Dispersed camping near Lake Sacajawea in eastern Washington features sites along the Snake River system with varying accessibility depending on seasonal conditions. Many areas require a Washington Discover Pass for day use or overnight stays, costing $11.50 daily or $35 annually. Summer temperatures regularly reach triple digits, with most gravel access roads becoming heavily washboarded from June through September.
What to do
Fishing access: Little Goose Landing offers shoreline fishing with views of commercial river traffic. "Watched a cruise ship and a couple barges pass by. This is a bring it in, pack it out camping. A set of vault toilets are available," reports one camper at Little Goose Landing.
Bird watching: Multiple areas provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly for water birds. At Ice Harbor Dam, campers report "lots of pelicans" along with "nice river views" in the flat, open spaces below the dam.
Mushroom hunting: The Blue Mountains contain productive foraging areas. "Just past the village you get into the woodland where the Morels are plentiful. This is an ideal location to go mushrooming," notes a visitor to McDougall Dispersed Camping, adding that continuing uphill leads to "a large meadow that rolls for miles downhill into the valley."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Campsites at Long Lake offer natural separation. "It's a great spot. Very private and spread out. There's a handful of sites, each with make shift fire pits and none super close to each other," reports one visitor who appreciated the solitude despite some trash issues.
Free overnight stays: Multiple free camping options exist throughout the region, though amenities vary significantly. At Ringold Springs Camping, one camper noted: "The 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."
Night sky visibility: The lack of artificial lighting creates excellent stargazing conditions. Near Devil's Bench Recreation Area, campers enjoy "large spots with paved access right near the Dam" with zero light pollution enhancing astronomical viewing.
What you should know
Road conditions: Washboarded roads challenge vehicles accessing many sites. At Long Lake, one visitor warned: "The road is washboarded out. Your teeth will rattle out of your head. It is passable by car, though. I am sure it will get fixed further into the season."
Seasonal closures: Winter access to higher elevation sites becomes impossible without specialized vehicles. "The road to the site was not plowed. Several feet of snow. Not many alternatives in the area so plan accordingly if you hope to stay here," reported a camper attempting to reach McDougall Dispersed Camping.
Insect activity: Bugs follow predictable patterns throughout the camping season. One camper at McDougall noted: "Flying insects during the day. There are many so take appropriate action. Mostly flies and a couple different types of bees. By sunset, the insects went to sleep."
Tips for camping with families
Protected swimming areas: Several riverside locations offer calmer water for children. 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."
Wildlife education: Incorporate animal sightings into learning opportunities. Long Lake campers report seeing "plenty of big fish in the lake, pelicans and weasels" along the shoreline, providing natural wildlife encounters.
Communication planning: Cell service ranges from nonexistent to sporadic. At Riparia, one camper advised: "ZERO cell service at the campsite. You can get service if you absolutely need it at the top of Hammer Grade road, it's steep."
Tips from RVers
Road access considerations: Most dispersed sites require careful driving with trailers. One RVer warned about Riparia: "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. Speed limit is 45MPH. Good luck to you if you try to go that fast."
Water management: No hookups means planning water usage carefully. An RVer staying at Riparia with family reported: "We stayed here with our Travel Trailer with a 50 gallon fresh water tank. It lasted the 4 of us the 5 day weekend."
Navigation advice: GPS directions may route through challenging terrain. For Riparia access, one RVer advised: "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."
