Blue Lake Resort is located on the shores of Blue Lake near Coulee City, approximately 35 miles from Ephrata, Washington. The resort offers direct access to Blue Lake for water recreation activities including swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Traditional tent camping sites are available alongside RV spots with full hookups and water/electric service. Winter visitors can expect temperatures averaging 25-35°F, while summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F in this arid region of Eastern Washington.
What to do
Water activities on Blue Lake: Visitors enjoy fishing and water sports at Blue Lake Resort, where the lake access provides opportunities for multiple activities. According to one camper, "We enjoyed fishing, kayaking on the lake" while others mentioned "boating and had a relaxed barbecue."
Wildlife viewing: The natural shoreline supports local wildlife observation opportunities throughout the camping area. At Potholes State Park Campground, a 30-minute drive south of Ephrata, visitors report excellent wildlife viewing: "Deer walked through the campground and beavers and otters were swimming in the reservoir while we did some fishing."
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds offer walking paths for daily exercise. The Douglas Creek area provides more challenging terrain for hiking enthusiasts. One visitor shared: "Hiked the canyon for ~3miles. Lots of groundhogs and birds... A great place to get away from it all less than an hour from town."
What campers like
Year-round accessibility: Many campgrounds near Ephrata remain open throughout the seasons. Lakefront RV operates year-round, offering views of Moses Lake and electric hookups that can support winter camping equipment.
Privacy options: Despite the popularity of glamping in Ephrata, Washington, more secluded options exist. One camper at Douglas Creek noted its exceptional privacy: "VERY private. About 30 minutes removed from cell signal" and "beautiful landscape" with "primitive camps. No amenities."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained campgrounds receive positive feedback. A visitor to Ephrata RV Park mentioned: "The campground is super clean! Clean bathrooms, free showers(!!), clean campsites, and quiet to boot. They have a great little front store that you can grab necessities from."
What you should know
Weather extremes: The Ephrata area experiences significant temperature fluctuations between seasons. At Thousand Trails Crescent Bar, a camper noted: "It is blazing hot here in summer with little to no shade." Pack accordingly with proper sun protection.
Road conditions: Some camping areas require navigating unpaved roads. At Douglas Creek, visitors should know that "the 8 miles of road H to get to Douglas Creek Rec area is gravel, primitive -no signs." Another camper advised: "Dual sport motorcycle or 4 wheel/all wheel drive recommending with good ground clearance. Multiple water crossings."
Mosquitoes: Insect activity can be intense, particularly in summer months. A recent visitor to Potholes State Park reported: "Beautiful trees surrounded the sites provide much need shade during hot summer. However, mosquitoes are leaving you alone every time you are outside."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: When selecting glamping near Ephrata, Washington with children, look for campgrounds with designated play areas. At Sunny Springs Resort (now Ephrata RV Park), a parent shared: "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."
Beach access: Lakefront locations with swimming areas work well for families. A visitor at Mardon Resort mentioned: "There is a playground for the kids along with a nice sandy beach" and another added: "Wake up hot and jump in the reservoir."
Wildlife education: Turn animal sightings into learning opportunities. One camper advised: "Keep your eyes open for the turtles in the pond were super cute!" Wildlife viewing opportunities include birds, small mammals, and reptiles, though caution is advised with the latter.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose sites strategically based on shade and time of year. A camper at Potholes State Park recommended: "The sites along the water are in full sun most of the day, so be aware if that's not your thing. The sites along the inner part of the loop have a mix of poplars and other trees."
Hook-up availability: Many campgrounds offer water and electric connections, though availability varies. An RVer noted about Mardon Resort: "There are a ton of sites with and without full hookups" making it flexible for different needs.
Road noise considerations: When selecting glamping sites near Ephrata, Washington, consider proximity to highways. At one lakeside campground, a visitor cautioned: "The site was backed against the highway and was not only was it so loud we couldn't sleep—it literally shook the rig despite stabilizers."