tobacco products allowed outside). Four stars because of proximity to heavily traveled highway & busy railroad tracks (horns sounding at all hours). That said, we'd stay here again. Friendly staff, clean restrooms, and all the lovely shade plus rates lower rates than one of our WA state parks must this campground a must stay location when near Wenatchee. Especially during the shoulder season.
TravelerWe spent 4 nights here in early April 2026. We had sight #58 and it was great! Each loop has a wonderful grass lawn to enjoy. Sites are pretty large for a state park, our 30 foot trailer fit easily and our F350 parked next to it in the space. Little privacy between sites but there is enough space in between that you don’t notice.
If you have a tent, the spots are next to the lake. A couple had beautiful views of the lake.
We’ve heard that the mosquitoes are terrible here but we were early enough to only have a few.
If you fish or bird, this is a great spot for you! Bass were huge. And the Coots were fun to watch.
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
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?
According to TheDyrt.com, Ephrata, WA offers a wide range of camping options, with 134 campgrounds and RV parks near Ephrata, WA and 21 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 Smokiam RV Resort with a 4.2-star rating from 9 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ephrata, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 free dispersed camping spots near Ephrata, WA.
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