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Several dispersed camping options exist along the Columbia River near Kennewick, Washington, ranging from drive-in campsites to boat-in access points with no hookups or fees. These sites include Ringold Springs Camping in Mesa, Vernita Bridge, Ice Harbor Dam, and Devil's Bench Recreation Area. Most locations are on public land managed by Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Three Mile Canyon Park, located across the state line in Oregon, provides an additional dispersed camping option. These areas generally feature open terrain with minimal facilities and river access.
Access requirements vary by location. Ringold Springs requires a Washington State Discover Pass and permit, while offering boat-in and drive-in camping for both tents and RVs. The site remains open year-round with no hookups or amenities beyond basic toilet facilities. Vernita Bridge similarly requires a Discover Pass but provides more primitive conditions with no toilets. Several locations prohibit campfires, including Ice Harbor Dam and Ringold Springs. None of the sites provide drinking water, electrical hookups, or trash service, making preparation essential for self-sufficient camping.
These riverside locations primarily attract fishing enthusiasts and boaters seeking convenient water access. Devil's Bench Recreation Area features paved access near the dam with toilet facilities and picnic tables. A camper noted it as a "large spot with paved access right near the Dam." At Vernita Bridge, visitors can experience wildlife viewing opportunities along the Columbia River. "We saw many ducks and some geese floating down the river at high speeds. Also saw coyotes and friendly bees," one review mentioned. Ringold Springs offers a more isolated experience, with one camper reporting: "I camped on a Friday evening and was the only one there camping except for an RV boondocking in a different section." Some sites become busy during fishing seasons but remain relatively quiet at other times.
"Lots of flat open space below the dam. Nice river view, lots of pelicans. Quiet and uncrowded."
"It is a large flat open area downstream from the dam. As advertised, quiet + there are no other people here. Actually, the only noise is a gentle roar from the spillway of the dam."
"I camped on a Friday evening and was the only one there camping except for an RV boondocking in a different section. Has a boat ramp and a spot you can fish from. No campfires."
"I just love this spot, no amenities, isolation, river front view, and a boat ramp. Bring your own everything!!"
"Off a short dirt path, nice flat area to park for the evening. Secluded, a bit of highway noise running parallel, but nice accessible, private spot."
"Large spot, with paved access right near the Dam, toilet, no service, 4 tables"
"We were able to back in and view the Columbia river from our dinette window."
"The location and convenience is practically unbeatable. Does seem like a hotspot for people though, had to ask a group to turn down the music when trying to go to bed, which they did kindly."
ScoutThe sign says you need to register, couldn't find anywhere to register. Sign on board says closed for camping, it was a Covid-era sign. Requires a discover pass, but otherwise, free. Didn't see any park employees. I camped on a Friday evening and was the only one there camping except for an RV boondocking in a different section. Has a boat ramp and a spot you can fish from. No campfires.
TravelerI just love this spot, no amenities, isolation, river front view, and a boat ramp. Bring your own everything!!
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.
ScoutOff a short dirt path, nice flat area to park for the evening. Secluded, a bit of highway noise running parallel, but nice accessible, private spot.
RangerGood enough as a simple overnight pull-off, nothing more, nothing less.
We were just passing through looking for a place to sleep for the night. At first, the amount of cars right near the dam made me uneasy — it felt crowded and I wasn’t expecting that at all. But it turned out most of them were fishermen and day users, not campers.
Once we drove a bit farther downriver, the whole situation changed. You can follow the river and find miles of open pull-offs. There’s so much space that you can easily get your own spot without feeling on top of anyone else. Not secluded in the traditional sense — no trees, wide open terrain — but you’re not sitting right off a main road either.
We ended up in a spot where the sound of the water made for a really solid night of sleep. Flat ground, easy parking, and simple access for any vehicle. Starlink had good reception the whole time, which was a plus.
A few practical notes:
We felt safe and slept well, but it’s not somewhere I’d call a “vacation spot.” It works for what it is: a quiet, functional place to crash for the night while on the road.
ScoutLots of flat open space below the dam. Nice river view, lots of pelicans. Quiet and uncrowded.
GuideI was in the area, needed a one night stay, read the earlier review, and decided to give it a try. It is a large flat open area downstream from the dam. As advertised, quiet + there are no other people here. Actually, the only noise is a gentle roar from the spillway of the dam. It's really quite soothing. There is a nice Riverview, but otherwise nothing special about the place. Just a good place to hang for a night.
RangerStayed two nights in April. Very isolated and the river gave off a very mellow vibe.
The boat ramp area is great because of the view and the wildlife. We saw many ducks and some geese floating down the river at high speeds. Also saw coyotes and friendly bees.
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.
Dispersed camping near Kennewick, Washington offers rustic riverside experiences in a semi-arid landscape characterized by sagebrush steppe vegetation and seasonal temperature extremes. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F while winters can drop below freezing, making spring and fall the most comfortable camping seasons. Most dispersed camping sites sit at elevations between 300-700 feet along the Columbia River basin where water access contrasts with the surrounding dry terrain.
Fishing for salmon and steelhead: Three Mile Canyon Park provides direct Columbia River access for anglers. "We stayed here three nights and had a wonderful time. We were able to back in and view the Columbia river from our dinette window," reports Kevin L., highlighting the convenient river proximity.
Wildlife observation: The Columbia River corridor supports diverse wildlife despite the arid surroundings. At Vernita Bridge, Kevin C. noted, "Very isolated and the river gave off a very mellow vibe. The boat ramp area is great because of the view and the wildlife."
Bird watching: The river attracts numerous waterfowl species, particularly during migration seasons. Ice Harbor Dam visitors report consistent sightings of water birds, with Lloyd M. noting, "Nice river view, lots of pelicans. Quiet and uncrowded."
Solitude during off-seasons: Many dispersed sites become significantly less crowded outside peak fishing times. Judy T. at Vernita Bridge observed, "It is usually quiet midweek in the spring and fall. It may be busier in the summer midweek as there are lots of fishing enthusiasts and boaters who live close by in the Tri Cities area."
Budget-friendly options: Most sites require minimal permits rather than camping fees. Horace M. appreciates Vernita Bridge, stating, "I just love this spot, no amenities, isolation, river front view, and a boat ramp. Bring your own everything!!"
Easy road access: Several sites feature accessible entrances despite their remote feel. Anton notes that Devil's Bench Recreation Area offers a "Large spot, with paved access right near the Dam, toilet, no service, 4 tables."
Permit requirements: Different land management agencies require specific permits. For Ringold Springs Camping, Jeremy H. explains, "Requires a discover pass, but otherwise, free. Didn't see any park employees."
Bathroom facilities vary significantly: While some sites offer maintained facilities, others have none. At Three Mile Canyon Park, Julia F. noted, "Bathrooms did have toilet paper and warning signs about rattlesnakes but did not see or hear any, thankfully."
Seasonal closures and conditions: Sites may have restrictions or access changes seasonally. One Vernita Bridge reviewer cautioned, "This site is now gated off," while others indicated normal access during their visits, suggesting periodic closures occur.
No potable water: All dispersed camping locations near Kennewick require bringing your own water supply. Even sites with bathroom facilities lack drinking water access.
Wildlife awareness: Families should prepare children for potential wildlife encounters. Three Mile Canyon Park posts warnings about rattlesnakes, though Julia F. reported, "Did not see or hear any, thankfully."
Noise considerations: Some sites attract various user groups. Julia F. from Three Mile Canyon Park shared, "Does seem like a hotspot for people though, had to ask a group to turn down the music when trying to go to bed, which they did kindly."
Limited shade availability: The Columbia River basin features minimal natural shade. Pack sun protection and portable shade structures, particularly during summer months when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
Overnight fishing access: Some sites cater specifically to anglers with boats and RVs. Jennifer R. notes that Vernita Bridge is "Not for regular camping. Used for staying overnight and getting up early to hit the water."
Dump station planning: With no hookups or services at dispersed sites, RVers must plan accordingly. One Vernita Bridge reviewer mentions its proximity to "the Vernita Bridge Rest Area for free tank dump site," providing useful infrastructure information.
Surface conditions: Many sites have uneven terrain that can challenge larger rigs. At Vernita Bridge, Judy T. cautions, "The area can be a bit bumpy if hauling a trailer unless you stick to the smooth rock roads."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Kennewick, WA?
Ringold Springs Camping offers free dispersed camping near Kennewick, though you'll need a Washington Discover Pass ($30/year). Despite some confusing signage, campers report successful stays here. Another option is Vernita Bridge, which provides riverside camping with boat access to the Columbia River. While technically free, both locations require the Discover Pass for legal camping. These areas offer basic primitive camping with limited facilities, so come prepared with everything you need for a self-sufficient stay.
What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites around Kennewick?
Dispersed camping sites around Kennewick are typically primitive with minimal amenities. Devil's Bench Recreation Area offers basic facilities including a toilet, picnic tables, and paved access near the dam. Three Mile Canyon Park provides riverside camping with restrooms that usually have toilet paper. Most dispersed sites in the area don't offer water, electricity, or dump stations, so campers should bring all necessary supplies including water, food, and waste disposal containers. Cell service varies by location, and there are no reservation systems for these areas—they operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Can I go RV boondocking near Kennewick?
Yes, RV boondocking opportunities exist near Kennewick. Ice Harbor Dam offers flat, open spaces that can accommodate RVs with river views and a peaceful setting. The area below the dam provides enough room for larger rigs to maneuver. Boondockers report these areas are generally uncrowded, making them suitable for those seeking quieter camping experiences. Since these are dispersed sites, there are no hookups or dump stations, so ensure your RV is fully self-contained with adequate water, power, and waste capacity. Most sites are primitive, so level your rig upon arrival and practice proper Leave No Trace principles.
Are there any regulations for dispersed camping in the Tri-Cities area?
Dispersed camping in the Tri-Cities area requires a Washington State Discover Pass ($30/year), which is mandatory for camping on Department of Fish and Wildlife lands. Most sites have a 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period. Pack out all trash as there are typically no garbage services. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans often in effect during summer months—check current regulations before your trip. Some areas may have specific closures or restrictions, as noted at Vernita Bridge where certain sections have been gated off or had temporary closures. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and respect wildlife, particularly in areas with rattlesnake warnings.
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