Dispersed camping areas around Hartline, Washington offer primitive sites with varying terrain across the shrub-steppe landscape. Located in Grant County at approximately 1,900 feet elevation, this region experiences hot, dry summers and cold winters with limited rainfall throughout the year. Most free camping near Hartline requires self-sufficiency as facilities are minimal, with campers needing to pack out trash and bring adequate water supplies for their stay.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Blue Lake Water Access provides shoreline fishing access without the crowds found at more developed sites. Rangers occasionally patrol the area, so be prepared to show a valid Washington fishing license.
Wildlife viewing: Million Dollar Boat Launch area serves as a good base for wildlife observation. "We watched a sea plane practice takeoff and landing in the reservoir, that was fun," notes one visitor to nearby Perch Point, highlighting the variety of activities beyond just fishing.
Water recreation: Crab Creek Camp offers access to flowing water for kayaking. One camper mentioned it's "nothing here but a clearing in a field" but its proximity to water makes it useful for paddlers looking for put-in locations.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Trail Lake Dispersed features multiple pull-out areas that create natural separation. "Different pull outs felt secluded enough," reports one camper, adding they "felt safe" despite the remote location.
Convenience for boat owners: Jameson Lake provides ample parking for vehicles with trailers. A camper reports, "There is a large gravel parking lot suitable for large RVs plus those towing a trailer or boat," making it practical for anglers bringing watercraft.
Budget-friendly options: Secret Camping Spot #1 offers free overnight stays within reach of basic amenities. "Vault bathrooms 1/4 mile down the road. Pretty quiet spot even though 300 yards from highway," notes a reviewer who appreciated this convenient roadside location.
What you should know
Permit requirements: A Washington State Discover Pass is required at Perch Point Wild Camping Area. "Rangers did come by and check our pass and look at our license plate," confirms one camper, emphasizing enforcement is active in the area.
Seasonal conditions: Summer brings insects at most lakeside locations, particularly after wind dies down. "As soon as it died down the welcoming community came out in full effect. Which just happened to correspond with when we were making dinner," one Trail Lake camper wrote about the mosquitoes and flies.
Limited facilities: No running water exists at most sites, including Crab Creek at Rocky Ford. "Primitive campsite with loads of space," notes one visitor, highlighting the trade-off between amenities and available room to spread out.
Tips for camping with families
Bug preparation: Pack insect repellent for lakeside camping, especially during evening hours. A Trail Lake camper reported, "Enjoyed our time here...But there are lots of very friendly bugs that want to say hi," suggesting families bring proper protection.
Tent setup challenges: Bring proper tent stakes and mallets for rocky ground at some sites. "The actual camping, it's kind of a chore to set up tents just because the ground is so rocky. But if you have a good mallet and sharp tent steaks as well as some patients you'll be fine," advises a Trail Lake visitor.
Water safety: Monitor wind conditions when planning water activities with children. At Jameson Lake, visitors note it "can be windy during season change," which affects safety conditions for swimming and boating with young campers.
Tips from RVers
Parking surfaces: Most dispersed sites have unimproved surfaces that may be challenging after rain. Secret Camping Spot #1 offers elevated areas: "You can set up tent on the elevated ridge you see as you drive in off the pull-off from the hwy," which provides better drainage than lower areas.
Cell service reliability: Most locations maintain reasonable connectivity for major carriers. "Good cell reception for Verizon and ATT," reports a camper at Perch Point, allowing RVers to stay connected while enjoying remote camping.
Length restrictions: Many access roads narrow considerably, making larger rigs difficult to maneuver. At Jameson Lake, the "long wide well graded gravel road" provides better access than most dispersed sites in the region, though turning around may still be challenging for longer vehicles.
