Looking for the best Ephrata dispersed camping? Dispersed camping gets you off the grid so you can disconnect from the hecticness of everyday life. You're sure to find the perfect dispersed campsite for your Washington excursion.
Washington State Discover Pass required https://discoverpass.wa.gov/
Guide
Within the almost 4 million acres of the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest, lie countless locations for dispersed camping. This area of the southeast corner of the NF has very little traffic compared to others, we saw only one ATV for the whole time we were there. This area lies along the Washington Backcountry Discovery Route between the Cashmere and Chelan sections along NF-7400. Obviously, this is a 4X4 road and I wouldn't suggest it in anything less. Incredible sunset views of the valley in front of Chumstick Mountain, it gets pretty windy at night but there are treelines you can position against. This particular spot photographed is just up the hill off the roadside in a nice grassy clearing. More spots were just up the hill around the bend as well.
Guide
Great spot to disperse camp, no toilets , great for swimming fishing kayaking paddle boarding and disperse camping, sunken boat at edge of water cool feature. Lots of bugs and spiders. Also close the cow gate.
Legend
We camped here because my grandparents used to fish here long ago. The camping is free and dispersed. There is a large gravel parking lot suitable for large RVs plus those towing a trailer or boat. We chose to find a more secluded site away from the strong winds. The views of the lake were beautiful especially in the fall.
Below the gravel area was a large paved area for boat trailers. A discover pass is needed ($30/year) but we always get one and use it extensively.
You access this area via long wide well graded gravel road. There are no site numbers; you just find a spot and stay.
Legend
This place is where I go when I want to disconnect and get away from the stress of school in Ellensburg. I've been here a handful of times and there's never been more than a dozen people spread out over the entire coulee valley. The previous directions are good and the one on WTA will take you right to the parking lot where it's an easy 1.5 mile hike down into the coulee. I've heard other people say they walked in from ancient lakes road and it took three times as long to make it to the camping spots.
The lakes are safe for swimming in my opinion (there's even a rock to jump off on the closest lake!) But do carry your own water in, it is irrigation runoff and has plenty of yummy pesticides that you cannot filter out. Other than that enjoy the lakes, waterfalls and killer sunsets that happen on a nightly basis out here!
Traveler
I just love this spot, no amenities, isolation, river front view, and a boat ramp. Bring your own everything!!
GuideThe main draw here is that there's a boat ramp into the Columbia. If you've got a fishing/camping rig and like to tell fish stories, this is a great spot for you.
If you're looking for a private, secluded or picturesque spot, this isn't for you.
This place does require a Discover Pass, but it's otherwise free. There were portapotties available, but I wouldn't count on them always being available.
RangerWe arrived here on a Sunday night in May and the place was empty...... only one other camper and it was really far away. It is very remote, no services around and a little odd to get to, in that you have to wind past a lakeside"resort" with a little store and campsites that didn't look really very nice, yet there were people everywhere, it looked totally booked. Then you cross over the line into the campground where a$30 annual pass is required, yet the per night cost is$0 as of 2017, and there was nobody around! The campground is like a big open parking area with a boat launch and toilets and then there is also a little more dispersed sites where random fire pits have been built. We had our choice of sites so we picked one that sat away from others and was right above the water making the launch of the kayaks pretty easy.
TravelerEasy to get to. Different pull outs felt secluded enough. Lots of bugs. Felt safe
LegendThis is a Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife fishing access site. It is free with a Washington State Discovery Pass for $30/year. This annual pass will also gain you admission to state parks. There are several boat launch sites here and a number of those Sani Cans. The area is spread out over open land with smooth rocks. It can be a bit bumpy if hauling a trailer unless you stick to the smooth rock roads. No shade except along the shore.
For a free site, it has its good points: easy access to highway 24/243 which will bring you to I-90, quiet, wide open space, near the Vernita Bridge Rest Area for free tank dump site. If you arrive on the last weekend of October, there is a huge king salmon fishing derby with about 100 entrants so you will have company. But, it is usually quiet midweek in the spring and fall. It may be busier in the summer midweek as there are lots of fishing enthusiast ps and boaters who live close by in the Tri Cities area.
If you need a quiet place for one night or are hauling a river fishing boat, this is a good place to stay.
GuideSkip this dirt field and stay at Jack’s Resort. My grandparents invited me out and, be it not my dispersed style (hence the two stars), I enjoyed the beautiful lake. Jack’s Resort is extremely well maintained. It has a little cafe. Immaculate bathrooms and even a few cabins for those who would rather. Lots of fishing if that’s your thing. Take a little boat and an ice chest of cold beverages and enjoy a day on the lake.
Traveler
The views are amazing, plenty of open campsites and nobody was around us when we camped. A perfect quiet getaway.
TravelerLots of campgrounds to choose from. Some are dustier than others. Plenty of space between campsites. Fire pits available for use but check for burn bans.
LegendWaterfall, gorge, amazing scenery! There is a pit toilet and there were some people climbing. No accessible water. Only a couple miles from the highway. It was windy, as this whole area is. But well worth it! Note: some of the rocks on the paths to the campsites were pretty pointy, but the road in is well maintained.
TravelerThis is a good early season hike while its still rainy in Seattle it can easily be sunny and warm on the other side of the mountains. There are at least 5 good campsites at the lakes that will each hold multiple tents no problem. Some people do light fires but I’d like to discourage it, fire danger is pretty real in these scrublands. This is a very pretty hike full of sage brush and interesting geological features, also several waterfalls. Past the lakes you can go out to the Columbia River Gorge. Check out the WTA description for more details. Note that there is no potable water, you have to haul it it. The lakes are contaminated by irrigation run off.
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.
LegendCamped here in February and November and in generally recommend it for fall and spring. Avoid summer when it gets too hot and ticks and rattlesnakes are around. It gets cold at night so come prepared.
There are several established sites near Ancient Lakes and Dusty Lakes that can be accessed from the lower trailhead hiking or biking in.
Ancient Lakes sites are only 2 miles from the trailhead on flat terrain which makes it for an ideal first backpacking experience.
Only catch is that the lakes are polluted with agricultural runoff so that water should not be used for drinking not even if filtered. Pack all the water you will need.
No facilities at the lakes. Port-a-potty at the trailhead.
Need Discover Pass to park here.
Traveler2 mile backpack into box canyon and 2 night campout. Surrounded on three sides by tall basalt column cliff walls. Small water fall at northeastern corner. Incredible hiking up to top of rim and around to secondary canyon with a larger lake. You can also hike down towards the Columbia river where there is some additional camping available. Go in early spring for the green and cooler temps. You will want to bring a sleeping pad and tarp since ground is rough. Make sure you bring your own water! Even though there are lakes in the canyon, none of the water is safe for drinking due to the agricultural run off. Filtering will not work.
TravelerReally easy straight on hike. It is definitely dusty but a really nice change of pace from the trees and mountains. Several waterfalls that you can get super close to. We have not camped there yet but it looked super fun.
TravelerRV and tent camping. Can be windy during season change. Boat accessible. Gravel and dirt. Very beautiful night, great for star gazing. Great fishing spot, has split season and is only open during fishing season. There is a private camping location close by with restaurant and store for supplies. Lots of trout, caught limit every time. Witnessed someone pull a 18" trout last visit.
ScoutAmazing time and the hosts of the resort are great. I can’t wait to come back next year!
Traveler
Beautiful 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.
TravelerThis, 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.
TravelerGreat location so close to 90 but tucked away - will be staying here often
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.
TravelerI 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.
Scout
I love heading here to tent camp out of my car, I own a sedan and it's easy to get to on gravel roads, they have outhouses nearby that are regularly stocked and you can camp feet from long lake and enjoy the open air. during some months their is cattle in the area and they come down to the lake in the morning and greet you, I've been here 3 times as of this post, love it
TravelerBeautiful lakes. I was one of only 3 campers in and around long lake. Lots of privacy.
Discover the beauty of dispersed camping near Ephrata, Washington, where you can immerse yourself in nature without the constraints of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a variety of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities, perfect for adventurers seeking a more rustic experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Ephrata, WA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Ephrata, WA is Ancient & Dusty Lake Trailhead with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Ephrata, WA?
TheDyrt.com has all 19 dispersed camping locations near Ephrata, WA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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