Dispersed camping near Hooper, Washington primarily occurs on public lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Army Corps of Engineers. Located in the heart of the channeled scablands, this region sits at elevations between 800-1,500 feet with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F during July and August. Most free camping sites lack shade and require campers to be self-sufficient in the semi-arid environment.
What to do
Hiking to waterfalls: At Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area, a three-mile hike takes you through Washington's Channeled Scablands to Towell Falls. "The hike itself was incredible and a bit primitive at points. Bring bug spray and maybe a machete lol," advises one camper, who adds that the "Sunset and landscape making me feel like I was on another planet."
Stargazing: The remote location of many camping areas creates excellent night sky viewing opportunities. "Absolutely no electricity here, not even for park lights. This makes for AMAZING star gazing," notes a visitor to Riparia. Another camper at Escure Ranch calls it an "Astro Photographer's Dream" explaining that "I setup camp on the road back during a new moon which was perfect for star gazing and astro photography."
Wildlife viewing: The diverse ecosystem supports various wildlife species. At Fishtrap Recreation Area, campers report seeing "wild turkeys, a variety of birds, the sound of coyotes not far, field squirrels and snakes." Be prepared for wildlife encounters during hikes—one visitor reported: "I was getting close to where one of the waterfalls was and ran into a Coyote who would not budge."
What campers like
Accessible camping options: Some sites offer good accessibility for those with mobility needs. At Escure Ranch / Rock Creek Recreation Area, one camper notes it is "very flat and would be reasonably accessible for someone using a wheelchair or with other mobility restrictions. The picnic tables are even accessible!"
Isolation and quiet: Many campers appreciate the remote setting. "This is a lovely secluded spot for amazing star-gazing on a clear night. At night it is in complete darkness, away from traffic noise, and you can hear the coyotes as they move nearer," reports one visitor to Escure Ranch.
Historical features: Several sites contain historical structures. At Escure Ranch, a camper mentions "It's also interesting exploring the old ranch building that remain on the site." Another visitor notes, "The ranch has an interesting history and it's fun to poke around the old structures."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many access roads require high-clearance vehicles. "The last two miles driving in is a rough dirt road, and a vehicle with ground clearance is highly desirable," notes one camper about Escure Ranch. For Riparia, a visitor warns, "Your trailer, tow vehicle and anything in the bed is going to get dusty getting here and leaving. It's a decent trek down a gravel road."
Fire restrictions: Seasonal fire bans are common due to dry conditions. "Wood fires are NOT allowed from June 10th through October 10th. It gets very dry out here," cautions a Riparia camper. Similar restrictions apply at most sites in the region.
Limited facilities: Most sites have minimal amenities. "There is NO running water available, unless you want to get some from the river (NOT suggested)," explains a Riparia visitor. Another adds, "There are no trash cans or dumpsters. So keep that in mind and take out EVERYTHING you bring in."
Rattlesnakes: These are common in the area, especially during warmer months. A visitor to Escure Ranch advises, "The best time to visit is in the spring when the wildflowers are in bloom and before the RATTLESNAKES get populous."
Tips for camping with families
Cooling options: Summer heat can be intense with limited shade. "It was a hot weekend and we did end up having to run the generator for a few hours during the day to keep the newborn cool," shares a family that stayed at Riparia.
River play areas: Some sites offer kid-friendly water access. At Riparia, "There are a few little coves that are nice for kids to play in and great to stay out of the river current," notes one family.
Insect protection: Be prepared for bugs, especially in evenings and near water. "Bring bug spray! Day time the bugs aren't bad but, when the sun starts going down, the mosquitoes are coming out. Also, spring into early summer, there are ticks," warns a Riparia visitor.
Tips from RVers
Water planning: No potable water is available at most sites. A visitor to Riparia explains, "We stayed here in the most shaded part of the campground with our Travel Trailer with a 50 gallon fresh water tank. It lasted the 4 of us the 5 day weekend."
Route selection: Choose your approach roads carefully. For Riparia, one RVer advises: "I followed my GPS which took me off of Highway 26 and onto Old Highway 26. DON'T do this. Take Hay rd. Old HWY 26 will take you onto Hammer Grade Rd. This is NOT a fun road with a trailer."
Site selection for larger rigs: At Hog Lake Campground, a camper notes, "There are 10-12 spots along the gravel road to Hog Lake. We have a 21ft trailer towed behind a pickup truck and it's able to fit in most spots. None of these are really official spots (not flattened or bordered) but it's a nice place to pass through."
