Best Campgrounds near Kennewick, WA
Kennewick, Washington and the surrounding Tri-Cities area provide multiple established campgrounds catering primarily to RV travelers, with fewer options for tent camping. Columbia Sun RV Resort, Pasco Tri-Cities KOA, and Hood Park offer full-service facilities within easy reach of urban amenities. Most campgrounds in this region feature electrical hookups, water access, and maintained facilities rather than primitive camping experiences. The area's location along the Columbia River creates opportunities for waterfront camping at places like Hood Park and Charbonneau Park, where campers can enjoy boating access and riverside views.
Road access to most campgrounds near Kennewick remains straightforward, with paved approaches suitable for large RVs and trailers. The region experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 90°F, while winters bring occasional freezing conditions. "Hood Park is a beautiful park with electric hookups and water nearby. We paid $12 using our lifetime senior pass. Temperature ranged from 40 to 80 degrees," noted one visitor. Most campgrounds operate year-round, though some Corps of Engineers facilities like Hood Park and Charbonneau Park close seasonally from September to May. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when regional campgrounds frequently reach capacity.
Campers consistently mention the convenience of Kennewick-area campgrounds to urban amenities while still providing outdoor recreation opportunities. The Columbia River serves as the primary natural attraction, with several campgrounds offering river access, boat launches, and swimming areas. A review highlighted that "Hood Park has access to the lake. Not the most beautiful view with the industrial buildings on the other side, but it's peaceful and quiet." Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds, with KOAs and private RV parks typically offering more amenities like pools, laundry facilities, and full hookups. Public lands camping is limited in the immediate Kennewick area, with most primitive camping opportunities requiring travel to more distant locations in the Blue Mountains or along the Snake River.